WO2009100425A2

WO2009100425A2 - Attachment for transferring oscillating movement of a power hand tool to an angled orientation

Info

Publication number: WO2009100425A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/033545
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary A. Gorski
Original assignee: Gorski Gary A
Priority date: 2008-02-07
Filing date: 2009-02-09
Publication date: 2009-08-13
Also published as: WO2009100425A3

Abstract

An attachment device for an oscillating portable hand tool fits onto a head thereof transfers an oscillating rotational movement of a drive shaft of the head of the hand tool from a first orientation substantially perpendicular to the hand tool to a second orientation substantially parallel to the hand tool. A head for attachment to a body of an oscillating portable hand tool includes means for translating an offset rotational movement of a fixed drive shaft of the hand tool to an oscillating rotational movement along a plurality of angled positions relative to a body of the hand tool and a housing for partially receiving the means for translating the offset rotational movement.

Description

ATTACHMENT FOR TRANSFERRING OSCILLATING MOVEMENT OF A POWER HAND TOOL TO AN ANGLED ORIENTATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention fOOOl] The present invention relates to an oscillating power tool and, more particularly, to an attachment or integrated head for the oscillating power hand tool.

Description of Related Art

[0002] United States Patent Nos. 4,920,702 and 5,123,216 both to Kloss et al, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, disclose a portable tool having a stationary head containing an oscillating rotational drive shaft. This tool is a multipurpose tool that through various attachments to an end of the drive shaft may be adapted for various applications, such as cutting, grinding, and sanding. Specifically, the tool provides a pivotal motion by oscillating about a fixed axis of the tool, with the pivot angle being kept relatively small (e.g., 2.6° or 1.3° in each direction), but the frequency during operation being high. This tool has undergone improvements with respect to improving the functionality thereof. For example, the tool includes a cam-locking mechanism conducive to quick changes of tool attachments. This cam-locking mechanism is further described in United States Patent No. 6,569,001 to Rudolf et al., the content of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0003] However, the prior art tools, as disclosed in the aforementioned patents, have various disadvantages associated therewith. For example, the angle of entry into or operation within a specific work area may be limited due to space constraints. Accordingly, the tool's utility is diminished to the extent that the intended area of cutting, grinding, or sanding may not be accessible. Additionally, the tool, as embodied in a larger version for heavy-duty applications, has wear issues associated therewith.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to overcome the above problem and others by providing an appropriate attachment to the aforementioned tool or a new tool having the appropriate attachment integrated therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally, a portable grinding tool, as discussed above with respect to the prior art and as used in connection with the invention, has an oscillating rotational drive shaft extending through a body and head thereof. One embodiment of the present invention includes an attachment device for the portable grinding tool that fits onto the head thereof and interacts with the drive shaft in order to simulate a rotational/pivoting oscillating movement of the head of the portable grinding tool. The attachment device provides a 90° angle of operation relative to the body while maintaining the oscillating functionality of the rotational drive shaft of the portable grinding tool.

[0006] This embodiment encompasses an attachment for use with an oscillating portable hand tool to transfer an oscillating rotational movement of a drive shaft of a head of the hand tool from a first orientation substantially perpendicular to the hand tool to a second orientation substantially parallel to the hand tool. The attachment includes (a) an outer shell for securing the attachment to the head of the hand tool; (b) an outer shell shaft connected to the outer shell and extending from the hand tool in the second orientation; (c) an upper ami having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the outer shell shaft; (d) a drive arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes means for securing the drive arm to the drive shaft of the hand tool; and (e) an interface movably interconnecting the second end of the upper arm to the second end of the drive arm, wherein the oscillating rotational movement of the drive shaft causes the upper arm to oscillate. [0007] The outer shell includes means for removably securing the outer shell to the head. Such means may include one or more mounting holes or an interlocking mechanism adapted to engage and lock to the head. The outer shell also includes an opening sized to receive the drive shaft therethrough.

