Circular saw including a blade mount for a circular saw blade and method of attaching a circular saw blade to a circular saw

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a circular saw (10) including a blade mount (108) for a circular saw (10) blade and a method of attaching a circular saw (10) blade to the circular saw (10). The circular saw (10) includes a motor (90), an arbor (100), and a blade mount (108). The motor (90) includes a motor shaft (92) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The arbor (100) is configured to receive torque from the motor (90) when the motor shaft (92) rotates about the axis of rotation. The blade mount (108) is operably connected to the arbor (100) and is configured to selectively and operably connect a circular saw blade (200) to the arbor (100). The blade mount (108) includes an inner flange (112) including a blade contact surface of the inner flange (112) facing away from the motor (90). The inner flange (112) is free of any structure that protrudes away from the motor (90) and also protrudes away from the blade contacting surface of the inner flange (112).

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 044,034, filed on June 25, 2020, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to circular saws including blade mounts for circular saw blades and / or methods of attaching circular saw blades to circular saws. Background Art

[0004] Circular saws utilize a rotating circular saw blade to cut a workpiece. Circular saws are typically configured so that a circular saw blade can be selectively attached to and detached from the circular saw to allow, for example, sharpening of the circular saw blade, replacement of the circular saw blade, and / or operative attachment of a special circular saw blade to the circular saw. The clearance for the circular saw blade within the circular saw may be relatively tight. Thus, it is sometimes challenging to attach certain circular saw blades to and / or remove certain circular saw blades from certain circular saws using conventional attachment mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need for an improved circular saw including a saw blade mount and / or an improved method of attaching a circular saw blade to a circular saw. Summary of the invention

[0005] Disclosed herein are circular saws including saw blade mounts for circular saw blades and methods of attaching circular saw blades to circular saws. The circular saw includes a motor, an arbor, and a saw blade mount. The motor includes a motor shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The arbor is configured to receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the axis of rotation. The saw blade mount is operably attached to the arbor and configured to selectively and operably attach a circular saw blade to the arbor. The saw blade mount includes an inner flange, the inner flange including an inner flange blade contact surface, the inner flange blade contact surface facing away from the motor and configured to contact the circular saw blade when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the arbor. The inner flange does not have any structure protruding away from the motor and also away from the inner flange blade contact surface.

[0006] The method includes operably aligning a central opening of a circular saw blade with an inner flange of a circular saw so that an inner flat blade surface of the circular saw blade is in face-to-face contact with an inner flange blade contact surface of an inner flange of a saw blade mount. The operably aligning further includes operably aligning so that the central opening of the circular saw blade is free of any structure protruding from the inner flange. The method further includes positioning an outer flange of the saw blade mount so that an outer flange blade contact surface of the outer flange is in face-to-face contact with an outer flat blade surface of the circular saw blade and so that an outer flange protruding region of the outer flange extends through the central opening of the circular saw blade and into an inner flange recessed region of the inner flange. The method further includes operably retaining the outer flange on the mandrel with a fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a somewhat schematic top profile view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 is a slightly schematic, right side elevation view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is a somewhat schematic, left side elevation view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is another somewhat schematic, left side elevation view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 is another somewhat schematic, left side elevation view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 is a somewhat schematic front view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 8 is a somewhat schematic rear view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a somewhat schematic top view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig.10 is a somewhat schematic bottom view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an example of an arbor, a blade mount, and a circular saw blade that may be used with a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.12 is a partially exploded somewhat schematic perspective view of an example of a circular saw according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.13 is along Figure 3 The line 13-13 is intercepted Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of a circular saw.

[0020] Fig.14 is an exploded view of an arbor, a blade mount, and a circular saw blade according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Assembly view of the arbor, blade mount and circular saw blade.

[0022] Fig.16 is along Fig.15 The line 16-16 is intercepted Fig.15 Cross-sectional view of a spindle, blade mount and circular saw blade.

[0023] Fig.17 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method of selectively and operatively attaching a circular saw blade to an arbor of a circular saw according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1-17 An example of a circular saw 10 and / or method 1000 according to the present disclosure is provided. Figure 1-17 Elements serving similar or at least substantially similar purposes are marked with the same reference numerals in each of the figures, and these elements may not be referred to herein. Figure 1-17 Similarly, all components may not be in Figure 1-17 , but for consistency, the reference numerals associated with them may be used herein. Figure 1-17 Elements, components and / or features discussed in one or more figures may be included in Figure 1-17 any of the pictures and / or Figure 1-17 Any one of Figure 1 can be used together without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Typically, elements that may be included in a particular embodiment are shown in solid lines, while optional elements are shown in dashed lines. However, elements shown in solid lines may not be necessary for all embodiments, and in some embodiments, may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a circular saw 10 according to the present disclosure, and Figure 2-10is a schematic illustration of an example of a circular saw 10 according to the present disclosure in the form of an insertion saw 30. More specifically, Figure 2 A top profile view of the circular saw 10 is shown. Figure 3 A right side view of the circular saw 10 is shown. Figure 4 A left side view of the circular saw 10 is shown showing the circular saw in a fully inserted orientation 52, Figure 5 A left side view of the circular saw 10 is shown, showing the circular saw in a fully retracted orientation 54, Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Left side view of with several coverings removed. Figure 7 is a front view of the circular saw 10, Figure 8 is a rear view of the circular saw 10, Fig. 9 is a top view of the circular saw 10, Fig.10 It is a bottom view of the circular saw 10 .

[0027] If Figure 1-10 As shown generally, the circular saw 10 includes a motor 90 including a motor shaft 92 configured to rotate about a shaft rotation axis 94. The circular saw 10 also includes a spindle 100 configured to receive torque from the motor 90 when the motor shaft 92 rotates about the shaft rotation axis. Figure 1 The dashed line and Figure 3-8 and Fig.10 As shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 , the circular saw 10 may also include a circular saw blade 200. The circular saw blade 200 (when present) may be operably attached to the circular saw via the arbor 100 and / or may be configured for rotational movement with the arbor. The rotation of the circular saw blade 200 may facilitate cutting of the workpiece 98 with the circular saw blade, such as Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG.

