U.S. patent application number 12/433666 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for portable bimodal tile saw.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert W. WISE. Invention is credited to Robert WISE.
Application Number | 20090211419 12/433666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38288132 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090211419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WISE; Robert |
August 27, 2009 |
PORTABLE BIMODAL TILE SAW
Abstract
A bimodal tile saw includes a tray supported on a base extending
in a first direction and a water-cooled saw unit suspended from a
telescoping arm. Both the tray and the saw unit move relative to
the base along the first direction. In a first mode, the saw unit
is fixed and the substrate is fed to the saw unit by advancing the
tray. In a second mode, the table is fixed and the telescoping arm
is advanced using ergonomic handles to bring the blade into contact
with the substrate. A laser cutting guide casts a precise beam
across the work piece for accurate cutting. An integrated
handtruck, having a handle and folding legs actuated by gas pistons
allows easy transport and setup of the tile saw. During use, a
retractable foot elevates the wheels off of the ground. Water
shields protect the saw unit's motor and external environment.
Inventors: |
WISE; Robert; (Petaluma,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLENN PATENT GROUP
3475 EDISON WAY, SUITE L
MENLO PARK
CA
94025
US
|
Assignee: |
WISE; Robert W.
Petaluma
CA
|
Family ID: |
38288132 |
Appl. No.: |
12/433666 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11622427 |
Jan 11, 2007 |
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12433666 |
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60758805 |
Jan 13, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
83/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B28D 1/044 20130101;
Y10T 83/293 20150401; Y10T 83/263 20150401; B23D 57/0092 20130101;
B28D 1/047 20130101; B28D 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
83/169 |
International
Class: |
B26D 7/08 20060101
B26D007/08 |
Claims
1. A method of using an apparatus for cutting ceramic material that
includes a saw unit suspended from and freely moveable along a
first guide member incorporated within a telescoping arm and a
surface for supporting a portion of said ceramic material to be
cut, wherein at least a part of said supporting surface is freely
moveable along a second guide member, comprising the steps of:
fixing said saw unit into a stationary position along said first
guide member; advancing said supporting surface along said second
guide member toward a cutting element of said saw unit until said
portion of ceramic material contacts said cutting element, wherein
said portion of ceramic material is cut by said cutting element;
and delivering coolant to said cutting element from a coolant
reservoir by means of at least one coolant line.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising any of the steps of:
transporting said apparatus to and from job sites by means of a
folding handtruck integrated with a sub-frame of said apparatus,
wherein deployment and collapse of said hand-truck is hydraulic
assisted; maneuvering said apparatus with said integrated handtruck
using at least one handle continuous with said sub-frame and at
least one pair of wheels attached to said sub-frame; and storing
said apparatus in a vertical position, wherein at one of said at
least one handles is operative to support said apparatus with said
integrated handtruck in said vertical position.
3. A method of using an apparatus for cutting ceramic material that
includes a saw unit suspended from and freely moveable along a
first guide member integrated within a telescoping arm and a
surface for supporting a portion of said ceramic material to be
cut, wherein at least a part of said supporting surface is freely
moveable along a second guide member, comprising the steps of:
fixing said supporting surface into a stationary position along
said second guide member; advancing said saw unit along said first
guide member toward said supporting surface until a cutting element
of said saw unit contacts said portion of ceramic material, wherein
said portion of ceramic material is cut by said cutting element;
and delivering coolant to said cutting element from a coolant
reservoir by means of at least one coolant line.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising any of the steps of:
transporting said apparatus to and from job sites by means of a
folding handtruck integrated with a sub-frame of said apparatus,
wherein deployment and collapse of said hand-truck is hydraulic
assisted; maneuvering said apparatus with said integrated handtruck
using at least one handle continuous with said sub-frame and at
least one pair of wheels attached to said sub-frame; and storing
said apparatus in a vertical position, wherein at one of said at
least one handles is operative to support said apparatus with said
integrated handtruck in said vertical position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/622,427, filed Jan. 11, 2007, the entirety
of which is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention generally relates to tools for cutting stone,
masonry and ceramic tile. More particularly the invention relates
to a portable, bimodal tile saw.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Power saws for cutting tile and ceramics have been known for
some time. The prior art provides many examples of tile saws which
are operated by securing the work piece on a movable table. The
table and the secured work piece are then advanced toward the
blade. A recognized disadvantage to this arrangement was that it
was unsuitable for making precision cuts in large pieces.
