Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a cart, and more particularly to a cart for a cut-off saw.

Power tools such as, for instance, cut-off saws, generally have many applications. Cut-off saws can be held directly by a user or supported by a cart. The cart allows the saw to make precise cuts into a floor surface such as concrete or asphalt. In order to do so, the cart needs to be able to support the saw and its associated equipment, adjust aspects of the saw, such as cutting depth, and control activation of the saw.

<CIT> relates to a height mechanism for a concrete saw. According to the abstract of this document, a portable saw has a depth or blade lowering control and an adjustable stop for selecting the maximum depth of the blade to which the blade can be lowered.

<CIT> relates to a cutting trolley with a front and a rear attachment device. According to an abstract of this document, a cutting trolley includes a frame structure and at least two rear wheels on a rear shaft and at least one front wheel, for a cutter of the type including a circular cutting blade in a front end of the cutter, and a front handle and a rear handle. The trolley also includes a cutter carrier, said cutter carrier including a front attachment device and a rear attachment device for the attachment of the cutter on the carrier via said front handle and said rear handle, respectively, for trolley carried operation of the cutter.

The invention provides, in one aspect, a cart for carrying a cut-off saw having a saw blade. The cart includes a frame with an upper portion and a lower portion, a wheel arm pivotably coupled to the lower portion of the frame about a first axis, and a rear wheel assembly coaxial with the first axis and coupled to the frame and the wheel arm. The cart further includes a front wheel coupled to an end of the wheel arm opposite the rear wheel assembly, an adjustment lever pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the frame about a second axis, and a link having a first end pivotably coupled to the adjustment lever at a location spaced from the second axis, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wheel arm at a location between the first axis and the front wheel. Pivoting the adjustment lever about the second axis pivots the wheel arm about the first axis to adjust a vertical position of the front wheel relative to the upper portion of the frame, and therefore a vertical position of the saw blade relative to a support surface of the cart.

In another aspect, not according to the invention, a cart for carrying a cut-off saw having a saw blade, a motor drivably coupled to the saw blade, and a trigger for varying the rotational speed of the motor and saw blade. The cart includes a frame, a handle coupled to the frame, a throttle lever pivotably coupled to the handle, and a throttle cable having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is proximate the trigger to selectively pull the trigger, thereby varying the rotational speed of the motor and saw blade. The cart further includes an actuator supported by the handle and movable between a first position, in which pivoting movement of the throttle lever is incapable of tensioning the throttle cable for pulling the trigger, and a second position, in which pivoting movement of the throttle lever tensions the throttle cable for pulling the trigger.

In another aspect, not according to the invention, a cart for carrying a cut-off saw having a saw blade, a motor drivably coupled to the saw blade, and a first removable battery pack for powering the motor. The cart includes a frame with an upper portion and a lower portion, a wheel arm pivotably coupled to the lower portion of the frame, a rear wheel assembly coupled to the frame and/or the wheel arm, a front wheel coupled to an end of the wheel arm opposite the rear wheel assembly, a first mount coupled to the frame to which the cut-off saw is attachable, and a second mount coupled to the frame to which a second removable battery pack, which is interchangeable with the first removable battery pack, is attachable for storage.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart may further include a water tank carried onboard the frame. In some embodiments, the cart may include a bracket to removably support the water tank on the frame.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart may further include a loop coupled to an upper portion of the frame to permit a device, such as a crane or the like, to hook onto the cart for easy transportation of the cart.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart may further include a rear wheel assembly having a left wheel, a right wheel, a solid axle connecting the left and right wheels, and an adjustment knob. To adjust the lateral position of the axle and wheels, a user can rotate the adjustment knob, allowing the axle to slide linearly relative to the frame. Once a desired position has been reached, a user can rotate the adjustment knob to secure the axle in place.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart may further include a depth adjustment assembly for changing a cutting depth of the cut-off saw. The depth adjustment assembly may include a hand crank or a foot treadle coupled to a mounting plate for the cut-off saw through a gear assembly. As a user rotates the hand crank or the foot treadle, the gear assembly is driven which pivots the mounting plate about a pivot shaft, thereby adjusting the cutting depth of the saw.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart may further include a depth adjustment assembly for changing a cutting depth of the cut-off saw. The depth adjustment assembly may include an actuator coupled to a mounting plate for the cut-off saw. In response to activation of the actuator, the mounting plate is pivoted about a pivot shaft, thereby adjusting the cutting depth of the saw.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart may further include a depth adjustment assembly for changing a cutting depth of the cut-off saw. The depth adjustment assembly may include a foot pedal that when engaged releases a lock on a rear axle of the cart allowing a push handle to be pivoted forward to plunge the saw into a support surface. When the foot pedal is fully engaged, it rests on the support surface.