[0008] The outer shell shaft includes means for securing a tool accessory thereto that is compatible with the drive shaft. Such means may include a retaining pin. The outer shell includes a bearing situated around the outer shell shaft.

[0009] The means for securing the drive arm to the drive shaft includes a cap sized to matingly receive an end of the drive shaft. The cap includes an opening for inserting a retaining pin therethrough.

[0010] The interface includes a first bearing attached to the second end of the drive arm and a second and third bearing attached to the second end of the upper arm. Thus, the first bearing is disposed between the second and third bearings. These bearings may be carriage bearings.

[0011] In an another embodiment, the present invention encompasses a replacement head for a portable grinding tool, such as the one discussed above with respect to the prior art, that has an oscillating rotational drive shaft extending through a body thereof. The head of the present invention is adapted to be selectively engaged along various angled positions relative to the body while maintaining the oscillating functionality of the rotational drive shaft of the portable grinding tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the new head is configured to rotate from 0° to 90°, This new head is also compatible with the cam-locking mechanism of the prior art tool. Furthermore, the present invention addresses wear issues associated with respect to the tool's heavy duty variants by incorporating additional bearings. [0012] This embodiment encompasses a head for attachment to a body of an oscillating portable hand tool for providing an oscillating rotational movement to a tool accessory at a plurality of angled positions relative to the body. The head includes a housing and a mountable rocker assembly sized to be at least partially received within the housing. [0013] The mountable rocker assembly includes a carriage assembly and a shaft rocker assembly. The carriage assembly includes an opening sized to receive a drive shaft of the hand tool therethrough; means for movably engaging an interior portion of the housing; and two arcuate members spaced apart from each other in parallel.

[0014] The shaft rocker assembly includes a retaining pin having a first and a second end; a drive shaft cap having a throughbore sized to receive the retaining pin therethrough; a rocker having a throughbore member having a throughbore defined therein and sized to rotatably receive the drive shaft cap, wherein the rocker comprises two arms having respective means for respectively engaging the two arcuate members of the carriage assembly; and a drive shaft mount having means for pivoting within the housing, wherein the drive shaft mount includes a throughbore sized to receive a portion of the drive shaft cap and matingly receive the throughbore member of the rocker, wherein the shaft rocker assembly is movable along an arc.

[0015] The means for movably engaging the interior portion of the housing may include a plurality of bearings attached to the carriage assembly and a corresponding plurality of paths defined within the interior portion of the housing for receiving the respective plurality of bearings. The respective means for respectively engaging the two arcuate members of the carriage assembly may include a first and second bearing situated on each respective arm. The means for pivoting within the housing may include two rounded members extending from opposite sides of the drive shaft mount and in perpendicular relation to the drive shaft cap, wherein the housing includes a respective rounded recess corresponding to the respective rounded member.

[0016] A first bearing may be situated around the drive shaft cap within the drive shaft mount and a second bearing may be situated around the drive shaft cap outside the drive shaft mount. The retaining pin may include at least one bearing secured to the first end, wherein the at least one bearing includes a groove.

[0017] A first and second curved member may have a lip defined along an inside surface thereof, wherein the lips are sized to be received within the groove of the at least one bearing.

The first and second curved members are pivotal Iy connected to the interior portion of the housing with the respective inside surfaces of the first and second curved members facing the at least one bearing, wherein the respective lips are lensioningly engaged against the groove of the at least one bearing via a spring mechanism acting on the first and second curved members.

[0018] A tool accessory may be secured between one end of the drive shaft cap and the second end of the retaining pin, wherein moving the first and second curved members away from each other causes the respective lips to disengage the at least one bearing and release the retaining pin.

[0019] A rotatable knob may be integrated into the housing for locking the pivoting position of the drive shaft mount in relation to the housing.

[0020] The two arcuate members may define an arc substantially corresponding to the arc along which the shaft rocker assembly is movable.

