Adjustable boot for power tool

Abstract

A shoe positioning system for use with a power tool operating on a workpiece may include a shoe, a guide member, and a guide plunger. During operation of the power tool, the shoe may abut the workpiece. The guide member may be movably engaged with the boot and may include a plurality of guide openings. A guide plunger may be coupled to the shoe, and it may move between a first position and a second position. When the directing plunger is in the first position, the directing plunger may be received by at least one of the directing openings, thereby preventing substantial movement of the boot relative to the directing member in the longitudinal dimension. When the guide plunger is in the second position, the guide plunger may be external to the guide opening, allowing the shoe to move.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application discloses an adjustable shoe for a power tool. Background Art

[0002] Such a power tool may be a band saw (e.g., a hand-held band saw). The power tool operates on an object (i.e., a workpiece, such as a board, rod, tube, pipe, etc.). The band saw may include a shoe (or foot) or be attached to a shoe (or foot). Such a shoe functions as a workpiece stop or material guide for the workpiece. The shoe may also help to set, stabilize, or position the power tool against the workpiece. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a boot positioning system for use with a power tool operating on a workpiece is described. The boot positioning system includes a boot, a guide member, and a guide plunger. The boot is configured to abut the workpiece when the power tool operates on the workpiece. The guide member is movably engaged with the boot (e.g., the boot may have a groove for receiving the guide member). The guide member may be mounted on the power tool. The guide member may include at least one feature that constrains the range of movement of the boot along the longitudinal dimension. The guide member may also include at least one feature that is configured to constrain the range of movement of the guide plunger along its axial axis. The guide member may also include multiple raised portions separating multiple guide openings.

[0004] The indexing plunger can be coupled to the boot and include an engagement portion. The engagement portion receives an engagement force to move the indexing plunger in a first direction along the axial axis of the indexing plunger. When the engagement force is not received by the indexing plunger, the engagement portion is disposed in a first position. In the first position, the engagement portion of the indexing plunger can be received by at least one of the indexing openings, thereby preventing the boot from moving significantly relative to the indexing member along a longitudinal dimension (a dimension substantially orthogonal to the axial axis). When the engagement force is received by the indexing plunger, the engagement portion moves to a second position. In the second position, the engagement portion of the indexing plunger is outside the indexing opening, thereby allowing the boot to move relative to the indexing member along the longitudinal dimension. The indexing openings are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal dimension.

[0005] The system may further include a spring that biases the index plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction along an axial axis of the index plunger. The spring may substantially surround an axial portion of the index plunger. The spring holds the index plunger in the first position when the engagement force is not received by the index plunger, and the spring returns the index plunger to the first position when the index plunger is in the second position and the engagement force is removed from the index plunger.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a boot positioning system for use with a power tool operating on a workpiece includes: a boot, a guide member and a guide plunger. When the power tool operates on the workpiece, the boot is configured to abut the workpiece. The guide member includes a base area and a plurality of raised portions extending upward to a maximum height above the base area. The plurality of raised portions are separated by a plurality of guide openings that do not extend upward to a maximum height above the base area. The guide member can be mounted on the power tool. The boot moves along a longitudinal dimension relative to the guide member. The boot may include a slot for receiving the guide member. The guide member includes one or more features that constrain the range of movement of the boot along the longitudinal dimension.

[0007] The indexing plunger may be coupled to the boot. The indexing plunger includes a transverse portion having a minimum height, which is maintained at a height higher than the elevated portion of the indexing member. The indexing plunger includes an engagement portion extending downward from the transverse portion toward the base area of ​​the indexing member. The indexing plunger is configured to move along its axial axis. The indexing plunger can be moved to a first position and a second position relative to the indexing member. When the indexing plunger is in the first position, at least a portion of the engagement portion is positioned in one of the indexing openings of the indexing member, thereby preventing the boot from moving significantly relative to the indexing member along its longitudinal dimension (e.g., the longitudinal dimension may be substantially orthogonal to the axial axis). When the indexing plunger is in the second position, the engagement portion is positioned outside the indexing opening of the indexing member, thereby allowing the boot to move relative to the indexing member along its longitudinal dimension, so that when the boot moves, at least a portion of at least one elevated portion passes below the transverse portion of the indexing plunger. Two or more of the indexing openings are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal dimension. The indexing member may include at least one feature that constrains the range of movement of the indexing plunger along its axial axis.

