Abstract:
A safety system with a number of component devices that may be used alone or in combination to substantially reduce the risk of injury to the operator of the power cutting tool. The devices are designed for use with table saws, miter saws, jointers, routers, shapers and similar equipment. The devices secure a work piece against unanticipated movement and kickback while simultaneously protecting the operator&#39;s hands. The devices further enhance the capabilities of power equipment to make precise cuts safer, faster and easier.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/070,117 filed Nov. 1, 2013 entitled “Safety Device for Power Cutting Tools,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/721,390 filed Nov. 1, 2012 entitled “Quick Release for Hold Down Device,” and which also is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/295,813 filed Nov. 14, 2011 entitled “Safety Device for Table Saw,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/413,283 filed Nov. 12, 2010 entitled “Safety Device for Table Saws,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/431,275 filed Jan. 10, 2011 entitled “Safety Device for Left-Handed Use of Table Saw,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/533,663 filed Sep. 12, 2011 entitled “Adjustable Safety Device for Saws.” 
     The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/295,813 filed Nov. 14, 2011 entitled “Safety Device for Table Saw,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/413,283 filed Nov. 12, 2010 entitled “Safety Device for Table Saws,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/431,275 filed Jan. 10, 2011 entitled “Safety Device for Left-Handed Use of Table Saw,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/533,663 filed Sep. 12, 2011 entitled “Adjustable Safety Device for Saws.” 
     The present application claims priority to each of the preceding identified applications, and the entirety of each are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a safety system for powered cutting tools, primarily table saws, router tables, miter saws and planers/jointers. The system comprises a number of component devices that, alone or in combination, provide enhanced safety and reduce or eliminate injuries to an operator of the equipment. The devices attach to or are used with a frame or table associated with a powered cutting tool and are adapted for securing work pieces during a cutting operation, protecting the operator&#39;s hands and arms and, in some instances, simultaneously improving the versatility and use of the cutting tool. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Power cutting tools having a rotating blade or cutting element, such as table saws, miter saws, routers, jointers and shapers, are dangerous. Thousands of operators of these types of cutting tools are severely injured every year. According to data from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission, roughly 31,000 people are treated in emergency rooms every year for table saw injuries. It is believed that injuries resulting from use of table or cabinet-based power cutting tools other than table saws are equally significant, statistically and in the nature of the injury to the operator, but are not well reported because fewer people own and use such equipment. The physical injury and trauma to an operator&#39;s hand and/or fingers is often significant. Injuries occur due to several factors, including lack of understanding by the operator of the equipment and/or characteristics of the wood being cut, inattentiveness, fatigue, work piece kickback and misuse of or misplaced reliance on accessory devices such as push sticks, feather boards, splitters and kerf blades. 
     As wood is cut, particularly with a table saw, preexisting stresses in the wood are released. The partially cut work piece may move, twist, or bend and the gap or kerf between the cut portions of the wood close together before the work piece is fully cut. With the two separate halves pressing together at the rear of the blade where the saw teeth of the blade are rising up from the table or supporting surface, a work piece can be thrown forwards toward the operator as a projectile. This event is termed a kickback. A second form of kickback may occur if the saw&#39;s rip fence or guide fence is misadjusted so as to be slightly closer to the rear of the blade than the front, rather than being parallel to the blade. In this case, the fence can push the wood into the saw blade, leading to a similar result. Splitters and stationary blades mounted behind a rotating saw blade are one type of tool designed to prevent or reduce kickback. However, in practice, such devices do not prevent all cases of kickback and do not address non-kickback related injuries. Moreover, they are limited to use solely with table saws and not other type of powered cutting tools. 
     The operator can be seriously injured by the thrown work piece. However, serious injury also results to the operator&#39;s hand and/or fingers because, prior to the kickback event, the operator is pushing the work piece toward the rotating cutting tool. With the momentum of the pushing motion directed toward the cutting tool, and with the work piece suddenly removed or its physical position unexpectedly altered, the operator&#39;s hands can be thrust into the cutting tool. Similar situations can occur when the operator is using accessory aids and when the operator is cutting small pieces of wood with his/her hands positions closely to the cutting tool. 
     There are different types of cuts performed by powered cutting tools. One type is ripping. A rip cut is performed on a table saw by passing the wood between the blade and a rip fence parallel to the grain of the wood. A cross-cut is the same, but is performed across the grain of the wood. Another type of cut is mitering, and is performed by a specialized miter saw where the blade may be repositioned at an angle relative to the work piece. Mitering is an angle cross-cut. Another type of cut is beveling. Most bevels are rip cuts using a rip fence as a guide with the blade or table tilted to achieve the required angle. Bevel cuts may be made on a miter saw or a table saw. Another type of cut is a dado. A dado cut is done by setting a table saw blade to a cutting depth less than the thickness of the work piece to form a u-shaped cut or groove in the work piece. The dado cut does not go entirely through the work piece. Routing also involves cutting a groove in a work piece. A jointer or shaper cuts or shaves an entire surface of a work piece, such as an edge, to remove or reduce a bow or curve in the work piece. Serious injuries can occur with each of these devices. While all of these devices are different, each has a cutting zone which is the area proximate the moving blade or cutting instrument. 
     Attempts to develop safety devices for powered cutting tools have been made with limited success. For example, the website www.tablesawaccidents.com shows three safety devices which have limited applicability and usefulness. The device identified as Hand Guard, is a work piece pusher for use in connection with a table saw. It provides a single notch or cut-out at its base which has an adjustable depth to accommodate work pieces of different thicknesses. However, this device is positioned between the saw blade and the guide fence when used. No protection is provided to the operator&#39;s hand and use of this device requires the operator&#39;s hand to pass by the rotating saw blade. It also limits the narrowness of a cut that can be made on a table saw due to its own width. A second similar device is also shown under the name Push Block. While it saddles and moves along a rip fence, it also provides no protection for the user&#39;s hand and only includes a single notch to accommodate a single work piece thickness. In addition, it is not adjustable to accommodate use with guide fences of different sizes and shapes. Further still, an anti-kickback roller device is shown. The device applies a downward pressure on the work piece. As illustrated, one device may be placed before the cutting blade and one positioned following the cutting blade. When deployed in this manner, the devices prevent the use of other needed safety devices, including a work piece pusher and hold down device. Indeed, the Hand Guard and Pusher Block devices depicted on the same web page could not be used with the anti-kickback devices as the forward anti-kickback device prevents the any type of pusher device from moving the work piece completely past the saw blade. It also appears that the post cut anti-kickback device requires the operator to manually lift and position the roller on the work piece, bringing the operator&#39;s hand dangerously close to the moving saw blade. Yet another safety device used with table saws is sold under the name SawStop by SawStop, LLC of Tualatin, Oreg. This device is designed to cause a table saw blade to quickly stop, with no injury to an operator&#39;s hand. However, this device costs hundreds of dollars and is not designed to be retrofit with existing table saws. Further still, all of the foregoing devices are designed and intended to be used with table saws and do not address the significant and serious injuries created with miter saws, routers, jointers and shapers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a novel system, devices, and methods are disclosed herein for safely operating powered cutting tools. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a selectively positionable device for securing a work piece while also positioning a user&#39;s left hand at a safe distance away from the cutting zone, namely, the area proximate the rotating blade of a table saw, and providing protection in the event the user&#39;s hand were to inadvertently move toward an active blade. The device is secured to the base, frame or table top of the table saw while also being selectively positionable relative to the cutting tool to permit necessary positioning and movement of the work piece relative to and at different orientations to the cutting blade while simultaneously holding down the work piece to reduce kickback and providing protection for the operator&#39;s left hand. In one embodiment the device comprises a base that is rotatably secured to the table top of the cutting tool. A leading or front portion of the device that engages the work piece is provided with a series of stepped surfaces or shoulders to accommodate work pieces of different thickness. The device pivots or rotates to facilitate positioning relative to the work piece regardless of the size of the work piece. Rotation of the device allows constant contact with the work piece. It holds the work piece against the rip fence and holds it down against the surface of the table saw. Complete control of the work piece is provided. A physical stop is also provided such that the device cannot move into contact with the blade of the cutting tool nor cause the work piece to be pinched against the cutting tool and create a kickback. 
