Bench saw with gravity lifting foot stool

Abstract

The invention relates to a bench saw with a gravity lift foot stand. A bench saw system includes: a bench saw; and a foot stand including a bench saw coupling assembly, an intermediate support pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly, and a lower support pivotally coupled to the intermediate support by a second pivot. The longitudinal support is pivotably connected to the coupling assembly by a third pivot and pivotably connected to the lower support by a fourth pivot. The foot stand is selectively movable from an intermediate position to a closed position, in which the table saw is oriented vertically, or an open position, in which the table saw is oriented horizontally, without passing through the other of the closed position and the open position. The bench saw is vertically oriented in the intermediate position, wherein the second pivot is closer to a vertical plane extending through the fourth pivot than when the foot stand is in the closed position. The movement from the closed position to the intermediate position is automatic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power tools, and more particularly to a leg for a power tool such as a table saw. Background Art

[0002] Rolling carts or support legs for large and / or heavy objects are known and useful for transporting such objects from one location to another. Some of these known support legs are somewhat collapsible, and many different designs of carts or rolling supports are particularly suited for specific uses. While such products can be used in many different industries and applications, one notable use is transporting objects such as portable table saws, miter saws, etc. to or from a construction site.

[0003] In the housing construction industry, carpenters typically have a table saw and other types of saws that are loaded onto the craftsman's truck and taken to the job site every day or stored in a secure location at the job site, and must be removed from the truck or storage location and set up at the job site during work. At the end of the workday, the craftsman must pack up the saw and return it to his truck or secure location for safekeeping. Since such tools are valuable, they cannot be left unattended overnight, otherwise there is a great risk of theft.

[0004] Setting up the saw at the job site is also a problem. Although early prior art rolling legs or carts could help the craftsman move the saw to the desired location, it was often necessary during use to have a table or other surface, such as a board resting on sawhorses, etc., to bring the saw to a convenient working height. While more recent designs have been developed with rolling legs that can be unfolded to support the saw at the appropriate working height, many designs that double as legs require the craftsman to lift a majority of the weight of the saw, which is typically relatively heavy.

[0005] Many portable table saws are designed very similarly to standard table saws, except that they do not have a leg with a support under them and must be supported by a separate structure. Such portable table saws are rugged commercial tools that are built for an extended service life and are thus relatively heavy. A typical table saw of this type can weigh 60 pounds or more. While most craftsmen can generally lift 40 - 60 pounds, such strenuous activity is inconvenient and can be dangerous in some cases.

[0006] Other types of saw horses may be deployed using a spring biasing mechanism that is released and then supplied with a primary force that tends to place the saw horse, along with the saw attached thereto, in its proper working substantially horizontal position. However, this type of saw horse can be dangerous if the folded saw horse releases the mechanism when the weight of the saw does not exceed the saw horse mechanism. If there is no load on the mechanism, it can deploy very rapidly, which can be dangerous if a craftsman or any other person is struck by the mechanism. Additionally, some configurations of the spring biasing mechanism force the user into an unbalanced stance when operating the spring biasing mechanism. This can lead to accidents.

[0007] Saw horses used with power tools, such as table saws, are often provided with support feet that consist of wing nuts, threaded rods, and metal feet surrounded by small rubber buffers. However, these buffers are prone to falling off when the saw horse is used or transported, leaving the metal feet exposed. Subsequent use of the saw horse can result in damage to the finished floor of the work site. Due to environmental factors of the work at the work site, the metal feet are also prone to rusting and deforming.

