CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of prior- filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/759,861, filed February 1, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to cutting tools and, more particularly, to an auger bit.

[0003] Conventional augers include a shaft having a cutting end and a helical flute extending along the shaft to remove the material that is cut from the hole. After extended use, the cutting end of the auger wears down, reducing the efficiency of the auger.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, the invention provides an auger bit including an elongated shaft, a cutting bit, a feed screw, and a locking fastener. The elongated shaft has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The shaft includes a flute extending in a helical manner with respect to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft further includes a first slot and a second slot. The first slot extends parallel to the longitudinal axis proximate the first end and is aligned with the axis. The second slot extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis proximate the first end. The cutting bit is removably received in the second slot and includes a first edge. The feed screw includes a shank and a threaded portion. The shank is removably received in the first slot. The feed screw engages the cutting bit to secure the cutting bit relative to the shaft. The locking fastener is coupled to the shaft and engages the shank of the feed screw to secure the feed screw relative to the shaft.

[0005] In another embodiment, the invention provides an auger bit including an elongated shaft, a cutting bit, a feed screw, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The elongated shaft has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The shaft includes a flute extending in a helical manner with respect to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft further includes a first slot and an opening, and the first slot extends parallel to the longitudinal axis proximate the first end and is aligned with the axis. The opening is positioned proximate the first end and defines an opening axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cutting bit is removably coupled to the first end and includes a cutting edge and an opening aligned with the opening of the shaft. The feed screw includes a shank and a threaded portion, the shank being removably received in the first slot. The first fastener is coupled to the shaft and engages the shank of the feed screw to secure the feed screw relative to the shaft. The second fastener is received in the opening of the cutting bit and the opening of the shaft to couple the cutting bit to the first end of the shaft. The cutting bit is removable from the shaft while the feed screw is positioned within the first slot.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an auger bit including an elongated shaft, a feed screw, a cutting bit, and a locking fastener. The elongated shaft has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, the shaft including a flute extending in a helical manner with respect to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft further includes a first slot, a second slot, and an opening. The first slot extends parallel to the longitudinal axis proximate the first end and is aligned with the axis. The second slot extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis proximate the first end. The opening extends from the first slot in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The feed screw includes a shank and a threaded portion, and the shank is removably received in the first slot. The cutting bit is removably received in the second slot in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cutting bit engages the feed screw such that the cutting bit is secured relative to the shaft by the feed screw. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge, a first portion is positioned on one side of the feed screw and a second portion positioned on an opposite side of the feed screw. The locking fastener is removably received within the opening. The locking fastener engaging the shank of the feed screw to secure the feed screw relative to the shaft.

[0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an auger bit according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged reverse perspective view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an end view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a section of the end view of the auger bit shown in FIG. 5, taken along section 8—8.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an auger bit according to another embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 9.

[0018] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a side view of the auger bit of FIG. 9.

[0020] FIG. 13 is an end view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a section of the end view of the auger bit shown in FIG. 13, taken along section 14—14.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an auger bit according to another embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 15.

[0024] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 15. [0025] FIG. 18 is a side view of the auger bit of FIG. 15.

[0026] FIG. 19 is an end view of the cutting end of the auger bit of FIG. 15.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a section of the end view of the auger bit shown in FIG. 19, taken along section 20—20.

[0028] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of an auger bit according to another embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 21. [0030] FIG. 23 is a side view of the auger bit of FIG. 21.

[0031] FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of an auger bit according to another embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 25 is a side view of an auger bit according to another embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of an auger bit according to another embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 27 is a reverse perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 26. [0035] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the auger bit of FIG. 26. [0036] FIG. 29 is a side view of the auger bit of FIG. 26.

