U.S. patent application number 13/089921 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for portable saw table assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Clyde G. Allen, Michael C. Clark, J. Richard Logan.
Application Number | 20110254213 13/089921 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29587080 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110254213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Logan; J. Richard ; et
al. |
October 20, 2011 |
PORTABLE SAW TABLE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for
cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles
thereto. The assembly includes a first and a second table rail
being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending
between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is moveably
supported by the first and the second table rails for moving
longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal and the
distal ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported by the saw
rails to allow movement of the mounting plate laterally along the
saw rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A
saw plate is rotatably supported by the mounting plate for carrying
a saw to cut the material. A guide bar is disposed diagonally
relative to the first and the second table rails and engages the
saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally in response to
simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally and the
mounting plate laterally.
Inventors: |
Logan; J. Richard; (Oxford,
MI) ; Allen; Clyde G.; (Columbiaville, MI) ;
Clark; Michael C.; (Columbiaville, MI) |
Assignee: |
TAPCO INTERNATIONAL
CORPORATION
Wixom
MI
|
Family ID: |
29587080 |
Appl. No.: |
13/089921 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
12498873 |
Jul 7, 2009 |
7926397 |
|
|
13089921 |
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|
10448679 |
May 30, 2003 |
7555976 |
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12498873 |
|
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|
60384298 |
May 30, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
269/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 83/7772 20150401;
Y10T 83/8763 20150401; Y10T 83/7627 20150401; B23D 47/025 20130101;
Y10T 83/857 20150401; Y10T 83/7697 20150401; Y10T 83/8773 20150401;
Y10T 83/7684 20150401; B23D 47/02 20130101; Y10T 83/762 20150401;
Y10T 83/8821 20150401; Y10T 83/95 20150401; Y10T 83/7688
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
269/293 |
International
Class: |
B23D 47/02 20060101
B23D047/02 |
Claims
1. A portable saw table assembly for cutting a material
longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto, said
assembly comprising: a first table rail and a second table rail
being spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal
end and a distal end; an angle rail extending between said first
and second table rails; a saw rail extending between said first and
second table rails for moveably supporting a saw laterally along
said saw rail between said first and second table rails, said saw
rail being moveably supported by said first and said second table
rails for moving longitudinally along said table rails between said
proximal and said distal ends; a guide bar disposed diagonally
relative to said first and said second table rails for guiding the
saw in response to simultaneous movement of the saw longitudinally
and laterally relative to said first and second table rails; and a
pair of bar locators moveably engageable with any one of said first
table rail, said second table rail, and said guide angle rail and
engageable with said guide bar to position said guide bar at
various angles relative to said first and second table rails.
2.-7. (canceled)
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising posts
extending upwardly from said bar locators for engaging and securing
said guide bar to said bar locator.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a locking
mechanism engaging each of said bar locators for locking the
position of said bar locators.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 further comprising angle
indicators on at least one of said first and said second table
rails, said saw rail, and said angle rail for positioning said bar
locators to achieve a desired angle of cut in the material.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said first
and said second table rails and said angle rail further include a
slot for receiving said bar locators.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a
lateral support extending between said first table rail and said
second table rail forming a table surface for supporting the
material to be cut.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first table
rail and said second table rail are further defined as being
pivotable relative to one another such that said table assembly is
foldable and portable.
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a pair
of central rails having proximal and distal ends and extending
parallel to and spaced from said first and said second table rails
for engaging said lateral supports to form said table surface.
15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a hinge
mechanism connecting said lateral supports to said central rails
for allowing said first and said second table rails to pivot about
said central rails.
16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15 further comprising a pair
of wheels engaging said central rails for moving said table
assembly when said first and said second table rails are pivoted
about said central rails.
17. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and said
second table rails are further defined as having a channel for
receiving said saw rail.
18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said saw rail is
further defined as a pair of saw rails.
19. An assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said pair of saw
rails are slideably received within said channel of said first and
said second table rails.
20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said pair of saw
rails are removeable from said channel of said first and said
second table rails.
