Abstract:
A table saw is disclosed. The table saw includes a table top including an opening configured to receive a saw blade, a blade case positioned under the table top, the blade case including an interior portion with the saw blade partially positioned within the interior portion, the blade case configured to move relative to the table top, a motor coupled to the saw blade and configured to move relative to the table top, the saw motor configured to rotate the blade about a blade axis, and at least one moveable guard member positioned between the table top and the blade case, the at least one moveable guard member providing an obstruction to the interior portion of the blade case, and the at least one moveable guard member configured to pivot about a pivot axis when the motor is moved up or down or tilted relative to the table top, wherein the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the blade axis.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a power table saw, and in particular to guard structures that limit access to internal components and compartments of the table saw. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Table saws are used in the construction and wood milling industries. An example of a prior art table saw  400  is depicted in  FIG. 13 . The table saw  400  includes a table top  402  with a saw blade opening  404  formed therein for receiving a saw blade  406 . The saw blade  406  is coupled to a motor  440  which is positioned below the table top  402 . The motor  440  is moveably mounted to an enclosure  460 . The saw blade  406  is partially positioned within the enclosure  460 . The table top  402  is supported by legs  410  which can be in a form of a housing. 
         [0003]    The motor  440  is configured to move along arrows U-U, in order to move the saw blade  406  up and down with respect to the enclosure  460  and also with respect to the table top  402 . The enclosure  460  is also configured to move about an arcuate path defined by arrows W-W, such that the motor  440  and the saw blade  406  attached thereto can bevel with respect to the table top  402 . 
         [0004]    Depicted in  FIG. 13  is an air gap  412  between the enclosure  460  and bottom side of the table top  402 . The air gap  412  is provided in order for the enclosure  460  to have sufficient space to bevel with respect to the table top  402 . The air gap  412  may be sufficiently large to allow a user to reach inside the space defined by the air gap  412  and thereby touch internal components of the table saw  400 . 
         [0005]    Therefore, it is highly desirable to provide guard systems which minimize the ability of the user to reach inside the space defined by the air gap between the enclosure and the bottom of the table top. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a table saw. The table saw includes a table top including an opening configured to receive a saw blade, and a blade case positioned under the table top, the blade case including an interior portion with the saw blade partially positioned within the interior portion, the blade case configured to move relative to the table top. The table saw also includes a motor coupled to the saw blade and configured to move relative to the table top, the saw motor configured to rotate the blade about a blade axis. The table saw further includes at least one moveable guard member positioned between the table top and the blade case, the at least one moveable guard member providing an obstruction to the interior portion of the blade case, and the at least one moveable guard member configured to pivot about a pivot axis when the motor is moved up or down or tilted relative to the table top, wherein the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the blade axis. 
         [0007]    According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a table saw. The table saw includes a table top including an opening configured to receive a saw blade, and a blade case positioned under the table top, the blade case including an interior portion with the saw blade partially positioned within the interior portion. The table saw also includes a motor coupled to the saw blade, the motor configured to move relative to the table top between an upright position and a tilted position. The table saw further includes at least one moveable guard member positioned between the table top and the blade case, the at least one moveable guard member providing an obstruction to the interior portion of the blade case, and the at least one moveable guard member configured to pivot relative to the blade case when the motor is moved between the upright position and the tilted position. 