[0006] A proposed remedy for this disadvantage was a tile saw that
resembled a table saw for wood, providing a planar surface for
supporting the tile. A saw protruded from the planar surface,
allowing large pieces of tile to be cut in a single pass. While
this approach allowed large pieces of tile to be cut, it posed a
safety hazard for the operator due to the proximity of the
operator's hands to the moving blade while the substrate was being
cut.
[0007] Tile saws wherein the saw unit is mounted on an arm that
extends over the supporting table are also known. In some cases,
the arm extends over the supporting table from one end. In other
cases, the arm extends over the supporting table from the side. The
table and the substrate are then advanced toward the saw blade in
order to cut the substrate. However, the presence of a fixed arm
places a limit on the size and shape of tiles that can be cut using
such devices.
[0008] Tile saws having arms that could be switched from one fixed
position to another are also known. The ability to change the
position of the arm does make it easier to cut large pieces,
however, during operation, the arm is fixed. Thus, in order to
change the position of the arm and the saw unit, the operator must
stop work in order to change position of the arm and then secure
the arm before starting work again.
[0009] A tile saw wherein the saw unit is mounted on a movable,
unshaped arm is known. The arm is mounted on a pair of tracks and
can be moved relative to the supporting table during operation.
Additionally, the arm can remain stationary and the table moved
toward the saw unit. However, because the entire arm unit must be
moved in order to advance the saw unit, the presence of the arm has
the potential to limit the size of the substrate being cut.
Additionally, providing and maintaining the moveable arm assembly
adds considerably to manufacturing and repair costs for such a
device.
[0010] Portable tile saws are known within the art. The portability
of such devices owes to their being relatively compact. However, in
fact, such devices can only be deployed to a job site with
difficulty. Although they are somewhat compact, ordinarily, they
need to be carried by at least two people because of their weight
and bulkiness. If such a tile saw needs to be carried over long
distance or over difficult terrain, the difficulty of transporting
and deploying the saw becomes even more difficult.
[0011] Their therefore exists a need in the art for an apparatus
that can readily make precision cuts in even large pieces of tile.
Additionally, there is a need for such apparatus that can be easily
transported and set up, and that can be easily stowed in between
uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A bimodal tile saw includes a tray supported on a base
extending in a first direction and a water-cooled saw unit
suspended from a telescoping arm. Both the tray and the saw unit
move relative to the base along the first direction. In a first
mode, the saw unit is fixed and the substrate is fed to the saw
unit by advancing the tray. In a second mode, the table is fixed
and the telescoping arm is advanced using ergonomic handles to
bring the blade into contact with the substrate. A laser cutting
guide casts a precise beam across the work piece for accurate
cutting. An integrated handtruck, having a handle and folding legs
actuated by gas pistons allows easy transport and setup of the tile
saw. During use, a retractable foot elevates the wheels off of the
ground. Water shields protect the saw unit's motor and external
environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a portable, bimodal tile saw set
up to be used in sliding table mode;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a portable, bimodal tile saw
tile saw set up to be used in sliding saw mode;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a front elevation of portable, bimodal tile saw
set up for use;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a control panel on the
bimodal portable, bimodal tile saw of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of a portable, bimodal tile
saw;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a roller tray and track
assembly in a portable, bimodal tile saw;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a rear elevation of a portable, bimodal tile
saw set up for use;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a handtruck assembly in a
portable, bimodal tile saw;
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 8 in
its entirety;
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a view of a portable bimodal tile saw