[0008] A saw horse that is ergonomically easy to use would be beneficial. It would be further beneficial if the saw horse includes a support structure that reduces the potential for damage to underlying support structures. A saw horse that is robustly constructed for a construction environment is further desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a saw horse for a power tool, such as a table saw. The saw horse includes pivot points strategically placed that utilize the weight of the saw to cause the saw horse to automatically move to an intermediate position from which a user can easily move the saw horse into an open position or a closed position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the power tool system is a table saw system that includes a table saw and a stand configured to support the table saw. The stand includes a table saw coupling assembly configured to couple with the table saw. An intermediate support member is pivotally coupled to the table saw coupling assembly by at least one first pivot. A lower support member is pivotally coupled to the intermediate support member by at least one second pivot. A longitudinal support member is pivotally connected to the table saw coupling assembly by at least one third pivot and is pivotally connected to the lower support member by at least one fourth pivot. Generally, two pivots are provided for each of the above pivots. In different embodiments, these pivots are provided in several different forms. In some cases, both of the pivotally connected components are movable relative to the pivot. In some cases, the pivot is fixedly connected to one of the components. The stand is configured to be movable between: a closed upright position in which the table saw is oriented substantially vertically; an open position in which the table saw is oriented substantially horizontally; and an intermediate position from which the stand can alternatively be moved to either the closed upright position or the open position without passing through the other of the closed position and the open position. In the intermediate position, the table saw is oriented substantially vertically. The second pivot is closer to the vertical plane in which the pivot axis of the fourth pivot extends when the stand is in the intermediate position than when the stand is in the closed upright position. The stand is configured to automatically move from the closed upright position to the intermediate position when the table saw is coupled to the table saw coupling assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, only the stand is provided.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the stand is configured such that when the stand is in the closed upright position, the minimum distance between the at least one second pivot and the vertical plane extending through the fourth pivot is ≥ 0.25 inches and ≤ 3 inches.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the minimum distance between the horizontal plane extending through the at least one second pivot and the horizontal plane extending through the at least one fourth pivot is ≥ 1 inch and ≤ 6 inches.

[0014] In some embodiments, the stand includes a tube stop assembly mounted on one of the lower support member, the intermediate support member, and the table saw coupling assembly. The tube stop assembly is configured to abut two of the lower support member, the intermediate support member, and the table saw coupling assembly when the stand is in the closed horizontal position to provide support and when the stand is in the closed position.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the tube stop assembly includes a stop bolt configured to contact one of the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly when the stand is in the closed horizontal position. The stop bolt provides precise positioning of these components.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the intermediate support member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A locking pin is located at the second end portion of the intermediate support member. A locking latch is slidably coupled to the lower support member, and a foot actuator is pivotally coupled to the lower support member and the locking latch. The locking pin and the locking latch are configured to automatically lock the footrest when the footrest is moved to the open position. The foot actuator is configured to unlock the locking pin and the locking latch when the foot actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. Additionally, the locking pin is configured to contact the lower support member in the open position.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the footrest includes a protective plate mounted on the longitudinal support member. The protective plate is configured such that when the footrest is in the closed horizontal position, the lower edge of the protective plate extends further downward than the lowermost portion of the locking latch. The lower edge is preferably rounded to provide a sliding surface in the event of contact between the footrest and the underlying object as the footrest is moved.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, wheels are rotatably coupled to the lower support member. The wheels can be coupled to the lower support member in any desired manner.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the footrest includes a vertical stabilizer extending from the longitudinal support member. The vertical stabilizer is configured to maintain the footrest in a vertical state when the footrest is in the closed upright position and the intermediate position.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the lower support member includes a lower leg and an upper leg. A second pivot and a fourth pivot are partially located within or coupled to the upper leg. When the footrest is in the open position, the upper leg extends from the lower leg at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the table saw coupling assembly. The intermediate support member includes an upper arm and a lower arm. A first pivot and a second pivot are partially located within or coupled to the upper arm. When the footrest is in the open position, the upper arm extends from the lower arm at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the table saw coupling assembly.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the footrest is provided with a latch assembly. The latch assembly is movable between locking positions at which the footrest is automatically locked when the footrest is moved to the open position and / or when the footrest is moved to the closed upright position. The footrest is configured to automatically move from the closed upright position to the intermediate position when the table saw is coupled to the table saw coupling assembly and the latch assembly is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, an intermediate support member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A latch assembly includes a locking pin located at the second end portion of the intermediate support member. A locking latch is slidably connected to a lower support member. A foot actuator is pivotally connected to the lower support member and the locking latch.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, a method of operating a foot stand and / or a power tool system including a foot stand includes: unlocking a latch element when the foot stand is in an upright closed position. The foot stand is configured such that upon unlocking, the foot stand automatically moves to an intermediate position. The foot stand is capable of moving from the intermediate position to either an open position or a closed upright position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A front elevational plan view of a table saw assembly is shown, wherein the table saw is in a horizontal position and the foot stand is in an open horizontal configuration.

[0025] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the table saw assembly of

[0026] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the longitudinal support member and the vertical stabilizer of the table saw assembly of

[0027] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the anti-tip foot of the table saw assembly of

[0028] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A rear elevational plan view of the anti-tip foot of the table saw assembly of

[0029] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the lower support member, the latch assembly, and the wheels of the table saw assembly of

[0030] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the intermediate support member of the table saw assembly of

[0031] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the table saw assembly of

[0032] Figure 9 Shows Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the tube stop of the table saw assembly of

[0033] Figure 10 Shows a Figure 1 rear perspective view of the latch assembly of the table saw assembly.

