Extension accessory apparatus and method

An extension accessory for extending the effective range and reach of an electric screw gun of the type arranged for receiving a replaceable bit that rotates about a bit rotation axis, the screw gun having a housing that defines a handle for griping and a body for supporting and enclosing an electric motor, and a bit receiving nose extending from the body along the bit rotation axis for receiving the screw bit, the extension accessory comprising:

• a shaft disposed for orientation about a shaft axis substantially parallel to the bit rotation axis of the screw gun, the shaft having a gripping end for gripping the same by the user, and a coupling end for coupling and securing a screw gun thereto;
• a first retaining band supported from the shaft at the coupling end for securably receiving the body of a screw gun therethrough;
• a second retaining band supported from the shaft, spaced from the first retaining band for securably receiving the bit receiving nose therethrough;
• and
• wherein each retaining band is adjustable from a first expanded arrangement to receive a portion of the screw gun therethrough, to a second constricted arrangement to tightly grip the screw gun, urging the same against the shaft so that the screw gun is fixedly mounted to the extension accessory.

A method for making an extension accessory for extending the effective range and reach of an electric screw gun of the type arranged for receiving a replaceable bit that rotates about a bit rotation axis, the screw gun having a housing that defines a handle for griping and a body for supporting and enclosing an electric motor, and a bit receiving nose extending from the body along the bit rotation axis for receiving the screw bit, the method comprising the steps:

• providing a shaft disposed for orientation about a shaft axis substantially parallel to the bit rotation axis of the screw gun, the shaft having a gripping end for gripping the same by the user, and a coupling end for coupling and securing a screw gun thereto;
• supporting a first retaining band from the shaft at the coupling end for securably receiving the body of a screw gun therethrough;
• supporting a second retaining band from the shaft, spaced from the first retaining band for securably receiving the bit receiving nose therethrough;
• and
• Wherein the distance between the first retaining band and the second retaining band is variable to permit adjustment to accommodate a plurality of unlike screw guns;
• wherein each retaining band is adjustable from a first expanded arrangement to receive a portion of the screw gun therethrough, to a second constricted arrangement to tightly grip the screw gun, urging the same against the shaft so that the screw gun is fixedly mounted to the extension accessory.