<FIG> illustrates a cart <NUM> for supporting a power tool, such as a cut-off saw <NUM>. The cart <NUM> is capable of conveying the saw <NUM> over surfaces during operation and for transport. The cart <NUM> is able to transport the saw <NUM> in a transport direction, along the x-axis shown in <FIG>, in either a forward or backwards direction.

With reference to <FIG>, the saw <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a support arm <NUM> coupled to and extending from the housing <NUM>, a cutting wheel <NUM> carried by the support arm <NUM>, and a guard <NUM> covering a portion of the circumference of the cutting wheel <NUM>. The cutting wheel <NUM> can be a blade, an abrasive disk, or any other rotatable element capable of removing material from a workpiece. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting wheel <NUM> has a diameter greater than <NUM> inches and is preferably <NUM> inches in diameter. In other embodiments, the cutting wheel <NUM> can be between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches in diameter.

The saw <NUM> includes a rear handle <NUM> that extends from the rear of the housing <NUM> in a direction generally opposite the support arm <NUM>. A trigger <NUM> for operating the saw <NUM> and a lockout shuttle <NUM> that prevents the user from pulling the trigger <NUM> unless it is first depressed are both located on the rear handle <NUM>. The saw <NUM> also includes a front handle <NUM> that wraps around an upper portion of the housing <NUM> and that in conjunction with the rear handle <NUM>, provides grip areas to facilitate two-handed operation of the saw <NUM>.

The saw <NUM> includes an on-board battery pack <NUM> that provides power to an electric motor (not shown). The battery pack <NUM> is removably coupled to a battery receptacle <NUM>, which is located on the upper portion of the housing <NUM>. As such, the front handle <NUM> at least partially surrounds the battery receptacle <NUM> and the battery pack <NUM>, when the battery pack <NUM> is attached to the receptacle <NUM>. The battery pack <NUM> is a power tool battery pack and includes a battery housing <NUM> and a plurality of rechargeable battery cells (not shown) disposed within the battery housing <NUM>. The battery cells are lithium-based battery cells but can alternatively have any other suitable chemistry. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack <NUM> has a nominal output voltage of about 80V. In other embodiments, the battery pack <NUM> can have a different nominal voltage, such as, for example, 36V, 40V, 72V, between 36V and about 80V, or greater than 40V. In an alternative embodiment, the battery receptacle <NUM> may be incorporated on the cart <NUM>, instead of the saw <NUM>, to provide electrical power to the motor of the saw <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the saw <NUM> further includes a fluid distribution system <NUM>. The fluid distribution system <NUM> includes a connector <NUM> attachable to a fluid supply line <NUM> (<FIG>), a control valve <NUM> supported upon the front handle <NUM>, and a distributor <NUM> supported upon the guard <NUM>. The supply line <NUM> provides fluid, such as water, to the fluid distribution system <NUM> from an external source. In the illustrated embodiment, the external source is a water tank <NUM> (<FIG>) carried onboard the cart <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> includes a connector <NUM> (<FIG>), which may include an integrated shutoff valve, to which the supply line <NUM> is connected. A first line (not shown) extends from the connector <NUM> to the control valve <NUM>, and a second line (not shown) extends from the control valve <NUM> to the distributor <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the distributor <NUM> includes a pair of spray nozzles <NUM> disposed on opposite sides of the guard <NUM> connected by a supply line <NUM>. The spray nozzles <NUM> are operable to discharge fluid onto each side of the cutting wheel <NUM> for cooling, lubrication, and dust abatement.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cart <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> to which the saw <NUM> is attachable, a handle <NUM> upwardly extending from the frame <NUM> that is graspable by a user for maneuvering the cart <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, and a rear wheel assembly <NUM> having two rear wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a material discharge guard (e.g., mud flap <NUM> (<FIG>)) that blocks material cut by the saw <NUM> from contacting a user of the cart <NUM> and a loop <NUM> (<FIG>) that is used as a lifting point or hoist loop. The loop <NUM> is coupled to an upper portion of the frame <NUM> and allows a device, such as a crane or the like, to hook onto the cart <NUM> for easy transportation of the cart <NUM>. The loop <NUM> is capable of supporting up to quadruple the weight of the cart <NUM>. In some embodiments, the loop <NUM> may be a separate component from the frame <NUM> that is attached thereto (e.g., by welding, etc.). In other embodiments, the loop <NUM> may be integrally formed with the frame <NUM>. The cart <NUM> further includes first and second latches <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>) that are used to retain the water tank <NUM> on a bracket <NUM> (<FIG>) coupled to the frame <NUM>. The first and second latches <NUM>, <NUM> are on opposite sides of the water tank <NUM> when positioned for use. The first and second latches <NUM>, <NUM> are over-center latches that apply a clamping force to hooks <NUM> on the water tank <NUM> to pull the water tank <NUM> downward and secure it in place. The bracket <NUM> is removably coupled to the frame <NUM> so the frame <NUM> can support alternative brackets <NUM> that support alternative water tanks <NUM> (<FIG>).