[0037] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," and "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an auger bit 10 for use with a power tool, such as, for example, a drill, a driver drill, a screwdriver, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the auger bit 10 includes a generally cylindrical shaft 14, a feed screw 18, a cutting bit 22, and a locking member 26 (FIG. 3). The shaft 14 includes a first or workpiece-engaging end 30, a second or rearward end 32 (FIG. 1) configured to be received in a tool holder or chuck of a power tool, and a flute 34. The shaft 14 defines a longitudinal axis 38 (FIG. 1) extending from the first end 30 to the second end 32. The flute 34 extends in a helical manner about the longitudinal axis 38 along at least a portion of the shaft 14, from the first end 30 toward the second end 32.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, the shaft 14 includes a bore or first slot 46 aligned with the longitudinal axis 38 and extending toward the second end 32. The shaft 14 also includes a second slot 48 extending transversely across the shaft 14 and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 38. The feed screw 18 is positioned in the first slot 46 and extends outwardly from the shaft 14. In other embodiments, the feed screw 18 and the shaft 14 may have other relative orientations. The shaft 14 further includes an opening 54 intersecting the first slot 46 and extending in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38 but could be arranged at an oblique angle if desired.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the feed screw 18 includes a tapered threaded portion 58 and a shank 62 connected to the threaded portion 58. The threaded portion 58 includes threads extending radially outwardly from a tip 70 of the feed screw 18 and helically around the threaded portion 58 in order to threadably engage a workpiece. The configuration (size, shape, pitch, number, etc.) of the threads and the shape or profile of the threaded portion 58 may vary and may be customized for particular applications (e.g., material to be cut). In addition, the threaded portion 58 includes a ridge 74 extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the feed screw 18 adjacent the shank 62. The shank 62 is removably received within the first slot 46 of the shaft 14 such that the at least a portion of the ridge 74 abuts the shaft 14. The shank 62 includes a facet or recess 78 that extends along a portion of the surface of the shank 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 78 is a flat surface formed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis 38 (See Fig. 8) and is aligned with the opening 54 of the shaft 14.

[0041] The cutting bit 22 is removably supported in the second slot 48 and includes a cutting or lifting edge 82 and a body 86. In the illustrated embodiment, cutting bit 22 is received in the second slot 48 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 38. The body 86 includes an opening 90 that extends at least partially around the shank 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 86 also includes a protrusion 94 that complements or forms part of the threaded portion 58 of the feed screw 18. The ridge 74 engages the cutting bit body 86 to secure the cutting bit 22 relative to the shaft 14. Referring to FIG. 5, the body 86 extends around a portion of the feed screw 18 and substantially across the diameter of the shaft 14 such that a portion of the cutting bit body 86 is positioned on one side of the feed screw 18 and a second portion is positioned on an opposite side of the feed screw 18.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cutting bit 22 generally follows the helical profile of the shaft 14, and the cutting edge 82 is positioned adjacent the first end 30 of the shaft 14. The cutting edge 82 generally extends in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis 38. In the illustrated embodiment the cutting edge 82 is offset from first end 30 such that the cutting edge 82 is raised relative to the surface of the shaft 14 proximate the first end 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 86 conforms to the helical profile of the shaft 14 such that the portion of the body 86 on one side of the feed screw 18 has a greater height than the height of a portion on the opposite side of the feed screw 18. In other embodiments, the body 86 has a uniform height.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the locking mechanism 26 secures the feed screw 18 relative to the shaft 14, thereby securing the cutting bit 22 relative to the shaft 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 26 is a set screw 102 which is supported in the opening 54 of the shaft 14. The set screw 102 is threadably inserted in the opening 54 and engages the recess 78 on the feed screw 18 to lock the feed screw 18 relative to the shaft 14. The set screw 102 is removed from the opening 54 and out of engagement with the feed screw 18 so that the feed screw 18 and/or cutting bit 22 can be removed from the shaft 14.

[0044] FIGS. 9-14 illustrate an auger bit 210 according to an alternative embodiment. The auger bit 210 is similar to the auger bit 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, and similar parts have been given the same reference numbers plus 200. Only differences between the embodiments are described.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 9-14, the cutting bit 222 includes a first cutting edge 282, a body 286, and an opening 290 (FIG. 11) extending through a portion of the body 286. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting bit 222 does not extend transversely across the diameter of the shaft 214, but rather extends across a radial portion of the shaft 214. As shown in FIG. 11, the body 286 includes a collar 288 having a bore or opening 290 that is positioned substantially concentric with the first slot 246 of the shaft 214. In some embodiments, the opening 290 is circular; in other embodiments, the opening 290 includes a flat portion. The feed screw 218 extends through the opening 290 and a set screw 302 is threadably received within an opening 254 of the shaft 214 and engages a recess 278 on the feed screw 218 to secure the feed screw 218 relative to the shaft 214. As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the first cutting edge 282 extends beyond an outer periphery of the shaft 214.

