plug retention system

A plug retaining system for use with a power tool configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the tool, said system comprising:

• contact means configured for engaging the plug disposed on the tool;
• and
• attachment means configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• wherein said attachment means includes at least one latch disposed on the tool and configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• and
• said contact means includes at least one clamp extending radially from said at least one latch and configured for engaging the plug.

A plug retaining system for use with a power tool configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the tool, said system comprising:

• contact means configured for engaging the plug disposed on the tool;
• and
• attachment means configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• wherein said contact means includes a cradle partially conforming to the shape of the plug configured for engaging the plug;
• and
• said attachment means includes a tether attached to said cradle and to the tool configured for attaching said cradle to the tool.

A plug retaining system for use with a power tool configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the tool, said system comprising:

• contact means configured for engaging the plug disposed on the tool;
• and
• attachment means configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• wherein said attachment means includes:
• a tether configured for attachment to the tool;
• and
• said contact means includes a wrap disposed at a distal end of said tether and configured for engaging a loop of the cord.

A plug retaining system for use with a power tool configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the tool, said system comprising:

• contact means configured for engaging the plug disposed on the tool;
• and
• attachment means configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• wherein said contact means includes a clamp configured for engaging the plug;
• and
• said attachment means includes at least one support rib disposed on the tool and configured for attaching said clamp to the tool.

A plug retaining system for use with a power tool configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the tool, said system comprising:

• contact means configured for engaging the plug disposed on the tool;
• and
• attachment means configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• wherein said attachment means includes a collar rotatably disposed on the tool configured for attaching said contact means to the tool;
• wherein said contact means includes at least one spline associated with said collar and configured for engaging the plug;
• and
• wherein said at least one spline has a free end and a fixed end, said free end configured for deforming and displacing upon engagement with a locating structure disposed on the tool.

A plug retaining system for use with a power tool configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the tool, said system comprising:

• a ring disposed on the tool configured for attaching a contact means to the tool, said ring disposed on the tool immediately proximate a receptacle of the tool configured to receive the plug;
• and
• at least one finger extending from said ring configured for engaging the plug;
• wherein said at least one finger further comprises:
• a tapered portion extending generally axially from said ring;
• a flared portion located at a distal end of said at least one finger;
• and
• a contact surface configured for engaging the plug, wherein said contact surface is formed between said tapered portion and said flared portion.