With reference to <FIG>, the cart <NUM> includes a mounting assembly <NUM> to secure the saw <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. The mounting assembly <NUM> includes a front mount <NUM> on a lower portion of the frame <NUM> and a rear mount <NUM> on an upper portion of the frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the front mount <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> in which a lower portion of the front handle <NUM> of the saw <NUM> is receivable. The channel <NUM> is open along its top and lateral sides to facilitate insertion of the handle <NUM> from the top of the channel <NUM> (i.e., in a direction parallel the y-axis shown in <FIG>) or from the side of the channel <NUM> (i.e., in a direction parallel to the z-axis).

With reference to <FIG>, the rear mount <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a cover <NUM> that is pivotably coupled to the housing <NUM> about an axis (not shown). The housing <NUM> includes parallel bores 250a, 250b through which a threaded rod <NUM> and a guide rod <NUM>, respectively, protrude for supporting the housing <NUM> on the frame <NUM>. The guide rod <NUM> is cantilevered from the frame <NUM> and includes a smooth cylindrical outer periphery along which the bore 250a is slidable. The threaded rod <NUM> is also cantilevered from the frame <NUM>, and includes external threads that are engaged with a bushing <NUM> that is welded in the frame <NUM>. Further description of the operation of the threaded rod <NUM> appears below. When the cover <NUM> is closed, the housing <NUM> and cover <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) in which the rear handle <NUM> of the saw <NUM> is positioned. When the cover <NUM> is pivoted away from the housing <NUM> toward an open position, the rear handle <NUM> is removable from the cavity <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes a boss <NUM> on its interior that presses the lockout shuttle <NUM> of the saw <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is moved to the closed position, which allows the trigger <NUM> to be pulled to operate the saw <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> may include a resilient member (e.g., a compression or torsion spring) that biases the cover <NUM> away from the housing <NUM> to keep the cavity open for ease of tool attachment. The rear mount <NUM> further includes two latches <NUM> that secures the cover <NUM> in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latches <NUM> are configured as an over-center latches <NUM> to apply a clamping force between the cover <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to thereby maintain the lockout shuttle <NUM> in an override position.

To position the saw <NUM> on the cart <NUM>, a user holds the rear and front handles <NUM>, <NUM> of the saw <NUM> and aligns the rear handle <NUM> with the rear mount <NUM> and the front handle <NUM> with the front mount <NUM>. The user then lowers the front handle <NUM> along the y-axis into the channel <NUM>. Simultaneously, with the cover <NUM> in its open position, the rear handle <NUM> is moved transversely along the z-axis and positioned into the portion of the cavity <NUM> defined by the housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is then pivoted to the closed position and the latches <NUM> adjusted to its locking configuration, thereby securing the saw <NUM> on the cart <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> includes internal features (e.g., integral guides, etc.) that bias the handle <NUM> of the saw <NUM> into supports <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In other words, the cover <NUM> includes internal features that naturally guide the handle <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> as the cover <NUM> is being closed to secure the handle <NUM> in the rear mount <NUM>. The motion of pivoting the cover <NUM> to the closed position engages the lockout shuttle <NUM> with the boss <NUM>, moving the lockout shuttle <NUM> to the override position where the trigger <NUM> may be pulled to activate the saw <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cart <NUM> further includes a depth adjustment assembly <NUM> for varying the plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM> into a support surface <NUM> of the cart <NUM>. The depth adjustment assembly <NUM> includes a wheel arm <NUM>, an adjustment lever <NUM>, and a link <NUM> interconnecting the wheel arm <NUM> and the adjustment lever <NUM>. The wheel arm <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> (<FIG>) opposite the first end <NUM>. The front wheel <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first end <NUM> of the wheel arm <NUM>, whereas the second end <NUM> is pivotably coupled to a lower portion of the frame <NUM> about an axis A2, which is also the rotational axis of the rear wheels <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). As such, the position of the front wheel <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> is adjustable along an arc <NUM> having an origin intersected by the axis A2.