[0046] FIGS. 15-20 illustrate an auger bit 410 according to an alternative embodiment. The auger bit 410 is similar to the auger bit 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, and similar parts have been given the same reference numbers plus 400. Only differences between the embodiments are described.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 15-20, the cutting bit 422 includes a first cutting edge 482, a cutting bit body 486, and an opening 490 (FIG. 17) extending through a portion of the body 486. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting bit 422 extends transversely across the diameter of the shaft 414. As shown in FIG. 17, the opening 490 is formed as a circular bore that is positioned substantially concentric with the first slot 446 of the shaft 414. In some embodiments, the opening 490 is circular; in other embodiments, the opening 490 includes a flat portion. The feed screw 418 is positioned within the opening 490 and a set screw 502 is threadably received within an opening 454 of the shaft 414 and engages a recess 478 on the feed screw 418 to secure the feed screw 418 relative to the shaft 414. As shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and 19, the first cutting edge 482 extends beyond an outer periphery of the shaft 414.

[0048] FIGS. 21-23 illustrate an auger bit 610 according to an alternative embodiment. The auger bit 610 is similar to the auger bit 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, and similar parts have been given the same reference numbers plus 600. Only differences between the embodiments are described.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the auger 610 includes second slot 648 that is oriented at an oblique or acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis 638 of the shaft 614. A cutting bit 622 is received within the second slot 648. The cutting bit 622 includes a first cutting edge 682 and a second cutting edge 684, which are separated by a notch 690 that receives the feed screw 618. The first cutting edge 682 is offset from the second cutting edge 684 such that the first edge 682 is raised relative to the first end 630.

[0050] The cutting bit 622 includes a cutting spur 688 positioned on the first cutting edge 682 proximate an outer portion of the cutting bit 622. In another embodiment (FIG. 24), the cutting bit 622 does not include a cutting spur 688. In other embodiments, the second edge 684 includes a cutting spur, either in addition to or instead of the cutting spur 688 on the first edge 684. Also, in one embodiment (FIG. 25), the cutting bit 622 includes a thicker body 686 so that the first cutting edge 682 is projected away from the first end 630. The cutting edge 682 may also extend or project further outwardly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 638 or outwardly from the shaft 614 in a radial direction.

[0051] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an auger bit 810 according to an alternative embodiment. The auger bit 810 is similar to the auger bit 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, and similar parts have been given the same reference numbers plus 800. Only differences between the embodiments are described.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 26-29, a cutting bit 822 is coupled to the shaft 814 of the auger bit 810 independently of a feed screw 818. As shown in FIG. 26, the cutting bit 822 includes a first cutting edge 882, a body 886, and an opening 892 extending through a thickness of the body 886. The opening 892 is aligned with a second opening 856 (FIG. 28) formed on the first end 830 of the shaft 814. The body 886 is removably coupled within a second slot 848. In the illustrated embodiment, the second slot 848 is positioned adjacent a first end 830 of the shaft 814, but does not intersect the first slot 846 (FIG. 28) and does not extend transversely across the shaft 814. [0053] Referring to FIG. 28, the locking mechanism 826 includes a first set screw 902 and a second set screw 910. The first set screw 902 is received within a first opening 854 and engages a recess 878 on the feed screw 818 to releasably secure the feed screw 818 relative to the shaft 814. The second set screw 910 is received within the opening 892 of the cutting bit body 886 and engages a second opening 856 formed in the shaft 814, thereby securing the cutting bit 822 relative to the shaft 814. In the illustrated embodiment, the second set screw 910 includes a tapered or conical portion 918 to make sure that the cutting bit body 886 is properly positioned relative to the second opening 856. Because the cutting bit 822 is coupled to the shaft 814 separately from the feed screw 818, the cutting bit 822 can be uncoupled from the shaft 814 without requiring the feed screw 818 to be removed as well.

[0054] It is understood that features disclosed in one embodiment above are equally applicable to the other embodiments.

[0055] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, an auger bit. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.