         [0008]    According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a table saw. The table saw includes a table top including an opening configured to receive a saw blade and a blade case positioned under the table top, the blade case including an interior portion with the saw blade partially positioned within the interior portion. The table saw also includes a motor coupled to the saw blade, the motor configured to move relative to the table top along a vertical axis between an up position and a down position, and at least one pivotable guard member positioned between the table top and the blade case. The table saw further includes a torsion spring configured to bias the pivotable guard member to contact at least one of the blade case, the table top, and the motor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a table saw including a table top with a saw blade opening, a saw blade extending through the saw blade opening, and a support arrangement; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a blade case, a motor, a riving knife, and the table top of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a guard system coupled to the motor and a top side of the blade case top of  FIG. 2  including a guard plate and a glide wire; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of three guard systems coupled to the blade case of  FIG. 2  for limiting access to various spaces around the motor; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  depicts a plan view of a guard systems of  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of a guard system of  FIG. 4 , and a motor lower guard; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  depicts a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the guard assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts a plan view of the motor raised to the highest position with respect to the table top of  FIG. 2  with one of the guard systems of  FIG. 4  as well as two additional spring-loaded guard systems; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  depicts a plan view of the guard systems of  FIG. 6  with the motor lowered substantially to the lowest position with respect to the table top of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  depicts a close-up plan view of one of the guard systems of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  depicts a close-up plan view of one of the spring-loaded guard systems of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  depicts a plan view of the motor raised substantially to the highest position with respect to the table top of  FIG. 2  and beveled substantially to the most obtuse bevel angle with respect to the table top of  FIG. 2 , while depicting the guard systems of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 11A ,  11 B, and  11 C depict various limiting devices further cooperating with the guard systems of  FIG. 6  for limiting access to internal compartments of the saw assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  depicts a guard plate positioned on a frame of a table saw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  depicts a plan view of a prior art table saw. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. 
         [0024]    The embodiments described in the present disclosure provide structures that limit access of a user to internal components of a table saw assembly when a motor of the table saw assembly is in different position. 
       General Table Saw Arrangement 
       [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a table saw assembly  1  is depicted. The table saw assembly  1  includes a table top  2  which includes a saw blade opening  4 . A saw blade  6  extends through the saw blade opening  4  and is configured to rotate about an axis passing through a coupling  8 . A window is provided about the saw blade opening  4  to partially depict the saw blade  6  and the coupling  8 , below the surface of the table top  2 . 
         [0026]    The table saw assembly  1  also includes a table extension  5  and a rip fence  10 . The table extension  5  is coupled to the table top  2  via rails  11  and the lever lock  12 . The rip fence  10  is coupled to the table top  2  or the table extension  5  via rails  11  and a lock  9 . The lock  9  enables a user to lock the rip fence  10  in a stationary position with respect to the table top  2  and the rails  11 . 
         [0027]    The table saw assembly  1  further includes a housing  13  coupled to a base portion  14  and which includes an arcuate opening  15 . The arcuate opening  15  receives a blade position adjustment mechanism which includes a wheel  16  for adjusting the height of the saw blade  6  about the table top  2  and a bevel adjustment lever  17  which controls the tilt or bevel angle of the saw blade  6  along an arcuate path B-B. There is also an on/off switch  18  depicted in  FIG. 1  which provides power to the table saw assembly  1 . Also, through the arcuate opening  15 , a support arrangement  150  is depicted, which is further described below with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    The table saw assembly  1  may be of a push-pull type where a workpiece to be shaped is placed on the table top  2  and remains stationary while the blade  6  is moved along an axis defined by arrows V-V. Alternatively, the table saw assembly  1  may of the type where the saw blade  6  remains stationary with respect to the axis defined by the arrows V-V, and the workpiece is moved toward the saw blade  6 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a saw blade height adjustment mechanism  20  is depicted. The saw blade height adjustment mechanism  20  is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is therefore described herein, briefly. The saw blade height adjustment mechanism  20  includes a shaft  21  which is coupled to a beveled gear  22  which is coupled to another beveled gear  23 . The beveled gear  23  is coupled to a rod  24  with a threaded portion  29  (see  FIG. 5A ) which interfaces with a threaded member  28  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) which is fixedly coupled to a motor  40 . The motor  40  glides on the glide rods  26 . Accordingly, by turning the shaft  21 , the threaded portion  29  of the rod  24  turns within the threaded member  28  which causes the motor  40 , and the saw blade  6  attached thereto, to raise and lower with respect to the table top  2 . 
