U.S. patent application number 10/632494 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for tool securing apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Frankel, Stuart.
Application Number | 20050023419 10/632494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34104396 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050023419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frankel, Stuart |
February 3, 2005 |
Tool securing apparatus and method
Abstract
A cutting tool securing apparatus for temporarily securing a
tool such as a vegetable slicing tool to a planar member such as a
table or countertop. The invention removes the necessity of
permanently mounting the tool or mounting apparatus to the table or
countertop. The cutting tool securing apparatus of the present
invention has no moving, adjustable or articulating members. The
apparatus is comprised of an L-shaped metal plate, to which a
tool-mounting apparatus is bolted. The metal plate includes a first
member, which is removably affixed to the top of a planar surface,
such as a table, via temporary securing means. One or more rubber
suction cups are the preferred type of temporary securing means.
The suction cups are affixed to the lower surface of the plate. The
cups serve to secure the apparatus to the planar surface yet allow
the apparatus to later be removed in order to clean the area. The
apparatus also includes a second member, substantially
perpendicular to the first member that is adaptable to be wrapped
around downwardly extending edge of the table to prevent the tool
from sliding laterally forward or backward during use.
Inventors: |
Frankel, Stuart; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER & WEISBERG, P.A.
200 EAST LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
SUITE 2040
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
34104396 |
Appl. No.: |
10/632494 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/206.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/022 20130101;
A47J 45/02 20130101; B26D 7/00 20130101; F16B 47/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/206.3 |
International
Class: |
A45D 042/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for securing a tool to a planar surface, the
apparatus comprising: a planar surface securing plate having a
first member and a second member substantially perpendicular to the
first member, the first member having an upper surface and a lower
surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface further
comprising temporary planar surface affixing means, the second
member terminating in an arcuate extension member adapted to engage
a downwardly extending edge of the planar surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temporary planar surface
affixing means is comprised of at least one suction cup.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temporary planar surface
affixing means is comprised of at least one hook and loop
fastener.
4. (Cancelled)
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the first
member is adaptable to support the tool.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the first
member is adaptable to support a tool-mounting apparatus.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member is hingedly
coupled to the second member.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second member further
comprises table edge securing means to further prevent unwanted
lateral motion of the apparatus.
9. An apparatus for securing a tool to a planar surface, the
apparatus comprising: a planar surface securing plate having a
first member and a second member substantially perpendicular to the
first member, the first member having an upper surface and a lower
surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface further
comprising temporary planar surface affixing means, the second
member terminating in an arcuate extension member adapted to engage
a downwardly extending edge of the planar surface; and a tool
securing track affixed to the upper surface of the first member of
the planar surface securing plate, the tool-securing track adapted
to receive and secure the tool.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the temporary planar surface
affixing means is comprised of at least one suction cup.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the temporary planar surface
affixing means is comprised of at least one hook and loop
fastener.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the tool-securing track is
permanently affixed to the upper surface of the first member of the
planar surface securing plate.
13. (Cancelled)
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first member is hingedly
coupled to the second member.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second member further
comprises table edge securing means to further prevent unwanted
lateral motion of the apparatus
16. An apparatus for temporarily securing a tool to a table
comprising: a plate member comprising: a first component comprising
an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface,
the lower surface including at least one suction cup to couple the
plate member to the table; and a second component substantially
perpendicular to the first component terminating in an
upwardly-extending arcuate member, the arcuate member defining a
channel adaptable to receive and engage a downward extending table
edge; and a tool-securing track affixed to the upper surface of the
first component of the plate member for receiving and securing the
tool.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the tool securing track is
permanently affixed to the upper surface of the first component of
the plate member.
18. (Cancelled)
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first component is
hingedly coupled to the second component.
20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the second component further
comprises table edge securing means to further prevent unwanted
lateral motion of the apparatus
21-27. (Cancelled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] n/a
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] n/a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting
tools and more particularly to an apparatus for temporarily and
securely mounting tools and other objects to a planar surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the restaurant industry, there exist many devices used in
the kitchen to open cans, prepare foods and slice products. It is
vital that the food preparation area of eating establishments be
maintained with the highest sanitary standards. There exist a
number of industry standards regarding the cleanliness of food
preparation areas that eating establishments must comply with. It
is also important that tools used in these areas be easy and simple
to use and adaptable to the present conditions of the area and its
surroundings.