[0021] The drive shaft of the tool rotates in an off-set circular motion causing the carriage assembly to move in a side-to-side motion, which thereby, causes the shaft rocker assembly to move in an oscillating rotational manner.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention encompasses a head for attachment to a body of an oscillating portable hand tool. The head includes means for translating an offset rotational movement of a fixed drive shaft of the hand tool to an oscillating rotational movement along a plurality of angled positions relative to a body of the hand tool. The head also includes a housing for partially receiving the means for translating the offset rotational movement.

[0023] Still other desirable features of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description, taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FlG. 1 is a side view of a prior art oscillating portable hand tool;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an attachment device on the hand tool, in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the attachment device on the hand tool;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the attachment device on the hand tool taken along line

A-A of FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the attachment device;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the attachment device;

[0030] FIG, 7 is a perspective view of the attachment device;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a mountable rocker assembly for use in a head of an oscillating portable hand tool;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a side plan view of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the mountable rocker assembly taken along line B-B of FIG. 11 ;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a housing containing the mountable rocker assembly;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the mountable rocker assembly shown in phantom in the housing;

[0038] FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a portion of the mountable rocker assembly taken along line C-C of FIG. 14;

[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a carriage of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a shaft rocker assembly of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0041] FIG. 18 is a front plan view of the shaft rocker assembly;

[0042] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the shaft rocker assembly taken along lines D-D of

FIG. 18;

[0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a drive shaft cap of the mountable rocker assembly; [0044] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drive shaft mount of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0045] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a first curved member of the mountable rocker assembly;

[0046] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a second curved member of the mountable rocker assembly; and

[0047] FIG, 24 is a perspective view of a retaining pin of the mountable rocker assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] It is to be understood that the specific system illustrated in the attached figures and described in the following specification is simply an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. It is to be understood that any suitable material may be used to manufacture the underlying parts discussed herein. Desirably, such material is resilient to impact and forces exerted thereon. Thus, various forms of meta! or alloys may be suitable for the construction of the invention. In addition to or alternatively, plastics may also be utilized. It is also to be understood that any dimensions or sizing of the present invention is relative to the hand tool with which it is to be used or integrated.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary oscillating portable hand tool 1 is manufactured by Fein Power Tools USA and is sold under the MultiMaster brand. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an attachment 10 for use with the hand tool 1. Specifically, the attachment 10 transfers an oscillating rotational movement of a drive shaft 12 of a head 14 of the hand tool 1 from a first orientation substantially perpendicular to the hand tool 1 to a second orientation substantially parallel to the hand tool 1. Thus, the oscillating rotational movement that is directed downwards is directed in a direction substantially 90° therefrom.

[0050] The attachment 10 includes and outer shell 16, an outer shell shaft 18, an upper arm 20, a drive arm 22, and an interface 24 for interconnecting the upper arm 20 to the drive arm 22. The outer shell 16 is formed so that it can removably secure the overall attachment 10 to the head 14 of the hand tool 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer shell 16 may include one or more mounting holes 26 that may correspond to threaded holes in the head 14 of the hand tool 1. It is to be understood that other suitable mechanisms may be employed to removable secure the attachment 10 to the head 14. For example, a tapered interlocking mechanism or friction fit design may be uses to engage and/or lock the attachment 10 to the head 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer shell 16 includes an opening 27 sized to receive the drive shaft 12 therethrough.

[0051] The outer shell shaft 18 is connected to the outer shell 16 and extends from the hand tool 1 in the second orientation (i.e., 90° with respect to the existing drive shaft 12 situated in the first orientation). The outer shell 16 may include a bearing 28 situated around the outer shell shaft 18. The outer shell shaft 18 may include a mechanism for securing a tool accessory thereto that is compatible with the drive shaft 12. Thus, a first retaining pin 29 may be used to secure the drive arm 22 to the drive shaft 12 and a second retaining pin 30 may be used to secure the upper arm 20 to the outer shell shaft 18.

[0052] The upper ami 20 includes a first end 32 and a second end 33. The first end 32 is connected to the outer shell shaft 18. The drive arm 22 includes a first end 34 and a second end 35. The first end 34 includes a mechanism for securing the drive arm 22 to the drive shaft 12 of the hand tool 1. This mechanism may include a cap 36 sized to matingly receive an end of the drive shaft 12. The cap 36 may include an opening for inserting the retaining pin 29 therethrough.

