Patent ID: 8096220
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: B27G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top with a table top surface, a rotatable circular saw blade that is vertically adjustable relative to the table top, the table top having an opening through which the saw blade can extend, the blade being configured to cut a work piece as the work piece is moved from a forward position to a rearward position, said system comprising: a riving knife mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade; a blade guard mechanism that is releasably mounted to said riving knife and being configured to cover the blade and be adjustable to enable a work piece to be moved into cutting position by the blade; said blade guard mechanism having an elongated upper guard barrier that extends from a portion that connects to said riving knife forwardly above the blade, said upper guard barrier having a top surface facing away from the table top surface, a bottom surface facing toward the table top surface and outer side surfaces extending between said top and bottom surfaces, said upper guard barrier having a viewing slot substantially coextensive with the blade, with a major portion of said top surface of said upper guard barrier adjacent said viewing slot being downwardly angled from said top surface near said outer side surfaces toward a center of said viewing slot to enlarge the viewing angle of said blade from above by a user, said bottom surface of said upper guard barrier adjacent said viewing slot extending upwardly away from said viewing slot and the table top surface to deflect work piece cuttings away from said viewing slot; wherein said viewing slot extends perpendicularly relative to said table top surface between a lower most point of said upwardly extending bottom surface and a lower most point of said downwardly angled top surface of said upper guard barrier.