[0034] Figure 11 Shows a Figure 10 side plan view of the latch of the latch assembly.

[0035] Figure 12 Shows a Figure 1 side plan view of the table saw assembly, where the table saw is removed for clarity and the leg stand is in a closed upright configuration.

[0036] Figure 13 Shows a Figure 1 side plan view of the table saw assembly, where the table saw is removed for clarity and the leg stand is in an intermediate configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be further understood that the present disclosure includes any changes and modifications to the illustrated embodiments, and includes further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, as would be commonly contemplated by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0038] Figure 1 Depicts a table saw assembly 100 that includes a table saw 102 and a leg stand 104. The table saw 102 is shown in a horizontal position. As used herein, the "horizontal position" of a power tool is defined as the position where the power tool is placed when it is used to perform work. In some embodiments, the leg stand 104 is used with any other desired power tool (such as, a router plane, a miter saw, etc.). Figure 2 Further depicts the leg stand 104 in an open configuration, where the table saw 102 is removed for ease of describing the leg stand.

[0039] The leg stand 104 includes a coupling assembly 106 that includes a generally U-shaped support 108. In some embodiments, the table saw 104 is directly attached to the U-shaped support 108. In other embodiments, additional components are provided as part of the table saw coupling assembly to assist in mounting the table saw 104. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,047,553 describes a mounting structure that can be attached to the U-shaped support 108. Additionally, in some embodiments, the support structure is rectangular.

[0040] The coupling assembly 106 is pivotally mounted to longitudinal support members 110 and 112 by pivots 114 and 116, respectively. The longitudinal support members 110 and 112 (also in Figure 3110 and 112) are coupled at one end by a W-shaped handle 118 and at the other end by a vertical stabilizer 120. Although shown as separately formed components, in other embodiments, two or more of the longitudinal support members 110 and 112, the W-shaped handle 118, and the vertical stabilizer 120 are integrally formed.

[0041] Two support pads 122 and 124 are provided on the vertical stabilizer 120, and two anti-tilt feet 126 and 128 are provided on the longitudinal support members 110 and 112, respectively. The anti-tilt feet 126 and 128 are identical and are about Figure 4 and Figure 5 The anti-tilt foot 126 shown in FIG. 1 is further described.

[0042] The anti-tilt foot 126 includes a hard plastic foot 130 and a soft rubber pad 132. Figure 5 As shown in , the soft rubber pad 132 is configured to extend further downward than the hard plastic foot when the anti-tilt foot is positioned on a surface. Therefore, the soft rubber pad inhibits the sliding of the tripod 104. However, the lowermost portion of the soft rubber pad 132 and the lowermost portion of the hard plastic foot 130 define an angle 134. If a force that causes the tripod 104 to tilt beyond the angle 134 is applied to the tripod 104, the hard plastic foot 130 is brought into contact with the underlying surface and the soft rubber pad 132 is lifted off the surface. Therefore, the soft rubber pad 132 no longer inhibits slippage, and the hard plastic foot 130 achieves slippage. Therefore, the tripod will slide across the surface instead of tipping over. In addition, by combining hard plastic, the use of metal that would scratch soft surfaces (such as wooden floors) is avoided.

[0043] Return to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , tube stops 134 and 136 are provided on longitudinal support members 110 and 112, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, tube stops 134 and 136 are alternatively provided as part of coupling assembly 106. Curved protective plates 138 and 140 are also provided on longitudinal support members 110 and 112, respectively. In addition to being pivotally mounted to coupling assembly 106 via pivots 114 and 116, longitudinal support members 110 and 112 are also pivotally connected to lower support members 142 and 144, respectively, via pivots 146 and 148, respectively.

[0044] The wheel support member 150 (see Figure 6) The coupled lower support members 142 / 144 are rotatably connected to the wheels 152 and 154. In some embodiments, two or more of the lower support members 142 / 144 and the wheel support member 150 are formed separately. The lower support members 142 / 144 respectively include lower legs 156 / 158 and upper legs 160 / 162. The wheel support member 150 couples the lower support members 142 / 144 at the lower portions of the lower legs 156 / 158. When the footrest is in the Figure 2 open position shown in, the upper legs 160 / 162 extend from the lower legs 156 / 158 at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the coupling assembly 106. The pivots 146 and 148 are respectively operably connected to the upper legs 160 / 162, and these two pivots 146 and 148 respectively pivotally couple the lower support members 142 / 144 to the longitudinal support members 110 / 112.