[0053] The interface 24 allows the oscillating rotational movement of the drive shaft 12 to be transferred to the outer shell shaft 18. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the interface 24 may include a first bearing 37 attached to the second end 35 of the drive arm 22 and a second 38 and third 39 bearing attached to the second end 33 of the upper arm 20. This arrangement results in the first bearing 37 to be disposed between the second 38 and third 39 bearings. In an alternative embodiment, the second 38 and third 39 bearings may be attached to the second end 35 of the drive arm 22 and the first bearing 37 may be attached to the second end 33 of the upper arm 20. In one embodiment, the first 37, second 38, and third 39 bearings may be carriage bearings. It is to be understood that other suitable interfaces may be utilized.

[0054] It is to be understood that the constituent parts of the attachment 10 may be differently embodied than what is disclosed in the drawings. Thus, the bearings may take a different size and shape. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the constituent parts may be refined beyond the generalized shape shown in the drawings. For example, some of the bearings may be curved, have flat surfaces, or may have a concave surface in order to properly remain in contact with adjacent parts. Alternatively, other force-transfer assisting parts may be used in place of the bearings. It is also to be understood that the attachment 10 of the present invention may be used or may be modified to be used with other tools, such as the Supercut tool, for example, which is also manufactured by Fein Power Tools USA. [0055] With reference to FIG. 8, a mountable rocker assembly 40 is shown. The mountable rocker assembly 40 is adapted to be selectively engaged along various angled positions relative to a body of an oscillating portable hand tool 1 (shown in FIG. 1, for example) while maintaining the oscillating functionality of a rotational drive shaft 41 (shown in FIG. 9) of the hand tool throughout each angled position. The mountable rocker assembly 40 is used in a head attached to the body of the oscillating portable hand tool 1. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the head may include a housing 42 with the mountable rocker assembly 40 sized to be at least partially received within the housing 42.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 9-24, the mountable rocker assembly 40 includes a carriage assembly 44 and a shaft rocker assembly 46. In general, the drive shaft 41 of the tool 1 rotates in an off-set circular motion (e.g., axis of drive shaft does not correspond to axis of rotation), which causes the carriage assembly 44 to move in a side-to-side motion, thereby, causing the shaft rocker assembly 46 to move in an oscillating rotational manner. [0057] The carriage assembly 44 (isolated view shown in FIG. 16) includes an opening 47 sized to receive the drive shaft 41 of the hand tool 1 therethrough. The carriage assembly 44 includes a mechanism for movably engaging an interior portion of the housing 42. For example, a plurality of bearings 48 may attached to the carriage assembly 44 and a corresponding plurality of paths (not shown) may be defined within the interior portion of the housing 42 for receiving the respective plurality of bearings 48. The carriage assembly also includes at least two arcuate members 50 spaced apart from each other substantially in parallel relation.

[0058] The shaft rocker assembly 46 includes a retaining pin 52 (isolated view shown in FIG. 24) having a first end 53 and a second end 54. The shaft rocker assembly 46 includes a drive shaft cap 56 (isolated view shown in FIG. 20 having a throughbore sized to receive the retaining pin 52 therethrough. The shaft rocker assembly 46 includes a rocker 58 (isolated view shown in FIGS. 17-19) having a throughbore member 60 having a throughbore defined therein and sized to rotatably receive the drive shaft cap 56. The rocker 58 includes a first and second arm 62. The first and second arms 62 include a respective first and second bearing 63 situated at the ends thereof for engaging the two arcuate members 50 of the carriage assembly 44. The shaft rocker assembly 46 includes a drive shaft mount 64 (isolated view shown in FIG. 21) having two rounded members 65 extending from opposite sides of the drive shaft mount 64, The two rounded members 65 are in substantially perpendicular relation to the drive shaft cap 56. The housing 42 may include a respective rounded recess corresponding to the respective rounded members 65 to allow the rounded members 65 to pivot therein. The drive shaft mount 64 includes a throughbore 66 sized to receive a portion of the drive shaft cap 56 and matingly receive the throughbore member 60 of the rocker 58. Based on the foregoing arrangement, the shaft rocker assembly 46 is movable along an arc that substantially corresponds to an arc defined by the two arcuate members 50. [0059] It is to be understood that bearings may be situated in areas where movement occurs. Thus, a first bearing 68 may be situated around the drive shaft cap 56 within the drive shaft mount 64 and the second bearing 69 may be situated around the drive shaft cap 56 outside the drive shaft mount 64.