As shown in <FIG>, the adjustment lever <NUM> also includes a housing <NUM> attached to an upper portion of the frame <NUM> and an arcuate plate <NUM>, which has teeth <NUM> on its outer periphery, affixed to the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the orientation of the housing <NUM> and the plate <NUM> is fixed relative to the frame <NUM>. The adjustment lever <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the frame <NUM> about an axis A3 that is parallel with axis A2. The adjustment lever <NUM> includes a D-shaped handle <NUM> enclosing a pair of support brackets <NUM> interconnected with pins <NUM>, <NUM>. The arcuate plate <NUM> is positioned between the support brackets <NUM>. One of the pins <NUM> extends through an arcuate slot <NUM> in the plate <NUM>, the radius of which has an origin intersected by the axis A3. Lower ends <NUM> of the respective support brackets <NUM> extend from a lower opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The support brackets <NUM> also extend from an upper opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM> having an arc length corresponding to the arc length of the portion of the plate <NUM> having the teeth <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the adjustment lever <NUM> includes an actuator (i.e., pull handle <NUM>) having an upper end <NUM> that protrudes from an internal opening <NUM> in the D-shaped handle <NUM> and an opposite, lower end <NUM> that engages the gear teeth <NUM> on the arcuate plate <NUM>. The adjustment lever <NUM> also includes a resilient member (e.g., a compression spring) that biases the pull handle <NUM> toward a position in which the lower end <NUM> is engaged with the gear teeth <NUM>. When a user pulls the upper end <NUM> of the pull handle <NUM>, the lower end <NUM> is lifted out of engagement with the gear teeth <NUM>, allowing the D-shaped handle <NUM> to pivot about the axis A3 relative to the housing <NUM>. Although not shown, the housing <NUM> may include depth adjustment markings thereon for the user to reference when adjusting the position of the D-shaped handle <NUM>.

With reference back to <FIG>, the link <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> that is pivotably coupled to the lower ends <NUM> (<FIG>) of the respective support brackets <NUM> and a second end <NUM> that is pivotably coupled to the wheel arm <NUM> via a pin <NUM> positioned between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the wheel arm <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustment lever <NUM> of the depth adjustment assembly <NUM> may be replaced by a hand crank, which may be rotatable about an axis to impart displacement to the link <NUM>, thus causing pivoting movement of the wheel arm <NUM> in the manner described above.

The depth adjustment assembly <NUM> adjusts the vertical position of the frame <NUM> relative to the front wheel <NUM>. In other words, the depth adjustment assembly <NUM> adjusts the vertical position of the cutting wheel <NUM>, when the saw <NUM> is attached to the cart <NUM>, relative to the support surface <NUM> of the cart <NUM> to vary the plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM> into the support surface <NUM>. To adjust the plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>, a user pulls the upper end <NUM> of the pull handle <NUM>, which lifts the lower end <NUM> out of engagement with the gear teeth <NUM> on the arcuate plate <NUM>, allowing the adjustment lever <NUM> to rotate about the axis A3 (<FIG>). As the adjustment lever <NUM> rotates, the wheel arm <NUM> is pivoted about the axis A2 by the link <NUM>, changing the position of the frame <NUM> relative to the wheel arm <NUM>, and thus the position of the cutting wheel <NUM> relative to the support surface <NUM>. If the adjustment lever <NUM> is rotated forward, as indicated by arrow <NUM> (<FIG>), the frame <NUM> is pivoted downwards relative to the wheel arm <NUM>, dropping the cutting wheel <NUM> further into the support surface <NUM> (and increasing the plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>). Alternatively, if the adjustment lever <NUM> is rotated backwards as indicated by arrow <NUM> (<FIG>), the frame <NUM> is pivoted upwards relative to the wheel arm <NUM>, raising the cutting wheel <NUM> away from the support surface <NUM> (and decreasing the plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, a distance Y between the saw guard <NUM> and the outer periphery of the cutting wheel <NUM> is indicative of the maximum plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM> into the support surface <NUM>. In one embodiment of the cart <NUM>, the distance Y is within a range of about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches, depending upon the diameter of the cutting wheel <NUM> that is used. Now with reference to <FIG>, the wheel arm <NUM> is pivotable about the axis A2 relative to the frame <NUM> between two extreme positions. The first extreme position of the wheel arm <NUM> (shown in solid lines) is when the cutting wheel <NUM> is at its minimum plunge depth into the support surface <NUM>, and the second extreme position of the wheel arm <NUM> (shown in broken lines) is when the cutting wheel <NUM> is beyond its maximum plunge depth into the support surface <NUM>. Therefore, a vertical distance X between the first end <NUM> of the wheel arm <NUM> in the first extreme position and the first end <NUM> of the wheel arm <NUM> in the second extreme position will always be greater than the maximum plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>, indicated by distance Y. As such, the wheel arm <NUM> can always be adjusted a greater amount than the maximum plunge depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>. This allows the cart <NUM> to be operated with multiple sizes of cutting wheels <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cart <NUM> includes a remote throttle system <NUM> for activating and deactivating the saw <NUM> when it is supported on the frame <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the throttle system <NUM> includes a throttle lever <NUM> pivotably coupled to the handle <NUM> and a throttle cable <NUM> having a first end <NUM> that is selectively coupled to the handle <NUM> and a second end <NUM> (<FIG>) proximate the trigger <NUM> of the saw <NUM>. The remote throttle system <NUM> also includes an interlock system <NUM> operable in a first mode in which pivoting movement of the throttle lever <NUM> is incapable of tensioning the throttle cable <NUM> for pulling the trigger <NUM>, and a second mode in which pivoting movement of the throttle lever <NUM> tensions the throttle cable <NUM> for pulling the trigger <NUM>.