configured for transport; and
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a view of a portable bimodal tile saw
collapsed for storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] A bimodal tile saw includes a tray supported on a base
extending in a first direction and a water-cooled saw unit
suspended from a telescoping arm. Both the tray and the saw unit
move relative to the base along the first direction. In a first
mode, the saw unit is fixed and the substrate is fed to the saw
unit by advancing the tray. In a second mode, the table is fixed
and the telescoping arm is advanced using ergonomic handles to
bring the blade into contact with the substrate. A laser cutting
guide casts a precise beam across the work piece for accurate
cutting. An integrated handtruck, having a handle and folding legs
actuated by gas pistons allows easy transport and setup of the tile
saw. During use, a retractable foot elevates the wheels off of the
ground. Water shields protect the saw unit's motor and external
environment.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a view 100 of a portable,
bimodal tile saw set up to be used in sliding tray mode. A housing
101 is securely affixed to a sub-frame 125. The sub-frame itself is
formed from a pair of members 124a and 124b attached to each other
by means of a cross brace 115, resulting in a substantially
rectangular sub-frame 125. In one embodiment, the cross brace 115
and the two members are preferably welded together. In other
embodiments that separate elements of the sub-frame are securely
screwed or bolted together using commonly-known hardware elements.
Additionally, the sub-frame, at the end opposite the cross brace
115 terminates in a handle 102 for transporting and lifting the
tile saw. When the tile saw is stowed between uses the handle
serves as a foot for the wheeled base of the tile saw, which is
described infra.
[0026] In one embodiment, the housing 101 is permanently affixed to
the sub-frame by welding the two elements. In another embodiment,
the housing 101 is securely but removeably attached to the
sub-frame using conventional fasteners such as screws and/or bolts.
In one embodiment, the rear surface 103 of the housing 101 is
solid, in order to shield walls and floors of the surrounding
environment from splashing and spraying of liquid used to cool the
saw blade 118. Additionally, the remaining portions of the housing
are shaped and configured to contain splashed and sprayed coolant
in order to protect surfaces at the job site such as walls, floors
and ceilings, encouraging the coolant to drain back into the
coolant reservoir as described within.
[0027] The housing 101 also includes an integral arm 122 that
extends over the slide tray 113. In one embodiment, the housing 101
is die-cast, preferably from a metal substrate such as aluminum or
stainless steel. In another embodiment, the housing is
injection-molded from a resin of sufficient durability to provide a
safe, durable enclosure for the saw unit 121 suspended from the arm
122 within the housing 101.
[0028] The saw unit 121 is suspended within the housing 121 on a
track mechanism that extends from the rear portion of the housing
101 toward the terminal portion of the arm 122. The track from
which the saw unit 121 is suspended is configured such that the saw
unit 121 is freely moveable along the track in either direction by
an operator using the handles 126. Parts and systems for allowing
an element suspended from a track to be freely moved along the
track are commonly known.
[0029] The arm 122 includes a second stage 123 that retracts into
the housing 101, as in FIG. 1. However, when the operator pulls the
saw unit 121 beyond the fixed end of the arm 122, the second stage
is withdrawn from the housing 121, potentially telescoping full
length to position `C,` as shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] In the `sliding tray` mode of operation, the saw unit is
advanced to, for example position `A` and securely fastened into
place. In one embodiment, securing the saw unit 121 is accomplished
by means of a latch mechanism. In separate embodiments the latch
mechanism is either automatic or operator-actuated.
[0031] With the saw unit 121 fixed at position `A,` the work piece
is placed on a moveable slide tray 113. As explained within, the
moveable slide tray 113 is freely moveable by means of rollers in
direction 117 toward the blade 118 of the saw unit 121 and in the
reverse. Thus, in `sliding tray` mode, the work piece is cut by
bringing the work piece into contact with the stationary saw unit
121 using the moveable slide tray 113.
