Portable bimodal tile saw

Abstract

A bimodal tile saw includes a tray supported on a base extending in a first direction and a water-cooled saw unit suspended from a telescoping arm. Both the tray and the saw unit move relative to the base along the first direction. In a first mode, the saw unit is fixed and the substrate is fed to the saw unit by advancing the tray. In a second mode, the table is fixed and the telescoping arm is advanced using ergonomic handles to bring the blade into contact with the substrate. A laser cutting guide casts a precise beam across the work piece for accurate cutting. An integrated handtruck, having a handle and folding legs actuated by gas pistons allows easy transport and setup of the tile saw. During use, a retractable foot elevates the wheels off of the ground. Water shields protect the saw unit's motor and external environment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 622,427, filed Jan. 11, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention generally relates to tools for cutting stone, masonry and ceramic tile. More particularly the invention relates to a portable, bimodal tile saw.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Power saws for cutting tile and ceramics have been known for some time. The prior art provides many examples of tile saws which are operated by securing the work piece on a movable table. The table and the secured work piece are then advanced toward the blade. A recognized disadvantage to this arrangement was that it was unsuitable for making precision cuts in large pieces.[0006]A proposed remedy for this disadvantage was a tile saw that resembled a table saw for wood, providing a planar surface for sup...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]A bimodal tile saw includes a tray supported on a base extending in a first direction and a water-cooled saw unit suspended from a telescoping arm. Both the tray and the saw unit move relative to the base along the first direction. In a first mode, the saw unit is fixed and the substrate is fed to the saw unit by advancing the tray. In a second mode, the table is fixed and the telescoping arm is advanced using ergonomic handles to bring the blade into contact with the substrate. A laser cutting guide casts a precise beam across the work piece for accurate cutting. An integrated handtruck, having a handle and folding legs actuated by gas pistons allows easy transport and setup of the tile saw. During use, a retractable foot elevates the wheels off of the ground. Water shields protect the saw unit's motor and external environment.

Problems solved by technology

A recognized disadvantage to this arrangement was that it was unsuitable for making precision cuts in large pieces.

While this approach allowed large pieces of tile to be cut, it posed a safety hazard for the operator due to the proximity of the operator's hands to the moving blade while the substrate was being cut.

However, the presence of a fixed arm places a limit on the size and shape of tiles that can be cut using such devices.

However, because the entire arm unit must be moved in order to advance the saw unit, the presence of the arm has the potential to limit the size of the substrate being cut.

Additionally, providing and maintaining the moveable arm assembly adds considerably to manufacturing and repair costs for such a device.

However, in fact, such devices can only be deployed to a job site with difficulty.

Although they are somewhat compact, ordinarily, they need to be carried by at least two people because of their weight and bulkiness.

If such a tile saw needs to be carried over long distance or over difficult terrain, the difficulty of transporting and deploying the saw becomes even more difficult.

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