The interlock system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> coupled to the handle <NUM> and an actuator (e.g., a button <NUM>) that is biased by a spring <NUM> to protrude from a top side of the housing <NUM>. Within the housing <NUM>, the interlock system <NUM> includes a first arcuate bracket <NUM> that is coupled for co-rotation with the throttle lever <NUM> and a second arcuate bracket <NUM> that is coupled to the first end <NUM> of the throttle cable <NUM>. The first arcuate bracket <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> on its outer periphery in which a pin <NUM> is receivable. The second arcuate bracket <NUM> includes the pin <NUM> pivotably coupled thereto by extension arms <NUM>. The extension arms <NUM> and the movable pin <NUM> are biased upward towards the button <NUM> by a resilient member (e.g., a torsion spring <NUM>). The button <NUM> is movable between a first position, in which the spring <NUM> biases the button <NUM> away from the pin <NUM>, and a second position, in which the button <NUM> is depressed against the bias of the spring <NUM> to push the pin <NUM> (against the bias of the torsion spring <NUM>) into the slot <NUM>. In the first position of the button <NUM>, the pin <NUM> is not received in the slot <NUM>, thereby permitting the first arcuate bracket <NUM> to pivot independently of the second arcuate bracket <NUM>. As a result, pivoting movement of the throttle lever <NUM> is incapable of tensioning the throttle cable <NUM> for pulling the trigger <NUM>. In the second position of the button <NUM>, the pin <NUM> is received within the slot <NUM> to thereby rotationally unitize the first and second arcuate brackets <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot in unison with the throttle lever <NUM> when it is depressed. As a result, pivoting movement of the throttle lever <NUM> tensions the throttle cable <NUM> for pulling the trigger <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the remote throttle system <NUM> also includes an actuator arm <NUM> pivotably coupled to the housing <NUM> of the rear mount <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the throttle cable <NUM> is coupled to the actuator arm <NUM>. The actuator arm <NUM> is pivotable and includes a finger <NUM> positioned beneath the trigger <NUM> of the cut off saw <NUM>, when positioned on the cut off saw cart <NUM>. In some embodiments, the remote throttle system <NUM> includes a first spring <NUM> seated on the throttle cable <NUM> between the actuator arm <NUM> and the housing <NUM> and a second spring <NUM> between the actuator arm <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the throttle cable <NUM>. The first and second springs <NUM>, <NUM> allow the second end <NUM> of the throttle cable <NUM> to continue moving after the finger <NUM> has squeezed the trigger <NUM> to its maximum depressed position. This ensures that the throttle lever <NUM>, when pivoted to its maximum depressed position against the handle <NUM>, pulls the trigger <NUM> to its maximum depressed position coinciding with the maximum rotational speed of the cutting wheel <NUM> (in an embodiment of the saw <NUM> where the trigger <NUM> is configured as a variable-speed trigger). In some embodiments, the throttle cable <NUM> is routed through the handle <NUM> and/or the frame <NUM> of the cart <NUM>. In such embodiments, the throttle cable <NUM> exits the housing <NUM> into the handle <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, and is then routed from the handle <NUM> into a lower portion of the frame <NUM>. The second end of the throttle cable <NUM> exits the frame <NUM> adjacent the housing <NUM> for connection to the actuator arm <NUM>. All entry and exit openings in the frame <NUM> may include a grommet to prevent chaffing the jacket of the throttle cable <NUM>. Routing the throttle cable <NUM> through the frame <NUM> and handle <NUM> conceals and protects it.