[0008] The system may also include a spring biasing the index plunger toward the first position. The spring may substantially surround a portion of the index plunger. When the engagement force is not received by the index plunger, the spring holds the index plunger in the first position. When the index plunger is in the second position and the engagement force is removed from the index plunger, the spring returns the index plunger to the first position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A band saw having an adjustable shoe system according to the techniques of the present application is depicted, the shoe system having the shoe in first and second positions, respectively.

[0010] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C A perspective view, an exploded view, and a cross-sectional view are respectively shown of an adjustable boot system according to the technology of the present application.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A portion of an adjustable boot system in accordance with the technology of the present application is shown in locked and unlocked arrangements, respectively.

[0012] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D A representative depiction of the operation of an adjustable boot system in accordance with the techniques of the present application is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an adjustable boot system in accordance with the techniques of the present application is shown.

[0014] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Certain techniques are shown in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes. However, it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the appearance shown in the accompanying drawings is one of many decorative appearances that can be adopted to achieve the described functions of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention relates to an adjustable boot system for use with a power tool. Such a power tool may include a band saw, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, or a jigsaw. The technology described herein generally refers to an adjustable boot system for use with a band saw, but the principles of the present invention can be applied to other power tools. A band saw (e.g., a handheld band saw) includes a circular saw blade. The band saw also includes a boot that positions a workpiece relative to the cutting portion of the band saw blade. In order to perform various types of cuts or accommodate different workpieces, it is useful for the boot to be adjustable relative to the band saw. For example, during operation, the adjustable boot can minimize or shorten the length of the boot to only meet the needs of a specific task. In situations where a non-adjustable boot would limit the downward travel of the saw, the adjustable boot can be adjusted to the approximate length required (and no longer).

[0016] Typically, the shoe allows the operator to rest the tool against the workpiece being cut. For larger workpieces, the shoe may need to rest further below the workpiece in order to stabilize the saw while cutting. The shoe also provides a point of leverage opposite the direction of the cut for faster cuts. Without a longer shoe, the saw may twist relatively easily in the operator's hands, producing poor quality or uneven cuts. This undesirable twisting or binding may also cause the saw blade to break. Being able to adjustably move the shoe may alleviate these problems. For smaller workpieces, the operator may shorten the adjustable shoe so that interference from objects next to the workpiece may be minimized or reduced.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, an adjustable shoe or foot can stabilize or position a power tool (e.g., a handheld band saw) against a workpiece. The shoe is repositioned relative to the power tool by applying a force to an actuator (e.g., a button) to disengage an indexing plunger from an indexing member. Once disengaged, the shoe can move relative to the indexing member in a longitudinal dimension. Once the position of the shoe has been adjusted, the indexing plunger reengages the indexing member to substantially prevent movement of the shoe in the longitudinal dimension.

[0018] The adjustable shoe includes a shoe and a guide member. The shoe may be adjacent to the working opening. The guide member may be mounted to the power tool (e.g., to the housing of the power tool) by one or more connectors (e.g., bolts). The shoe moves relative to the guide member and the power tool. The shoe may have a slot for receiving the guide member. This may allow the shoe to move along the longitudinal dimension while being constrained to move significantly in at least some other dimensions.

[0019] The position of the boot can be adjusted to two or more predetermined positions relative to the power tool. According to certain embodiments described herein, this is achieved by providing a plurality of raised portions (e.g., four portions) separated by a plurality of guide openings (e.g., three openings) on the guide member. Each guide opening corresponds to a different predetermined position of the adjustable boot. The guide opening may be slightly wider than the engaging portion of the guide plunger. In order to substantially fix the position of the boot to a given predetermined position along the longitudinal dimension, the engaging portion is received by a given guide opening. In order to move the boot to a different position, the engaging portion of the guide plunger is removed from the given guide opening, thereby allowing the boot to move relative to the guide member. Once the boot is in a different predetermined position, the engaging portion is received by a different guide opening, thereby substantially fixing the boot in the new position.