     In another embodiment also designed for use with a table saw and intended to be used in combination with the previously described left hand device, a device is provided which is also designed to hold down the work piece at a different location and, at the same time, push the work piece past the saw blade quickly and safely. The safety device fits over or saddles the rip or guide fence and slides forward to push the work piece through the cutting zone and past the rotating blade. In a first embodiment, the device generally comprises a left wall, a top wall and a right wall. The left wall and right wall are spaced apart slightly more than the width of a rip fence. The top wall is attached to the left and right walls and slides along the top of the rip fence. A handle is provided to be grasped by an operator. In one embodiment, the left wall extends vertically above the top wall and handle to protect the operator&#39;s hand from the saw blade in the event of an unexpected kickback or other accident or mistake. The lower portion of the left wall is formed with a series of stepped or increasingly large cut-outs. The cut-outs are designed to accommodate work pieces of different thickness. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the cut-outs may be dimensioned in any number or variety of different sizes to accommodate work pieces of different thickness. There also may be more or fewer than four cut-outs. In a further alternative embodiment, the device may also be constructed in an adjustable version that allows adjustment of the left wall relative to the top and right wall to accommodate use with work pieces of different thicknesses by altering the position of the cut outs relative to the cutting surface. 
     A further embodiment of the safety device described in the prior paragraph is more fully adjustable. Here, the relative position of the component pieces are adjustable to accommodate rip fences of different dimensions. 
     A still further embodiment of the right hand hold down and pusher concept described in the prior two paragraphs is one that incorporates a swing arm push element for engaging the work piece and is designed primarily for use with a router, jointer and/or shaper, in addition to a table saw. Here, instead of using a left wall with a series of one or more cutouts, a swing arm is affixed to the left wall and permits a work piece to initially pass underneath the swing arm, rotating the swing arm to a position on top of the work piece. Once the work piece passes completely underneath the swing arm, the swing arm rotates to a generally vertical position where it engages the rear or trailing edge of the work piece, allowing the operator to completely push the work piece past the cutting element in a safe manner protecting the right hand of the operator. The position of the swing arm is adjustable to accommodate work pieces of different height or thickness. 
     In yet a further embodiment of a right hand hold down and pusher concept, a biasing member is provided to bias or lift the work piece contact portion of the pusher to a position spaced from the surface of the cutting instrument when not in use. This permits new work pieces to be positioned on the surface of the cutting tool without having to remove or reposition the right hand hold down device. For example, following use in cutting a board with a table saw, the device remains on the guide fence at a position near the leading edge of the table. When the operator releases his or her grasp of the device, the biasing member will lift the work piece contact surface, whether that is a single notch or multiple notches on the base of the safety wall or a swing arm or some other engagement surface known to those of skill in the art and useable with devices of this type. In turn, this permits a new work piece to be placed on the work surface without having to remove, reposition or lift the right hand pusher device from the guide fence as the work piece will slide underneath the pusher device. The user may then press the device against the new work piece causing the biasing member to deflect and the pusher to engage the work piece. 
     Yet another embodiment of safety devices described herein is for use with table saws, for example, in making dado cuts. A dual bearing hold down device is provided with two separate bearing elements that press the work piece in two directions to safely secure the work piece and eliminate work piece kickback. A first bearing element presses the work piece against the guide rail or rip fence, and a second bearing element presses the work piece in a perpendicular direction against the surface of the cutting table. Both bearing elements are biased against the work piece and the biasing force is adjustable. Additionally, the device itself is positionally adjustable to accommodate work pieces of different sizes. Further still, the bearing arm that positions the second bearing element may comprise different lengths to position the second bearing element at different locations relative to the cutting element, thereby facilitating a variety of different cuts and use with different blades as the situation may require. In a preferred embodiment, at least the first bearing element is configured to apply a force against the work piece at an acute angle relative to the engaged surface of the work piece. Also in a preferred embodiment, at least the first bearing element comprises an arm having two portions interconnected at an angle relative to each other such that the bearing element is curved or bent. Preferably, the arm will pivot against a counteracting biasing force to secure the work piece against the guide fence. 
     The dual bearing hold down device may also be utilized in connection with a table saw, jointer, planer, shaper or router. In one embodiment, the dual bearing hold down device comprises a base plate that covers a substantial portion of the rotating cutting element, thereby eliminating any opportunity for the operator&#39;s hand to accidentally contact the cutting element. In a second embodiment, the base plate may be positioned adjacent a table saw blade. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, the hold down device may be configured in the form of a triple bearing device where two bearing members press the work piece against the guide fence and a third bearing member presses the work piece against the surface of the cutting tool. Additional bearing elements for applying pressure against and securing a work piece may be added as would be understood by those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention comprises an anti-kickback wheel. This device is contemplated primarily for use with table saws, but may also be used with other devices. In connection with table saws, the device includes a bracket or base designed to attach at or near the distal end of the guide fence with a wheel that rides on top of the work piece to provide pressure holding the work piece against the surface of the table saw and against the rip fence, greatly reducing the chance of kickback. The freely rotating wheel is adjustably positionable by a wheel bearing arm to accommodate work pieces of different thicknesses and widths and to apply adjustable pressure, as needed. The larger the diameter of the wheel, the more readily the wheel automatically engages and rides over the top of a work piece without the need for an operator to manually position the hold down wheel on the work piece, thereby eliminating the need for the operator&#39;s hand to be located near a rotating cutting instrument. The wheel bearing arm is also designed to move completely out of the way without having to dismount or disconnect the device from the equipment. 
     Another embodiment of the safety system components comprises a device which is used with a miter saw and is designed to secure a work piece in a position to achieve an intended cut while protecting the operator&#39;s hand against injury. In one embodiment, the device is securable to the base or table of the miter saw. The device is rotatable about an axis in a plane generally parallel to the work surface or table surface of the saw. Securing means is provided to securely position the device in a desired position with respect to the saw and work piece. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a planer body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface contacts the work piece and the upper surface is engaged by the user for applying downward pressure on the work piece. An upstanding safety wall is associated with or positioned on the upper surface for preventing or limiting a user&#39;s reflexive or unintentional movement of his/her left hand into the cutting area. The lower surface may also comprise a subtending guide member that provides a second surface to engage and secure a work piece. The guide member prevents a work piece from translating or sliding laterally along the work surface away from the saw blade. In some embodiments, the device may further comprise one or more alignment plates for consistently orienting the device in a desired or aligned orientation relative to a fixed component of the saw, such as the guide fence or guide rail. In addition, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the lower surface of the securing member comprises friction or gripping means to enhance holding the work piece and prevent movement of a work piece relative to the device and the saw blade. Friction means include, but is not limited to, sandpaper, protrusions extending from the lower surface, knurled surfaces, adhesives, magnets, and various similar objects for gripping or engaging the work piece as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. The securing device is also provided with a positioning arm that extends away from the planer body in a direction generally away from the saw blade. A longitudinal slot is formed in the positioning arm and engages a threaded post secured to the base or frame of the saw, allowing the device to pivot about the post and be repositioned laterally along the work surface to accommodate work pieces of different shapes and sizes. Cylindrical spacers may be positioned on the threaded post, under the positioning arm to elevate the securing member relative to the work surface of the saw to accommodate work pieces of different thicknesses. 
     In addition, the miter saw hold down device enhances the ability to cut a work piece, including relatively small work pieces. Difficult and dangerous cuts not previously contemplated with a miter saw may be made easily and safely using this device. 
     An alternative embodiment of a safety device for use with a miter saw incorporates a pair of safety devices or safety arms that are positioned on opposite sides of the saw blade, although it should be understood that one safety device could be utilized at a time, in a preferred embodiment one device would be positioned on each side of the saw blade. Each device comprises a primary support arm that extends toward the saw blade. A first safety plate slideably engages the primary support arm and extends from the distal end of the primary support arm toward the alignment wall of the miter saw. The position of the first safety arm is biased such that it contacts the alignment wall to form a continuous blocking wall between the saw blade and the operator. In this manner, as the miter saw is rotated or repositioned to create cuts at different angles, the first safety plate automatically adjusts its position under the influence of the bias to remain in contact with the alignment wall. If two safety devices are used simultaneously, one on each side of the saw blade, the second safety device will similarly adjust to the repositioning of the saw blade to also remain in contact with the alignment wall. As a further option, a second safety plate may be attached to the first safety plate to further reduce or close the opening between the first safety plate and the surface of the miter saw thereby adding further protection for the operator. 