[0060] The retaining pin 52 may include at least one bearing 70 secured to the first end 53. The bearing 70 may include a groove 71. The mountable rocker assembly 40 may include a first curved member 72 and second curved member 73 (isolated view shown in FIGS. 22 and 23) each having a lip 74 defined along an inside surface thereof. The lips 74 may be sized to be received within the groove 71 of the at least one bearing 70. The first curved member 72 and the second curved member 73 are pivotally connected to the interior portion of the housing 42 with the respective inside surfaces of the first 72 and second curved members 73 facing the at least one bearing 70. The respective lips 74 are tensioningly engaged against the groove 71 of the at least one bearing 70 via a spring mechanism 76 acting on the first 72 and second curved members 73. A tool accessory (not shown) is secured between one end of the drive shaft cap 56 and the second end 54 of the retaining pin 52. Moving the first 72 and second curved members 73 away from each other causes the respective lips 74 to disengage the at least one bearing 70 and release the retaining pin 52. As shown in FIG. 14, a quick release lever 78 may be used to release or capture the retaining pin 52 at any position of the shaft rocker assembly 46 along a 90° arc. A wedge (not shown) or similar implement, may be secured behind the first 72 and second curved members 73 so that when the wedge is pulled toward the quick release lever 78, the first 72 and second curved members 73 are forced apart. It is to be understood that other suitable release mechanisms may be utilized. A rotatable knob 80 may be integrated into the housing 42 for locking the pivoting position of the drive shaft mount 64 in relation to the housing 42.

[0061] It is to be understood that the constituent parts of the mountable rocker assembly 40 and associated housing 42 may be differently embodied than what is disclosed in the drawings. Thus, the bearings may take a different size and shape. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the constituent parts may be refined beyond the generalized shape shown in the drawings. For example, some of the bearings may be curved, have flat surfaces, or may have a concave surface in order to properly remain in contact with adjacent parts. Alternatively, other force-transfer assisting parts may be used in place of the parts specifically discussed herein.

[0062] The invention has been described with reference to the desirable embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS:

1. An attachment for use with an oscillating portable hand tool to transfer an oscillating rotational movement of a drive shaft of a head of the hand tool from a first orientation substantially perpendicular to the hand tool to a second orientation substantially parallel to the hand tool, the attachment comprising: an outer shell for securing the attachment to the head of the hand tool; an outer shell shaft connected to the outer shell and extending from the hand tool in the second orientation; an upper ami having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the outer shell shaft; a drive arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes means for securing the drive arm to the drive shaft of the hand tool; and an interface movably interconnecting the second end of the upper arm to the second end of the drive arm, wherein the oscillating rotational movement of the drive shaft causes the upper arm to oscillate.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the outer shell includes means for removably securing the outer shell to the head.

3. The attachment of claim 2, wherein the means for removably securing the outer shell to the head includes one or more mounting holes or an interlocking mechanism adapted to engage and lock to the head.

4. The attachment of claim 2, wherein the outer shell includes an opening sized to receive the drive shaft therethrough.

5. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the outer shell shaft includes means for securing a tool accessory thereto that is compatible with the drive shaft.

6. The attachment of claim 5, wherein the means for securing the tool accessory includes a retaining pin.

7. The attachment of claim 5, wherein the outer shell further includes a bearing situated around the outer shell shaft.

8. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the means for securing the drive arm to the drive shaft includes a cap sized to matingly receive an end of the drive shaft, wherein the cap includes an opening for inserting a retaining pin therethrough.