[0020] Figure 1A and Figure 1BA system including a band saw 100 with an adjustable shoe system 200 having a shoe 210 in a first position and a second position, respectively, is depicted according to an embodiment of the present invention. The band saw 100 may be a handheld device. The band saw 100 includes a housing 110 and a saw blade 120. The band saw 100 is used to operate on a workpiece (e.g., a board, a rod, a tube, a pipe, etc.) (not shown). When operating the band saw 100, an operator positions or stabilizes the band saw 100 against a workpiece being cut by the saw blade 120. It may be advantageous for the operator to reposition the shoe 210 for different cutting applications—for example, cutting a pipe resting on a surface (e.g., a floor or a workbench) versus cutting a free-standing pipe. For example, in some cases, it may be preferred to have the shoe 210 in a first position so that the saw blade 120 is positioned relatively deep within a recess of the shoe 210. Positioning the shoe 210 in the first position may facilitate band saw 100 operation, such as cutting a relatively large pipe. When the saw blade 120 is positioned relatively deeply within the recess of the shoe 210, the operator is able to apply more leverage with the shoe 210 against the workpiece to facilitate a more stable cutting operation. As another example, it is preferred to have the shoe 210 in the second position so that the saw blade 120 is relatively shallowly positioned within the recess of the shoe 210. Positioning the shoe 210 in the second position can facilitate band saw 100 operations, such as cutting a workpiece resting on a workbench. When the saw blade 120 is relatively shallowly positioned within the recess of the shoe 210 (e.g., the cutting edge of the saw blade 120 is flush with or extends beyond the bottom of the shoe 210), the shoe 210 does not interfere with operations that completely cut through the workpiece of the adjacent surface. In such operations, if the saw blade 120 is positioned too deeply within the recess of the shoe 210, the bottom of the shoe 210 may contact the adjacent surface before the saw blade 120 completely cuts through the workpiece. As further discussed, there may be more than two (e.g., three) positions for the shoe 210. This additional granularity for positioning the shoe 210 may aid in operating the band saw 100 as desired by the operator.

[0021] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C 1 and 2 show a perspective view, an exploded view, and a cross-sectional view of an adjustable shoe system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 200 includes a shoe 210, an indexing member 220, an indexing plunger 230, an actuator 240, a spring 250, a coupler 260, and one or more fasteners 270. The shoe 210 includes a base portion 211 that receives the indexing member 220. Figure 5As shown, to facilitate receiving the indexing member 220 in a suitable arrangement, the shoe 210 may include features 212, 213 that, together with the base portion 211, form a slot 214 for receiving the indexing member 220. The slot 214 allows the shoe 210 to slide relative to the indexing member 220. The slot 214 constrains the movement of the shoe 210 relative to the indexing member 220 so that the shoe 210 can only move substantially along the longitudinal dimension (shown by the dashed line). The slot may extend from the upper range (or near the upper range) along the longitudinal dimension 10. The shoe 210 also includes a prong 215 extending from the base portion 211. The prong 215, together with the base portion 211, forms a recess 216 for receiving the saw blade 120. The base portion 211 may also include an aperture 217. The aperture 217 allows access to the fastener 270 to allow the adjustable shoe system 200 to be removed from or installed on the band saw 100. The shoe 210 may include or be formed from a material such as steel or aluminum.

[0022] The guide member 220 is engaged with the shoe 210, for example by being received by a slot 214 in the shoe 210 or by other means. The guide member 220 can move relative to the shoe 210, for example, along the longitudinal dimension 10. The movement of the guide member 220 relative to the shoe 210 is substantially constrained except along the longitudinal dimension 10. The guide member 220 can be fixed to the tool 100 (e.g., the housing of the tool 100). For example, the guide member 220 can include a base area 221 having one or more apertures 222, which receive one or more fasteners 270. (Multiple) fasteners 270 can engage with the tool 100 to fix the guide member 220 relative to the tool 100. The fastener 270 can be a bolt, a screw, or other type of fastener. The guide member 220 can be fixed to the tool 100 by other means, such as a clamp, a spring-activated connector, etc. When the guide member 220 is fixed to the tool 100, the shoe 210 can move relative to the tool 100 in a predictable manner. It should be appreciated that even though indexing member 220 may be fixed to tool 100 , indexing member 220 may still be movable relative to shoe 210 .