     In alternative embodiments, each of the foregoing described components may be provided with visual or tactile safety indicia to indicate to a user that appendages, such as the user&#39;s hand and fingers, should not extend past a predetermined point or be positioned in a location other than as indicated. Indicia for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, protrusions, indentations, markings, grooves, stepped features, text, symbols and similar features, as well as various combinations thereof. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and the detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. Moreover, reference made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a table saw with exemplary embodiments of component pieces of the safety system of the present invention. A work piece is shown in a pre-cut position. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , further showing a work piece during cutting. 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , further showing the work piece following cutting. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary safety system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a jointer with the exemplary embodiments of components pieces of the safety system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a dual bearing hold down device shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a prior art jointer. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of an exemplary safety system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a right hand push device, primarily intended for use with a table saw. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a left side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a right plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a swing arm push device of the present invention, primarily intended for use with a jointer, router, shaper and/or table saw. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a left plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15A  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , further showing a work piece in phantom with a push bar in a horizontal position resting on top of the work piece. 
         FIG. 15B  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , further showing the swing arm disengaging the trailing edge of a work piece (shown in phantom) as the work piece moves to the left. 
         FIG. 15C  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , further showing the swing arm horizontally aligned with the trailing edge of the work piece (shown in phantom) to enable pushing of the work piece through a cutting zone. 
         FIG. 16  is a right plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dual bearing hold down device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18A  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the embodiment of  FIG. 18   
         FIG. 19  is a left plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , further showing a work piece in phantom. 
         FIG. 20  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a right plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , further showing a work piece in phantom. 
         FIG. 22A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  22 A- 22 A of  FIG. 18  and further showing one embodiment of a vertical hold down roller positioned on the top surface of a work piece being cut. 
         FIG. 22B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  22 A- 22 A of  FIG. 18 , further showing the position of one embodiment of a vertical hold down roller following disengagement of a work piece being cut. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-kickback device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a left plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 28  is a right plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 29A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting plate of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 29A , further showing one embodiment of a base plate of a dual bearing hold down device secured thereto by a lock down bolt. 
         FIG. 30A  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 29A . 
         FIG. 30B  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 29B . 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting plate of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32A  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 32B  is a top plan view of the guide plate of  FIG. 32A , further showing one embodiment of a base plate of a dual bearing hold down device secured thereto by a lock down bolt. 
         FIG. 33A  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 32A . 
         FIG. 33B  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 32B . 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a left hand hold down device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a rear plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is a side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lock down bolt of the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a miter saw hold down device according to the safety system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is an alternative top perspective view of the embodiment of the miter saw hold down device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is a bottom perspective view of the hold down device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 41  is a top plan view of the hold down device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 42  is a side elevational view of the hold down device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 43  is an end elevational view of the hold down device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 44  is a bottom plan view of the hold device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the hold down device of  FIG. 38  mounted to and used in combination with a miter saw. 
         FIG. 46  is a partial elevational view of one embodiment of a lock down mechanism for use with the miter saw hold down device of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an anti-kickback device. 
         FIG. 48  is a front elevation view of the anti-kickback device of  FIG. 47  showing the hold down arm in two alternative positions. 
         FIG. 49  is a top plan view of the anti-kickback device of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 50  is a partial top plan view of the anti-kickback device of  FIG. 47  showing the first body member of a quick release positioning mechanism separated from the second body member. 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 52  is an upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a right hand push device with an adjustable swing arm. 
         FIG. 53  is a lower perspective view of the right hand push of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 54  is a top plan view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 55  is a front elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 56  is a side elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 57  is a bottom plan view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 58  is a front elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 , further illustrating the lateral adjustability of the swing arm. 
         FIG. 59  is a side elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 , further illustrating the longitudinal adjustability of the swing arm. 
         FIG. 60  is a side elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 52 , further illustrating the pivoting motion of the swing arm. 
         FIG. 61  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a right hand push device. 
         FIG. 62  is a lower perspective view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 63  is a top plan view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 64  is an end elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 65  is a cross-section of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 , taken along line  65 - 65  of  FIG. 64 . 
         FIG. 66  is a first side elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 67  is a second elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 , illustrating the opposite side compared to  FIG. 66 . 
         FIG. 68  is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a right hand push device. 
         FIG. 69  is lower perspective view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 68 . 
         FIG. 70  is top plan view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 68 . 
         FIG. 71  is an end elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 68 . 
         FIG. 72  is cross-section of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 , taken along line  72 - 72  of  FIG. 71 . 
         FIG. 73  is first side elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 68 . 
         FIG. 74  is a second elevation view of the right hand push device of  FIG. 61 , illustrating the opposite side compared to  FIG. 73 . 
         FIG. 75  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bearing member shown in a first position attached to a base plate. 
         FIG. 76  is a top plan view of the bearing member of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 77  is a first side plan view of the bearing member of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 78  is a front plan view of the bearing member of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 79  is a partial cross sectional view of the bearing member of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 80  is a perspective view of the bearing member shown in  FIG. 75 , oriented on the top of a work piece guide or rip fence. 
         FIG. 81  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hold down device. 
         FIG. 82  is a lower perspective view of the hold down device of  FIG. 81 . 
         FIG. 83  is a top plan view of the hold down device of  FIG. 81 . 
         FIG. 84  is a side elevation of the hold down device of  FIG. 81 . 
         FIG. 85  is an end elevation of the hold down device of  FIG. 81 . 
         FIG. 86  is a bottom perspective view of the hold down device of  FIG. 81 , further illustrating how the device attached to a channel in a work surface of a cutting instrument. 
         FIG. 87  is a top plan view of the hold down device of  FIG. 81 , showing the device positioned on the work surface of a cutting instrument. 
         FIG. 88  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 87 , further showing the securing mechanism engaged with the channel of the cutting instrument work surface. 
         FIG. 89  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a safety device for the left side of a miter saw. 
         FIG. 90  is a lower perspective view of the device of  FIG. 89 . 
         FIG. 91  is a top plan view of the device of  FIG. 89 . 
         FIG. 92  is an end plan view of the device of  FIG. 89 . 
         FIG. 93  is a first side elevation view of the device of  FIG. 89 . 
         FIG. 94  is a perspective view of one embodiment of two safety devices for use with a miter saw. 
         FIG. 95  is a perspective view of a miter saw and work piece, further illustrating the devices of  FIG. 94  installed. 
     
    
    
     While the following disclosure describes the invention in connection with those embodiments presented, one should understand that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, one should understand that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that in certain instances, the disclosure may not include details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the safety system disclosed herein include multiple separate safety devices or components that can be used individually or in combination to enhance the safety of and reduce injuries to an operator of powered cutting tools.  FIGS. 1A through 1C  depict a table saw  10  with exemplary embodiments of three component devices of the overall system of the present invention. These component pieces are a right hand push device  12 , a dual bearing hold down device  14 , and an anti-kickback device  16 . However, while the dual bearing hold down device  14  is typically positioned in front of the cutting blade  18  and the anti-kickback device  16  is typically positioned following the cutting blade  18 , they are not restricted to those physical locations and may be positioned adjacent or in close proximity to the cutting blade, on opposite sides of the cutting blade or at other locations selected by those of skill in the art for purposes of enhancing safety and/or facilitating use of the devices. Accordingly, the names of these components should not be viewed as limitations on the functionality of these component pieces, but are simply labels for purposes of distinguishing one component piece from the other. 
     One embodiment of a right hand push device  12  will now be described in greater detail. Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , the right hand push device  12  is a component piece designed to protect the right hand of an operator of a table saw, planer/jointer, router or other cutting equipment.  FIGS. 7-11  illustrate use with a table saw  10 . The right hand push device  12  comprises a horizontal plate  20  with an upstanding wall portion  22  that abuts a vertically adjustable safety wall  24 . It further comprises a horizontally adjustable guide wall  26  with a horizontal portion  28  that abuts the lower surface  30  of the horizontal plate  20 , and a handle  32 . Vertical slots  34  are formed in the vertically adjustable safety wall  24  to receive threaded bolts  36  that extend from and are affixed to the vertically upstanding wall portion  22  of the horizontal plate  20 . Nuts  38  or other securing members are affixed to the exposed end of the bolts  36  to secure the vertical adjustable safety wall  24  in a fixed position relative to the vertically upstanding wall portion  22  of the horizontal plate  20 . 