To activate the saw <NUM>, a user depresses the button <NUM> to the second position, which depresses the pin <NUM> against the bias of the torsion spring <NUM> into the slot <NUM> to rotationally unitize the first and second arcuate brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. A user then pivots the throttle lever <NUM> towards the handle <NUM>, pivoting the arcuate brackets <NUM>, <NUM> and tensioning the throttle cable <NUM>. As a user progressively pulls the throttle lever <NUM> towards the handle <NUM>, the throttle cable <NUM> progressively pulls the actuator arm <NUM> towards the trigger <NUM> of the saw <NUM>. Because the lockout shuttle <NUM> is continuously depressed by the boss <NUM> on the cover <NUM> of the rear mount <NUM>, the finger <NUM> squeezes the trigger <NUM> to activate the motor, thereby varying the rotational speed of the cutting wheel <NUM> on the saw <NUM>. Once a user releases the throttle lever <NUM>, it pivots away from the handle <NUM>. The torsion spring <NUM> removes the pin <NUM> from the slot <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> displaces the button <NUM> away from the pin <NUM>. In order to re-activate the cutting wheel <NUM>, a user must again depress the button <NUM> before pulling the throttle lever <NUM> towards the handle <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cart <NUM> includes a track control system <NUM> that adjusts the skew angle of the cutting wheel <NUM> relative to the support surface <NUM>. The track control system <NUM> includes the threaded rod <NUM> and the guide rod <NUM>, discussed above. As discussed above, the threaded rod <NUM> is received within the bore 250a and the threaded bushing <NUM> welded in the frame <NUM>, whereas the guide rod <NUM> is slidably received within the bore 250b. The threaded rod <NUM> includes a rotatable knob <NUM>. When the knob <NUM> and the threaded rod <NUM> are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the rear mount <NUM> (and thus the rear handle <NUM> of the saw <NUM>) are moved towards the frame <NUM>, which in turn moves the cutting wheel <NUM> away from the wheel arm <NUM>. Alternatively, when the knob <NUM> and the threaded rod <NUM> are rotated in a clockwise direction, the rear mount <NUM> (and thus the rear handle <NUM> of the saw <NUM>) are moved away from the frame <NUM>, which in turn moves the cutting wheel <NUM> towards the wheel arm <NUM>. In this manner, the skew angle of the cutting wheel <NUM> relative to the x-axis (<FIG>) can be adjusted. Additionally, when the cover <NUM> is closed, the threaded rod <NUM> and guide rod <NUM> are arranged in the cavity <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is open, a user has access to the knob <NUM> to adjust the skew of the saw. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> includes indicia indicating to a user which way to rotate the knob <NUM> in order to adjust the skew angle of the saw <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cart <NUM> further includes a battery pack mount <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM> to which a spare removable battery pack <NUM>, which is interchangeable with the removable battery pack <NUM> on the saw <NUM>, is attachable for storage. The battery pack mount includes a C-shaped bracket <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM> and defines a channel <NUM>. The removable battery pack <NUM> includes a rail <NUM> that has an increased thickness portion <NUM>. The rail <NUM> is positioned in the channel <NUM> of the C-shaped bracket <NUM> to mount the removable battery pack <NUM> to the cart <NUM>. The rail <NUM> is friction fit inside the channel <NUM> of the C-shaped bracket <NUM> at a point where the rail <NUM> progresses to the increased thickness portion <NUM>. The battery rail <NUM> may extend the full length of the removable battery pack <NUM> or only a portion of the removable battery pack <NUM>. Now referencing <FIG>, the battery pack mount <NUM> further includes a platform <NUM> that supports the bottom of the battery pack <NUM>. The battery pack mount <NUM> may be coupled to other locations on the frame <NUM> other than where it is illustrated. In some embodiments, the battery pack mount <NUM> includes a latch for securing the removable battery pack <NUM>. In further embodiments, the battery pack mount <NUM> includes terminals for on board charging of the removable battery pack <NUM>. In another embodiment, the battery pack mount <NUM> stores multiple battery packs.