[0032] The saw unit 121 includes a motor-driven circular saw,
preferably an electric saw. The saw unit also includes a laser
cutting guide 119 which casts a precise beam across the work piece
for accurate cutting.
[0033] In one embodiment, the saw unit 121 accepts a 12'' circular
blade. However, such embodiment is exemplary. Other embodiments
using different size blades are possible and are within the scope
of the invention. Preferably, the saw blade 118 is a diamond blade.
However, other blade types suitable for cutting materials such as
ceramic tile, stone and masonry will occur to those of ordinary
skill and are within the scope of the invention.
[0034] The saw blade 118 is water-cooled by means of a coolant such
as water that is delivered from a reservoir using a conventional
pump. The use of a pump to deliver coolant from a reservoir to a
cutting implement is commonly known. A removable water tray 104
serves as a reservoir for cooling water delivered to the saw blade
118. Preferably, the water tray 104 is at least 3'' in depth. While
water is moved from the water tray 104 in the direction of the saw
blade 118 by means of a conventional water pump, advantageously,
the water is delivered directly to the saw blade by means of
separate water lines, each of which delivers water to a separate
side of the blade. Thus, the saw blade 118 is cooled by water
delivered to both sides of the blade 118. As will be explained
later, the sliding tray 113 is provided with a series of engineered
holes through which the coolant drains back into the tray 104,
conserving coolant and minimizing the amount splashing and
overspray on the operator and surfaces in the surrounding
environment.
[0035] Removeably attached to the sub-frame is an integrated
handtruck that lends the tile saw a high degree of mobility and
portability. Advantageously, the integrated handtruck collapses
readily, rendering the tile saw easily transportable and
storable.
[0036] The integrated handtruck includes a pair of vertical
supports 106 at opposing sides of sub-frame 125. The vertical
supports are preferably fastened together by means of a cross brace
105 toward their proximal ends. The proximal end of each vertical
support is configured with a member to be received by a vertical
support track 128 so that the vertical support 106 can slide freely
within the vertical support track 128. The vertical support track
128 is fixedly attached to an interior surface of the sub-frame
125.
[0037] The hand truck further includes a pair of fold-out legs 120
rotateably attached to the sub-frame 125. Each of the fold-out legs
is further attached to a first end of a gas-filled cylinder and
piston assembly 112. The second end of the gas-filled cylinder and
piston assembly 112 is attached to an interior surface of the
sub-frame 125.
[0038] The distal ends of each of the vertical supports 106 and the
fold-out legs 120 are configured with circular holes through which
an axle 127 is placed for a pair of wheels 107. The wheel assembly
will be described in greater detail below. The axle 127 also has
the effect of unifying the vertical supports and the legs into a
single structure. The wheels 107 are affixed to the axle by means
of a nut or other suitable hardware.
[0039] The handtruck includes another fold-down leg 114, equipped
with a resilient foot, attached at the rear of the sub-frame 125.
The handtruck further includes a pair of fold-down supports 108,
attached by crossbar 109, equipped with resilient feet 110.
[0040] The sub-frame 125 further includes a second handle 116 for
navigating the hand truck when it is collapsed, as shown in FIGS.
10 and 11.
[0041] The hydraulic effect contributed by the gas and piston
assemblies 112 allows the operator to deploy and stow the tile saw
very easily with a minimum of effort. For example, if the operator
wishes to set up the tile saw, starting from the positions shown in
FIG. 10 or 11, he simply flips the fold-down leg 114 down and lifts
the saw to working height, assisted by the hydraulic action of the
cylinder and piston assemblies 112. As the operator lifts, the legs
120 fold down and the vertical supports 107 slide forward in their
tracks 120 to drop down.
[0042] Advantageously, the fold-down supports 108 are operative to
raise the wheels 107 off of the supporting surface, thus lending
the tile saw exceptional stability during use.