[0028] The circular saw 10 may include any suitable type or style of circular saw that is adapted, configured, designed and / or constructed to cut a workpiece using a circular saw blade 200. Examples of the circular saw 10 include a handheld circular saw 12, a miter saw 14, a radial arm saw 16, a table saw 18, a chop saw 20, an upcut saw 22, a panel saw 24, a plunge saw 30, a track saw 40, and / or a miter saw 50, as shown. Figure 1 . In some examples, the circular saw 10 can include structures and / or features from two or more of the above-described saws, and / or can incorporate the functionality of two or more of the above-described saws. As an example, and as discussed in more detail herein, a given circular saw 10 can be and / or can incorporate the functionality of a handheld circular saw 12, a plunge saw 30, a track saw 40, and / or a miter saw 50. Thus, a circular saw 10 according to the present disclosure can include one or more features disclosed herein, but the circular saw 10 need not include all of the features disclosed herein.

[0029] Motor 90 may include any suitable structure that can provide motive force for rotation of motor shaft 92 and / or for actuation of circular saw blade 200. Examples of motor 90 include electric motors, AC electric motors, DC electric motors, brushless DC motors, variable speed motors, and / or single speed motors.

[0030] like Figure 1 The dashed line and Figure 2 , Figure 4-6 and Figure 8-9 As shown in solid lines in , the circular saw 10 may include a gripping region 60 configured to be gripped and / or held by a user during operation of the circular saw. The gripping region 60 (when present) may also be referred to herein as and / or may be a handle or a grip.

[0031] Also like Figure 1 The dotted line in Figure 2 and Figure 4-6 As shown in the solid line in , the circular saw 10 may include at least one switch 65. The switch 65 (when present) may be configured to be selectively actuated by a user of the circular saw so as to enable and / or allow current to be provided to at least one other component of the circular saw and / or allow the power operation of at least one other component of the circular saw. As an example, the selective actuation of the switch 65 may be used to implement the operation of the motor controller of the circular saw to selectively apply current to the motor 90 so that the motor controller can selectively apply current to the motor and / or allow or guide the motor to provide motive force for the rotation of the motor shaft. In some examples, the current may be used to power or directly power at least one other component of the circular saw 10 (such as the motor 90). In some such examples, the current may also be referred to herein as an electrical power signal. In some examples, the current may be an electrical data signal sent to at least one other component of the circular saw (such as the motor controller of the circular saw). In some such examples, the current may also be referred to herein as a data signal and / or referred to as an electrical data signal. Examples of the switch 65 include an electrical switch, a normally open electrical switch, a momentary electrical switch, and / or a locking momentary electrical switch.

[0032] Also like Figure 1 The dashed line and Figure 2-10 As shown in solid lines in , the circular saw 10 may include a workpiece support 300. The workpiece support 300 (when present) may be configured to support the workpiece 98 and / or position the circular saw relative to the workpiece when the workpiece is cut or otherwise acted upon by the tool. For example, many circular saws 10 in the form of saws include a workpiece support 300 in the form of a base plate, table, shoe, stand, or pad.

[0033] The circular saw 10 may include any suitable power source and corresponding power structure for providing power to the motor 90. Examples of power structures include a power structure 70, a power cord 72, and / or a battery 74, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0034] Also like Figure 1 The dashed line and Figure 2-10 As shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 , the circular saw 10 may include a blade guard 80. The blade guard 80 (when present) may be configured to cover, shield, and / or contain at least one area of ​​the circular saw blade 200 to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between a user and the circular saw blade. In some examples of the circular saw 10, the blade guard 80 may include a retractable area 82, such as Figure 1 As shown in . The retractable region 82 can be configured to fold, rotate and / or otherwise retract when the circular saw is used to cut a workpiece. The retractable region 82 can additionally or alternatively be referred to as a retracted region 82 and / or a collapsed region 82.

[0035] In some examples, and as discussed, the circular saw 10 may include and / or may be a plunge saw 30. In examples of the circular saw 10 that is or includes a plunge saw 30, the spindle 100 may be configured to move relative to the workpiece support 300 in order to selectively change the area of ​​the circular saw blade 200 that protrudes from the workpiece support and / or to selectively change the cutting depth of the circular saw. For example, the spindle 100 may be configured to pivot relative to the workpiece support 300, such as by Figure 3-4 and Figure 7-8 The fully inserted orientation 52 shown in FIG. Figure 5-6 The transition between the fully retracted orientation 54 is shown in FIG.

[0036] As a specific example, the workpiece support 300 may include and / or may be a base plate 304 that defines a spindle-facing side 308 and a spindle-opposing side 312. The spindle 100 may be operably attached to the spindle-facing side 308 of the base plate 304 by, via, and / or utilizing a base plate pivot 316. In such an example, the spindle 100 and the base plate 304 may be configured to rotate relative to each other about the base plate pivot 316 so as to selectively change the area 320 of the circular saw blade 200 that extends on the spindle-opposing side 312 of the base plate, such as from Figure 4 The configuration shown in FIG. 5 (which shows the fully inserted orientation 52) to Figure 5 The transition may be best illustrated by the configuration shown in , which shows the fully retracted orientation 54 .

[0037] In other words, the spindle 100 can be configured to pivot relative to the workpiece support 300 throughout a range of relative orientations or relative angles that can be defined by a fully inserted orientation and a fully retracted orientation. For each relative orientation within the range of relative orientations, the circular saw blade 200 can extend a corresponding amount on the spindle opposite side 312 to provide a corresponding maximum cutting depth for the circular saw.