21. An assembly as set forth in claim 25 further comprising a plate
clamp to clamp said mounting plate and to prevent lateral motion of
said mounting plate while moving said saw rail longitudinally.
22. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 further comprising a latch
mechanism to secure said saw plate at an angle and to prevent said
saw plate from rotating.
23. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said guide bar
further defines a groove for engaging said saw plate.
24. An assembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein said saw plate
further comprises a connector for engaging said groove of said
guide bar to move said saw plate diagonally.
25. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a
mounting plate moveably supported by said saw rail to move said
mounting plate laterally along said saw rail between said first
table rail and said second table rail.
26. An assembly as set forth in claim 25 further comprising a saw
plate rotatably supported by said mounting plate for carrying the
saw to cut the material.
27. A portable saw table assembly for cutting a material
longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto, said
assembly comprising: a first table rail and a second table rail
being spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal
end and a distal end; an angle rail extending between said first
and second table rails; a saw rail extending between said first and
second table rails for moveably supporting a saw laterally along
said saw rail between said first and second table rails, said saw
rail being moveably supported by said first and said second table
rails for moving longitudinally along said table rails between said
proximal and said distal ends; a guide bar disposed diagonally
relative to said first and said second table rails for guiding the
saw in response to simultaneous movement of the saw longitudinally
and laterally relative to said first and second table rails; a pair
of bar locators moveably engageable with any one of said first
table rail, said second table rail, and said guide angle rail and
engageable with said guide bar to position said guide bar at
various angles relative to said first and second table rails; posts
extending upwardly from said bar locators for engaging and securing
said guide bar to said bar locator; and a locking mechanism
engaging each of said bar locators for locking the position of said
bar locators.
28. An assembly as set forth in claim 27 further comprising a
mounting plate moveably supported by said saw rail to move said
mounting plate laterally along said saw rail between said first
table rail and said second table rail.
29. An assembly as set forth in claim 28 further comprising a saw
plate rotatably supported by said mounting plate for carrying the
saw to cut the material.
30. An assembly as set forth in claim 27 wherein each of said first
and said second table rails and said angle rail further include a
slot for receiving said bar locators.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/498,873 filed on Jul. 7, 2009, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,926,397, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/448,679 filed on May 30, 2003, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,555,976, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/384,298, which was filed on May 30,
2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject invention relates to a portable saw table
assembly for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at
various angles thereto.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various portable saw table assemblies for cutting a material
longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto are known
to those skilled in the art. The assemblies typically include a
first table rail and a second table rail being parallel and spaced
from each other and each extending between a proximal end and a
distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the first and the
second table rails for moving longitudinally along the table rails
between the proximal and the distal ends and a mounting plate is
moveably supported by the saw rail to move the mounting plate
between the first table rail and the second table rail. The
assemblies also include a saw plate rotatably supported by the
mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material. The saws are
typically attached to long arms that pivot to cut various angles
into the material.
[0006] One such assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,453 to
Parham, Jr. The '453 patent discloses a saw table assembly having a
table rail slideably receiving a first end of a saw carriage. The
other end of the saw carriage is rotatably fixed to the table
assembly to allow the saw carriage to pivot to cut a material at
various angles. When the saw carriage is pivoted, the first end
slides within the table rail. Bolts secure the first end to the
table rail to prevent the saw carriage from shifting while cutting
the material. Since the saw rails have to be long enough to extend
along the diagonal, the saw rails may flex when cutting the
material. The flexing of the saw rails produces inaccurate cuts in
the material. The saw rails also lose their rigidity causing the
saw to rock from side to side thereby producing inaccurate cuts.
Also, the saw rails project over the edges of the table making the
saw awkward to use.
[0007] Another assembly shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,399 to Olson
discloses a saw table assembly having a first and a second table
rails supporting a pair of saw rails. The saw rails support a saw
carriage for cutting a material. The saw rails are fixed to the
table rails to prevent longitudinal movement of the saw carriage.