[0023] According to some embodiments, the indexing member 220 includes a plurality of raised portions 223 separated by a plurality of indexing openings 224. The raised portions 223 extend upwardly from the base region 221. As shown, there are four raised portions 223 separated by three indexing openings 224, although there may be a different number. The number of indexing openings 224 determines the number of predetermined positions into which the boot 210 can be locked (relative to the indexing member 220). Thus, for example, if the indexing member 220 has four indexing openings 224, there are four different predetermined positions for the boot 210. The raised portions 223 and / or indexing openings 224 may be located near or at the lateral edges of the indexing member 220 (as shown). The raised portions 223 and indexing openings 224 may also be located inwardly from the lateral edges of the indexing member 220. The raised portions 223 may be elongated (as shown) or have other shapes. The indexing openings 224 are wide enough to receive a portion of the indexing plunger 230, as further described. The indexing member 220 may include at least one feature 225 that constrains the movement of the indexing plunger 230, as further described. As shown, such a feature 225 may be a ridge positioned inwardly from the lateral edge of the indexing member 220 that prevents further inward movement of the indexing plunger 230. The indexing member 220 may include or be formed of a material such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable metal. The indexing plunger 230 includes a transverse portion 231 having an area proximal to the actuator 240 and an area distal to the actuator 240. The indexing plunger 230 also includes an engagement portion 232. The engagement portion 232 extends downwardly from a distal region of the transverse portion 231. The engagement portion 232 may alternatively extend horizontally or extend from the transverse portion 231 at different angles. The transverse portion 231 may extend horizontally from a proximal region to a distal region along the axial dimension 20. The transverse portion 231 may be substantially straight, or may include a curved or angled profile along its length. The index plunger 230 can be coupled to the shoe 210, for example, via a coupler 260. The index plunger 230 and the shoe 210 can be coupled such that movement of the shoe 210 causes corresponding movement of the index plunger 230. The index plunger 230 can include or be formed of a material such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable metal. As depicted, the index plunger 230 forms an "L" shape. Other shapes are also possible, such as a rounded hook.

[0024] The indexing plunger 230 can move along the axial dimension 20 (e.g., the dimension 20 corresponding to the axis defined by the transverse portion 231). The axial dimension 20 can be orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension along which the indexing member 220 moves. When the indexing plunger 230 is in the first position, the engagement portion 232 (or a portion thereof) is received by a given indexing opening 224. When the engagement portion 232 is received by a given indexing opening 224, the position of the shoe 210 is substantially locked relative to the indexing member 220. For example, when locked, the shoe 210 cannot move significantly along the longitudinal dimension 10 of the indexing member 220. When the indexing plunger 230 is in the second position, the engagement portion 232 is not received by the indexing opening 224, and the shoe 210 can move relative to the indexing member 220 (e.g., can move along the longitudinal dimension 10).

[0025] The actuator 240 is configured to receive an engagement force. Such an engagement force may come from an operator, such as from an operator's finger. The actuator 240 transmits the received engagement force directly or indirectly to the index plunger 230. For example, the actuator 240 may form a cap on a portion of the index plunger 230 (e.g., a proximal region of the index plunger 230) and may directly contact the index plunger 230. Such a cap may include a recess that receives a portion of the index plunger 230. When the actuator 240 directly contacts the index plunger 230, the engagement force received at the actuator 240 is directly transmitted to the index plunger 230. The engagement force may include a directional component along the axial dimension 20. The actuator 240 does not need to directly contact the index plunger 230. For example, the actuator 240 may transmit the engagement force to the index plunger 230 through a system of levers, gears, etc. The actuator 240 has an outer surface that is appropriately sized to receive a finger pad (e.g., an index finger pad). The engagement force causes the index plunger 230 to move from a first position (the shoe 210 is locked) to a second position (the shoe 210 is movable). According to some embodiments, the actuator 240 is integral with or formed together with the index plunger 230 .