     It should be appreciated that other ways of adjustably securing the safety wall to the horizontal plate will occur to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure and such methods are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     As is illustrated, the right hand push device  12  straddles the guide or rip fence  40  of the table saw  10  or any other cutting equipment. The straddled fit provides balance to the right hand push device. Preferably, the handle  32  is positioned on the horizontal plate  20  to be directly on top of the rip fence  40 . This allows a wide variety of pressure to be applied by the operator without dislodging the right hand guide  12  from the rip fence. Slots  42  also are formed in the horizontal plate  20  to allow adjustable positioning of the guide wall  26  relative to the safety wall  24  to accommodate rip fences of different widths. Threaded bolts  44  or other securement means known to those of skill in the art extend from the horizontal portion  28  of the guide wall  26  through the slots  42  formed in the horizontal plate  20 . Nuts  46  are tightened to secure the position of the guide wall  26  relative to the safety wall  24 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , by the operator placing his or her right hand on the handle  32  and advancing the right hand push device  12  along the rip fence  40  through the cutting zone of the table saw  10 , the operator&#39;s right hand is located away from the cutting zone and, should the work piece kick or jump, the upper portion  48  of the safety wall  24  blocks the operator&#39;s hand from accidentally contacting the cutting blade  18 . When not in use, the right hand push device  12  may mount on a post extending from the rip fence  40 . 
     In addition, the lower edge  50  of the safety wall  24  comprises a series of stepped cut outs  52  designed to accommodate work pieces of different thickness. Each cut out comprises a horizontal surface  52   h  and a vertical surface  52   v . Depending upon the thickness of a work piece being cut, the appropriate cut out  52  is positioned such that the horizontal surface  52   h  rests on the top surface of the work piece to prevent vertical movement of the work piece during the cutting operation and the vertical surface  52   v  engages the trailing edge of the work piece to allow the operator to advance the work piece through the cutting zone by advancing the right hand push device  12  along the guide rail or rip fence  40  using the handle  32 . It is preferred that the horizontal surfaces  52   h  have sufficient length to keep the work piece pushed down against the surface of the table throughout the entire cut. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the safety wall  24  has a width of no more than approximately 0.25-0.0375 inches to permit thin cuts while still fitting between the blade and rip fence. Making the device of aluminum, or other lightweight yet strong metal, allows the right hand push device to have a relatively thin width. 
     An alternative embodiment of the right hand push device  12  is shown in  FIGS. 12-16 . In this embodiment, the horizontal plate  20  and the horizontally adjustable guide wall  26  are identical to that of the prior embodiment. However, the vertically adjustable safety wall  24  is replaced with a safety wall  24 ′ that is fixed in position relative to the horizontal plate  20 . Instead of a series of stepped cut outs, this embodiment includes a rotatable swing arm pusher  54  that is secured to the safety wall  24 ′ at a pivot point  56 . As shown in the sequence of  FIGS. 15A-15C , the swing arm pusher  54  is designed to rotate 90 degrees from a horizontal position, where it rests upon the top surface of a work piece, through a vertical position shown in  FIG. 15C , where it engages the trailing edge of a work piece. The bottom surface  58  of the swing arm pusher is rounded such that as the trailing edge of the work piece passes the bottom surface of the swing arm pusher  54 , the swing arm pusher rotates to the position shown in  FIG. 15C . Further advancement of the work piece through the cutting zone is accomplished by the operator advancing the work piece using the right hand push device  12 . A stop pin  60  is positioned at the top of the swing arm pusher  54  to engage the top surface  62  of the safety wall  24 ′ and prevent the swing arm pusher  54  from rotating past the vertical position shown in  FIG. 15C . To accommodate work pieces of different thicknesses, the safety wall  24 ′ may include a plurality of apertures  64  generally vertically aligned to adjust the vertical position of the swing arm pusher  54  by relocating the pivot point to a different aperture.  FIG. 2  illustrates a table saw  10  with this embodiment of the right hand push device  12  positioned on the rip fence  40 . The upper portion  48  of the safety wall  24 ′ protects the operator&#39;s hand during cutting. 
     A further alternative embodiment of the right hand push device  12  to that shown in  FIGS. 12-16  is the swing arm push device  12  shown in  FIGS. 52-60 . The right hand push device  12  comprises a horizontal plate  20  with an upstanding wall portion  22  that abuts a vertically adjustable safety wall  24 ′. It further comprises a laterally adjustable horizontal guide wall  26 ′. The guide wall  26 ′ is repositionable relative to the horizontal plate  20  by means of screws  44  that engage the guide wall through slots  42  formed in the horizontal plate  20 . The guide wall  26 ′, horizontal plate  20  and the lower portion of the safety wall  24 ′ form a channel that saddles a guide or rip fence, for example, on a table saw. The channel may be widened or narrowed to accommodate fences of different sizes by changing the position of the guide wall  26 ′ relative to the lower portion of the safety wall  24 ′. A knob  32 ′ affixed to the horizontal plate  20  is grasped by the operator to push the device  12  along the guide fence. 
     Like the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-16 , this embodiment includes a swing arm pusher  54 ′, but unlike the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-16 , the swing arm pusher  54 ′ is longitudinally and laterally adjustable to accommodate work pieces of varying shapes and sizes. A post  250  extends laterally away from the safety wall  24 ′. A first bracket  252 , with an aperture  254  formed therein, receives the post  250  within the aperture  254 . A manually tightenable screw  256  secures the position of the first bracket  252  relative to the post  250 . As shown in  FIG. 58 , the swing arm  54 ′ may be repositioned along the post  250  by adjusting the position of the first bracket  252 . A first arm  258  is pivotally connected to the first bracket  252  at pivot  260 . The pivot connection allows the arm  258  to pivot in a manner similar to the swing arm  54  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-16 . A second bracket  262  is affixed to the arm  258 . The second bracket  262  comprises a longitudinal channel  264  of generally the same cross-sectional shape as the first arm pusher  258 . An elongate longitudinal slot  266  formed in the second bracket  262  allows the position of the second bracket  262  to be adjusted relative to the arm  258 . The position of the second bracket  262  relative to the first arm  258  is secured by a screw  268  positioned in the slot  266 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 59 , the second bracket  262  may be adjusted relative to the first arm  258 . In addition, in one embodiment, the end  270  of the first arm  258  may extend below the second bracket  262 . In the unintended event that the cutting blade contacts the end  270  of the first arm  258 , it may be desirable construct the first arm  258  of a soft material, such as a plastic or wood, rather than metal, to minimize potential damage to the cutting blade. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the end  270  may comprise a second arm  272  (shown in  FIG. 56 ) also attached to the channel  264  of the second bracket  262  by a second screw (not shown). The first arm  258  may be constructed of metal, while the second arm  270  is constructed of a softer material and may be replaced at a less cost if damaged. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 60 , the swing arm  54 ′ is designed to pivot clockwise around pivot point  260 . With the device  12  positioned on a guide fence, a work piece may be moved beneath the swing arm  54 ′ and the arm  54 ′ will rotate out of the way and allow the work piece to move past. Once the work piece is past the swing arm  54 ′, the arm  54 ′ will be in a substantially vertical position. As shown in  FIG. 53 , the first bracket  250  comprises a shoulder  274  that prevents counterclockwise rotation of the swing arm  54 ′ which, in turn, secures the position of the swing arm  54 ′ to engage and push a work piece forward through a cutting zone of a cutting instrument. 
     Yet another embodiment of a work piece pushing element  12  is shown in  FIGS. 61-67 . Like the prior embodiments, this device  12  includes a horizontal plate  20 , an adjustable guide wall  26 ′ and a safety wall  24 . The base  280  of the safety wall  24  includes a notched edge  52  to assist in engaging a work piece. Unlike the earlier embodiments, in this embodiment the safety wall  24  is attached to a spring biased handle portion  282 . A mounting block  284  is affixed to the upper surface of the horizontal plate  20 . Four links  286  are pivotally connected to the mounting block  284 . The opposite ends of the four links  286  are pivotally connected to a saddle bracket  288 . The bracket  288  includes a first member or upper plate  430  having a leading edge  432 , a trailing edge  434  and two side edges  436  and  438  extending between the leading  432  and trailing edges  434 , a first side wall  440  extending from and subtending a side edge  436  and a second side wall  442  extending from and subtending the second side edge  438 . It should be appreciated that four links are not required to position the handle portion  282  relative to the horizontal plate  20 . Fewer or more links may be used or other connections known to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure are within the scope of the present invention. A biasing member  290 , such as a leaf spring, is positioned between the saddle bracket  288  and the upper surface of the horizontal plate  20  to bias the saddle bracket  288  away from the horizontal plate  20  and, simultaneously, raise the position of the notched edge  52  of the safety wall  24  away from a work surface of the cutting instrument. As a result, the notch  52  and base  280  are spaced or elevated above the surface of the table saw and out of the way of additional work pieces. In other words, a work piece will slide along the surface of the table saw, against the guide fence and underneath the notch  52  and base  280 . The pushing element  12  need not be removed from the guide fence as each successive work piece is placed on the table saw for cutting. Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 67 , the vertical position of the safety wall relative to the handle portion  282  may be adjusted by loosening the nuts  38  on the threaded bolts  36  and nuts  38  to accommodate thinner or thicker work pieces. Like the other embodiments, the guide wall  26 ′ is laterally adjustable relative to the lower portion of the safety wall  24  to form a channel of varying widths to accommodate a variety of guide fence shapes. When it is time to engage a work piece, the operator pushes down on the knob  32  attached to the saddle bracket  288  and against the action of the biasing member  290 . This action brings the notched edge  52  of the safety wall  24  and the base  280  into engagement with the trailing edge of a work piece. As a result, the pusher device  12  may advance the work piece through a cutting zone with the safety wall  24  protecting the hand of the operator and the lower edge  52  engaging the work piece to advance the work piece through the cutting zone. The length of the base  280  further serves to hold down the work piece. It should be appreciated that different safety walls may be incorporated into this structure to provide a longer or shorter base  280  and/or a deeper notch  52 . 