[0038] In some examples, and as discussed, the circular saw 10 may include and / or may be a track saw 40. In examples of the circular saw 10 being or including a track saw 40, the base plate 304 may include a rib receiving channel 324, which may be configured to receive a raised elongated rib 44 of the track 42, as may be in the example of the circular saw 10 being or including a track saw 40. Figure 1 4. The track 42 may also be referred to herein as an elongated track 42, and may be formed from one or more elongated track segments or track sections 46 that may be operably attached to one another to define any suitable track length. During operation of the track saw 40, the track 42 may be operably attached or clamped to the workpiece 98 such that an edge of the track corresponds to a desired cut line for the track saw. The track saw may then be positioned relative to the track such that the raised elongated rib 44 is positioned within the rib receiving channel 324; and the track saw may then be translated along at least a portion of the length of the elongated track to produce a straight cut along the desired cut line.

[0039] The circular saw 10 according to the present disclosure also includes a saw blade mount 108 operably attached to the spindle 100, and Figure 11-16 is an illustration of an example of components of a circular saw 10 that highlights an example of an arbor 100 according to the present disclosure that is operably attached to a blade mount 108 and / or used to hold a circular saw blade 200. More specifically, Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an example of an arbor 100 , a blade mount 108 , and a circular saw blade 200 that may be used with a circular saw 10 according to the present disclosure. Fig.12 is a partially exploded outline view of an example of a circular saw 10, Fig.13 is along Figure 3 The line 13-13 is intercepted Fig.12 10 is a cross-sectional view of a circular saw 10 . Fig.14 is an exploded view showing the spindle 100, the saw blade mount 108 and the circular saw blade 200 of the circular saw 10, Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Assembly drawing of the arbor, blade mount and circular saw blade, and Fig.16 is along Fig.15 The line 16-16 is intercepted Fig.14 Cross-sectional view of a spindle, blade mount and circular saw blade.

[0040] Figure 11-16 The circular saw 10 may include and / or may be Figure 1-10 More detailed and / or different illustrations, views and / or examples of the circular saw 10 are provided. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, reference herein Figure 11-16 Any structure, function and / or feature disclosed in the circular saw 10 may be included in Figure 1-10 The circular saw 10 and / or Figure 1-10 Similarly, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, reference is made herein to Figure 1-10 Any structure, function, and / or feature disclosed in the circular saw 10 may be included in Figure 11-16 The circular saw 10 and / or Figure 11-16 The circular saw 10 is used together with the

[0041] If Figure 1 and Figures 11 to 17 As shown generally, the spindle 100 and / or the blade mount 108 can be configured to facilitate selective and repeated separation of the circular saw blade 200 from the rest of the circular saw and / or to facilitate selective and repeated attachment (or operative attachment) of the circular saw blade to the rest of the circular saw. This can be achieved in any suitable manner. As an example, the spindle 100 can include and / or can be a threaded spindle 104, and the blade mount 108 can include a fastener 168 that can be screwed into the threaded spindle 104, such as Figure 1 and Fig.11 as shown in .

[0042] The spindle 100 may be configured to rotate about a spindle rotation axis 106 or to rotate the circular saw blade 200 about the spindle rotation axis 106. The spindle rotation axis 106 may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the shaft rotation axis 94 of the motor shaft 92 of the motor 90, such as Figure 1 and 13 and as discussed in more detail herein.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 11-16 As shown in , the circular saw 10 includes a saw blade mount 108. The saw blade mount 108 can be operably attached to the arbor 100, can be at least partially defined by the arbor 100, and / or can be configured to operably attach the circular saw blade 200 to the arbor 100. The saw blade mount 108 includes an inner flange 112 and can include an outer flange 136 and a fastener 168. The fastener 168 can be configured to threadedly engage with and / or threadedly engage within the threaded arbor 104 and / or selectively and / or operably retain the inner flange 112, the outer flange 136, and / or the circular saw blade 200 on the arbor 100.

[0044] In some examples, and as shown, the inner flange 112 may be operably attached to the mandrel 100 , such as by fasteners 168 , and in some examples, the inner flange 112 may be defined by and / or may form a portion of the mandrel 100 .

[0045] If possible Figure 11-14 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the inner flange 112 may extend radially from or away from the spindle 100 and / or the spindle axis of rotation 106. As may be seen in FIG. Fig.11 , Figure 13-14 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the inner flange 112 can include and / or define a central inner flange opening 116 that can be configured to receive a fastener 168 and / or allow the fastener to pass therethrough. As also shown, when the saw blade mount is used to selectively and operably attach a circular saw blade to the spindle, the inner flange 112 can be positioned proximal to the motor 90 relative to the outer flange 136.

[0046] It may also be Figure 11-14 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the inner flange 112 may include and / or define an inner flange blade contact surface 120 that may be configured to contact the circular saw blade 200 when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the circular saw via the saw blade mount 108. The inner flange blade contact surface 120 may face away from the motor 90, may face away from the centrifugal shaft 100, and / or may face away from the remainder of the centrifugal shaft 100. As may be seen in FIG. 1 , the inner flange 112 may include and / or define an inner flange blade contact surface 120 that may be configured to contact the circular saw blade 200 when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the circular saw via the saw blade mount 108. The inner flange blade contact surface 120 may face away from the motor 90, may face away from the centrifugal shaft 100, and / or may face away from the remainder of the centri Figure 1 , Fig.11 , Fig.13 and Figure 15 to Figure 16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the inner flange blade contact surface 120 may be configured to be in at least partial or even complete face-to-face contact with a planar blade surface of a circular saw blade 200 , such as the inner planar blade surface 202 .

[0047] The inner flange 112 may also include and / or define an inner flange concave area 128. The inner flange concave area may also be referred to herein as a concave central area 128 of the inner flange.

[0048] As discussed in greater detail herein, the inner flange recessed area 128 may be sized and / or shaped to interlock with the outer flange protruding area 152 of the outer flange 136. The inner flange recessed area 128 may have and / or define a maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132 that may be measured in and / or within an inner flange plane 124 that may be defined by, parallel to, and / or coextensive with the inner flange saw blade contact surface 120, as may be in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.16 2. The maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132 may correspond to the maximum central opening dimension 216 of the central opening 212 of the circular saw blade 200. As an example, the maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132 may be equal to the maximum central opening dimension 216 and / or may be within a threshold dimensional tolerance of the maximum central opening dimension 216. The threshold dimensional tolerance may be selected to provide a sliding fit between the inner flange recessed area 128 and the outer flange protruding area 152 and / or between the central opening 212 and the outer flange protruding area 152. This configuration may allow the outer flange protruding area 152 to extend through the central opening 212 of the circular saw blade 200 and into the inner flange recessed area 128 of the inner flange 112.

