Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool – With work-engaging structure other than tool or tool-support – Movable relative to tool along tool-axis
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-23
2001-11-27
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3722)
Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
With work-engaging structure other than tool or tool-support
Movable relative to tool along tool-axis
C029S02600B, C029S560000, C144S135200, C408S020000, C408S103000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322297
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a guidance apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a guidance apparatus which, in use, is attached to a support member, such as a workbench, and which assists in guiding a tool, such that the tool can be positioned at a desired location in relation to an object upon which work is to be carried out upon by the tool, such object hereinafter being referred to as a workpiece.
It is well known that a considerable amount of skill is required in order to manually provide a hole in a surface of an object which is at a precise location, at a precise angle, usually perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, and to a known depth, using a portable drill, which may be electrically driven or otherwise.
With a view to addressing this problem, several drill stands, generally comprising a support pillar supporting a drill and its respective drill bit have been developed which, in use, enable the drill and its' respective drill bit to be moved vertically in relation to the surface of the workpiece wherein it is desired to provide a hole. Whilst such known drill stands ensure that the drilled hole is substantially vertical in relation to the surface of the workpiece, their use is somewhat limited, in that they are not specifically adapted for drilling a hole in any other direction, or orientation, other than substantially vertical in relation to the surface of the workpiece. Additionally, the distance by which a hole may be provided relative to the edge of the object is limited by the distance between the drill bit and the support pillar, i.e. such drill stands are not suitable for applications where a drilled hole is required at a distance from the edge of the workpiece which exceeds the distance between the drill bit and the support pillar. Furthermore, and in order to hold the workpiece in place whilst drilling, a separate clamp member is required.
On an industrial scale, machine tool systems, sometimes known as “machine centers”, have been developed to assist with the accurate drilling of a hole or holes in a workpiece. Such machine tool systems are particularly suitable for providing drilled holes in large workpieces, and generally comprise an electrically driven drill bit in conjunction with a movable working surface for moving the workpiece in relation to the drill bit, or a guide system to enable the electrically driven drill bit to be moved in relation to the secured workpiece. The problem associated with such machine tool systems is that they are expensive to manufacture, bulky and are not really suitable for the DIY enthusiast.
In addition, it is well known that a considerable amount of skill is required in order to manually cut a workpiece in a precise manner using a portable cutting tool, for example, a saw, electric or otherwise.
With a view to addressing this problem, electrically driven saws having a circular blade incorporating a rip fence guide which positions the cut relative to the edge of the workpiece have been provided. However, the problem associated with this type of electric saw is that the edge of the workpiece must have a straight edge to ensure a straight cut, and the distance between the edge and the cut is limited to the bar length of the rip fence guide, which is usually about 20 cm, i.e. such electrically driven saws are not suitable for providing a cut in a workpiece at a distance which exceeds the distance between the edge of the workpiece and the bar length of the rip fence guide. Furthermore, in order to hold the workpiece in position whilst cutting same, an additional clamp member is usually required.
With a view to overcoming this problem, several designs of workbenches incorporating an electrically driven saw have been provided. Generally, such workbenches comprise an electrically driven saw which is held in a fixed, inverted position such that the blade of same protrudes above a surface of the workbench. Additionally, such benches usually incorporate guides which assist in manually transporting the workpiece at a desired position relative to the blade of the saw. The problem associated with such workbenches is that they are bulky and expensive to manufacture.
According to the present invention there is provided a guidance apparatus which, in use, is attached to a workbench, characterised in that the guidance apparatus comprises a guidance member which is adapted to receive at least one first carrier member which can move along the length of the guidance member and which can carry at least two different tool holders.
The object of the present invention is to provide a guidance apparatus which is believed to address the problems outlined above. In particular, the guidance apparatus of the present application can be utilised to guide a large number of tools and hence, has more utility than known guidance systems which are only adapted to guide one type of tool in relation to a workpiece. Additionally, the guidance apparatus of the present application can also act as a clamp and therefore, dispenses with the need to utilise a separate clamp, that is, if the action being carried out on the workpiece requires same to be secured to the workbench. Furthermore, the guidance apparatus of the present application is suitable for use at home and in the workplace. Moreover, the distance from the edge of a workpiece whereby a tool can be located by the guidance apparatus of the present invention is not believed to be limited by the design of same.
In a preferred embodiment, the guidance member is vertically displaceable relative to the workbench so that same can act as a clamp and can clamp a workpiece between the guidance member and the workbench. This has the advantage in that the guidance apparatus of the present invention, as well as being suitable to guide a tool to a desired position relative to a workpiece, can also act as a clamp and hence, forgoes the need for a separate clamp to be utilised.
Further preferably, the guidance apparatus of the present invention further comprises at least one second carrier member which carries a clamp or guide member which comprises an elongate member which is rotatably attached to the second carrier member. This has the advantage of enabling the clamp or guide member to be located at a desired angle of orientation in relation to the workpiece. Further preferably, the clamp or guide member is provided with an angular graduated scale plate which has the advantage of enabling the elongate member to be orientated at a specific angular orientation relative to the workpiece. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the elongate member is adapted so that same can be used to clamp or guide a rectangular, tubular or irregularly shaped workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, this is effected by providing a hinge adjacent an end of the elongate member.
Further preferably, at least one surface of the guidance member is graduated. This provides the advantage of being able to locate the first and/or second carrier member at a specific desired position in relation to the workpiece.
Further preferably, the first and/or second carrier members are provided with securing means such that the first and/or second carrier members can be secured at any position along the length of the guidance member. This provides the advantage in that the first and/or second carrier members and their respective tool carrier, or clamp or guide member, can be secured at a desired position in relation to the workpiece .
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Carter Monica S.
Collard & Roe P.C.
Shoap Allan N.
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