[0045] The pivots 164 / 166 (see Figure 2 ) are also operably connected to the upper legs 160 / 162, and these two pivots respectively pivotally connect the lower support members 142 / 144 to the intermediate support members 168 / 170 (also see Figure 7 ). More specifically, the pivots 164 / 166 are respectively operably connected to the upper arms 172 / 174 of the intermediate support members 168 / 170. The upper arms 172 / 174 are respectively connected to the lower arms 176 / 178, and the lower arms 176 / 178 are more clearly shown in Figure 7 . The locking pins 180 / 182 respectively extend from the lower arms 176 / 178. When the footrest 104 is in the Figure 2 open position, the upper arms 172 / 174 respectively extend from the lower arms 176 / 178 at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the table saw coupling assembly 106.

[0046] The intermediate support members 168 / 170 are coupled by an upper crossbar 184 and a lower crossbar 186. In the Figure 7 embodiment, the intermediate support members 168 / 170, the locking pins 180 / 182, and the crossbars 184 / 186 are integrally formed. In other embodiments, one or more of the intermediate support members 168 / 170, the locking pins 180 / 182, and the crossbars 184 / 186 are formed separately. The intermediate support members 168 / 170 are also respectively pivotally connected to the coupling assembly 106 by pivots 188 / 190. The pivots 188 / 190 are respectively operably connected to the upper arms 172 / 174.

[0047] Further details regarding the table saw assembly 100, including the operation of the footrest 104, are initially described with reference to Figure 8 . In Figure 8(which shows a table saw assembly 100 with the table saw 102 removed for clarity), the footrest 104 is in a closed horizontal position. In the closed horizontal position, the table saw assembly 100 is supported on a surface by wheels 152 / 154 and a W-shaped handle 118. In addition to the support provided by pivots 114, 116, 188, and 190, the coupling assembly 106 is also supported by tube stoppers 134 / 136 in the closed horizontal position. The tube stoppers are similarly constructed and are described in more detail with reference to the tube stopper 136 as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 9 .

[0048] As Figure 2 shown, the tube stopper 136 is rigidly attached to the longitudinal support member 112. The tube stopper 136 is configured to extend inwardly in a direction towards the longitudinal support member 110. Thus, when the footrest is in the Figure 8 closed horizontal configuration, the tube stopper 136 is positioned directly between the coupling assembly 106 and the lower leg 158.

[0049] Specifically, the tube stopper 136 includes a Figure 9 rectangular tube portion 200 as shown, which is welded to the longitudinal support member 112. The upper surface of the rectangular tube portion 200 is configured to contact the coupling assembly 106. At the lower portion of the rectangular tube portion 200, a nut 202 is welded to the rectangular tube portion 200. Thus, a bolt 204 extending through the nut 202 sets the precise spacing between the coupling assembly 106 and the lower leg 158, and thus the precise spacing from the other support members of the footrest 104. This provides increased strength such that if an additional load is applied to the table saw when the footrest is in the closed horizontal position, the footrest is not overly compressed. In some embodiments, the tube stopper is alternatively mounted to one of the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly.

[0050] Referring to Figure 8 , to move the table saw assembly 100, the user grasps the W-shaped handle 118. Due to the design of the W-shaped handle 118, when the footrest is in the closed horizontal position, the W-shaped handle 118 provides a raised portion 204 (see Figure 8 ). Thus, the user does not need to reach down to grasp the W-shaped handle 118. Then, the W-shaped handle is used to pivot the footrest 104 about the wheels 152 / 154 such that the table saw assembly 100 can be maneuvered using the wheels 152 / 154.

[0051] To assist in safely moving the table saw assembly 104, reference is made to Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 11The latch assembly 210, described as follows, locks the table saw assembly in the closed position. The latch assembly 210 includes a foot pedal 212 that is rigidly connected to a connecting plate 214 such that pivoting of the foot pedal 212 causes pivoting of the connecting plate 214. The foot pedal 212 and the connecting plate 214 are pivotally connected to the lower support member 142 by a pivot 216. The foot pedal 212 and the connecting plate 214 are biased by a spring 215 (see Figure 6 ) or other biasing member between the foot pedal 212 and the connecting plate 214 and the lower support member 142 to place the latch assembly 210 in the Figure 10 locking position shown in. In the view shown in Figure 10 , the biasing force acts in the counterclockwise direction about the pivot 216. Mounting the foot pedal 212 within the footprint of the wheel support member 150 protects the foot pedal 212 from accidental activation.