     Another embodiment of a work piece pushing element  12  is shown in  FIGS. 68-74 . This embodiment is similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 61-67 , with the general exception that the biasing member  290 , which is a leaf spring in the embodiment of  FIGS. 61-67 , is a deflection plate  400  and compression spring  402  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 68-74 . Otherwise, the components of the pushing element  12  are similar. With reference to  FIGS. 72 and 73 , the mounting block  284  includes a first cut out  404  and a second cut out  406 . A first end of a compression spring  402  is positioned in the second cut out  406 . A first end of a deflection plate  400  is pivotally connected to the mounting block  284  in the first cut out  404 . More specifically, the deflection plate  400  comprises a main body  408  with a downwardly depending post  410  and a downwardly depending flange  412  positioned at the leading edge of the deflection plate. The opposite end of the spring  402  is held in position relative to the bottom of the deflection plate  400  by the post  410 . A pivot pin  414  extends through the flange  412  and the mounting block  284  to secure the deflection plate  400  relative to the mounting block  284  and the lower surface  416  of the saddle bracket  288 . The compression spring  402  maintains the position of the deflection plate  400  against the lower surface of the saddle bracket  288  such that the notch  52  and base  280  are elevated above the surface of the table saw and out of the way of work pieces. The amount of vertical separation between the notch  52  and table saw work surface is adjustable in two ways. As noted above, the relative position of the safety wall  24  may be adjusted by loosening nuts  38  on threaded bolds  36 , repositioning the safety wall  24  and retightening the nuts  38 . Alternatively or in addition, the range of motion of the deflection plate may be adjusted. As seen in  FIGS. 68-72 , a threaded bore  418  is formed in the leading edge of the mounting block  284  and a set screw  420  is positioned in the bore to block the rotation of the flange  412  about pivot  414 . In turn, this sets the distance or height the notch  52  and base  280  are spaced from the surface of the table saw. In operation, a work piece is positioned on the surface of the table saw, against the guide fence and underneath the base  280  of the pusher  12 . The operator grasps the knob  32  and presses downwardly until the step  52  engages the trailing edge of a work piece. The four links  286  pivot in unison and the spring  402  compresses until the work piece is engaged. Upon completion of the cutting operation, the operator returns the pushing element  12  to the proximal end of the guide fence for initiating a subsequent cut. Upon release of the handle, the spring  402  elevates the deflection plate  400  and, in turn, the saddle bracket and handle  32  such that the base  280  and notch  52  are spaced above the surface of the table saw. In a preferred embodiment, the height or space between the surface and the notch may be adjusted between approximately 1 to 2 inches and more preferably between 1.25 and 1.75 inches. As those of skill in the art will appreciate upon review of this disclosure, the length of the base  280  may also be increased to provide enhances stability of the work piece by engagement of the work piece over a longer distance. Preferably, the length of base  280  varies between 4 and 7.5 inches. The bracket  288  also includes a first member or upper plate  430  having a leading edge  432 , a trailing edge  434  and two side edges  436  and  438  extending between the leading  432  and trailing edges  434 , a first side wall  440  extending from and subtending a side edge  436  and a second side wall  442  extending from and subtending the second side edge  438 . 
     One embodiment of the dual bearing hold down device  14  is shown in  FIGS. 17-21 . As shown, the dual bearing hold down device  14  comprises a base plate  66 , including a slot  68  for adjusting its position relative to a mounting plate  70  secured to the cutting equipment. (See,  FIGS. 29A-33B .) A pair of upstanding posts  72 A,  72 B are positioned to one side of the base plate  66 . A rotatable shaft  74  extends through the outer post  72 A and inner post  72 B. A bearing arm  76  is affixed to extends perpendicularly from one end of the shaft  74 . A guide roller or vertical bearing  78  is positioned at the distal end of the bearing arm  76 . A collar or sleeve  80  is positioned around the portion of the shaft  74  between the outer post  72 A and outer post  72 B. A pair of bores  82 ,  84  are formed in the collar  80 . The first bore  82  receives a lock bolt  86  to lock the position of the collar  80  relative to the shaft  74 . The second bore  84  receives a limit/tension arm  88 . One end of a tension spring  90  is affixed to the distal end of the limit/tension arm  88  and the opposite end of the spring  90  is attached to a post  92  or other upstanding member affixed to the base plate  66 . The tension spring  90  rotates the collar  90  and shaft  74  as one piece, provided the lock bolt  86  engages both pieces. A limit/tension arm stop  94  extends from one of the posts  72  to restrict or limit rotation of the collar  90  and shaft  74 . 
     The dual bearing hold down device  14  further comprises a pivot arm  96  which pivots about a pivot point P affixed to the base plate  66 . One end of the pivot arm  96   a  includes a horizontal hold down roller or horizontal bearing  98  that abuts a side surface of a work piece and holds the work piece against a guide rail  40 . A stop  100  is affixed to and extends upwardly from the base plate  66  to restrict rotational movement of the pivot arm  96 . A second tension spring  102  extends between a post  104  secured to the base plate  66  and a post  106  secured to the opposite end of the pivot arm  96   b . The two tension springs force the hold down rollers to engage and apply pressure against surfaces of the work piece to hold the work piece during cutting. Additional posts  104 ,  106  on the base plate  66  and on the second end of the pivot arm  96   b  are provided to allow repositioning of the spring  102  to adjust the tension applied to the pivot arm  96  and shaft  74 .  FIGS. 19 and 21  illustrate engagement of a work piece or work piece by the vertical hold down bearing  78  and horizontal hold down bearing  98 . As shown, the pivot P is positioned forward of the bearing  98  and  98 ′ such that the bearings apply a force against the work piece at an acute angle relative to the surface of the work piece. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the posts  104  and  106  may be located at other positions to accomplish the same results, and will also appreciate that other known tensioning mechanisms may be substituted for the springs  90  and  102 . 
     The function of the limit/tension arm stop  92  and the pivot arm stop  100  is to prevent the vertical hold down bearing  78  and/or horizontal hold down bearing  98  from contacting the blade or cutting tool, once the desired cut is completed. A principle is illustrated in  FIG. 22A  in association with making a dado cut. As shown, the vertical hold down bearing  78  engages the top of a work piece as the work piece is being cut by a saw blade. For a dado cut, the bearing  78  may sit directly above the blade  18 . The limit/tension arm  76  is being pulled counterclockwise by the spring  90  to apply downward force on the upper surface of the work piece by the vertical hold down bearing  78 . This prevents the work piece from kicking or jumping. As shown in  FIG. 22B , when the tail end of the work piece moves past the vertical hold down bearing  78 , the force applied by the tension spring  90  acts to move the limit/tension arm  76 , collar, shaft and vertical hold down arm counterclockwise towards the cutting blade. However, the limit/tension arm stop  94  limits the rotation of this assembly and prevents the vertical hold down bearing  78  from coming in contact with the blade  18 . The limit stop  94  may be adjusted either by repositioning it in different apertures formed in the inner post  72 B or alternatively, by adjusting the position of the collar  80  relative to the shaft  74  using the lock bolt. Alternatively, the dual bearing hold down device  14  may be positioned such that the vertical bearing  78  is not positioned over the blade or, a shaft  74  with a longer length bearing arm  76  may be substituted. A longer bearing arm  76  will position the bearing roller away from the saw blade. 