[0043] When stowing the tile saw, as in FIGS. 10 and 11, the
hydraulic action of the cylinder and piston assemblies 112 resists
downward movement of the apparatus so that the legs and vertical
supports retract relatively slowly without the operator needing to
control their downward movement.
[0044] As the fold-down legs 120 traverse arc 111 in either
direction, the movement of the fold-down legs 120 causes the
vertical supports 106 to slide within their tracks 120 in one
direction or the other. As the fold-down legs 120 fold downward,
their movement causes the supports 106 to slide toward the distal
end of the tile saw. When the legs 120 fold up, their movement, in
turn, causes the vertical supports 106 to slide toward the
operator-facing end of the tile saw, causing the handtruck to
collapse, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, with the downward movement
of the tile saw being damped by the cylinder and piston assemblies
112.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 2, shown is a side view 200 of the file
saw in `sliding saw` mode. As shown here, the second stage 123 of
the arm 122 is in its fully telescoped position by the movement of
the saw unit 121. The saw unit itself is shown at rest in position
`B.` The arrow 203 indicates the potential range of motion of the
saw unit 121. Thus, in `sliding saw` mode, the operator can slide
the saw unit 121 along the arm 122 and its telescoping second stage
123 between position `B` and position `C,` wherein the second stage
123 of the arm 122 is fully telescoped. Thus, by keeping the work
piece stationary and sliding the saw unit along the telescoped arm,
the operator has the ability to cut much larger pieces of tile. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5 (504) an exemplary embodiment allows
cuts of up to 34'', which is the diagonal dimension of a 24''
square tile. Such dimension is given only for descriptive purposes.
Other dimensions, both larger and smaller than the exemplary
dimension are within the scope of the invention.
[0046] In addition to the sliding tray 113, FIG. 2 shows a back
stationary tray 120 inserted into the frame behind the sliding tray
113. The back stationary tray 120 is secured by fitting it into
holes in the tracks for the sliding tray 113. The back stationary
tray 120 is provided with finger pockets that facilitate insertion
and removal of the tray. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, both trays
feature a blade groove, also known as a kerf 118, down the center
and counter-sunk drainage holes. In one embodiment, the drainage
holes have a diameter of about 3/16'' and are arranged in a grid
pattern. Other arrangements of drain holes are within the scope of
the invention.
[0047] It is to be appreciated that insertion of the second tray
120 has the effect of immobilizing the sliding tray 113 to provide
a continuous support surface for the larger pieces of substrate
that the tile saw can handle in `sliding saw` mode. It is also
possible to omit the second tray so that both the tray 113 and the
saw unit 121 slide relative to each other.
[0048] In one embodiment the entire tile saw and integrated
handtruck are canted forward approximately 5.degree. to lend the
apparatus greater stability when it is set up.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, shown is an elevation of the
operator-facing end of the tile saw, set up and ready for use. FIG.
3 provides an alternate view of the fold-down legs 120, the
vertical supports 106, the cross braces 105, 109, the fold-down
supports 108, the resilient feet 110 and the axle and wheels, 127
and 107 respectively. In one embodiment, the wheels 107 are
semi-pneumatic to enhance maneuverability and mobility over a
variety of terrain. Preferably, the wheels are approximately 12''
in diameter to facilitate transport of the tile saw across
relatively uneven terrain.
[0050] The handles 126 are preferably stainless steel to increase
durability and provide ease of maintenance.
[0051] The saw blade 118 is provided with water guards 302 on
either side, to shield the saw motor, the surrounding environment
and the operator from splashing water.
[0052] The tile saw is also provided with one or more sweeps that
squeegee coolant from the surface of the material being cut back
into the coolant reservoir. One embodiment provides one or more
rubber sweeps. Sweeps made from elastomers other than rubber are
also within the scope of the invention. The sweeps are positioned
such that they can scrape coolant from the surface of the material
being cut in either `sliding tray` mode or `sliding saw mode.` For
example, in `sliding tray` mode, a sweep attached to the housing
can scrape coolant from the surface of the material being cut into
the coolant reservoir. In `sliding saw` mode, a sweep attached to
the saw unit itself can scrape coolant from the surface of the
material being cut.