[0049] The inner flange 112 may be free of any structure that protrudes away from the rest of the inner flange or away from the motor 90 and also protrudes away from the inner flange blade contact surface 120. Additionally or alternatively, the entire inner flange 112 may be outside the central opening 212 of the circular saw blade 200 and / or the entire inner flange 112 may not extend into the central opening when the saw blade mount 108 selectively and operatively attaches the circular saw blade to the spindle. In other words, the entire inner flange 112 may be close to the spindle 100 relative to the inner flange plane 124 and / or may be close to the motor 90 relative to the inner flange plane.

[0050] Maybe Fig.13 As best shown in , such a configuration can reduce the gap or space within the blade guard 80 that is required to allow and / or facilitate separation of the circular saw blade 200 from the rest of the circular saw and / or attachment of the circular saw blade to the rest of the circular saw. In other words, the blade mount 108 can be configured to allow and / or facilitate removal of the circular saw blade from the circular saw and / or attachment of the circular saw blade to the circular saw without moving the circular saw blade in a direction parallel to the spindle rotation axis 106 and / or while only requiring movement of the circular saw blade in a direction perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to the spindle rotation axis 106. Thus, in contrast to conventional blade mounts that require both radial and translational movement of the circular saw blade, the blade mount 108 can be configured to allow removal and replacement of the circular saw blade 200 via only radial movement of the circular saw blade relative to the inner flange.

[0051] If possible Fig.11 , Figure 13-14 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the outer flange 136 may extend radially from or away from the spindle 100 and / or the spindle axis of rotation 106. As may be seen in FIG. Fig.11 , Figure 13-14 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the outer flange 136 may include and / or define a central outer flange opening 140 that may be configured to receive and / or allow a fastener 168 to pass therethrough. As also shown, when the saw blade mount is used to selectively and operably attach a circular saw blade to the spindle, the outer flange 136 may be positioned distally of the motor 90 relative to the inner flange 112.

[0052] The outer flange 136 may include and / or define an outer flange recessed area 160 that is shaped, sized, and / or configured to receive a fastener head 172 of a fastener 168. Fig.11 and Fig.16 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the outer flange recessed area 160 may include an outer flange shoulder 164 that may be sized to allow the fastener 168 to at least partially extend through the central outer flange opening 140, but to limit the fastener head 172 from extending through the central outer flange opening. When the fastener 168 is threaded onto the spindle 100, this configuration may allow the fastener head 172 to press the circular saw blade 200 between the inner flange 112 and the outer flange 136.

[0053] The outer flange 136 may have and / or define an outer flange saw blade contact surface 144, as may be Fig.16 100. The outer flange blade contact surface 144 may be configured to contact the circular saw blade 200 when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the circular saw, may be configured to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the circular saw blade, and / or may be configured to be in full face-to-face contact with the circular saw blade and / or with the outer flat blade surface 204 of the circular saw blade. The outer flange blade contact surface 144 and the outer flange recessed area 160 may be on opposite or opposing sides of the outer flange 136. The outer flange blade contact surface 144 may face the inner flange blade contact surface 120, may face the arbor 100, and / or may face the motor 90 when the saw blade mount 108 selectively and operably attaches the circular saw blade to the arbor.

[0054] like Fig.11 , Figure 13-14 and Fig.16, the outer flange 136 includes an outer flange protruding area 152. The outer flange protruding area 152 protrudes from the outer flange blade contact surface 144 and / or away from the outer flange recessed area 160. As discussed, the outer flange protruding area 152 can be sized to be received within the central opening 212 of the circular saw blade 200 and / or within the inner flange recessed area 128 of the inner flange 112. With this in mind, the maximum outer flange protruding area dimension 156 of the outer flange protruding area 152 can correspond to the maximum central opening dimension 216 of the circular saw blade 200 and / or the maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132 of the inner flange 112, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As an example, the outer flange protrusion area 152 may have clearance to fit with the maximum center opening dimension 216 and / or the maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132, may be sized to fit snugly with the maximum center opening dimension 216 and / or the maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132, and / or may be within a snug fit tolerance of the maximum center opening dimension 216 and / or the maximum inner flange recessed area dimension 132. The maximum outer flange protrusion area dimension 156 may be measured within the outer flange plane 148, which may be defined by the outer flange saw blade contact surface 144, may be parallel to the outer flange saw blade contact surface 144, and / or may be coextensive with the outer flange saw blade contact surface 144.

[0055] In some examples, and as Fig.11 The dashed line and Fig.14 As shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 , the inner flange 112 may include an inner flange interlocking structure 134, and the outer flange 136 may include an outer flange interlocking structure 166. The inner flange interlocking structure 134 and the outer flange interlocking structure 166 may be configured to operably interlock with each other to resist and / or prevent the outer flange 136 from rotating relative to the inner flange 112 about the spindle rotation axis 106. In other words, rotation of the spindle 100 about the spindle rotation axis 106, such as may be responsive to rotation of the motor shaft 92 of the motor 90, and the circular saw blade 200 used to cut a workpiece may generate a torque that may cause the outer flange 136 to rotate and / or rotate relative to the inner flange 112. The operative engagement between the inner flange interlocking structure 134 and the outer flange interlocking structure 166 may resist or prevent such relative movement. Examples of inner flange interlocking structure 134 and / or outer flange interlocking structure 166 include any suitable non-circular area, non-cylindrical area, keyed area, keyed recess, and / or key.