The saw carriage moves laterally along the saw rails to cut the
material. The saw carriage is rotateable between a lateral position
and a longitudinal position to cut the material. Since the saw
rails are fixed to the table rails, in order to produce a
longitudinal cut, the '399 patent utilizes rollers mounted on the
second table rail such that the material moves longitudinally while
the saw remains fixed. The table assembly can only cut the material
longitudinally and laterally and not diagonally.
[0008] Yet another assembly shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,496 to
Payne et al. discloses a saw table assembly capable of cutting
material diagonally. The saw table assembly includes a first and a
second table rail moveably supporting a pair of saw rails. The saw
rails also moveably support a saw carriage for moving between the
table rails to cut the material laterally. The saw carriage
includes a saw plate that is rotateable for rotating a saw between
lateral and longitudinal. The saw rails connect to the table rails
with support plates, which can be positioned along the table rails
for cutting the material diagonally. To cut the material
diagonally, the support plates are positioned at their respective
positions and locked in place. This aligns the saw at the desired
angle with the saw rails being diagonal and the saw is moved along
the saw rails to produce the diagonal cut. However, one
disadvantage of such an assembly is that the support plates must be
aligned each time a different angle cut is desired. After cutting
the first angle, each of the support plates is then moved to
another position to cut a different angle. Also, since the saw is
carried by the saw rails and the saw rails must be long enough to
extend along the diagonal, the saw rails may flex when cutting the
material. If the saw rails are made of a stronger material to
prevent flexing, then the saw table assembly becomes heavier and
makes it less portable. Also, the saw rails project over the edges
of the table making the saw awkward to use.
[0009] The related art assemblies are characterized by one or more
inadequacies. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a
saw table assembly that is lightweight, portable, and convenient to
use for precisely and accurately cutting material at various
angles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0010] The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly
for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various
angles thereto. The assembly includes a first table rail and a
second table rail being parallel and spaced from each other and
each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail
is moveably supported by the first and the second table rails and
disposed perpendicular to the first and the second table rails for
moving longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal
and the distal ends. The saw rail moveably supports a mounting
plate such that the mounting plate moves laterally along the saw
rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A saw
plate is rotatably supported by the mounting plate for carrying a
saw to cut the material. The assembly further includes a guide bar
disposed diagonally relative to the first and the second table
rails and engaging the saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally
in response to simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally
and the mounting plate laterally.
[0011] The subject invention overcomes the inadequacies that
characterize the related art assemblies. Specifically, the subject
invention allows the material to be precisely cut at various
angles. Since the saw rails do not have to extend along a diagonal,
the saw rails do not flex thereby producing a more accurate cut.
Also, the assembly is more convenient for use since the saw rails
to extend from the table as does the related art assemblies.
Further, the guide bar is moveable between predetermined angles, or
pitches, to allow for quick and efficient cutting of the material.
The subject invention can also be operated by a single user because
it is lightweight and portable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a saw table assembly
according to the subject invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of saw rails
extending between a first and a second table rails having a
mounting plate supported by the saw rails and a saw plate supported
by the mounting plate without a saw mounted to the saw plate;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a saw mounted to the saw
plate in a lateral direction for cutting the material
laterally;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the saw mounted to the saw
plate in a longitudinal direction for cutting the materially
longitudinally; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the saw table assembly
having a guide bar extending between the first table rail and the
second rail for cutting a material on an angle;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective, close-up view of the guide bar
being supported by the first table rail and an angle rail having a
bar locator therein;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the guide bar supported by
the angle rail and the second table rail;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector supported by a
saw plate for engaging the guide bar to guide the saw plate
diagonally;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a material stop supported by
the first table rail for positioning the material to produce
accurate cuts; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the saw table assembly
being folded into a portable position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a
portable saw table assembly for cutting a material longitudinally,
laterally, and at various angles thereto is shown generally at 20
in FIG. 1. The saw table assembly 20 is particularly useful for
cutting siding materials for buildings, such as vinyl siding.
However, it would be equally useful for cutting other materials,
such as wood. The saw table assembly 20 may be formed of any type
of material capable of supporting the material to be cut, but is
preferably aluminum to allow for easy transportation. Other metals
may also be used so long as the assembly 20 is lightweight and
portable.