[0005] Permanently mounting a tool or the apparatus that mounts a
particular tool compromises sanitation of the area surrounding the
tool and the mounting apparatus. For example, when a vegetable
slicing tool is permanently mounted to a table top via bolts or the
like, bacteria may eventually develop in the area near the
permanently mounted tool. Owners of eating establishments will not
likely unbolt and remove the tool but instead simply opt to keep
the tool in its present location. This may lead to unsanitary and
unhygienic conditions.
[0006] By permanently mounting a tool or its mounting apparatus in
one location, at least two problems are created. First, because the
tool cannot be moved to another location, all aspects of the use of
the tool must be performed in only that location. The tool and/or
mounting apparatus can be intrusive by not allowing other tasks to
be performed at the same location. Often, kitchen workers have a
limited space in which to perform their tasks. A permanently
mounted tool or tool mounting apparatus would likely be an
encumbrance. Second, the tool cannot easily be removed to
facilitate cleaning and proper sanitation that is required on a
regular basis to comply with industry (cleanliness) standards. Due
to its permanent mounting, the tool or mounting apparatus will
accumulate bacteria on the work surface that cannot be effectively
cleaned. Recent studies done by food service cleaning and
maintenance product companies indicate that permanently mounted
tools and associated mounting hardware have the highest level of
contamination of any item in the locations surveyed.
[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide an apparatus for
temporarily mounting tools or other objects to a planar surface
that is sturdy, able to withstand high levels or torque and other
forces applied to the apparatus from the tool and that can easily
be removed from its present location on the planar surface and
remounted elsewhere to allow for proper cleaning around the tool
area, better utilization of space, and the ability to continue
using the tool while the previous mounting location is being
used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention advantageously provides an apparatus
that allows for the temporary mounting of tools upon a table or
counter in order to avoid the need to permanently affix tools such
as vegetable slicers and the like onto the table or counter, which
may lead to unsanitary conditions and which may limit optimal usage
of the table and surrounding area.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for securing a tool to a planar surface is provided. The
apparatus comprises a planar surface securing plate having a first
member and a second member substantially perpendicular to the first
member, wherein the first member has an upper surface and a lower
surface opposite the upper surface. The lower surface further
comprises temporary planar surface affixing means such as, for
example, one or more suction cups linearly disposed upon the lower
surface of the first member. The second member terminates in an
arcuate member adapted to engage a downwardly extending edge of the
planar surface.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
apparatus for securing a tool to a planar surface comprises a
planar surface securing plate having a first member and a second
member substantially perpendicular to the first member. The first
member includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the
upper surface wherein the lower surface further comprises temporary
planar surface affixing means such as, for example, one or more
suction cups linearly disposed upon the lower surface of the first
member. The second member terminates in an arcuate member adapted
to engage a downwardly extending edge of the planar surface. A
tool-securing track is also provided. The securing track is affixed
to the upper surface of the first member of the planar surface
securing plate, and is adapted to receive and secure the base of
the tool.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for temporarily securing a tool to a table is provided
and comprises a plate member having a first component comprising an
upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface,
wherein the lower surface includes at least one suction cup to
couple the plate member to the top of the table, and a second
component substantially perpendicular to the first component,
wherein the second component terminates in an upwardly-extending
concave lip thereby defining a channel. The channel is adaptable to
receive and engage a downward extending table edge. A tool-securing
track is also provided. The tool-securing track is affixed to the
upper surface of the first component of the plate member and
receives the base portion of the tool, securing it therein.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for temporarily securing a tool to a table is provided comprising a
mounting board having an upper surface and a lower surface. The
lower surface of the mounting board includes one or more suction
cups or other temporary affixing devices. A tool-securing track is
affixed to the upper surface of the mounting board for receiving
and securing the tool.