     A triple bearing hold down device is shown in  FIG. 18A . It is nearing identical to the dual bearing hold down device shown in  FIG. 18 , except that a second horizontal pivot arm  96 ′ is affixed to the base plate  66 . A horizontal hold down bearing  98 ′ is affixed to the distal end of the second horizontal pivot arm  96 ′ to engage a work piece in the same manner as the first horizontal pivot arm  96 . An adjustable spring  102 ′ interconnected between post  104 ′ and the second horizontal arm  96 ′ applies a biasing force to the second horizontal arm  96 ′. However, in a preferred embodiment, it is intended that the cutting instrument be positioned between the two horizontal hold down bearings  98  and  98 ′. In this way, the work piece is pushed against a rip fence or guide before and following the cutting of the work piece providing enhanced stability of the work piece and improved operator safety. It should be further appreciated that the relative position of the first and second horizontal arms  96  and  96 ′ may be changed to meet particular needs, including but not limited to particular configurations of cutting tools made by various third party manufacturers. It should be further appreciated that additional horizontal arms, as well as vertical hold down arms, may be added as needed. The triple bearing hold down device is preferably suited for use with a router, jointer or table saw used for dado cuts. Also, the shaft  74  is elongated in length compared to that shown in  FIG. 18  to allow the vertical bearing  78  to be moved away from the base plate  66  to accommodate wider work pieces. 
     One embodiment of an anti-kickback device  16  is shown in  FIGS. 23-28 . It operates in a similar fashion to the dual bearing hold down device  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C and 2 , the anti-kickback device  16  is secured to or near the distal end of the rip fence or guide rail  40  of a table saw  10 , planer ( FIG. 3 ) or similar cutting tool. The anti-kickback device  16  comprises an inner post  108  with apertures  110  to allow the inner post  108  to be secured to the rip fence  40  using sheet metal screws or similar attachment members. An outer post  112  is disposed at a position spaced from and parallel to the inner post  108 . A shaft  114  extends through apertures  116  in both the inner and outer post  108 ,  112 . An arm  118  extends perpendicularly from one end of the shaft  114  and a vertical hold down roller  134  is positioned at the opposite end of the arm  118 . A collar  120  surrounds that portion of the shaft that is positioned between the two posts  108 ,  112 . The collar  120  includes a first aperture  122  to receive a lock bolt  86  which affixes the position of the collar  120  relative to the shaft  114 . A limit/tension arm  124  extends from a second aperture  126  in the collar. The distal end of the limit/tension arm  124  is secured to one end of a tension spring  128 . The opposite end of the tension spring  128  is secured to a post  130  affixed to the base plate  132  of the jig as shown in  FIG. 25 . The position of the hold down roller  134  can be adjusted to correspond to the thickness of a work piece by adjusting the relative position of the collar  120  and shaft  114 . The outer post  112  further includes a limit/tension arm stop  136  to limit rotation of the shaft  114 , arm  124  and vertical hold down roller  134  to avoid contact between the roller  134  and the cutting blade  18  of the equipment. Potential contact between the vertical hold down roller  134  and the cutting blade  18  can also be avoided by repositioning the limit stop  136  into one of a plurality of other apertures  138  in the post  112  or by positioning the anti-kickback device  16  at a position laterally offset from the cutting blade as shown in  FIGS. 1A-2  in connection with a table saw  10 , and as shown in  FIG. 3  in connection with a planer  140 . 
     Yet another embodiment of a bearing member for biasing a bearing  78  against a work piece is shown in  FIGS. 75-80 . The illustrated bearing member may be substituted for the bearing members shown, for example, in  FIGS. 17-28 . In this alternative embodiment, the collar  80 ′ is positioned inside a bearing housing  291 . The bearing housing  291  may be oriented in a variety of positions as desired, for example, connected to a base plate  66  as shown in  FIG. 89  or connected to a guide fence as shown in  FIG. 80 . In this embodiment, a shaft  74  extends through a bore  292  formed in the collar  80 ′. The housing  290  includes a pair of apertures  294  formed on opposite walls of the housing  291  through which the shaft  74  extends. A bearing arm  76  and bearing wheel  78  extend from the shaft  74 . The bearing wheel  78  engages the work piece. A lock bolt  86  having a handle  296  extends through an opening  298  in the removable top cover  300  of the bearing housing  291  The collar  80  includes a threaded aperture (not shown) that receives the threaded end of the lock bolt  86 . By tightening the lock bolt  86  into the threaded aperture formed in the collar  80 ′, the lock bolt  86  secures the position of the shaft  74  relative to the collar  80 ′. An elongate tab  302  extends from the collar  80 ′ and, as illustrated, has a first portion  304  and a second portion  306  angled relative to the first portion  304 . The relative orientation of the two portions  304  and  306  may change as desired and there need be only a single portion in some embodiments. A tension spring  90 ′ is positioned between the second portion  306  of the tab  302  and a side wall of the bearing housing  291 . The second portion  306  of the tab  302  may optionally include a protrusion or boss (not shown) extending outwardly to receive one end of the spring  90 ′ and assist in positioning the tension spring  90 ′. A movable cover plate  308  may be positioned over the aperture  310  in the housing wall to access one end of the tension spring  90 ′ and assist in aligning the spring relative to the tab  302  in order for the spring to apply a force against the tab. To increase or decrease the force applied by the bearing wheel  78  on a work piece, the threaded lock bolt  86  is loosened relative to the collar  80 ′, the collar  80  is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as is appropriate to increase or decrease the compression on the spring  90 ′ and the lock bolt  86  is again tightened. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , as a piece of wood or work piece is initially positioned for advancement through the cutting zone of a table saw, the vertical hold down bearing or roller  78 ,  134  of both the dual bearing hold down device  14  and anti-kickback device  16 , respectively, may not be in contact with the work piece. As the work piece is advanced, it will initially cause the vertical bearing  78  of the dual bearing hold down device  14  to rotate to a position on top of the work piece to hold the work piece down vertically as it advances through the cutting zone. Repositioning of the vertical bearing  78  to a position on top of the work piece applies the tension of the tension spring  90  to the work piece to assist in the vertical bearing  78  applying necessary pressure to the top surface of the work piece during the cutting operation. Simultaneously, the horizontal bearing  98  applies inward pressure against the side of the work piece to secure the work piece against the side wall of the rip fence  40 . As the work piece further advances through the cutting zone, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the leading edge of the work piece passes underneath the vertical hold down roller  134  of the anti-kickback device  16  such that the work piece is now secured on both sides of the cutting zone. Movement of the vertical hold down roller  134  to a position on top of the work piece applies the tension in the tension spring  128  to the work piece to cause the vertical hold down roller  134  to apply a necessary force to the work piece to prevent undesired kicking and jumping during the cutting operation. Regardless of the thickness of the work piece, the pressure applied by the tension springs  78  and  134  remains constant. As shown in  FIG. 1C , following complete cut of the work piece, the vertical hold down roller  134  of the anti-kickback device  16  still secures the work piece, prevents kickback and prevents the work piece from falling to the floor and being damaged. The larger the diameter of the roller  134 , the more likely it is that the roller  134  will automatically reposition itself to the top of the work piece. It is certainly not desirable for the operator to reach past the active cutting tool for purposes of repositioning a hold down device. In a preferred embodiment, each bearing  78  and  134  have a diameter of at least three inches, and preferably about four inches, which will accommodate work pieces of less than 0.25 to approximately 1.50 inches in thickness. 
     The bearing hold down device  14 , whether in a dual or triple or some other number of bearings configuration, may be attached to a table saw  10  through use of a mounting plate  70  shown in  FIGS. 31-33B . The mounting plate comprises a channel bracket  142  designed to fit within the channel  144  on the upper surface  146  of the table of the table saw  10 , illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-2 . A pair of parallel outer guide walls  148  are affixed to the channel bracket  142  and, when connected to the table, rest upon the surface  146  of the table with the channel bracket  142  positioned within the channel  144 . An aperture  150  is formed in the channel bracket  142  to provide a means of securing the channel bracket  142  to the table and the hold down device  14  to the mounting plate  70 . As shown in  FIGS. 32B and 33B , the base plate  66  of the dual bearing hold down device  14  nests between the outer guide walls  148  of the mounting plate  70  and is adjustably positionable relative to the guide walls  148  (see arrows in  FIG. 32B ). Thus, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the base plate  66  of the dual bearing hold down device  14  may be moved towards or away from the rip fence  40  to accommodate work pieces of different widths. Once the position of the base plate  66  is selected, its position may be locked down relative to the table surface  146  by use of a lock bolt  147  positioned in a vertical slot  68  formed in the base plate  66  and secured through the aperture  150  in the channel bracket  142 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 33B . An embodiment of the lock bolt  152  is shown in  FIG. 37 . With the dual bearing hold down device  14  in place, repetitious cutting of the identified work pieces may be accomplished without repositioning of the device  14 . 