         [0030]    Also depicted in  FIG. 2 , is a perspective view of the support arrangement  150  coupled to a cover assembly  250 . The cover assembly  250  couples to a support wall  172  of the support arrangement  150  with fastener assemblies  52 . At one periphery of the support wall  172  is a side wall  173  and at another periphery is another side wall  174 . The cover assembly  250  includes a side wall  273  which is positioned adjacent the side wall  173 , another side wall (not shown) positioned opposite the side wall  273  and which is positioned adjacent the side wall  174 , and a cover wall (not shown) which is positioned between the side walls  273  and  274 . The side walls  173  and  174  are in the form of a flange that are integrally formed with and are substantially perpendicular to the support wall  172 . Similarly, the side walls of the cover assembly  250  are in the form of a flange that are integrally formed with and are substantially perpendicular to the cover wall (not shown). The side wall  174 , the periphery of the support wall  172  which joins the side wall  174 , the side wall (not shown) of the cover assembly opposite to the side wall  273  and a periphery of the cover wall (not shown) are all arcuate in shape. 
         [0031]    A combination of the support arrangement  150  and the cover assembly  250  form a blade case  260 . The blade case  260  includes a blade chamber  262  which is defined by the support wall  172  on one side of the saw blade  6 , the cover wall (not shown) on an opposite side of the saw blade  6 , and the side walls of the support arrangement  150  and the cover assembly  250  which are along outer perimeters of the blade chamber  262 . As the motor  40  is coupled to the glide rods  26  which are connected to the support wall  172  (i.e., part of the blade case  260 ), the motor is also coupled to the blade case  260 . Accordingly, the saw blade  6  is partially positioned within the blade case  260  and within the blade chamber  262  and is configured to move vertically within the blade chamber  262 . The support wall  172  and the cover wall  274  are separated by a space defined by the width of the side walls of the support arrangement  150  and the cover assembly  250 , in which the blade chamber  262  is positioned. 
         [0032]    Also depicted in  FIG. 2  is a riving knife  7  which is positioned adjacent to the saw blade  6 . Configuration and function of the riving knife  7  is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0033]    The top edge of the wall  172  is separated by an air gap  148  from the bottom side of the table top  2 . While some of the structures described in the present disclosure are directed to limiting access of a user to internal compartments of the table saw defined by the space defined by the air gap  148 , some of the other structures are directed to limiting access of the user to the space adjacent the motor  40 . 
       Guard Systems 
       [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment of a guard system  180  is depicted. The guard system  180  is optionally a spring-loaded guard system with guard members that pivot about a pivot axis  181 . The guard system  180  includes guard members such as a top guard plate  182  and side plates  184  shaped in the form of triangles which are integrally formed on opposite sides of the top guard plate  182  forming a unitary U-shaped structure providing added rigidity. 
         [0035]    The guard system  180  also includes a glide wire (or a rail member)  186 A, a clip  186 B, and an optional torsion spring  186 C. The glide wire  186 A is a U-shaped structure and directs the top guard plate  182  with the side plates  184  to slide according to the predefined path of the glide wire  186 A. The glide wire  186 A is connected to the motor  40  by a three-point connection arrangement. The clip  186 B connects the base of the U-shaped glide wire  186 A to the motor  40 , while the ends of the U-Shaped glide-wire  186 A are connected to the motor  40  at mounting holes  186 D positioned on opposite sides of the motor  40  (only one mounting hole  186 D is depicted in  FIG. 3 ). The optional torsion spring  186 C urges the top guard plate  182  and side plates  184  downward toward the motor  40 , while the glide wire  186 A being coupled to the top guard plate  182  though glide holes  189  urges the top guard plate to glide with respect to the glide wire  186 A or the top surface of the motor  40 . The portion of the top guard plate  182  between the mounting holes  186 D may be configured to remain in contact with the motor  40  by the urging of the spring  186 C as the motor  40  moves vertically along an axis  183  with respect to the table top  2 . 
         [0036]    The top guard plate  182  with the side plates  184  are pivotably connected to the support wall  172  via a pivoting rod (or fastener)  188  which extends along the axis  181 . On the top guard plate  182  windows  182 A and  182 B are provided for ventilation for the motor  40  (see  FIG. 6 ) and an interface for an additional guard system  230  as will be described in more detail with respect to the guard system embodiments depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0037]    Also depicted in  FIG. 3  is part of the height adjustment mechanism  20  including a beveled gear  23 , a threaded rod  24  and the threaded member  28 . 