[0013] According to still another aspect of the invention, a method
of temporarily securing a tool to a planar surface is provided. The
method comprises the step of removably affixing a securing plate to
the planar surface. The securing plate is comprised of a first
member and a second member substantially perpendicular to the first
member. The first member has an upper surface and a lower surface
opposite the upper surface, wherein the lower surface further
comprises temporary planar surface affixing means and the second
member terminates in an arcuate member adapted to engage a
downwardly extending edge of the planar surface. The tool is then
placed directly upon the upper surface of the first member. The
method may further comprise affixing a tool-securing track to the
upper surface of the first member of the planar surface-securing
plate, and inserting the base of the tool within the tool-securing
track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tool securing apparatus
of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool securing apparatus
of the present invention with a cutting tool mounted on the tool
securing track;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the tool securing apparatus of the
present invention secured to the top of a planar surface via
suction cups affixed to the underside of the plate;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the tool securing
apparatus of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tool securing apparatus
illustrating the planar surface securing means extending from the
underside of the plate;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates the alternate embodiment of the present
invention in use;
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8I illustrate the tool securing apparatus of the
present invention adapting to differently shaped table edges;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the tool
securing apparatus of the present invention incorporating a
mounting board; and
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates the alternate embodiment of the present
invention with a cutting tool mounted on the tool securing
track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention is a tool securing apparatus that
conveniently allows a tool such as a vegetable slicer commonly used
at eating establishments to be temporarily mounted and secured on a
planar surface such as a table or a counter, and then, if desired,
removed and relocated to temporarily mount the tool at a different
location, or at the same location after the location has been
cleaned. Use of the present invention advantageously facilitates
work space clean-up to prevent the unsanitary buildup of bacteria,
which may accumulate under or around a cutting tool when the tool
is permanently mounted to the table or to a tool-mounting apparatus
and optimizes the use of table space, which is of extreme
importance in areas of limited space such as kitchens in eating
establishments.
[0026] Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference
designations refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a
tool securing apparatus constructed in accordance with the
principle of the present invention designated generally as 10. Tool
securing apparatus 10 is comprised of a first member 12 and a
second member 14 extending therefrom. The second member 14 is
substantially perpendicular to the first member 12. Apparatus 10 is
comprised of a sturdy yet pliable material, preferably metal or a
high strength polymer, which can be sufficiently shaped in a
variety of configurations in order to adapt to various table and
table edge shapes and dimensions. Members 12 and 14 are preferably
formed from one piece of material. In the preferred embodiment, a
piece of metal is bent at a predetermined angle to form both
members. In an alternate embodiment, first member 12 is hingedly
coupled to second member 14. In this example, each member may also
be comprised of metal or may be comprised of different material. A
hinge or other coupling device may be used to connect the members
while allowing each member to be adjusted at a specific angle in
order to accommodate different table edge configurations (to be
discussed below).
[0027] Upon the upper surface of first member 12 is a tool-securing
track 16 secured thereto. Track 16 may be secured to member 12 via
one or more bolts 18. Screws, nails or any commonly used securing
devices may also be used. Track 16 is preferably comprised of a
pair of horizontal rails 20 shaped to defining a channel 22 within
each rail. Channels 22 receive the base 30 of a tool 26 such as a
vegetable slicer, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] It is noted that the track 16 is an exemplary tool-mounting
apparatus, and one of many that may be used with the present
invention. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art
would understand that other tool-mounting devices may be mounted on
apparatus 10. By mounting tool-mounting apparatus 16 upon apparatus
10 instead of directly upon the table, the present invention avoids
the necessity of permanently mounting the track onto the table,
which prevents the moving of the apparatus and tool to another
location on the table, leading to the possibility of unsanitary
conditions due to food and bacteria buildup.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1, a series of suction cups 24 are
disposed along the bottom surface of member 12. Although the
preferred method of temporarily affixing apparatus 10 to a planar
surface such as a table is via one or more suction cups 24, other
well-known temporary affixing means may be used, such as hook and
loop fasteners (VELCRO.RTM.), adhesive material that allows for the
later removal of apparatus 10, and other well-known temporary
affixing means. Suction cups 24 allow for apparatus 10 to be
securely yet removably fastened to a planar surface. Cups 24 may be
affixed to the bottom surface of member 12 in a variety of ways.
For example, screws 36 may be used to fasten suction cups 24
directly to member 12. Instead of screws, suction cups 24 may have
adhesive directly on their non-bonding side, to enable them to
adhere directly to the bottom of member 12. Further, an adhesive or
bonding "mat" of suction cups, may be affixed to the bottom surface
of member 12. Adhesive or bonding material such as glue may be used
to attach the side of the mat without the suction cups to the
bottom surface of member 12, while the opposing surface of the mat
containing one or more suction cups are exposed to and attached to
the planar surface. The invention is not limited to how the suction
cups adhere to member 12.
[0030] Suction cups 24 prevent apparatus 10 from lifting off of the
planar surface due to the vertical forces imposed by tool 26 when
in use. However, cups 24 do not provide a permanent attachment to
the table and after the tool 26 has been used, apparatus 10 may
easily be moved from its present location by simply grasping member
12 and lifting upwards to release suction cups 24 from their
attachment to the planar surface.