[0053] A control panel 301 is shown in greater detail in FIG.
4.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view 400 of the control panel 301
for the tile saw. In one embodiment, the power switch 403 is an
`ON/OFF` rocker switch. A display element 402 displays the blade
angle. `INCR/DECR` controls 403 allow the operator to change the
blade angle.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a top plan view 500 of a bimodal tile saw that
shows the housing 101 that includes the rear panel 103 and the arm
122. Projecting from the arm 122 is the telescoping second stage
123 of the arm 122. At the end of the second stage 123 is the
on/off switch 403. To illustrate the capability of the tile saw, a
24'' square tile 502 is shown in dotted lines diagonally
superimposed on the tile saw. Thus, in sliding saw mode, an
embodiment of the tile saw is capable of making a continuous cut of
34'', the diagonal dimension of a 24'' tile. The foregoing tile
dimensions and cut lengths are provided for descriptive purposes.
Other tile sizes and cut lengths are within the scope of the
invention.
[0056] FIG. 5 also shows the front slide tray 113 and the rear tray
201 in place. As explained in greater detail with respect to FIGS.
6 and 8, the front sliding tray can slide on rollers in guides
fastened to the sides of the water tray 104 when the back tray 201
is removed. A flange 505 along the sides of the water tray 104
provides the surface upon which the guides are attached, as shown
in greater detail in FIG. 6. Also shown in greater detail in FIG.
6, the water tray is preferably provided with u-shaped channels 501
that allow the water tray assembly to slide into place on the
sub-frame 125. As previously mentioned both trays 113, 201 are
provided with drainage holes, preferably countersunk, preferably
arranged in a grid pattern 503. Both trays are provided with a
centrally-positioned kerf 504 to permit free rotation of the saw
blade 118.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a detailed cutaway view of
a roller tray and track assembly in a bimodal tile saw. As
previously described, the water tray 104 includes a flange 505 upon
which an extruded roller guide 606 is attached. Along the flange
505 are a plurality of perforations. Inserted within each
perforation is a fastening element 604 such as a self-clinching nut
for attaching the roller guide 606 to the flange 505. The roller
guide 606 is provided with perforations corresponding to the
perforations in the flange 505. A faster such as a screw 605 is
inserted into each perforation in the roller guide 606, which
fastener is then received by the fastening element 604 to attach
roller guide 606 to flange 505. In one embodiment, a non-slip
surface 603 such as a rubber mat is laid over the flange 505 with
the attached roller guide 606. Thus, the guides are securely but
removeably fastened into place so that the slide tray is guided
parallel to the blade.
[0058] The slide tray 113 has attached to each side a plurality of
roller elements 602 fabricated from a resilient material such as
rubber or other resilient polymer. Attachment of the roller
elements 602 to the tray 113 is by means of a fastener 601 such as
a stove bolt or a rivet. In one embodiment, the roller tray 113 and
the rear tray 201 are fashioned from a cast metal, for example,
cast aluminum. The rear tray 201 actually locks the slide tray 113
into position, simply clipping into place, so that the saw can be
used in `sliding saw` mode, instead of `sliding tray` mode.
[0059] The rollers 602 rest in the guide 606 allowing the roller
tray 113 to be freely moved in either direction within the guide
606. FIG. 6 shows the counter-sunk drain holes 503 and the saw
blade 118 fitting within the saw blade kerf 504. U-shaped channels
501 allow the tray assembly to be slid into place upon the
sub-frame 125. Additionally, the guide 606 is provided with drain
holes that allow coolant to readily drain back into the water pan
104.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows a rear elevation of a portable, bimodal tile
saw set up for use. The sub-frame 125 terminates in a handle 102
for transporting the tile saw. The rear panel 103 of the housing
101 protects the external environment from coolant being sprayed by
the rotation of the blade 118.