[0024] The assembly 20 includes a first table rail 22 and a second
table rail 24 being parallel and spaced from each other and each
extending between a proximal end 26 and a distal end 28. The first
and the second table rails 22, 24 are preferably C-shaped to define
a channel 30 extending longitudinally along the length of each of
the first table rail 22 and the second table rail 24 and also
defines a slot 32. A lateral support 34 extends between the first
table rail 22 and the second table rail 24 forming a table surface
36 for supporting the material to be cut. As illustrated in the
figures, a plurality of lateral supports 34 extend between the
first and the second table rails 22, 24. The table surface 36 may
be formed from plywood supported on the lateral supports 34 and
extending from the proximal end 26 to the distal end 28.
[0025] A saw rail 38 is moveably supported by the first and the
second table rails 22, 24 for moving longitudinally along the table
rails 22, 24 between the proximal and the distal ends 26, 28.
Preferably, a pair of saw rails 38 extend perpendicularly between
the first and the second table rails 22, 24. The saw rails 38
engage the channel 30 in the first and the second table rails 22,
24 to slide longitudinally. In order to slide, the saw rails 38 may
include wheels, bearings, or the like 40 for allowing fluid
movement of the saw rails 38 in the channels 30. However, it is to
be appreciated that the saw rails 38 may slide without any wheels,
bearings, or the like 40 by being sized precisely to fit within the
channels 30 to allow movement. The saw rails 38 are therefore able
to slide the entire length of the table assembly 20 from the
proximal end 26 to the distal end 28. The saw rails 38 may be
removed from the first and the second table rails 22, 24 at either
of the proximal or distal ends 26, 28 by sliding out the saw rails
38 from the channels 30.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, each of the saw rails 38 also define a
channel 42 for moveably supporting a mounting plate 44 to allow
movement of the mounting plate 44 laterally along the saw rail 38
between the first table rail 22 and the second table rail 24.
Preferably, the mounting plate 44 is slideably received within the
channels 42 of the saw rails 38. The mounting plate 44 is then able
to slide the width of the table between the first table rail 22 and
the second table rail 24. The mounting plate 44 may also include
wheels, bearings, or the like 46 for sliding within the rails. The
mounting plate 44 is generally rectangular shaped and extends
between the saw rails 38. The mounting plate 44 has an opening for
allowing the saw to extend there through to cut the material.
[0027] A plate clamp 50 extends from the mounting plate 44 for
engaging at least one of the saw rails 38 for fixing the position
of the mounting plate 44 between the first table rail 22 and the
second table rail 24. The plate clamp 50 locks the mounting plate
44 to prevent lateral motion of the mounting plate 44 while moving
the saw rails 38 longitudinally. When the plate clamp 50 is
disengaged, the mounting plate 44 slides freely within the saw
rails 38.
[0028] The subject invention further includes a saw plate 52
rotatably supported by the mounting plate 44 for carrying a saw to
cut the material, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The saw that is
preferably used with the table assembly 20 is a hand saw having a
saw guide as is known in the art of saws. The saw plate 52 defines
an aperture 60 through which a blade of the saw extends. A
plurality of plate locks 62 extend into the saw plate 52 for
securing the saw thereto. The plate locks 62 may include a lip 63
that engages the saw guide of the saw to provide additional support
for securing the saw to the saw plate 52. To mount the saw to the
saw plate 52, the plate locks 62 are slide open and the saw is
positioned therein. The plate locks 62 are then slide into
engagement with the saw guide to secure the saw to the saw plate
52. The lips 63 of the plate locks 62 also engage the saw guide.
Each of the plate locks 62 may be locked in the position to prevent
the saw from moving.