[0056] Fig.17 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 1000 of selectively and operatively attaching a circular saw blade to a spindle of a circular saw according to the present disclosure. Figure 1-16As discussed in more detail, the circular saw includes a saw blade mount operably attached to an arbor. The saw blade mount includes an inner flange that defines an inner flange saw blade contact surface. An example of a circular saw that can be used with method 1000 is disclosed with reference to circular saw 10. An example of an arbor is disclosed herein with reference to arbor 100. An example of a saw blade mount is disclosed herein with reference to saw blade mount 108. An example of an inner flange saw blade contact surface is disclosed herein with reference to inner flange saw blade contact surface 120. Method 1000 includes operably aligning at 1010, positioning at 1020, and operably maintaining at 1030.

[0057] The operative alignment at 1010 may include operatively aligning the central opening of the circular saw blade with the inner flange. This may include operatively aligning such that an inner flat blade surface of the circular saw blade is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange blade contact surface. Additionally or alternatively, the operative alignment at 1010 may include operatively aligning such that the central opening of the circular saw blade is free of any structure protruding from the inner flange, such that the central opening is free of any structure protruding from the inner flange after the operative alignment at 1010, such that no portion of the inner flange extends into the central opening, and / or such that the inner flange blade contact surface extends radially from the central opening after the operative alignment at 1010. Examples of central openings are disclosed herein with reference to central opening 212. Examples of inner flat blade surfaces are disclosed herein with reference to inner flat blade surface 202.

[0058] In some examples, the operative alignment at 1010 may include operatively translating one of the circular saw blade and the inner flange relative to the other of the circular saw blade and the inner flange. This may include operatively translating within an inner flange plane of the inner flange blade contact surface, or in some examples at least substantially only operatively translating within an inner flange plane of the inner flange blade contact surface. Additionally or alternatively, the operative translation at 1010 may include operatively translating in a radial direction (or only in a radial direction) relative to the spindle axis of rotation of the spindle. Examples of inner flange planes are disclosed herein with reference to inner flange plane 124. Examples of spindle axes of rotation are disclosed herein with reference to spindle axis of rotation 106.

[0059] In some such examples, the interior planar saw blade surface is in face-to-face contact with the saw blade inner flange contact surface at least during the contact time range that is operative to translate. In some such examples, the entirety of the interior planar saw blade surface is in face-to-face contact with the saw blade inner flange contact surface during the contact time range and / or during at least a subset of the contact time range.

[0060] The contact time range may include and / or may be any suitable time range or duration during the operative alignment at 1010. In some examples, the contact time range may be prior to or at least partially prior to the operative alignment between the central opening and the inner flange. In other words, during the relative movement between the circular saw blade and the central opening to accomplish the operative alignment at 1010, there is no structure protruding from the inner flange and into the central opening, which may allow and / or facilitate contact, face-to-face contact, and / or full contact of the inner flange blade contact surface with the inner flat blade surface.

[0061] Positioning at 1020 may include positioning the outer flange of the saw blade mount such that the outer flange blade contact surface of the outer flange is in face-to-face contact with the outer flat blade surface of the circular saw blade. Additionally or alternatively, positioning at 1020 may include positioning such that the outer flange protruding area of ​​the outer flange extends through the central opening of the circular saw blade and / or extends into the inner flange recessed area of ​​the inner flange. Examples of outer flanges are disclosed herein with reference to outer flange 136. Examples of outer flange blade contact surfaces are disclosed herein with reference to outer flange blade contact surface 144. Examples of outer flange protruding areas are disclosed herein with reference to outer flange protruding area 152. Examples of inner flange recessed areas are disclosed herein with reference to inner flange recessed area 128.

[0062] In some examples, and after positioning at 1020, the outer flange blade contact surface can extend radially from the central opening of the circular saw blade. In some examples, and after positioning at 1020, the outer flange can be positioned distally of the motor relative to the inner flange and / or distally of the spindle relative to the inner flange.

[0063] The operably retaining at 1030 can include operably retaining the outer flange on the mandrel with a fastener. Examples of fasteners are disclosed herein with reference to fastener 168.

[0064] In some examples, the operative holding at 1030 may include pressing a circular saw blade between the inner flange and the outer flange. In some examples, the operative holding at 1030 may include screwing a fastener into the inner flange and / or the mandrel. In some examples, the operative holding at 1030 may also include operatively holding the inner flange to the mandrel with a fastener.

[0065] In some examples, operably retaining at 1030 can include extending the fastener through a central inner flange opening of the inner flange and also through a central outer flange opening of the outer flange. Examples of central inner flange openings are disclosed herein with reference to central inner flange opening 116. Examples of central outer flange openings are disclosed herein with reference to central outer flange opening 140.

[0066] In the present disclosure, several illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and / or presented in the context of flow charts, where methods are shown and described as a series of blocks or steps. Unless specifically set forth in the accompanying description, within the scope of the present disclosure, the order of the blocks may be different from the order shown in the flow chart, including two or more blocks (or steps) occurring in different orders and / or simultaneously.

[0067] As used herein, the term "and / or" placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so combined. In addition to the entities specifically identified by the clause "and / or", other entities may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open language such as "including", a reference to "A and / or B" may refer to only A (optionally including entities other than B) in one embodiment; and only B (optionally including entities other than A) in another embodiment; these entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, etc.

[0068] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" in relation to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the entity list, but not necessarily including at least one of each entity specifically listed within the entity list, or excluding any combination of entities in the entity list. This definition also allows that entities other than the entities specifically identified in the entity list to which the phrase "at least one" refers may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and / or B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer to at least one A, optionally including more than one A, without the presence of B (and optionally including entities other than B) in one embodiment; and to at least one, optionally including more than one B, without the presence of A (and optionally including entities other than A) in another embodiment. In other words, the phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B or C", and "A, B and / or C" may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and any of the above, optionally in combination with at least one other entity.