         [0038]    In operation when the beveled gear  23  is turned to raise and lower the motor  40  along the axis  183 , the top guard plate  182  with the side plates  184  move about the glide wire  186 A along an axis  185 . While the motor  40  is depicted in an intermediate position along the axis  183 , the reader should appreciate that the top guard plate  182  becomes substantially parallel with the table top  2  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) when the motor is at an up position (i.e., when the motor is raised to its highest possible vertical position), and the blade case  260  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) is not beveled or tilted with respect to the table top  2 . 
         [0039]    The interface between the top guard plate  182  and the glide wire  186 A prevents a user from lifting the top guard plate  182  by overcoming the downward forces of gravity of the top guard plate  182  and the side plates  184  and the spring force of the optional torsion spring  186 C. The clip  186 B maintains the base of the U-shaped glide wire  186 A near the end of the motor  40 , and thereby prevents the base of the glide wire  186 A to be raised above the motor  40  even if the user attempts to overcome the aforementioned downward forces. Since the guard plate  182  and the side plates  184  are constrained by the glide wire  186 A, these structures limit access to the top portion of the blade  6  under the table top  2  and above the motor  40 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , three guard systems  190 ,  200 , and  210 A are depicted. These guard systems are positioned about the motor  40  and limit a user&#39;s access to the area around the motor  40 . The guard system  190  is a spring-loaded guard system with guard members that pivot about a pivot axis  191 . It includes guard member such as a top guard plate  192 , and side plates  194  shaped in the form of triangles which are integrally formed with the top guard plate  192  forming a unitary U-shaped structure providing added rigidity. The top guard plate  192  and the side plates  194  terminate at an arcuate end  195  which is urged to remain in contact with the motor via force of a torsion spring  196 . A rod (or fastener)  198  which extends along the axis  191  terminates at the glide rails  26  by hooks or fasteners  199 . The rod  198  also extends through the torsion spring  196 . The top guard plate  192  further interfaces with the rod  198  via hinges (or slots)  197 . 
         [0041]    The top guard plate  192  includes windows  192 A and  192 B. The window  192 B provides an interface cavity for a guard system  230 , further described below (see  FIG. 6 ). A ventilation window  192 C (see  FIG. 5A ) is also positioned above the motor  40  to allow a motor fan  42  to ventilate air. 
         [0042]    In operation, the top guard plate  192  tilts downward when the motor  40  is lowered along an axis  193  from the up position (depicted in  FIG. 4 ) to a down position (i.e., the lowered to the lowest possible position, depicted in  FIG. 5A ). In the up position, the top guard plate  192  tilts upward to an orientation that is substantially parallel with the table top  2  (see  FIG. 2 ), when the blade case  260  (see  FIG. 2 ) is not beveled or tilted with respect to the table top  2 . During the vertical movement of the motor  40  along the axis  193 , the bottom portion of the arcuate end  195  remains in contact with the motor  40  to limit access to the space above the motor  40 . 
         [0043]    The guard system  200  and  210 A are stationary guard systems that are positioned about the sides of the motor  40 . These systems include guard members such as guard plates  202  and  212 A and side plates  204  and  214 A which are integrally formed with the guard plates  202  and  212 . The guard plates  202  and  212 A terminate at arcuate ends  205  and  215 A and are connected to the wall  172  via mounting holes  208  and  218 A, respectively. The guard systems  200  and  210 A are so dimensioned and are thereby configured to limit access to the space around the sides of the motor  40  when the motor  40  is vertically moved from the up position (depicted in  FIG. 4 ) to the down position along the axis  193 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 5A  a plan view of the motor  40  and the guard system  190  is depicted in the down position. As described above, the window  192 C provides ventilation for the motor  40 . The window  192 C as well as windows  192 A (depicted in  FIG. 5A) and 192B  are sufficiently small to limit access to the space above the motor through the windows. However, these windows are sufficiently large to allow ventilation and interface by another guard system, further described below. 