     A different mounting plate, for use with a planer or jointer  140 , is shown in  FIGS. 29A-30B . Here, the mounting plate  70  is connected to the surface of the jointer  140  and two parallel upstanding guide walls  154  are formed at the outer edges of the mounting plate  70 . Apertures  150  are formed in the mounting plate  70  to receive screws or fasteners to secure the mounting plate  70  to the table of the jointer  140 . Another aperture receives a lock bolt  147  to secure the base plate  66  relative to the mounting plate  70 . As shown in  FIG. 29B , the base plate  66  of the dual bearing hold down device  14  is then positioned between the outer guide walls  154  to allow it to be adjustably positioned relative to the guide wall or rip fence  40  of the planer. See,  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, when the dual bearing hold down device  14  is used with a jointer/planer  140 , the mounting plate  70  is secured to the surface of the table  146  and positions the base plate  66  of the hold down device  14  at an elevated position directly above the cutting blade (unlike the positioning typically used with a table saw). As a result, the base plate  66  of the hold down device  14  may be positioned above and cover a large portion of the cutting blade, thereby preventing the operator&#39;s hand from contacting the blade. 
     A typical jointer/planer  140  is shown in  FIG. 5 . A rotatable safety plate  156  covers the rotating blade and pivots out of the way as a piece of wood is moved through the cutting zone. However, if an operator&#39;s hand were to slip and move into the cutting zone, the safety plate would simply move away as it would with a piece of wood, and nothing would inhibit or prevent the operator&#39;s hand from coming in contact with the rotating blade. Embodiments of the present invention substantially reduce this risk. 
     A left hand hold down device  158  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 34-36 . The left hand hold down device  158  may replace the dual bearing hold down device  14  in connection with operating a table saw. The left hand hold down device comprises a base  160  which is pivotally connected to a channel bracket  162 . The channel bracket  162  rides within the channel  144  formed in the upper surface  146  of the table of a table saw  10 . The channel bracket  162  may comprise different shapes than the rectangular shape shown in the figures provided it functions to maintain the position of the left hold down device relative to the table. The leading edge of the left hand hold down guide includes a series of stepped or staggered surfaces  164  to accommodate work pieces of different thickness. A handle  166  is formed on the upper surface  168  of the base  160  and a safety wall  170  is formed at the forward edge of the base  160 . In operation, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the channel bracket  162  sits within the channel  144  and allows the left hand work piece device  158  to slide within the channel  144  and rotate relative to the channel bracket  162 . A lock bolt  147  is positioned and secured to the channel  144  to prevent advancement of the left hand hold down device  158  into the cutting zone such that there is no contact between the left hand device  158  and the cutting blade. The stepped surface  164  provides both a horizontal surface  164  to hold down a work piece and a vertical surface  164  to press the work piece against the rip fence as the work piece is advanced through the cutting zone. The left hand work piece device  158  may pivot or rotate relative to the channel bracket  142  to accommodate work pieces of different widths. In a preferred embodiment, the stepped surfaces  164  are rounded or semi-circular in profile to maintain constant contact with the work piece at any orientation of the left hand hold down device  158  allowing the tool to rotate while the work piece moves through the cutting zone. 
     An alternative version of a work piece hold down device is illustrated in  FIGS. 81-88 . Unlike the hold down device of  FIGS. 34-36 , this embodiment does not require manual positioning by an operator&#39;s left hand. This hold down device comprises a base plate  160  with a channel guide  162  affixed to the lower surface of the base plate  160 . The channel guide  162  is dimensioned to fit in a channel typically formed in the work surface of a cutting instrument, such as a table saw. A lock pin  320  extends downwardly from the channel guide  162  and fits in an aperture (not shown) formed in the channel of the work surface. Additionally, a locking cam  322  may optionally be positioned at the opposite end of the channel guide  162  from the lock pin  320  to also assist in securing the hold down device relative to the channel. A lever  324  facilitates rotation of the locking cam  322  and, as shown in  FIGS. 87 and 88 , by rotating the lever  324 , the position of the cam  322  changes relative to the channel to create a friction fit between the cam  322  and the walls of the channel. A pivot plate  326  is pivotally connected to the top surface  328  of the base plate  160 . The pivot plate  326  comprises a first portion  330  and a second portion  332 . A hold down member  334  is secured to the first portion  330  and includes a series of steps or staggered surfaces  336  for engaging an edge of a work piece. As illustrated, the hold down member  334  has steps  336  formed at each end. The hold down member  334  may be detached from the pivot plate  326  and rotated such that either end of the hold down member  334  may be positioned to engage the work piece. This permits the steps  336  on one end of the hold down member  334  to be differently spaced form the steps  334  on the opposite end, thereby providing a greater variety of work piece sizes that may be engaged, Alternatively, the second end may simply provide a replacement for the first end due to wear and deterioration or damage from the saw over time. The second portion  332  of the pivot plate  160  includes a series of spaced apertures  338 . A screw  340  is illustrated as positioned in a first aperture (on the right in  FIG. 81 ) and secures the pivot plate  326  to the base plate  160 . Utilizing the different apertures, the pivot plate  326  may be repositioned closer or farther from the cutting blade to accommodate work pieces of different sizes and to accommodate the location of the work surface channel relative to the cutting blade. A biasing member  342 , such as a tension spring, is also illustrated as extending between a post  344  secured to the base plate  160  and a post  346  secured to the pivot plate  326 . The biasing member  342  biases the position of the hold down member  344  toward a stop member  348  positioned on the base plate. In operation, as a work piece is engaged by the hold down member  344  and moves past a cutting blade, the hold down member  344  and pivot plate  326  may rotate, for example, counterclockwise as illustrated in  FIG. 81 , due to the linear travel or motion of the work piece. The biasing member  342  assists in maintaining engagement between the stepped surfaces  336  of the hold down member  344  and the work piece during a cutting operation. The stop member  348  orients the hold down member  344  in its initial position once the cutting operation is completed and the work piece is removed. In this manner, repeated similar cuts may be made without having to readjust the position of the hold down member  344 , thereby increasing work piece through put and overall efficiency in production. Referring now to  FIGS. 38-46 , an adjustable safety and securing device  170  primarily for miter saws according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
       FIG. 45  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hold down device  170  mounted on a miter saw  172 .  FIGS. 38-40  are perspective views of one embodiment of the miter saw hold down device  170 . The hold down device  170  comprises a planer body  174 , an upper surface  176  and a lower surface  178 . As best shown in  FIGS. 38 and 41 , an alignment plate  180  is adjustably secured to the planar body  174  by alignment screws  182 , positioned in adjustment slots, and squarely aligns the planer body  174  with the guide rail  184  of the saw  172 . As shown in  FIGS. 42-44 , guide member  186  extends from the lower surface  178  and provides a guide surface  188  which abuts and assists in aligning the work piece for a desired cut. The guide member  186  comprises a substantially straight edge or surface for contacting a work piece. The guide member  186  prevents the work piece from rotating or moving laterally away from the saw blade while the surface  178  prevents the work piece from moving upwardly relative to the table surface and the guide rail  184  prevents the work piece from moving longitudinally in the direction of the saw blade. The alignment plate  180  can be positioned such that the guide surface  188  of the guide member  186  is parallel to the blade, or it may be positioned such that the guide surface  188  is positioned at a desired angle relative to the blade to make a particular cut. 
     As shown, the hold down device  170  is secured in place relative to the saw and is positioned such that safe cutting of the work piece is enabled. The hold down device  170  comprises lock means  190  for securing one end of the hold down device  170  to the base or frame  192  of the saw by means of a threaded post  194  secured to the frame  192  and extending through a slot  196  formed in a positioning arm  198 . The lower surface  178  of the hold down device  170  rests on an upper surface of the work piece and the guide member  186  is provided on the lower surface  178  such that one edge or surface of the work piece is aligned with and engaged by the rigid member  186 . The alignment member  180  is used to align the guide member  186  parallel to the saw blade when the saw blade is positioned at 90 degrees, or at a different angle as may be desired. The hold down device  170  further comprises a safety wall  200  extending upwardly and generally perpendicular to the upper surface  176  of the planar body  174 . The safety wall  200  prohibits a user&#39;s hand or fingers from contact with the saw blade should the user&#39;s hand slip or the work piece kick back. 
     When the hold down device  170  is aligned to a desired position, the work piece may be secured by applying a downward force upon the upper surface  176  of the hold down device by the operator&#39;s left hand to limit or prevent movement of the work piece and the hold down device. As shown in  FIG. 44 , at least a portion of the lower surface  178  of the hold down device  170  is provided with non-slip material  202 , such as sandpaper or rubber, to engage the work piece and limit movement of a work piece. Any number of materials and features including, but not limited to rubber, knurled features, protrusions, etc. may be provided to assist in gripping the work piece. 
