Patent ID: 6530579
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: B23D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A wedging clamp assembly for retaining a saw blade, comprising:a housing defining a vertical cavity therein, said cavity having a top end and a bottom end tapered with respect to said top end; said bottom end of said vertical cavity having a saw blade passageway therein extending through a bottom end of said housing; a saw blade retention mechanism disposed within said cavity, said saw blade retention mechanism including a piston and a biasing element disposed within said cavity, said mechanism is configured for lockingly retaining the saw blade upon insertion into said passageway, said mechanism producing a biasing force causing said piston to be biased against said bottom end of said cavity; said saw blade retention mechanism further including at least one locking element disposed in said cavity for engaging said bottom tapered end and for exerting a wedging clamping force on the saw blade, said clamping force rendering the saw blade immobile relative to said housing; said saw blade retention mechanism configured for releasing the blade when said biasing force on said piston is overcome by an opposing force applied to said piston, causing said wedging clamping force on the saw blade to be released; and said saw blade retention mechanism further including a formation projecting from said piston, said mechanism is further configured so that said locking elements are separated and said biasing force is overcome by mere insertion of the blade without manipulation of said formation.