[0031] In its preferred embodiment, the present invention
contemplates use of one or more suction cups 24 in a variety of
positions along the underside of member 12. Implementing a large
member 12 to hold a large tool may require more and/or larger
suction cups 24 than would a member 12 used to hold a smaller,
lighter tool. The orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, for example,
is just an example of the suction cup layout. Once again, the
present invention contemplates various types of temporary affixing
devices other than suction cups.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates apparatus 10 in use with a vegetable
slicer 26 commonly used in restaurants. Please note that apparatus
10 may be used with a wide range of tools, for example, cutting
tools as well as non-cutting tools. Can-openers, vegetable slicers,
and food processors are just a few examples. Further, apparatus 10
may be used to secure not only the tool but also to secure
accessories to the tool itself. Therefore, use of the word "tool"
in this application will also be deemed to include "tool
accessories", that is, parts that are used in conjunction with the
tool itself. FIG. 2 shows the tool being secured to be, as an
example, a vegetable slicer 26. Slicer 26 is used to slice various
vegetables so that they may be used on certain dishes. The rotation
of the handle 28 tends to impart both transverse (vertical) and
lateral (horizontal) forces upon apparatus 10. As described above,
suction cups 24 prevent apparatus 10 from lifting up during use of
tool 26. The base 30 of tool 26 is maintained within channels 22
during the use of the tool.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side view of apparatus 10 temporarily secured
upon a table 32. Second member 14 of apparatus 10 can be seen in
its preferred shape. Member 14 is arranged to extend and curl under
the edge of the planar surface or table. A typical table or
countertop includes an edge or lip 40 having a thickness A. Member
14 terminates in a C-shaped member 15 that serves to hook
underneath and around the table edge 40. Therefore, in addition to
suction cups 24, which also arrest vertical lifting of the
apparatus, C-shaped member 15 of second member 14 prevents
apparatus 10 from moving forward or backward laterally across table
32 due to the horizontal component of the force exerted by the user
through tool 26 during use. To further prevent unwanted lateral
motion of apparatus 10, a set screw, nail, bolt or other locking
device (not shown) can be inserted through member 14 and table edge
40. Therefore, apparatus 10 includes both vertical securing
components such as suction cups 24 and lateral securing means
components such as C-shaped member 15 to prevent unwanted vertical
and lateral motion, respectively, of apparatus 10.
[0034] Member 14 is of sufficient dimensions to account for the
length of the table edge 40 as illustrated in FIG. 3. A wider table
edge 40 having a wider dimension B, would call for a wider member
15. Because a table typically has uniform edge dimensions around
its perimeter, i.e. uniform table edge length 40, apparatus 10 may
be constructed with a member 14 having a length equal to the length
of the downward extending table edge 40 plus enough material to
wrap around the lower end of lip 40 in order to prevent apparatus
10 from moving laterally along table 32 during use of tool 26. This
material length is equal to the sum of horizontal extension member
15 and vertical extension member 17 and may vary due to other
factors such as length of member 12, the weight, dimensions and
power of tool 26 and track 16, as well as the overall strength of
the material comprising apparatus 10.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an exploded, side view of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Bolts 38 may be used secure track 16 to
member 12 of apparatus 10. It is contemplated that track 16 may be
placed at any location along member 12. This depends upon the size
of tool 26 and the overall length of first member 12 and second
member 14. Suction cups 24 or any other contemplated temporary
affixing devices may also be disposed at various places along the
underside of member 12. As noted above, the number and location of
temporary table affixing devices are related to the effectiveness
of apparatus 10 in counteracting the vertical forces exhibited by
tool 26. The width of C-shaped member 15 may vary depending upon
the thickness A of the table edge.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows the underside surface of apparatus 10 and in
particular, first member 12. Six suction cups 24 are arrayed along
the outer region of member 12 in order to provide uniform mounting
upon table 32. Bolts 38 may include screws, nails or any other
securing device to secure track 16 to member 12.
[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternate embodiment of the present
invention and illustrate the adaptability of apparatus 10. Here, a
sleeve 42 is affixed to the second member 14 of apparatus 10.
Sleeve 42 may be made of the same material as members 12 and 14 or
of different material. Sleeve 42 is sized to hold a portion or
accessory of the tool that is either mounted upon track 16 or is
resting directly upon first member 12. For example, sleeve 42 may
hold a can opener shaft, of the kind shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, a
can opener 48 is used in conjunction with apparatus 10. Can opener
shaft 46 is inserted within sleeve 42 and optionally secured
therein via set screws or other locking devices (not shown). Can 44
is placed directly on member 12. The can opener, now secured within
sleeve 42, can be used to open can 44. Note that in this embodiment
there is no need for track 16 as the tool shaft 46 may be mounted
within the sleeve 42 and the can to be opened simply placed
directly on apparatus 10. The handle of the can opening device can
then be lowered to engage the can lid and insert the blade into the
can, and turned to open the top of the can. Apparatus 10 allows for
the use of a variety of different types of tools without the need
to permanently mount the tool upon the table.