[0069] To the extent any patent, patent application, or other reference is incorporated herein by reference and (1) defines a term in a manner inconsistent with the unincorporated portion of this disclosure or any other incorporated reference and / or (2) otherwise defines a term in a manner inconsistent with the unincorporated portion of this disclosure or any other incorporated reference, the unincorporated portion of this disclosure shall control and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall control solely with respect to the reference in which the term was defined and / or the incorporated disclosure as originally existing.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "suitable for" and "configured" mean that an element, component, or other subject matter is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms "suitable for" and "configured" should not be interpreted as meaning that a given element, component, or other subject matter is only "capable of" performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that an element, component, and / or other narrated subject matter described as being suitable for performing a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0071] As used herein, the phrase "for example," the phrase "as an example," and / or simply the term "example," when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure, is intended to convey that the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods are illustrative, non-exclusive examples of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods are not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive / exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods, including structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] As used herein, when modifying a degree or relationship, "at least substantially" may include not only the "substantially" degree or relationship described, but also the full extent of the degree or relationship described. A substantial amount of the degree or relationship described may include at least 75% of the degree or relationship described. For example, an object at least substantially formed of a material includes an object in which at least 75% of the object is formed of the material, and also includes an object formed entirely of the material. A first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes a first length that is within 75% of the second length, and also includes a first length that is as long as the second length.

[0073] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of circular saws and methods according to the present disclosure are given in the following enumerated paragraphs. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the various steps of the methods described herein (including in the following enumerated paragraphs) may be additionally or alternatively referred to as "steps" for performing the actions described.

[0074] A0. A circular saw comprising:

[0075] a motor comprising a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft rotation axis;

[0076] a spindle configured to receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the shaft rotation axis; and

[0077] Optionally, a circular saw blade, optionally wherein said circular saw blade is operably attached to said circular saw via said arbor for rotational movement with said arbor.

[0078] A0.1. A circular saw according to paragraph A0, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor.

[0079] A0.2. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0-A0.1, wherein the circular saw also includes a gripping area configured to be gripped by a user of the circular saw to cut a workpiece during operation of the circular saw.

[0080] A0.3. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0-A0.2, wherein the circular saw also includes a switch configured to selectively apply current to at least one other component of the circular saw.

[0081] A0.4. The circular saw described in any of paragraphs A0-A0.3, wherein the circular saw further comprises a blade guard configured to prevent contact between a user and a saw blade of the circular saw.

[0082] A0.5. A circular saw as described in paragraph A0.4, wherein the blade guard includes a retractable region configured to retract when the circular saw is used to cut a workpiece.

[0083] A0.6. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A0-A0.5, wherein the circular saw further comprises a workpiece support configured to position the workpiece and the circular saw relative to each other when the workpiece is cut by the circular saw.

[0084] A0.7. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A0-A0.6, wherein the circular saw further comprises at least one of the following:

[0085] (i) a power cord configured to provide electrical current to the circular saw; and

[0086] (ii) a battery configured to provide electric current to the circular saw.

[0087] A0.8. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0-A0.7, wherein the circular saw is at least one of the following:

[0088] (i) hand-held circular saws;

[0089] (ii) Miter saw;

[0090] (iii) radial arm saw;

[0091] (iv) table saw;

[0092] (v) Cutting saws;

[0093] (vi) Insert saw;

[0094] (vii) Track saws;

[0095] (viii) Miter saws;

[0096] (ix) upcut saw; and

[0097] (x) Flatbed saw.

[0098] A0.9. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0 to A0.8, wherein the circular saw is a plunge saw.

[0099] A0.10. A circular saw according to paragraph A0.9, wherein the plunge saw includes a base plate defining a mandrel-facing side and a mandrel-opposite side.

[0100] A0.11. A circular saw according to paragraph A0.10, wherein the central shaft is operably attached to the spindle-facing side of the base plate via a base plate pivot.

[0101] A0.12. A circular saw according to paragraph A0.11, wherein the central axis and base plate are configured to be operably rotated relative to each other about the base plate pivot axis to selectively change the area of ​​the circular saw blade extending on opposite sides of the base plate from the central axis.

[0102] A0.13. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A0-A0.12, wherein the circular saw is a track saw.

[0103] A0.14. A circular saw according to paragraph A0.13, wherein the track saw includes a base plate defining a spindle-facing side and a spindle-opposite side.

[0104] A0.15. A circular saw according to paragraph A0.14, wherein the base plate further comprises a rib receiving channel configured to receive the raised elongated ribs of the track.

[0105] A0.16. A circular saw according to paragraph A0.15, wherein the track saw further comprises a track, and wherein the track comprises raised elongated ribs.

[0106] A1.1. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0-A0.16, wherein the central axis is configured to facilitate selective and repeated separation of the circular saw blade from the rest of the circular saw.

[0107] A1.2. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0-A1.1, wherein the central shaft is a threaded spindle.

[0108] A1.3. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A0-A1.2, wherein the circular saw also includes a saw blade mount operably attached to the spindle, wherein the saw blade mount is configured to selectively and operably attach a circular saw blade to the spindle.

[0109] A1.4. The circular saw of paragraph A1.3, wherein the saw blade mount includes at least one of an inner flange, an outer flange, and a fastener that selectively and operably retains the outer flange to the spindle.

[0110] A1.5. A circular saw according to paragraph A1.4, wherein the inner flange is at least one of:

[0111] (i) operably attached to the mandrel, optionally by fasteners; and

[0112] (ii) Defined by a mandrel.

[0113] A1.6. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.4 to A1.5, wherein the inner flange extends radially from the spindle.

[0114] A1.7. The circular saw of any of paragraphs A1.4 to A1.6, wherein the inner flange includes a central inner flange opening configured to receive a fastener.

[0115] A1.8. A circular saw according to paragraph A1.7, wherein the inner flange includes an inner flange blade contact surface, which faces away from the motor and is configured to contact the circular saw blade or is configured to be in face-to-face contact with a flat blade surface of the circular saw blade when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the circular saw.

[0116] A1.9. A circular saw according to paragraph A1.8, wherein the inner flange further includes an inner flange recessed area extending from the inner flange blade contacting surface into the inner flange.