         [0045]    Also depicted in  FIG. 5A  is a motor lower guard  220  connected to the motor  40  for limiting access to the bottom side of the motor. The motor lower guard  220  also limits dust and debris generated during cutting operations from entering into the motor  40 , as described in a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/856,568, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0046]    Further depicted in  FIG. 5A , and more clearly shown in  FIG. 5B , is an alternative embodiment  210 B of the stationary guard system  210 A depicted in  FIG. 4 . The stationary guard system  210 B includes guard members such as a guard plate  212 B and a side plate  214 B which is integrally formed with the guard plate  212 A. The guard plate  212 B terminates at an arcuate end  215 B and is connected to the wall  172  via mounting holes  218 A. The guard systems  210 B is so dimensioned and is thereby configured to limit access to the space around the sides of the motor  40  when the motor  40  is vertically moved from the up position (depicted in  FIG. 4 ) to the down position (depicted in  FIG. 5A ) along the axis  193  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 , side views of parts of the table saw assembly  1  are depicted. In  FIG. 6 , the motor  40  is depicted in the up position, such that the blade  6  is extended above the table top  2  through the saw blade opening  4 . In  FIG. 7 , the motor  40  is depicted in the down position such that the saw blade  6  is completely below the table top  2 . 
         [0048]    While the guard systems  190 ,  200 ,  210 A,  210 B and  220  are positioned about the motor to limit access to the space above, the space around the sides, and the space below the motor  40 , respectively, a guard system  230  (depicted in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 ) and a guard system  240  (depicted in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  9 ), limit access between the blade case  260  and the bottom of the table top  2  (i.e., the space defined by the air gap  148 ). 
         [0049]    The guard system  230  is a spring-loaded guard system with guard members that pivot about a pivot axis  191  (see  FIG. 4 ). It includes guard members such as a guard plate  232  which spans substantially the width of the blade case  260  (see  FIG. 11C ), and optional side plates (not shown) which may be integrally formed with the guard plate  232  forming a unitary U-shaped structure providing added rigidity. The guard plate  232  and the side plates (not shown) terminate at an arcuate radially curved end or a sliding end  235  which is urged to remain in contact with the bottom side of the table top  2  via a torsion spring  236  (see  FIG. 8 ). The torsion springs  196  and  236  may be shared between the guard systems  190  and  230 . A rod (or fastener)  238  (see  FIG. 8 ) which extends along the axis  191  terminates at the glide rails  26  by terminating fasteners  239 . The rod  238  also extends through the torsion spring  236 . The guard plate  232  further interfaces with the rod  238  via hinges or slots (not shown). 
         [0050]    In operation, the guard plate  232  tilts with respect to the bottom of the table top  2  when the blade case  260  is beveled so that the saw blade  6  is moved along the arcuate path B-B (see  FIG. 1 ) from a square or upright position (i.e., where the blade case  260  is substantially perpendicular to the table top  2  (see  FIG. 2 ) to a beveled or tilted position (for example, 45 degrees of bevel, see  FIG. 10 ). In the square position, the guard plate  232  tilts leftward (with respect to  FIG. 6 , for example) to an orientation that is substantially parallel with the table top  2  (see  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 ). In this position, the arcuate radially curved end  235  of the guard system  230  fits inside the window  192 B of the guard system  190  to prevent interference between these systems as well as to limit access to the internal components. In the beveled position (see  FIG. 10 ), the guard plate  232  tilts rightward (with respect to  FIG. 6 , for example) to an orientation that is tilted to the table top  2 . During the beveling movement of the blade case  260 , the top portion of the arcuate radially curved end  235  remains in contact with the bottom side of the table top  2  to limit access to the space defined by the air gap  148  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0051]    The guard system  240  is also a spring-loaded guard system with guard members that pivot about a pivot axis  241  (the pivot axis  241  comes in and out of the page, see  FIG. 9 ). It includes guard members such as a guard plate  242  which spans the width of the blade case  260 , and side plates  244  which are integrally formed with the guard plate  242 . The guard plate  242  and the side plates  244  terminate at an arcuate radially curved end  245  which is urged to remain in contact with the blade case  260  via a torsion spring  246  (see  FIGS. 6 and 9 ). A rod (or fastener)  248  (see  FIG. 8 ) which extends along the axis  241  terminates at the bottom side of the table top  2  by terminating fasteners  249 . The rod  248  also extends through the torsion spring  246 . The guard plate  242  further interfaces with the rod  248  via hinges or slots (not shown). 