[0026] The spring 250 may be a coil spring. The spring 250 may surround a portion of the index plunger 230 (e.g., a portion of the transverse portion 231). For example, the spring 250 and the transverse portion 231 may be substantially coaxial. The spring 250 may be configured to return the index plunger 230 to the first position when the engagement force is removed. For example, when the index plunger 230 receives the engagement force, the spring 250 also receives at least a portion of the engagement force, thereby causing the spring 250 to compress when the index plunger 230 is moved to the second position. When the engagement force is removed, the spring 250 returns to its equilibrium state, thereby forcing the index plunger 230 to return to the first position. The proximal end of the spring 250 may engage with and press against the actuator 240. The distal end of the spring 250 may engage with and press against the coupler 260. When the engagement force is applied to the actuator 240 and the index plunger 230 is moved to the second position, the spring 250 may be compressed between the actuator 240 and the connector 260. When the engagement force is removed, the spring 250 returns to its equilibrium length, thereby expanding the distance between the actuator 240 and the connector 260 and placing the index plunger 230 in the first position.

[0027] The coupler 260 can couple the indexing plunger 230 to the indexing member 220. The coupler 260 can include a housing 261. At least a portion of the indexing plunger 230 and / or the spring 250 can be housed within the housing 261. The housing 261 can be mounted to the shoe 210, for example, by one or more fasteners (such as screws or bolts). The housing 261 can alternatively be integrated with the shoe 210. The housing 261 (alone or together with the shoe 210) can include a through hole. The through hole can be oriented substantially along the axial dimension 20 of the indexing plunger 230. At least a portion of the indexing plunger 230 can be positioned in the through hole. The spring 250 can abut or engage with a portion of the housing 261 and / or the shoe 210. When the indexing plunger 230 is in the first position, the engagement portion 232 can be positioned within at least a portion of the housing 261. When the indexing plunger 230 is in the second position, the engagement portion 232 can extend out of the through hole of the housing 261 toward the indexing member 220. On the other side of the through hole, the actuator 240 may protrude out of the housing 261 so that an operator can apply an engagement force to the actuator 240. Alternatively, the actuator 240 may not protrude out of the housing 261, but the operator can still access the actuator 240 and apply an engagement force.

[0028] When the actuator 240 receives the engagement force, the index plunger 230 moves inwardly to the second position. When this occurs, the spring 250 is compressed between the housing 261 and the actuator 240. When the engagement force is removed, the spring 250 decompresses and returns to its equilibrium state. This causes the actuator 240 and the index plunger 230 to move outwardly and return to the first position. The coupler 260 can prevent the index plunger 230 and / or the actuator 240 from being pushed too far inwardly by the engagement force. For example, the width or radius of the through hole in the housing 261 near the proximal region of the index plunger 230 can be greater than the width or radius of the through hole of the housing 261 near the distal region of the index plunger 230. For example, the actuator 240 can be mounted inside the proximal entrance of the through hole, but it can not be mounted inside the distal outlet of the through hole. Thus, in this embodiment, index plunger 230 may be prevented from being moved beyond the second position (a position where index plunger 230 extends further inwardly on index member 220). Additionally, as discussed, index member 220 may include feature 225 that prevents index plunger 230 from extending beyond the second position. Figure 2C As shown, feature 225 can be a ridge extending along longitudinal dimension 10. Feature 225 can prevent engagement portion 232 of index plunger 230 from extending inwardly beyond the second position.

[0029] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A portion of an adjustable boot system 200 is shown in a locked and unlocked arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A The adjustable shoe system 200 is shown in a locked arrangement. Specifically, when the index plunger 230 is in the first position, the engagement portion 232 is positioned in the index opening 224 of the index member 220. When a force is applied to the index member 220 or the index plunger 230 along the longitudinal dimension, the engagement portion 232 abuts one of the raised portions 223 and prevents the index member 220 or the index plunger 230 from moving substantially along the longitudinal dimension 10. Figure 3B The adjustable shoe system 200 is shown in an unlocked arrangement. When the indexing plunger 230 is moved to the second position, the engagement portion 232 is no longer positioned in the indexing opening 224 and longitudinal movement of the indexing plunger 230 or indexing member 220 is permitted.