[0117] A1.10. A circular saw according to paragraph A1.9, wherein the inner flange recessed area is sized to receive the outer flange protruding area of ​​the outer flange.

[0118] A1.11. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.9 to A1.10, wherein the inner flange recessed area defines a maximum inner flange recessed area dimension, which is measured within an inner plane defined by the inner flange saw blade contact surface, and further, wherein the maximum inner flange recessed area dimension corresponds to the maximum center opening dimension of the circular saw blade.

[0119] A1.12. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.9 to A1.11, wherein the inner flange is free of any structure that protrudes away from at least one of the remainder of the inner flange, the inner flange blade contact surface, and the motor.

[0120] A1.12.1. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.9 to A1.12, wherein when the blade mount selectively and operatively attaches the circular saw blade to the arbor, at least one of the following is performed:

[0121] (i) the entire inner flange is outside of the central inner flange opening of the circular saw blade; and

[0122] (ii) No portion of the inner flange extends into the central inner flange opening.

[0123] A1.12.2. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.9 to A1.12.1, wherein the inner flange blade contact surface defines an inner flange plane, and further wherein the entire inner flange is at least one of:

[0124] (i) close to the spindle relative to the inner flange plane; and

[0125] (ii) close to the motor relative to the inner flange plane.

[0126] A1.12.3. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.9 to A1.12.2, wherein the inner flange includes an inner flange interlocking structure, wherein the outer flange includes an outer flange interlocking structure, and further, wherein the inner flange interlocking structure and the outer flange interlocking structure are configured to operably interlock with each other to resist rotation of the outer flange relative to the inner flange and around the spindle rotation axis of the spindle.

[0127] A1.13. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A1.4 to A1.12, wherein the inner flange is positioned proximal to the motor relative to the outer flange when the blade mount selectively and operably attaches the circular saw blade to the spindle.

[0128] A1.14. The circular saw of any of paragraphs A1.4 to A1.13, wherein the outer flange includes a central outer flange opening configured to receive a fastener.

[0129] A1.15. The circular saw of paragraph A1.14, wherein the outer flange includes an outer flange recessed area configured to receive a fastener head of the fastener.

[0130] A1.16. A circular saw according to paragraph A1.15, wherein the outer flange recessed area includes an outer flange shoulder sized to allow the fastener to extend through the central outer flange opening and to limit the fastener head from extending through the central outer flange opening.

[0131] A1.17. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A1.4 to A1.16, wherein the outer flange includes an outer flange blade contact surface that is optionally configured to contact a circular saw blade when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the circular saw.

[0132] A1.18. A circular saw as described in paragraph A1.17, wherein the outer flange blade contact surface and the outer flange recessed area are located on opposite sides of the outer flange.

[0133] A1.19. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A1.17-A1.18, wherein the outer flange further includes an outer flange protruding area that protrudes from the outer flange saw blade contact surface.

[0134] A1.20. A circular saw as described in paragraph A1.19, wherein the outer flange protruding area is sized to be received within the inner flange recessed area of ​​the inner flange.

[0135] A1.21. A circular saw according to any of paragraphs A1.19-A1.20, wherein the outer flange protrusion area defines a maximum outer flange protrusion area dimension, which is measured within an outer plane defined by the outer flange saw blade contact surface, and further, wherein the maximum outer flange protrusion area dimension corresponds to the maximum center opening dimension of the circular saw blade.

[0136] A1.22. A circular saw as described in any of paragraphs A1.4 to A1.21, wherein the outer flange is positioned distally from the motor relative to the inner flange when the blade mount selectively and operably attaches the circular saw blade to the spindle.

[0137] B1. A method of selectively and operatively attaching a circular saw blade to an arbor of a circular saw, wherein the circular saw includes a blade mount, wherein the blade mount is operatively attached to the arbor and includes an inner flange defining an inner flange blade contact surface, the method comprising:

[0138] operably aligning the central opening of the circular saw blade with the inner flange such that an inner planar blade surface of the circular saw blade is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange blade contact surface and such that the central opening of the circular saw blade is free of any structure protruding from the inner flange;

[0139] Positioning the outer flange of the saw blade mount so that the outer flange blade contacting surface of the outer flange is in face-to-face contact with the outer flat blade surface of the circular saw blade and also so that the outer flange protruding region of the outer flange extends through the central opening of the circular saw blade and into the inner flange recessed region of the inner flange; and

[0140] The outer flange is operably retained on the mandrel by fasteners.

[0141] B2. The method of paragraph B1, wherein operatively aligning comprises operatively translating at least one of the circular saw blade and the inner flange relative to the other of the blade and the inner flange within an inner flange plane of the inner flange blade contact surface.

[0142] B3. The method of paragraph B2, wherein the inner planar saw blade surface is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange saw blade contact surface at least during the operatively translatable contact time range.

[0143] B4. The method of paragraph B3, wherein during the contact time range, the entire inner flat saw blade surface is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange saw blade contact surface.

[0144] B5. A method as described in any of paragraphs B3-B4, wherein the contact time range is at least partially prior to operational alignment between the central opening and the inner flange.

[0145] B6. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B5, wherein after being operatively aligned, the inner flange blade contact surface extends radially from a central opening of the circular saw blade.

[0146] B7. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the positioning includes positioning solely via radial movement of the circular saw blade relative to the inner flange.

[0147] B8. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B7, wherein after said positioning, the outer flange blade contact surface extends radially from a central opening of the circular saw blade.

[0148] B9. A method according to any of paragraphs B1-B8, wherein after the positioning, the outer flange is positioned distally of the motor relative to the inner flange.

[0149] B10. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B9, wherein operably retaining includes pressing a circular saw blade between the inner flange and the outer flange.

[0150] B11. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B10, wherein operably retaining includes threading a fastener into at least one of the inner flange and the spindle.

[0151] B12. A method according to any of paragraphs B1-B11, wherein operably retaining further includes operably retaining the inner flange on the mandrel with a fastener.