[0029] The saw plate 52 has a plurality of detents 64 which
correspond to a predetermined angle, or pitch, for cutting the
material. The saw plate 52 may rotate on the mounting plate 44 on
bearings or the like (not shown). A latch mechanism 66 is mounted
to the mounting plate 44 to secure the saw plate 52 at the angle
and to prevent the saw plate 52 from rotating. The latch mechanism
66 engages the detent 64 to fix the position of the saw at the
predetermined angle. As shown in FIG. 3, the saw plate 52 is
positioned such that the material is cut at a ninety degree angle
with respect to the first table rail 22 by moving the mounting
plate 44 laterally. Whereas in FIG. 4, the saw plate 52 is
positioned such that the material is cut at a one hundred and
eighty degree angle with respect to the first table rail 22 by
moving the saw rails 38 longitudinally.
[0030] A saw clamp 68 may also be mounted to the saw plate 52 for
securing the saw to the saw plate 52. Once the plate locks 62 have
been positioned to fit the saw, the saw is positioned on the saw
plate 52. The saw clamp 68 is then locked into place to secure the
saw. The plate locks 62 include the lip 63 engaging the saw guide.
The saw clamp 68 and plate locks 62 allow for efficient removal of
the saw from the saw plate 52. Further, only some of the plate
locks 62 may engage the saw guide of the saw, while the others only
position the saw to the saw plate 52.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, a guide bar 70 is disposed diagonally
relative to the first and the second table rails 22, 24 and engages
the saw plate 52 to guide the saw plate 52 diagonally in response
to simultaneous movement of the saw rail 38 longitudinally and the
mounting plate 44 laterally. In one embodiment, the guide bar 70
defines a groove 72 for engaging the saw plate 52. The angle rail
76 may be conveniently stored telescopically in one of the
longitudinal supports or the rails. The saw plate 52 includes a
connector 74 for engaging the groove 72 of the guide bar 70 to move
the saw plate 52 diagonally. The latch mechanism 66 may only secure
the saw plate 52 in the 180 degree position and the 90 degree
position, while the connector 74 and the guide bar secure the saw
in the angles therebetween.
[0032] When cutting the material at certain angles, or pitches, an
angle rail 76 may be required, as shown in FIGS. 6 & 7. The
angle rail 76 is supported by and extends between the first and the
second table rails 22, 24 for supporting the guide bar 70 at
various angles. Preferably, the angle rail 76 also defines a slot
78, for use as described below. When the guide bar 70 is positioned
on only the first and the second table rails 22, 24, only certain
pitches may be achieved. Therefore, by using the angle rail 76,
various other pitches may be obtained.
[0033] In order to position the guide bar 70 diagonally and to
prevent the guide bar 70 from moving while cutting diagonally, a
bar locator 80 is supported by one of the first and the second
table rails 22, 24 and engages the guide bar 70. The bar locator 80
is moveable within the first and the second table rail 24.
Depending upon the desired pitch of the material, the bar locator
80 slides to position the guide bar 70 at various angles between a
lateral direction and a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the
subject invention incorporates a pair of bar locators 80 engaging
each of the first and the second table rails 22, 24. Utilizing more
than one bar locator 80 provides more accurate cuts; however, the
subject invention may use none, one, or more than two. For pitches
between 4/12 and 12/12, one bar locator 80 is positioned on the
first table rail 22 and the other is on the second table rail 24.
For pitches less than 4/12, one of the bar locators 80 engages one
of the first and the second table rails 22, 24 and the other of the
bar locators 80 engages the angle rail 76. Alternately, the subject
invention may include a third bar locator 81 engaging the angle
rail 76 such that the guide bar 70 engages one of the pair of bar
locators 80 and the third bar locator 81, without having to remove
one from the first or the second table rails 22, 24. It is to be
understood that these pitches may be varied by modifying the size
or shape of the table without deviating from the subject
invention.
[0034] Each of the bar locators 80, 81 may include posts 82
extending upwardly from the bar locators 80, 81 for engaging and
positioning the guide bar 70 at various angles. A locking mechanism
84 engages each of the bar locators 80, 81 for locking the bar
locators 80, 81 in the slots 32, 78 of the first and the second
table rail 24 and the angle rail 76, respectively. In order to
precisely and quickly change the position of the bar locators 80,
81, angle indicators 83 are present on at least one of the first
and the second table rails 22, 24, the saw rail 32, and the angle
rail 76. The bar locators 80, 81 are moved to the desired angle
indicators 83 and locked into place by the locking mechanism 84.