         [0052]    In operation, the guard plate  242  tilts with respect to the blade case  260  when the blade case  260  is beveled from the square position to the substantial beveled position (see  FIG. 10 ). In the square position, the guard plate  232  tilts leftward (with respect to  FIG. 6 , for example) to an orientation that is substantially perpendicular with the table top  2  (see  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  9 ) and only the left side of the arcuate end  245  is in contact with the blade case  260 . In the beveled position (see  FIG. 10 ), the guard plate  232  tilts rightward (with respect to  FIG. 6 , for example) to an orientation where substantially all of the guard plate  242  contacts the blade case  260 . Since during the entire beveling movement of the blade case  260 , the left portion of the arcuate end  245  remains in contact with the blade case  260 , access is limited to the space by the air gap  148  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B, and  11 C, devices are depicted for limiting movement of the guard systems  230  and  240 . These guard plates  232  and  242  of these systems are urged to make contact with the bottom side of the table top  2  and the blade case  260 , respectively, by the urging of the associated torsion springs ( 236  and  246 ). Travel limiting member are provided to avoid a situation where a user can overcome the force of these springs and thereby reach inside the internal compartments of the saw assembly  1 . In  FIG. 11A , a shoulder screw or pin  232 A is depicted which extends through the guard plate  232 . The shoulder screw or pin  232 A limits downward movement of the guard plate  232 . Similarly, as depicted in  FIG. 11B , a shoulder screw or pin  242 A is depicted which extends through the guard plate  242 . The shoulder screw or pin  242 A limits leftward movement of the guard plate  242  with respect to  FIG. 11B . In  FIG. 11C , an alternative embodiment to the shoulder screw  232 A is depicted. Fasteners  232 B are positioned at opposite ends of the guard plate  232  and a cable or rod  232 C is fastened between them. The cable or rod  232 C limits how much the guard plate  232  may be pulled away from the bottom side of the table top  2 . As an alternative embodiment to the shoulder screw  242 A, a cable or rod assembly (not shown) similar to the fasteners  232 B and the cable  232 C can be configured to also limit how far the guard plate  242  can pivot away from the blade case  260 . The shoulder screws  232 A and  242 A, as well as the fasteners  232 B may require a specialty tool to prevent unauthorized removal of these limiting devices. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 12  an alternative embodiment of a table saw assembly  301  is depicted. The table saw assembly  301  is described in a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/834,795, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The table saw assembly  301  includes a front leg unit  320  and a rear leg unit (not shown, opposite the front leg unit  320 ). The front leg unit  320  includes downwardly extending leg portions  322 ,  323 , and  324  as well as transversely extending leg portions  326  and  328 . 
         [0055]    Between the downwardly extending legs  322  and  324 , a guard system  310  is depicted. The guard system is of the stationary type and includes a guard plate  312  and side plates  314  integrally formed with the guard plate  312  forming a U-shaped structure for added rigidity. The side plates  314  include mounting holes for mounting the guard system  310  to the downwardly extending legs  322  and  324  via fasteners  314 . The guard plate  312  is configured to limit access to the compartments of the table saw assembly  301 . 
         [0056]    The guard plates of the spring-loaded pivoting type of the internal guard systems described above (for example, the guard plate  242  of the internal guard assembly  240 ), may be further configured to pivot away from respective mating surfaces (for example, the blade case  260 ) to allow limited access for the user. 
         [0057]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.