[0152] B13. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B12, wherein operably retaining includes extending the fastener through a central inner flange opening of the inner flange and also through a central outer flange opening of the outer flange.

[0153] B14. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B13, wherein the circular saw comprises any suitable component of any circular saw of any of paragraphs A0-A1.22.

[0154] C1. Use of a saw blade mount comprising an inner flange including an inner flange saw blade contacting surface and without any structure protruding away from a motor of a circular saw to operably attach a circular saw blade to the circular saw.

[0155] C2. Use of any circular saw of any of paragraphs A0 to A1.22 together with any method of any of paragraphs B1 to B14.

[0156] C3. Use of any method of any of paragraphs B1-B14 in combination with any circular saw of any of paragraphs A0-A1-22.

[0157] Industrial Applicability

[0158] The circular saws and methods disclosed herein are suitable for use in the power tool industry.

[0159] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above covers multiple independent inventions of independent use. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, its specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered as restrictive, because many variations are possible. The subject matter of the present invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various elements, features, functions and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Similarly, in the case of a claim recording "one" or "first" element or its equivalent, such a claim should be understood to include a combination of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0160] It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations directed to one of the disclosed inventions that are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether directed to a different invention or to the same invention, and whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also deemed to be included within the subject matter of the disclosed inventions.

Claims

1. A circular saw comprising: a motor comprising a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft rotation axis; a spindle configured to receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the shaft rotation axis; a saw blade mount operably attached to an arbor, wherein the saw blade mount is configured to selectively and operably attach a circular saw blade to the arbor, wherein the saw blade mount includes an inner flange, wherein the inner flange includes an inner flange blade contact surface that faces away from the motor and is configured to contact the circular saw blade when the circular saw blade is selectively and operably attached to the circular saw, and further, the inner flange does not have any structure that protrudes away from the motor and also away from the inner flange blade contact surface, wherein the saw blade mount further comprises an outer flange and a fastener, wherein the fastener operably holds the outer flange on the spindle, wherein the outer flange includes and / or defines a central outer flange opening that receives the fastener and / or is configured to allow the fastener to pass therethrough, wherein the inner flange is operably attached to the mandrel by fasteners, the outer flange comprising a central outer flange opening configured to receive a fastener and an outer flange recessed area configured to receive a fastener head of the fastener, the outer flange recessed area comprising an outer flange shoulder sized to allow the fastener to extend through the central outer flange opening and to limit the fastener head from extending through the central outer flange opening, the entire inner flange is proximate to the arbor relative to the inner flange blade contacting surface such that the saw blade mount is configured to allow removal and replacement of the circular saw blade solely via radial movement of the circular saw blade relative to the inner flange, The outer flange is positioned distally of the motor relative to the inner flange when the blade mount is selectively and operatively capable of attaching a circular saw blade to the spindle.

2. The circular saw according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner flange blade contact surface is configured for face-to-face contact with a planar blade surface of a circular saw blade.

3. The circular saw according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The inner flange extends radially from the mandrel.

4. The circular saw according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner flange is positioned proximal to the motor relative to the outer flange when the blade mount is selectively and operatively capable of attaching a circular saw blade to the spindle.

5. The circular saw according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner flange also includes a central inner flange opening configured to receive a fastener.

6. The circular saw according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner flange also includes an inner flange recessed area extending from the inner flange saw blade contact surface into the inner flange, wherein the outer flange includes an outer flange saw blade contact surface and an outer flange protruding area protruding from the outer flange saw blade contact surface, wherein the inner flange recessed area is sized to receive the outer flange protruding area.

7. The circular saw according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner flange also includes an inner flange recessed area extending from the inner flange saw blade contact surface into the inner flange, wherein the outer flange includes an outer flange saw blade contact surface and an outer flange protruding area protruding from the outer flange saw blade contact surface, wherein the inner flange recessed area is sized to receive the outer flange protruding area, and the outer flange saw blade contact surface and the outer flange recessed area are located on opposite sides of the outer flange.

8. The circular saw according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the saw blade mount is selectively and operatively capable of attaching a circular saw blade to the arbor, no portion of the inner flange extends into the central opening of the circular saw blade.

9. A method of selectively and operatively attaching a circular saw blade to an arbor of a circular saw, wherein the circular saw includes a blade mount operatively attached to the arbor and including an inner flange defining an inner flange blade contacting surface, the method comprising: operatively aligning the central opening of the circular saw blade with the inner flange such that an inner planar blade surface of the circular saw blade is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange blade contact surface and such that the central opening of the circular saw blade does not have any structure protruding from the inner flange; Positioning the outer flange of the saw blade mount so that the outer flange blade contacting surface of the outer flange is in face-to-face contact with the outer flat blade surface of the circular saw blade and also so that the outer flange protruding region of the outer flange extends through the central opening of the circular saw blade and into the inner flange recessed region of the inner flange; as well as The outer flange is operably retained on the mandrel by fasteners, wherein operably retaining further comprises operably retaining the inner flange on the mandrel with a fastener, wherein, after positioning, the outer flange is positioned on the far side of the motor of the circular saw relative to the inner flange, And positioning includes positioning solely via radial movement of the circular saw blade relative to the inner flange.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Operably aligning includes operably translating at least one of the saw blade and the inner flange relative to the other of the saw blade and the inner flange within an inner flange plane of the inner flange blade contact surface.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The inner planar blade surface is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange blade contact surface during at least the contact time range that is operable to translate.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that During the contact time range, the entire inner flat blade surface is in face-to-face contact with the inner flange blade contact surface.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The contact time range at least partially precedes operable alignment between the central opening and the inner flange.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: Once operatively aligned, the inner flange blade contact surface extends radially from the central opening of the circular saw blade.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: Once operatively aligned, the outer flange blade contacting surface extends radially from the central opening of the circular saw blade.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: Operably retaining includes compressing the circular saw blade between the inner flange and the outer flange.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: Operably retaining includes extending the fastener through the central inner flange opening of the inner flange and also through the central outer flange opening of the outer flange.

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