[0030] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D A representative description of the operation of an adjustable boot system 200 in accordance with the techniques of the present application is shown. Figure 4A A representative cross-sectional view of indexing plunger 230 and indexing member 220 is shown in a first (locked) position. Figure 4BA top view of the indexing plunger 230 and the indexing member 220 is shown in a first position. Figure 4C A representative cross-sectional view of indexing plunger 230 and indexing member 220 is shown in a second (unlocked) position. Figure 4D A top view of the indexing plunger 230 and indexing member 220 is shown in the second position.

[0031] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the engagement portion 232 of the indexing plunger 230 is located in the indexing opening 224 between the two raised portions 223. As discussed, this prevents longitudinal movement of the indexing plunger 230 or the indexing member 220. Figure 4C and Figure 4D As shown, the engagement portion 232 of the indexing plunger 230 is located outside (specifically, further inward) of this indexing opening 224. In this arrangement, when a force along the longitudinal dimension 10 is applied to the indexing plunger 230 or the indexing member 220, no portion of the indexing plunger 230 engages with, abuts against, or interacts with the elevated portion 223. For example, when the indexing plunger 230 is in the second position, the transverse portion 231 does not engage with, abut against, or interact with the elevated portion 223.

[0032] like Figure 4A and Figure 4C As shown, the elevated portion 223 has a maximum height above the base region 221 of the indexing member 220. The lateral portion 231 has a minimum height that is higher than the maximum height of the elevated portion 223. This creates a gap that is Figure 4A and Figure 4C Indicated by brackets ("{"). According to this design, when a force along the longitudinal dimension is applied to the guide member 220 or the guide plunger 230, the lateral portion 231 passes over the raised portion 223 without obstruction due to the gap. In addition, the engaging portion 232 of the guide plunger 230 also has an unobstructed path for movement along the longitudinal dimension 10 on the base area 221 of the guide member 220. The guide plunger 230 or the guide member 220 can also move along the longitudinal dimension 10 without obstruction. In addition, when the shoe 210 is coupled to the guide plunger 230, the movement of the shoe 210 follows the movement of the guide plunger 230, and vice versa. In this way, based on the position of the guide plunger 230 relative to the guide member 220, the longitudinal movement of the shoe 210 can be prevented or achieved.

[0033] In addition to the positioning of the shoe 210 discussed above, the position of the indexing member 220 can also be moved relative to the housing 110, thereby allowing the shoe 210 to be placed in any number of additional positions according to design preferences. The indexing member 220 can be repositioned relative to the housing 110. For example, a fastener 270 (e.g., a bolt) can engage with a nut (not shown) embedded in the housing 110. Even if such a nut is embedded in the housing 110, the nut can still be moved relative to the housing 110 (e.g., continuously moved). The operator can adjust the position of the nut, and after the nut has been positioned at a desired position relative to the housing 110, the operator can secure the fastener 270 to the nut. As another option, the housing 110 can include a plurality of threaded holes that receive the fastener 270 so that the indexing member 220 can be installed at different positions relative to the housing 110.

[0034] Once the system 200 is mounted to the housing 110, the shoe 210 may be prevented from disengaging from the indexing member 220. For example, a portion of the housing 110 may limit the movement of the shoe 210 so that it cannot move beyond a position in which it engages with the indexing member 220. In this configuration, the only way to remove the shoe 210 from the system 200 may be to loosen and remove the indexing member 220 from the housing 110. When the indexing member 220 is loosened, the entire system 200 may be moved so that the shoe 210 can be disengaged from the indexing member 220. Alternatively, when the indexing member 220 is loosened from the housing 110, the indexing member 220 can slide off the shoe 210, thereby disengaging the shoe 210 from the indexing member 220 and allowing the shoe 210 to be separated from the system 200.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel technologies disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the new technologies without departing from their scope. Therefore, the novel technologies are not intended to be limited to the specific technologies disclosed, but rather they will include all technologies that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shoe positioning system for use with a power tool operating on a workpiece, the shoe positioning system comprising: a shoe configured to abut the workpiece; an indexing member movably engaged with the shoe, wherein the indexing member includes a plurality of raised portions separating a plurality of indexing openings; an index plunger coupled to the shoe, wherein the index plunger is configured to receive an engagement force to move the index plunger in a first direction along an axial axis thereof, and wherein the index plunger includes an engagement portion; and in: the engagement portion being configured to be disposed in a first position when the engagement force is not received by the index plunger; the engagement portion being configured to move to a second position when the engagement force is received by the indexing plunger; When the indexing plunger is in the first position, the engagement portion of the indexing plunger is received by at least one of the indexing openings, thereby preventing the shoe from substantially moving longitudinally relative to the indexing member; and When the indexing plunger is in the second position, the engagement portion of the indexing plunger is outside of the indexing opening, thereby allowing the shoe to move relative to the indexing member along the longitudinal dimension. 2 . The shoe positioning system of claim 1 , further comprising a spring configured to bias the index plunger in a second direction opposite the first direction along an axial axis of the index plunger.