9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a first bearing attached to the second end of the drive arm and a second and third bearing attached to the second end of the upper arm, wherein the first bearing is disposed between the second and third bearings.

10. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a first bearing attached to the second end of the upper arm and a second and third bearing attached to the second end of the drive arm, wherein the first bearing is disposed between the second and third bearings.

11. The attachment of claim 9, wherein the first, second, and third bearings are carriage bearings.

12. A head for attachment to a body of an oscillating portable hand tool for providing an oscillating rotational movement to a tool accessory at a plurality of angled positions relative to the body, the head comprising a housing and a mountable rocker assembly sized to be at least partially received within the housing, wherein the mountable rocker assembly comprises: a carriage assembly comprising: an opening sized to receive a drive shaft of the hand tool therethrough; means for movably engaging an interior portion of the housing; and two arcuate members spaced apart from each other substantially in parallel relation; and a shaft rocker assembly comprising: a retaining pin having a first and a second end; a drive shaft cap having a throughbore sized to receive the retaining pin therethrough; a rocker having a throughbore member having a throughbore defined therein and sized to rotatably receive the drive shaft cap, wherein the rocker comprises two anus having respective means for respectively engaging the two arcuate members of the carriage assembly; and a drive shaft mount having means for pivoting within the housing, wherein the drive shaft mount includes a throughbore sized to receive a portion of the drive shaft cap and matingly receive the throughbore member of the rocker, wherein the shaft rocker assembly is movable along an arc.

13. The head of claim 12, wherein the means for movably engaging the interior portion of the housing include a plurality of bearings attached to the carriage assembly and a corresponding plurality of paths defined within the interior portion of the housing for receiving the respective plurality of bearings.

14. The head of claim 12, wherein the respective means for respectively engaging the two arcuate members of the carriage assembly includes a first and second bearing situated on each respective arm.

15. The head of claim 12, wherein the means for pivoting within the housing includes two rounded members extending from opposite sides of the drive shaft mount and in substantially perpendicular relation to the drive shaft cap, wherein the housing includes a respective rounded recess corresponding to the respective rounded member.

16. The head of claim 15, further comprising a first and second bearing, wherein the first bearing is situated around the drive shaft cap within the drive shaft mount and the second bearing is situated around the drive shaft cap outside the drive shaft mount.

17. The head of claim 12, wherein the retaining pin includes at least one bearing secured to the first end, wherein the at least one bearing includes a groove.

18. The head of claim 17, further comprising a first and second curved member each having a Hp defined along an inside surface thereof, wherein the lips are sized to be received within the groove of the at least one bearing.

19. The head of claim 18, wherein the first and second curved members are pivotally connected to the interior portion of the housing with the respective inside surfaces of the first and second curved members facing the at least one bearing, wherein the respective lips are tensioningly engaged against the groove of the at least one bearing via a spring mechanism acting on the first and second curved members.

20. The head of claim 19, wherein a tool accessory is secured between one end of the drive shaft cap and the second end of the retaining pin, wherein moving the first and second curved members away from each other causes the respective lips to disengage the at least one bearing and release the retaining pin.

21. The head of claim 12, further comprising a rotatable knob integrated into the housing for locking the pivoting position of the drive shaft mount in relation to the housing.

22. The head of claim 12, wherein the two arcuate members define an arc substantially corresponding to the arc along which the shaft rocker assembly is movable.

23. The head of claim 12, wherein when the drive shaft of the tool rotates in an off-set circular motion, the carriage assembly moves in a side-to-side motion causing the shaft rocker assembly to move in an oscillating rotational manner.

24. A head for attachment to a body of an oscillating portable hand tool comprising: means for translating an offset rotational movement of a fixed drive shaft of the hand tool to an oscillating rotational movement along a plurality of angled positions relative to a body of the hand tool; and a housing for partially receiving the means for translating the offset rotational movement.