The guide bar 70 pivots about the posts 82 to change the angle of
the cut in the material. The guide bar 70, when not being used, may
be conveniently stored telescopically in one of the rails or
longitudinal supports.
[0035] The connector 74, shown in FIG. 8, may be supported on the
saw plate 52 for being received in the groove 72 of the guide bar
70 to guide the saw as it moves along the guide bar 70. After the
guide bar 70 has been positioned, the connector 74 is connected to
the guide bar 70. As the mounting plate 44 is moved laterally and
the saw rails 38 are moved longitudinally, the connector 74 follows
along the guide bar 70 to achieve the desired pitch in the
material. Since the saw is being carried by the mounting plate 44,
the first and the second table rails 22, 24, and guided by the
guide bar 70, there is little or no flexing of the saw rails 38 to
produce inaccurate cuts.
[0036] In operation, the user positions one bar locator 80, 81 and
then the other bar locator 80, 81 in the respective slots 32, 78,
as described above, and locks the locking mechanism 84 so that the
bar locators 80, 81 do not move. Next, one end of the guide bar 70
is mounted onto one of the bar locators 80, 81 such that the post
82 engages the guide bar 70. The other end of the guide bar 70 is
then moved into engagement with the other bar locator 80, 81 such
that the post 82 engages the guide bar 70. The guide bar 70 may
engage the bar locators 80, 81 by other means other than the posts
82 described, such as clamps or screws, without deviating from the
subject invention.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 9, after the guide bar 70 is positioned,
the saw plate 52 is rotated so that the connector 74 contacts the
groove 72 of the guide bar 70. In order to follow the angle of the
guide bar 70, the mounting plate 44 and the saw rails 38
simultaneously slide in their respective channels 30, 42 to form
the angled cut.
[0038] A measuring rod 86 may be supported on the first and the
second table rails 22, 24 and extends between the proximal and
distal ends 26, 28. A material stop 88 may be slideably carried on
the measuring rod 86 such that the material stop 88 is moved along
the measuring rod 86 to allow the material to be cut having a
predetermined length that is indicated on the measuring rod 86
itself. The material stop 88 may be locked to the measuring rod 86
to prevent further movement when cutting the material. The material
stop 88 can be rotated between a stopping position and a free
position. In the stopping position, the material stop 88 engages
the material and prevents the material from moving longitudinally
along the cutting surface. The material stop 88 is then rotated
upwardly away from the table surface 36 to the free position that
allows the material to move along the entire length. The rotating
of the material stop 88 may be accomplished by rotating about the
measuring rod 86 or by rotating the measuring rod 86. The subject
invention may also include material clamps 90 for securing the
material to the table surface 36 as is known in the art of
clamps.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the subject invention also
provides the saw table assembly 20 being portable and convenient
for use by a single user. In order to be portable, the first table
rail 22 and the second table rail 24 are pivotable relative to one
another such that the table assembly 20 is foldable. A pair of
central rails 92 having proximal and distal ends 94, 96 extend
parallel to and spaced from the first and the second table rails
22, 24. The pair of central rails 92 engage the lateral supports 34
to form the table surface 36. A hinge mechanism 98 connects the
lateral supports 34 to the central rails 92 for allowing the first
and the second table rails 22, 24 to pivot about the central rails
92. The lateral supports 34 preferably extend between the central
rails 92 and between the central rails 92 and the first and the
second table rails 22, 24 to form the table surface 36.
[0040] In order to fold the first and the second table rails 22,
24, the saw rails 38 are removed from the first and the second
table rails 22, 24. The saw rails 38 can then be locked into the
folded table and used as a handle. A pair of wheels 100 engages the
central rails 92 for moving the table assembly 20 when the first
and the second table rails 22, 24 are pivoted about the central
rails 92. When the table is unfolded, the wheels 100 are below the
cutting surface and are out of the way of the cutting operation.
The table assembly 20 may also include a base (not shown) and
foldable legs (not shown) for supporting the saw table assembly
20.
[0041] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
within the scope of the appended claims.
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