With reference to <FIG>, the cart includes an adjustable handle assembly <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> includes the handle <NUM> that is graspable by a user pushing the cart <NUM> and a joint <NUM> for securing the handle <NUM> in a desired rotational position relative to the frame <NUM>. The joint <NUM> includes a first clamshell <NUM> with teeth <NUM> fixed to the handle <NUM>, and a second half clamshell <NUM> with teeth <NUM> fixed to the frame <NUM>. When the teeth <NUM> of the first and second clamshells <NUM>, <NUM> are meshed, the handle <NUM> is rotationally locked.

With reference to <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> also includes a bolt shank <NUM> extending through the handle <NUM> and the first clamshell <NUM>, a knob <NUM> on one end of the shank <NUM>, and an opposite threaded end <NUM> threaded to a threaded bore <NUM> in the second half-clamshell <NUM>. Although not illustrated, a compression spring may be positioned between the clamshells <NUM>, <NUM> to push them apart. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint <NUM> is positioned on a side of the adjustment lever <NUM> that is further away from the frame <NUM>. In other embodiments, the joint <NUM> may be positioned on a side of the adjustment lever <NUM> that is closer to the frame <NUM> as shown <FIG>.

To adjust the height of the handle assembly <NUM>, a user can rotate the knob <NUM> to loosen the bolt shank <NUM> from the threaded bore <NUM> of the second half-clamshell <NUM> drawing the first half-clamshell <NUM> away from the second half-clamshell <NUM>. Once the teeth <NUM> of the respective clamshells <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged, the handle <NUM> can be rotated relative to the first half-clamshell <NUM> and bolt shank <NUM> to a desired height. Once the desired height is reached, a user can rotate the knob <NUM> in the opposite direction to tighten the connection between the shank <NUM> and the threaded bore <NUM>, which re-engages the teeth <NUM> of the respective clamshells <NUM>, <NUM>, again locking the rotational position (and therefore the height) of the handle <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cart <NUM> includes a tracking device <NUM>. The tracking device <NUM> shares location information, last used date and time, and other metrics with a user. The tracking device <NUM> may communicate with a user via a Bluetooth enabled device such as a smart phone with an application for the tracking device <NUM>. The tracking device <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM> of the cart <NUM>, the saw <NUM>, or other components of the cart <NUM>. The tracking device <NUM> may be coupled to the cart <NUM> using an adhesive, fasteners, tie wraps, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the tracking device <NUM> is mounted on the frame <NUM> of the cart <NUM> adjacent the battery pack mount <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cart <NUM> includes other storage spaces to mount the tracking device to the cart <NUM> where the tracking device will not interfere with any moving components on the cart <NUM> or otherwise be subject to impacts or undesired contact during normal use of the cart <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a rear wheel assembly <NUM> for the cut off saw cart <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. The rear wheel assembly <NUM> includes a left wheel <NUM>, a right wheel <NUM>, a solid axle <NUM> connecting the left and right wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and an adjustment knob <NUM>. The axle <NUM> is supported by a tube <NUM> on the cart <NUM> that extends through the second end <NUM> of the wheel arm <NUM> and is coaxial with the axis A2. The axle <NUM> remains stationary within the tube <NUM> while the left and right wheels <NUM>, <NUM> rotate around the axle <NUM>. The adjustment knob <NUM> includes a threaded screw (not shown) that may be loosened in and out of contact with the axle <NUM>. To adjust the lateral position of the axle <NUM> and wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, a user can rotate the adjustment knob <NUM> to loosen the threaded screw, allowing the axle <NUM> to slide linearly along the axis A2 within the tube <NUM>. Once a desired position has been reached, a user can rotate the adjustment knob <NUM> to tighten the threaded screw and secure the axle <NUM> in place. This permits either of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> to be moved further inboard if it is desired to push the cart <NUM> with the attached saw <NUM> in close proximity to a wall.