3. The shoe positioning system of claim 2, wherein the spring substantially surrounds an axial portion of the indexing plunger.

4. The shoe positioning system according to claim 2, wherein: the spring being configured to maintain the indexing plunger in the first position when the engagement force is not received by the indexing plunger; as well as The spring is configured to return the indexing plunger to the first position when the indexing plunger is in the second position and the engagement force is removed from the indexing plunger.

5. The shoe positioning system of claim 1, wherein the axial axis and the longitudinal dimension of the indexing plunger are substantially orthogonal.

6. The shoe positioning system of claim 1, wherein two or more of the index openings are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal dimension.

7. The shoe positioning system of claim 1, wherein the shoe includes a slot configured to receive the indexing member.

8. The shoe positioning system of claim 1, wherein the indexing member is configured to be mounted to the power tool.

9. The shoe positioning system of claim 1, wherein the indexing member further comprises at least one feature configured to constrain a range of movement of the shoe along the longitudinal dimension.

10. The shoe positioning system of claim 1, wherein the indexing member further comprises at least one feature configured to constrain a range of movement of the indexing plunger along its axial axis.

11. A shoe positioning system for use with a power tool operating on a workpiece, the shoe positioning system comprising: a shoe configured to abut the workpiece; an indexing member including a base region and a plurality of elevated portions extending upwardly to a maximum elevation above the base region, wherein the plurality of elevated portions are separated by a plurality of indexing openings that do not extend upwardly to the maximum elevation above the base region; an indexing plunger coupled to the shoe, wherein the indexing plunger includes a lateral portion having a lowest elevation maintained at an elevation above that of the elevated portion of the indexing member, and wherein the indexing plunger includes an engagement portion extending downwardly from the lateral portion toward a base region of the indexing member; and in: The shoe is configured to move relative to the indexing member along a longitudinal dimension; The indexing plunger is configured to move along an axial axis thereof, wherein the indexing plunger is movable relative to the indexing member into a first position and a second position; When the indexing plunger is in the first position, at least a portion of the engagement portion is positioned in one of the indexing openings of the indexing member, thereby preventing the shoe from substantially moving relative to the indexing member along its longitudinal dimension; and When the index plunger is in the second position, at least a portion of the engagement portion is positioned outside the index opening of the index member, thereby allowing the shoe to move relative to the index member along its longitudinal dimension so that when the shoe moves, at least a portion of at least one raised portion passes under the lateral portion of the index plunger.

12. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, further comprising a spring configured to bias the indexing plunger toward the first position.

13. The shoe positioning system of claim 12, wherein the spring substantially surrounds a portion of the indexing plunger.

14. The shoe positioning system of claim 12, wherein: the spring being configured to maintain the indexing plunger in the first position when the engagement force is not received by the indexing plunger; as well as The spring is configured to return the indexing plunger to the first position when the indexing plunger is in the second position and the engagement force is removed from the indexing plunger.

15. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, wherein an axial axis of the indexing plunger and the longitudinal dimension are substantially orthogonal.

16. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, wherein two or more of the index openings are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal dimension.

17. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, wherein the shoe includes a slot configured to receive the index member.

18. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, wherein the indexing member is configured to be mounted to the power tool.

19. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, wherein the indexing member further comprises at least one feature configured to constrain the range of movement of the shoe along the longitudinal dimension.

20. The shoe positioning system of claim 11, wherein the indexing member further comprises at least one feature configured to constrain a range of movement of the indexing plunger along its axial axis.

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