     Use of the hold down device significantly improves the versatility of a miter saw, allowing it to make precise cuts on relatively small work pieces that would previously not be attempted. Cutting a relatively small sized work piece would normally place the operator&#39;s hand dangerously close to the saw. However, the present embodiment removes these concerns and protects the operator&#39;s hand and fingers. In order to make second or additional cuts, or cuts of a different orientation, including cuts of small work pieces, the saw and/or the hold down device  170  may be re-orientated. For example, the hold down device  170  may be angled with respect to the saw blade and/or the guide fence  184 . This may be accomplished, for example, by loosening the lock means  190 , angularly adjusting the hold down device  170 , and re-securing the lock means  190 . The hold down device  170  may also be translated laterally along a path defined by the slot  196  to move the device  170  away from or closer to the blade. As shown in  FIG. 45 , the position of the hold down device  170  may be adjusted to accommodate work pieces of different thicknesses. Spacers  204  may be positioned on the threaded post  194  below the positioning arm  198 . A washer  206  may be positioned underneath the lock nut  208  to provide a better grip for the lock nut  208 . 
     In yet a still further embodiment, a handle may be located in the upper surface  176  to further assist a user in applying force for securing and/or moving the hold down device  170 . For example, it is contemplated that a joy-stick-type handle or protrusion be provided projecting upwardly from the upper surface  176 . Such a handle is provided for both indicating a safe location for a user&#39;s hand(s), as well as facilitating the application of force through an ergonomic feature. 
     Among the various advantages and benefits of the miter saw hold down device, including the aforementioned safety advantages, is the ability to produce a series of cuts at varying angles, even where the length of such cuts is/are small. The present invention provides a device which allows for freedom of angular movement of a work piece in additional to angular adjustment features provided by a known device, such as a miter saw, thereby vastly improving the versatility of a miter saw. 
       FIGS. 89-95  illustrate an improved safety system for use with a miter saw. Unlike the device depicted in  FIGS. 38-46 , which is designed to aid in safely holding a work piece, the invention depicted in  FIGS. 89-95  is not designed to hold or secure a work piece. Rather, the system is designed to protect an operator&#39;s hand and fingers from injury while operating a miter saw by blocking contact between the user&#39;s hand(s) and the blade. 
     In one embodiment, the system comprises two safety devices  350 A and  350 B. One is installed on the right side of the blade and the other is installed on the left side as illustrated in  FIG. 95 . Both devices  350 A and  350 B comprise a base plate  352  that is affixed a mounting bracket  354  ( FIG. 94 ) secured to opposite sides of the miter saw arm  356 . The miter saw is part of a table  398  and extends outwardly from the table  398 . A primary support arm  358  is affixed to the base plate  352  at a pivot point  360  which allows the support arm  358  to pivot relative to the base plate  352 . An arcuate slot  362  is formed in the base plate  352  and a locking screw (not shown) extends through the slot  362  from the underneath side and is received in a threaded aperture  364  in the support arm  358 . Accordingly, each support arm  358  may be locked in position relative to the base plate  352  at a desired angle relative to the cutting blade and to position the distal end of the devices  350  A and  350  B closer or farther from the blade. 
     A first safety plate  366  is slideably secured to and extends distally from the distal end of the support arm  358 . A longitudinal slot  368  is formed in the first safety plate  366  through which a pair of support pins  370  extend and are secured to the first plate  366 . The first plate  366  moves laterally relative to the support arm  358 . A biasing member  372  interconnects the first plate  366  and the support arm  358 . In the embodiment illustrated, the biasing member  372  is a coil spring that is connected to a pin  374  secured to the first plate  366  and a pin  376  secured to the support arm  358 . The biasing member  372  operates to bias the position of the first plate  366  distally outwardly away from the base plate  352 . The distal end  378  is designed to contact the vertical surface of the guide fence or alignment wall  184  that extends along the work surface  380  and intersects the cutting zone where the blade is located. Alternatively, instead of being mounted to the saw arm  356  of the table  398 , the base plate  352  may be mounted to other portions of the table  398  supporting the surface. Of primary importance is the base plate  352  be attached to a portion of the table that rotates with the cutting blade. As is known to those familiar with miter saws, the position of the saw blade may be moved in order to make angular cuts in a work piece. More particularly, the saw arm  356 , table  398 , work surface  380  and cutting blade are rotatable from a position perpendicular to the guide fence  184 , either to the right or left, through a range of angles. As the saw arm is repositioned, the first plate  366  will maintain contact with the guide fence because of the biasing force of the biasing member  372 . For example, as the saw arm is moved to the right in  FIG. 95 , the first plate  366  on the safety device  350 A will be pushed proximally through contact with the guide fence  184  as the guide fence moves closer and the first plate  366  and the safety device  350 B will extend outwardly and remain in contact with the guide fence as the guide fence on the opposite side of the cutting blade moves away. Both plates  366  will maintain contact with the guide fence  184  due to the biasing action of the biasing member  372 . In addition, the first plate  366  is secured to the support arm  358  in order to form a gap between the bottom edge  388  of the first plate  366  and the work surface. The gap allows a work piece to fit underneath the bottom edge  388  of the first plate  366  but otherwise acts to block a user&#39;s hand from contacting the blade. 
     In addition, a second safety plate  390  may optionally be added to the devices  350  A and  350  B. The second plate  390  is secured to the first plate  366  and extends downward from the first plate  366  toward the work surface to further restrict possible pathways between an operator&#39;s hand and the saw. The second plate  390  is also laterally adjustable relative to the first plate  366 . A slot  392  is formed in the second plate through which a pin  394  extends from the first plate  366 . A securing bolt  396  also extends through the slot  392  and engages a threaded aperture in the first plate  366 . By adjusting the position of the second plate  390  relative to the first plate  366 , the gap through which the work piece is positioned can be reduced or closed to add further protection to the operator&#39;s hands and fingers. For work pieces having a greater height relative to the guide fence  184 , spacers (not shown) may be positioned between the support arm  358  and the base plate  352  to increase the height of the gap between the bottom edge of the first plate  366  and the work surface. In addition, a different second plate (not shown) having a greater height may be substituted for the second plate  390  shown in the figures, to reduce the size of the opening beneath the first plate  366 . 
       FIGS. 47-51  disclose an alternative embodiment of an anti-kickback device  16 . The embodiment described in connection with  FIGS. 23-28  remains essentially the same, but a quick release positioning mechanism  220  has been added. The quick release positioning mechanism  220  is positioned between the shaft  114  and arm  118 . The quick release positioning mechanism  220  comprises a first body member  222  affixed to a portion of the shaft  114 . In this embodiment, the first body member  222  is disk shaped, although other shapes may be used as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The shaft  114  extends through a center aperture in the first body member  222  and terminates in an enlarged end or cap  224 . The first body member  222  is fixed to and moves with the rotation of the shaft  114 . The quick release positioning mechanism  220  further comprises a second body member  226 . In this embodiment, the second body member  226  is block shaped and includes a center aperture through which the shaft  114  also extends. Unlike the first body portion  222 , the second body portion  226  is not secured to the shaft  114  other than by virtue of the shaft extending through an aperture in the second body portion  226 . The arm  118  is secured to the second body member  226  by a pair of screws or by other means known to those of skill in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 50, 51 , the second body member  226  includes a plurality of pins  228  that extend laterally out of the second body member  226  and engage receptively configured apertures  230  in the first body member  222 . When the pins  228  are secured in the apertures  230 , the shaft  114  and arm  118  move in unison. A spring  232  positioned between the arm  118  and cap  224  force the second body member  226  toward the first body member  222 . In this manner, the pins  228  remain engaged within the apertures  230  and the first and second body members are secured together and move in unison. If it is desired to position the hold down wheel  134  at a position spaced from the work piece and out of the way, the second body member  226  is moved laterally outwardly against the force of the spring  224  to remove the pins  228  from apertures  230 . The second body member  226 , arm  118  and wheel  134  are then rotated upwardly until the pins  228  align with apertures  234 . The pins  228  are then nested in the apertures  234  by the action of the spring  232  to hold the arm  118  and hold down wheel  134  in a position spaced from the work piece and out of the way. 
     The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     While various embodiments of the safety system present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Other modifications or uses for the present invention will also occur to those of skill in the art after reading the present disclosure. Such modifications or uses are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.