<FIG> illustrates a depth adjustment assembly <NUM> on the cart <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustment assembly <NUM> includes a mounting plate <NUM> that supports the saw <NUM>, a foot treadle <NUM>, and a ratchet gear <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> of the cart <NUM> about a pivot shaft <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM>, and thus the saw <NUM>, is pivotable relative to the frame <NUM> about the pivot shaft <NUM>. The ratchet gear <NUM> is coupled to the mounting plate <NUM> on one side of the frame <NUM> and to the foot treadle <NUM> on the other side of the frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <NUM>, a user may place their foot on the treadle <NUM> and rotate it backwards and forwards to rotate the mounting plate <NUM> to adjust the cutting depth of the saw <NUM> between a non-cutting position (<FIG>) and a max cutting position (<FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a depth adjustment assembly <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustment assembly <NUM> is similar to the depth adjustment assembly <NUM> but includes a hand crank <NUM> instead of a foot treadle <NUM>. The hand crank <NUM> is coupled to the mounting plate <NUM> through a gear assembly <NUM>. As a user rotates the hand crank <NUM>, the gear assembly <NUM> is driven which pivots the mounting plate <NUM> about the pivot shaft <NUM> adjusting the cutting depth of the saw <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an actuator <NUM> (e.g., a jack, pump, or the like) is coupled to the mounting plate <NUM>. A user may then control the actuator <NUM> to pivot the mounting plate <NUM> about the pivot shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a depth adjustment assembly <NUM> on the cart <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustment assembly <NUM> includes a foot pedal <NUM> that when engaged releases a lock on the axle of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> allowing a push handle <NUM> to be pivoted forward to plunge the saw <NUM> into the support surface <NUM>. When the foot pedal <NUM> is fully engaged, it rests on the support surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a depth adjustment assembly <NUM> on the cart <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustment assembly <NUM> is similar to the depth adjustment assembly <NUM> but includes a hand lever <NUM> instead of a D-shaped handle <NUM>. The hand lever <NUM> includes a depth adjustment lock <NUM>, an actuator <NUM>, and a pin <NUM> seated between depth adjustment teeth <NUM> for locking the hand lever <NUM>. To adjust the cutting depth of the saw <NUM>, a user grasps the depth hand lever <NUM> and squeezes the actuator <NUM> of the depth adjustment lock <NUM>. Squeezing the actuator <NUM> lifts the pin <NUM> out of engagement with the depth adjustment teeth <NUM>, allowing the hand lever <NUM> to pivot toward a new position coinciding with a different cutting depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>. Pivoting the hand lever <NUM> translates the link <NUM>, which then raises/lowers the wheel arm <NUM>. Raising the wheel arm <NUM> lowers the cut off saw <NUM>, thus increasing the cutting depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>, whereas lowering the wheel arm <NUM> raises the cut off saw <NUM>, thus reducing the cutting depth of the cutting wheel <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cart (<NUM>) for carrying a cut-off saw having a saw blade (<NUM>), the cart (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) including an upper portion and a lower portion;
a wheel arm (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the lower portion of the frame (<NUM>) about a first axis (A2);
a rear wheel assembly (<NUM>) coaxial with the first axis (A2) and coupled to the frame (<NUM>) and the wheel arm (<NUM>);
a front wheel (<NUM>) coupled to an end of the wheel arm (<NUM>) opposite the rear wheel assembly (<NUM>);
an adjustment lever (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the frame (<NUM>) about a second axis (A3); and
a link (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the adjustment lever (<NUM>) at a location spaced from the second axis (A3), and a second end (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the wheel arm (<NUM>) at a location between the first axis (A2) and the front wheel (<NUM>);
wherein pivoting the adjustment lever (<NUM>) about the second axis (A3) pivots the wheel arm (<NUM>) about the first axis (A2) to adjust a vertical position of the front wheel (<NUM>) relative to the upper portion of the frame (<NUM>), and therefore a vertical position of the saw blade (<NUM>) relative to a support surface of the cart (<NUM>); and
wherein a gear (<NUM>) is coupled to the upper portion of the frame (<NUM>) adjacent a bracket (<NUM>) of the adjustment lever (<NUM>), the gear (<NUM>) including a plurality of gear teeth (<NUM>), wherein the adjustment lever (<NUM>) further comprises a handle (<NUM>) and an actuator (<NUM>) having an upper end (<NUM>) that protrudes from an internal opening (<NUM>) in the handle (<NUM>) and an opposite, lower end (<NUM>) that is engageable with the gear teeth (<NUM>) to maintain the adjustment lever (<NUM>) in one of a plurality of orientations relative to the gear (<NUM>) that coincide with different positions of the wheel arm (<NUM>) relative to the frame (<NUM>).