Bearing structure for a reciprocating shaft in a reciprocating saw

Abstract

A reciprocating shaft assembly in a reciprocating saw moves in a reciprocal motion and drives a saw blade via a blade holder. At least one bore is formed in an end of the reciprocating shaft assembly opposite the blade holder. A pin fixed to the saw passes through the bore and acts as a bearing to support the reciprocating shaft assembly in its reciprocating motion.

1 . A power operated reciprocating tool comprising: 
 a motor;    a reciprocating shaft adapted for reciprocal movement along a longitudinal axis, and adapted to support a working tool;    a drive assembly operatively associated with the motor for driving the reciprocating shaft in a reciprocal motion;    a drive housing enclosing at least a portion of the shaft and the drive assembly; 
 a counterweight positioned at least partially within the drive housing and operatively connected with the drive assembly,  
   the counterweight including a slide which rides in a slot formed on an inside surface of the drive housing; and    a main body housing including a handle portion,    the main body housing enclosing the drive housing.    
   
   
       2 . The power operated reciprocating tool of claim  19 , the motor comprising: a motor shaft operatively coupled with the drive assembly, the motor shaft extending through the drive housing.  
   
   
       3 . The power operated reciprocating tool of claim  20 , wherein the motor shaft extends at least partially through an opening in the counterweight.  
   
   
       4 . The power operated reciprocating tool of claim  19 , the counterweight slide comprising: 
 a first tab extending from the periphery of the counterweight.    
   
   
       5 . The power operated reciprocating tool of claim  22 , the counterweight slide further comprising: 
 a second tab extending from the periphery of the counterweight in a direction opposite the first tab with respect to an axis of reciprocating motion.    
   
   
       6 . The power operated reciprocating tool of claim  19 , the drive assembly comprising: 
 a crank gear having a toothed peripheral wall,    wherein a portion of the counterweight extends around at least a portion of the crank gear peripheral wall    
   
   
       7 . The power operated reciprocating tool of claim  19 , the counterweight comprising: 
 at least one surface adjacent to the crank gear which has a radius of curvature substantially corresponding to that of the crank gear.