[0061] FIG. 7 also provides an alternate view of the fold-down legs
120, the vertical supports 106, the cross braces 105, 109, the
fold-down supports 108, the resilient feet 110 and the axle and
wheels, 127 and 107 respectively.
[0062] FIG. 8 shows a detailed rear elevation 800 of a collapsed
handtruck assembly in a bimodal tile saw. While the water tray 104
is ordinarily removed from the sub-frame 125 for transport and
storage, the tile saw can also be used with the handtruck in its
collapsed position, in which case the water tray 104 is slid into
position upon the sub-frame 125. The wheel 107 is fastened to the
axle 127 and the sub-frame 125 by means of, for example, a nut 802
and one or more washers 803. Bumpers 801 prevent the various metal
parts of the handtruck from contacting each other when the
handtruck is collapsed, either for use or for transport or storage,
as in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0063] A vertical support track 128 is secured to an inner surface
of the sub-frame125. The vertical support track 128 is fastened to
the sub-frame 125 by means of, for example, screws or rivets. An
end of a vertical support 106 is provided with an opening that
receives a length of metal dowel 805, which is welded into place so
that a first end is flush with the medial surface of the support
106 and the opposing end protrudes from the lateral surface of the
support 106. The protruding end of the dowel 804 is fitted with a
bushing 804 that acts as a bearing between the dowel 804 and the
inner surface of the vertical support track 128. Thus, the vertical
support 106 is able to move freely back and forth within the
vertical support track 128.
[0064] A first end of a gas-filled piston assembly 112 is attached
to an inner surface of the sub-frame 125. The opposing end of the
gas-filled piston assembly is attached to the fold-down leg 120, as
shown in FIG. 1. As previously described, the hydraulic assist
provided by the gas-filled piston reduces the effort required from
the operator to set up and collapse the handtruck.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows a complete rear elevation 900 of the assembly
shown in FIG. 8. It is to be appreciated that the assemblies on
right and left sides of the handtruck are mirror images of each
other.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows the tile saw configured for transport. A
locking knuckle joint 1001 holds the fold-down leg 114 fixed in
either its deployed (FIG. 1) position or in its collapsed position.
The fold-down leg 114 is collapsed by releasing the locking knuckle
joint 1001 and folding the fold-down leg 114 into collapsed
position, wherein the knuckle joint locks the leg into position.
The vertical supports 106 and the folding legs 120 are retracted
and the fold-down support 108 are also retracted. Generally, a
single operator, using the handle 116 to maneuver the tile saw, can
easily traverse most surfaces. Occasionally, if the terrain is
difficult, or if the tile saw needs to be carried, for example, up
a steep embankment, two people using both of handles 116 and 102
can carry the apparatus.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 11, the tile saw is readily stored in a
vertical position. The supports 108 and the handle 102 form a
vertical stand for the tile saw.
[0068] As previously mentioned, the tile saw can be used in its
collapsed position: a parallel position. In the parallel position,
the handtruck is fully collapsed and the tile saw rests on the
handle 116 and the wheels 107, parallel to the supporting
surface.
[0069] While the foregoing description has characterized the
invention as a tile saw, it is readily apparent that the invention
can be used for cutting other substrates besides ceramic tile, for
example, stone tile such as granite or marble. Additionally, the
invention can be used to cut flagstone or slate roofing. Moreover,
the invention can also be used to cut masonry such as bricks,
paving bricks and concrete blocks.
[0070] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof.
It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For
example, an embodiment of the tile saw incorporating a mechanical
cutting element has been described herein. However, other cutting
elements will occur to the ordinarily-skilled practitioner. For
example, an embodiment of the invention includes a saw unit that
uses electromagnetic energy, such as laser, as the cutting element.
The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in
an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.
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