[0038] The can opener depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 is just an
exemplary tool that may be used with the present invention. Sleeve
42 need not be of the rectangular shape shown in the figures, but
may instead be of varying shapes and dimensions to accommodate
different tool shafts or tool parts. If it is desired to move the
tool and apparatus 10 after use either to clean the area and
re-mount the apparatus, or to move the apparatus to a different
location to optimize space on the table, one simply removes the
tool shaft 46 from within sleeve 42, grasps first member 12 either
from underneath the plate or on the side of the plate, which
releases cups 24 from table 32, and releases C-shaped member 15
from the table edge.
[0039] FIGS. 8A through 8I illustrate various table edges 40.
Second member 14 of apparatus 10 can be adapted to extend under and
around edge 40, depending on the shape and dimensions of the table
edge. For example, in FIG. 8A, a curved, concave table edge 40 can
be seen. Second member 14 can be sized to extend well below edge
40. C-shaped member 15 is also sized to extend beyond the radius of
curved edge 40 to allow wrap-around member 17 to extend upwards
toward table 32, but clear of edge 40. Wrap-around member 17
therefore prevents apparatus 10 from pulling laterally off of table
32, since any lateral force upon member 17 will force it to abut
against edge 40, thereby preventing any further lateral movement
and preventing apparatus 10 from moving any further. The other
FIGS., 8B through 8I, illustrate various exemplary adaptations of
second member 14, C-shaped member 15 and vertical wrap-around
member 17 in order to accommodate different table edge shapes. In
each case, the shape and dimensions of second member 14 are altered
to accommodate different table edge shapes. Although, in the
preferred embodiment, second member 14 is substantially
perpendicular to first member 12, second member 14 may be angled in
such a manner as to adapt to different edge configurations.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a mounting board 52
is mounted to tool securing track 16. Suction cups 24 are mounted
to the underside of board 52, to prevent unwanted lifting of the
apparatus 10 when the tool is in use. Mounting board 52 is
comprised of a sturdy material such as HDPE (High Density
Polyethylene) or other materials that have excellent rigidity,
resistance to stress, and high impact strength. Preferably, board
52 has a coating on its upper and lower surfaces that prevents
mildew and bacteria buildup. Microban.RTM. is one type of
antimicrobial coating. Although other similar coatings may be used.
FIG. 9 shows suction cups 24 arranged about the outer corners of
the underside of board 52. However, cups 24 may be arranged in any
practical configuration and may be of varying sizes. Preferably, in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, suction cups having a larger
circumference are used. Because of the absence of a downwardly
extending second member 14 as shown in FIG. 1, larger suction cups
are needed to provide a more secure attachment to the top of table
32 and prevent unwanted motion during use of the cutting tool. In a
further embodiment, a downward extension member, similar to the one
shown in FIG. 1 may be affixed to the edge of board 52 and secured
to the lip of the table to further prevent unwanted lateral motion
of apparatus 10.
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 with a
cutting tool 26 now secured within securing track 16. Securing
track 16 is mounted to mounting board 52 via a plurality of
securing devices 18 (shown in FIG. 9), which could be screws, bolts
or the like. Likewise, suction cups 24 are mounted to board 52 via
securing screws 36. Again, these could be screws, bolts or any
comparable mounting device.
[0042] Mounting board 52 serves several purposes. First, it
provides a sturdy mount for the cutting tool 26. Board 52 is longer
and wider than first member 12 and therefore provides a more sturdy
support for the user. Secondly, the wider area allows more space
for additional suction cups and/or larger suction cups. Perhaps the
most important feature of mounting board 52 is its ability to
prevent bacteria and mildew from accumulating on or near the base
30 of cutting tool 26. The Microban.RTM. surface of board 52
further prevents bacteria buildup. To avoid the buildup of
bacteria, the entire device 10 can be easily moved by lifting board
52, to which cutting tool 26 is attached via track 16, releasing
the seal of the suction cups 24, cleaning off the surface area of
board 52, track 16 and base 30 of tool 26, and simply relocating it
to a different, cleaner part of the table. In this fashion, the
user can be assured of using the cutting tool in a clean location,
free from bacteria.
[0043] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *