Abstract:
A collapsible stand for supporting a table top machining tool, e.g., a table saw. The stand comprises a lateral support structure, such as a platform for holding the tool; a secondary support frame having a first end pivotally attached to a first end the lateral support structure; and a main support frame pivotally attached to the secondary support frame, wherein the main support frame comprises a handle at a first end for transporting the stand in its collapsed position, and wherein the handle comprises an out feed support for the table saw when the stand is in its set up position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/175,180 filed on Jan. 10, 2000, entitled “Collapsable Portable Saw Stand.” 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting and carrying a portable table saw, particularly an apparatus that supports a table saw as well as the workpiece on the outfeed end of the table saw.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Prior Art  
           [0005]    It is desirable for anyone using a portable table saw to provide a safe and stable means of support from which to work, as well as the ease of mobility and convenience of portability. It is also desirable to quickly and easily set up and take down any apparatus employed to support the saw. This makes for convenience and efficiency for tradespeople as well as anyone else using the saw. Typically, users would carry the saw to the work place and then set up “on-the-fly” utilizing what ever temporary means that can be mustered up quickly. Not only is this practice inconvenient, it is unsafe.  
           [0006]    Several manufacturers have designed and marketed apparatuses for supporting and/or transporting the saw. The problems with most of these designs are that they are not very portable. Nor do they provide the stablity required of a table saw. Also, none of them provide a means for out-feed work support. The out-feed is that portion of the workpiece that has been run through the table saw as it comes off the rear of the table. Long pieces of wood being cut on a table saw can become cumbersome and unsafe as it is pushed through the blade as the weight on the out-feed section is usually unsupported. This unsupported weight tends to create a condition of unbalance and may cause the entire apparatus to tip.  
           [0007]    Trojan Manufacturing of Portland, Oregon offers two such saw stands. U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,953 to Lawrence D. Braddock (Jul. 14, 1999) refers to Trojan&#39;s “Ripmaster Table Saw Stand”. This stand does have wheels for transport, but it is not easily set up and taken down for transport. With the “Ripmaster”, the operator must initiate several steps to put it together and take it apart each time it is to be used or put away. Once the “Ripmaster” is set up, it lacks the stability required to push a large workpiece through, making it susceptible to tipping over. It also lacks the all important out-feed work support. Without a out-feed support, the long workpiece becomes heavy on the out-feed end and tends to make the apparatus unbalanced.  
           [0008]    Trojan Manufacturing also offers another saw stand specifically for DeWalt&#39;s model DW-744 table saw. MS-2000X as seen in Tool Crib of the North in Tool Crib of the North Catalog 904 (Jun. 1, 1999) refers to this new stand. It too, as does the “Ripmaster” lacks the out-feed support. It does have wheels for transport, but the handle used for transport is low and some users may have to stoop uncomfortably to reach it, possibly causing undue backstrain. Also, the legs must be taken off to take it down and put back on for set up. This makes it inconvenient for portability as it must be assembled each time it is set up and unassembled to take it down.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,941 to Tony Rousseau (Jul. 11, 1990) refers to a stand for portable table saws marketed by Rouseau Company. This stand too, is cumbersome to set up and transport. It also lacks wheels for easy transportability. An optional out-feed support is available as an addon device, but this add-on apparatus is cumbersome to attach each time of use and detracts from portability. It also adds expense to purchase the entire apparatus.  
           [0010]    Both of Trojan Manufacturing&#39;s table saw stands as well as Rosseau&#39;s lacks the stability required for pushing a larger workpiece through the saw. Each of these designs require the workpiece to be pushed across the direction of the legs of the stand, or sideways. This is not as stable as a design such as the current invention in which the user pushes the workpiece directly against the support structures, or legs.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    In a first aspect, the invention provides a collapsible stand for supporting a machining tool, comprising: a lateral support structure for holding the machining tool; a secondary support frame having a first end pivotally attached to a first end the lateral support structure; and a main support frame pivotally attached to the secondary support frame, wherein the main support frame comprises a handle at a first end for transporting the stand in its collapsed position, and wherein the handle comprises an out feed support for the machining tool when the stand is in its set up position.  
           [0012]    In a second aspect, the invention provides a collapsible stand for supporting a tool, comprising: a lateral support structure for supporting the tool; and a main frame support having a handle for transporting the stand in a collapsed position, wherein the handle provides an out feed support for the tool in a set-up position.  
           [0013]    In a further aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for carrying and supporting a portable bench top machining tool, said bench top machining tool having a predetermined means for fastening to a planar surface thereof, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0014]    (a) a relatively rigid main support frame, said main support frame including two substantially parallel rails;  
           [0015]    (b) a out-feed work support consisting of a member attached substantially perpendicular to and at first ends of said parallel rails of said main support frame for either or both purposes of supporting a long workpiece as it is passed through said portable bench top machining tool and as a handle for when said apparatus is being transported or otherwise handled;  
           [0016]    (c) a secondary support frame for supporting said apparatus during use; said secondary support frame including two substantially parallel rails and a cross rail positioned substantially perpendicular to and near first ends of said parallel rails of said secondary support frame;  
           [0017]    (d) a set of pivotal connections joining each said parallel rail of said secondary support frame at approximate mid points of each said parallel rail of said secondary support frame with each corresponding said parallel rail of said main support frame, at a point between the mid points and the second ends of said parallel rails of said main support frame;  
           [0018]    (e) a platform including a planar surface for the purpose of fastening the bench top machining tool; first end of said platform being pivotally connected to second end of said parallel rails of said secondary support frame; and  
           [0019]    (f) a means for removably affixing, demountably connecting, releaseably latching or otherwise temporarily securing second end of said platform to said main support frame at a point such that said platform will rest relatively parallel to ground plane when said apparatus is set-up for use whereby the user shall be provided with a conveniently collapsible, stable and safe support structure to accommodate the machining tool.  
           [0020]    Accordingly, several advantages of the invention are:  
           [0021]    (i) Ease of operation. The current invention is collapsible and can be set up with a minimum of time and effort. There are no removable parts that must be assembled and unassembled between usage. Simply snap it together to collapse and unsnap to set up.  
           [0022]    (ii) Mobility. The invention is easily transportable with a pair of large wheels that easily roll over the ground and even up steps.  
           [0023]    (iii) Out-feed support. The invention incorporates a out-feed work support structure that supports the weight of a long workpiece. This feature eliminates the need for the user to bear down on the in-feed portion of the workpiece with his hands being close to the blade, in order to prevent the workpiece from falling. It also reduces the likeliness of the saw and stand tipping over from the weight of the out-feed workpiece.  
           [0024]    (iv) Simple design. The invention utilizes a simple design which is economical to fabricate and easily used.  
           [0025]    (v) Simplicity and convenience of use which makes using this saw stand more efficient and thus more profitable for professional trades people.  
           [0026]    Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of my invention in the set-up position, with a table saw affixed and ready for use.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of my invention in the set-up position with a table saw affixed and ready for use.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is an isometric view of my invention in the collapsed position with table saw affixed and ready for transport.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is an orthogonal view of my invention in the collapsed position with table saw affixed and ready for transport.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a transport latch.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a close up view of a set up latch.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]    Reference Numerals  
         [0034]    [0034] 10  apparatus  
         [0035]    [0035] 12  saw  
         [0036]    [0036] 14  body  
         [0037]    [0037] 16 A pivotal connection  
         [0038]    [0038] 16 B pivotal connection  
         [0039]    [0039] 16 C pivotal connection  
         [0040]    [0040] 16 D pivotal connection  
         [0041]    [0041] 18  platform  
         [0042]    [0042] 20  main support frame  
         [0043]    [0043] 22 L pin  
         [0044]    [0044] 22 R pin  
         [0045]    [0045] 24 L set-up latch  
         [0046]    [0046] 24 R set-up latch  
         [0047]    [0047] 26  out-feed work support  
         [0048]    [0048] 28  blade  
         [0049]    [0049] 30  secondary support frame  
         [0050]    [0050] 32 L transport latch  
         [0051]    [0051] 32 R transport latch  
         [0052]    [0052] 34  cross rail  
         [0053]    [0053] 36 L retainer  
         [0054]    [0054] 36 R retainer  
         [0055]    [0055] 38  handle  
         [0056]    [0056] 42 L wheel  
         [0057]    [0057] 42 R wheel  
         [0058]    Referring to FIG. 1 through  4 , an apparatus  10  is employed for carrying and supporting a portable table saw  12 . The saw  12  can be one of a number of commercially available makes and models of portable table saws, such as but not limited to those manufactured by such companies known as DeWalt, Black &amp; Decker, Hitachi, Delta, Makita, Ryobi, Skil, and Craftsman. The saw  12  generally has a body  14  including provision for attachment to a bench, table or frame at bottom of body  14  thereof. Typically, the body  14  is fastened by means of a threaded screw attachment to the bench, table or frame. This threaded screw method of fastening is well known in the existing art of fastening and therefore is not specified in detail. However, other methods, as known in the art of fastening may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention.  
         [0059]    The apparatus  10  includes a main support frame  20  which is pivotally connected to a secondary support frame  30  via two pivotal connections, pivotal connection  16 A and pivotal connection  16 B. These pivotal connections may be one of several methods as is well known in the art of pivotal connections and therefore are not specified in detail.  
         [0060]    The main support frame  20  includes a pair of identical pins, pin  22 L and pin  22 R (the latter not shown) for supporting a platform  18  when apparatus  10  is in the set-up position, as can be seen best in FIG. 1 &amp; 2. Although this preferred embodiment is described comprising a platform  18 , it should be understood that any type of lateral support structure, such as platform  18 , crossbar(s), brace, frame, etc., could be utilized to support saw  12  and therefore fall within the scope of this invention.  
         [0061]    The main support frame  20  also includes an out-feed work support  26  which is to support an object after it is fed through the saw blade  28  at which point the object extends past the edge of saw  12 . The out-feed work support  26  is positioned to be in the same plane as the top of the saw  12  when apparatus  10  is in the set-up position. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2. The out-feed work support  26  is also used as a handle while apparatus  10  is being transported as can be seen in FIG. 3 &amp; 4. To achieve the correct height of the out-feed work support  26  in relation to the top of the saw  12 , shims may be placed below saw  12  to raise or lower it as necessary. Alternatively, a mechanical system (e.g., a jack or a lift) could be used to raise or lower the saw. In addition, the out-feed work support  26  could be extendable (e.g., telescoping) to adjust its height.  
         [0062]    The secondary support frame  30  includes a pair of identical latching mechanisms, transport latch  32 L and transport latch  32 R, one on each side of the secondary support frame  30 , as can be seen in FIG. 1. The transport latches  32 L and  32 R are each shaped and placed precisely so as to engage with pin  22 L and pin  22 R respectively, when the apparatus  10  is in the collapsed position as can be seen in FIG. 3 &amp; 4. Most preferably, the set-up latches  24 L &amp;  24 R include spring tension and are designed such that during the process of collpasing the apparatus  10 , the latches will be guided by pins  22 L &amp;  22 R to swing over the pins and the spring tension will then snap the latches onto the pins. The secondary support frame  30  also includes a cross rail  34  as can be seen in FIG. 1.  
         [0063]    Two pivotal connections are provided to connect the platform  18  to the secondary support frame  30 . These pivotal connections are pivotal connection  16 C and pivotal connection  16 D respectfully as may be seen in FIG. 1. These pivotal connections may be one of several methods as is well known in the art of pivotal connections and therefore are not specified in detail.  
         [0064]    The platform  18  includes a pair of identical latch devices, set-up latch  24 L and set-up latch  24 R. Set-up latch  24 L is best shown in FIG. 2. While set-up latch  24 R is not shown, it is identical to and placed directly opposite set-up latch  24 L on platform  18 . Set-up latch  24 L and set-up latch  24 R are both precisely shaped and placed so as to engage with pin  22 L and pin  22 R, respectfully, when apparatus  10  is in the set-up position as can be seen in FIGS. 1 &amp; 2.  
         [0065]    The platform  18  also includes a pair of devices, retainer  36 L and retainer  36 R, that are slideably engaged to main frame support  20 . Each retainer is shaped and sized so as to keep platform  18  loosely connected to apparatus  10  when apparatus  10  is in the collapsed position as well as provide adequate clearance to engage the set-up latch  24 L and set-up latch  24 R to pin  22 L and pin  22 R, respectfully, during the set-up process.  
         [0066]    The platform  18  contains a surface for which to affix the saw  12 . This surface may be formed of some rigid durable material of relatively low mass, such as but not limited to plywood, particle board, or plastic. Other rigid materials fulfilling the specified requirements will serve the purpose of the surface as well.  
         [0067]    The platform  18  includes a setup handle  38 . The setup handle  38  may be constucted of one of many means so as to provide the necessary function. Preferably, it is connected to platform  18  by means of a flexible tether, such as but not limited to, rope, string, cable or wire. Other means of attachment as is well known in the art of attachment may also be used.  
         [0068]    The apparatus  10  also includes a pair of wheels, wheel  42 L and wheel  42 R mounted proximate the pivot connection of platform  18  and secondary support  30 .  
         [0069]    Operation  
         [0070]    The use and operation of the invention is as follows:  
         [0071]    The operator uses out-feed work support  26  as a handle while in transit when apparatus  10  is in transport mode as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 (i.e., the “collapsed position”). When the operator wishes apparatus  10  to be set-up, he/she continues to hold out-feed work support  26  with one hand and grasps setup handle  38  with the other. The operator then places one foot on cross rail  34  and proceeds to pull setup handle  38  while simultaneously pushing cross rail  34  downward with foot. This process is continued until both set-up latches,  24 L and  24 R are lifted up and over each of pins  22 L and  22 R, respectfully, until set-up latches  22 L and  22 R are able to clear over pins  22 L and  22 R. The operator then eases tension on setup handle  38  and cross rail  34  in such manner so as to engage set-up latches  24 L and  24 R with pins  22 L and  22 R, respectfully. The set-up operation is now complete and apparatus  10  is ready for use (i.e., it is in the “set-up position”). In the set-up position, the handle on main frame support  26  resides at the same height as the saw top to provide the out-feed support for the saw  12 .  
         [0072]    To collapse apparatus  10 , the operator simply reverses the set-up procedure. Apparatus  10  will then be supported by wheels  42 L and  42 R and ready for transport and/or stowage.  
         [0073]    Accordingly, it can be seen that, according to the invention, an apparatus is provided for the purpose of supporting and carrying a portable table saw. The invention is easy to use. It is quick to set up and collapse for storage and possesses ease of mobility utilizing a set of wheels. It provides a stable means of support which helps to provide a safe work environment for the operator.  
         [0074]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within it&#39;s scope. For example, the out-feed work support  26  may be adjustable in height so as to accomodate many different makes and models of saw  12 . This would provide for economical manufacture. The platform  18  may include “shim blocks” to raise the height of saw  12 . Other means and methods may be employed to substitute the function of retainers  36 L and  36 R, as long as the method does not depart from the principles of the invention. Various connection and latching means may be employed throughout that serve the necessary function without departing from the principles of the invention. In addition, although the collapsible table is described with reference to a table saw, it should be understood that the table could be used along with any type of tool (e.g., a cutting, sanding, grinding, mitering or milling device) in which an out feed support is useful.