[0052] Continue Figure 10 , the connecting plate 214 is pivotally connected to the latch 218 by a pivot 220, which in this embodiment is a screw. The screw / pivot 220 rotatably extends through the Figure 11 pivot hole 222 in the body 224 of the latch 218 shown in. The latch 218 includes an activation surface 226, an activation surface 228, and a receiving groove 230. The body 224 further includes a slot 232. The latch 218 is slidably mounted to the lower support member 142 by a screw 234 (see Figure 10 ) fixedly connected to the lower support member 142.

[0053] When the footrest is in the closed position (such as the Figure 8 closed horizontal position shown in), the locking pin 236 is positioned within the receiving slot 230. The locking pin 236 is fixedly connected to the longitudinal support member 110. Thus, the footrest is locked in the closed position. Accordingly, the user can manipulate the table saw assembly 100 without the footrest 104 moving to the open position. Additionally, the curved guard plates 138 / 140 are configured such that when the footrest is in the Figure 8 closed horizontal position, the curved lower edge of each guard plate (see, for example, curved edges 238 and 240) extends further downward than the lowermost portion 242 of the locking latch 218 (see Figure 10 ). This provides protection for the latch assembly 210 when the footrest is in the closed position and provides protection against accidental operation of the latch assembly 201. The curved edges 238 and 240 further provide a smooth rounded surface that will easily slide when the table saw assembly 100 is loaded into a vehicle or moved along a staircase.

[0054] To position the table saw assembly 100 for operation once it has been transported to the desired location, the table saw assembly 100 is removed fromFigure 8 its closed horizontal position to the closed upright position depicted in Figure 12 . To move from the horizontal closed position to Figure 12 its vertical closed position, the user lifts the W-shaped handle while using the wheels 152 / 154 as pivots until the vertical stabilizer 120 contacts the lower surface. More specifically, the support pads 122 / 124 contact the lower surface. During this movement, the stability of the table saw assembly 100 is provided by the latch assembly 210, which prevents the opening of the leg 104.

[0055] In Figure 12 its closed upright position, as long as the locking pin 236 is maintained within the groove 230 of the latch 218, the vertical stabilizer 120 together with the wheels 152 / 154 maintains the table saw assembly 100 in a stable vertical position. In Figure 12 its locked upright closed position, the wheel axles (see, for example, the axle 244 of the wheel 152) are located to the left of the vertical plane 250, and the pivot axes 252 of the pivots 146 and 148 extend in this vertical plane 250. The pivots 164 and 166 are also located to the left of the vertical plane 250. Additionally, in a substantially vertical position, the table saw 102 ( Figure 12 not shown in

[0056] ) is located to the right of the vertical plane 250. Thus, the weight of the table saw 102 acting through the pivots 146 / 148 and the (multiple) axles 244 provides a force that tends to push the wheels 152 / 154 in a leftward direction. However, the latch assembly 210 prevents this movement. Figure 6 and Figure 10 ), which acts against the biasing force of the spring 215, causing the connecting plate 214 to rotate in a clockwise direction (in the view of Figure 10 ). The pivoting of the connecting plate 214 causes the latch 218 to move downward under the guidance of the screw 234 within the slot 232 until the locking pin 236 is no longer located within the receiving groove 230.

[0057] Once the locking pin 236 is no longer located within the receiving groove 230, the relative movement between the longitudinal support member 110 and the lower support member 142 is no longer restricted. Thus, when the wheels 152 / 154 move away from the vertical plane 250, the force caused by the weight of the table saw 102 causes the lower support members 142 / 144 to pivot automatically about the longitudinal support members 110 / 112 respectively through the pivots 146 / 148. Once the locking pin 236 is no longer aligned with the receiving groove 230, the user removes the user force from the foot pedal 212, and the spring 215 causes the connecting plate 214 (and the foot pedal 212) to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (in the view of Figure 6rotation in the view of). The counterclockwise pivoting of the connecting plate 214 causes the latch 218 to move upward under the guidance of the screw 234 in the slot 232 to Figure 10 the locked position shown in (but the locking pin 236 is not in the recess 230).

[0058] As indicated by Figure 12 the arrow 254 in, the pivoting of the lower support members 142 / 144 about the pivots 146 / 148 causes the upper legs 160 / 162 to pivot in the clockwise direction. The table saw assembly continues to move automatically away from the closed upright position until the table saw assembly reaches Figure 13 the intermediate position shown in, at which point the automatic movement of the table saw assembly 100 stops.

[0059] In Figure 13 the intermediate position of, the table saw assembly 100 is rotationally stable, at which intermediate position, compared with the configuration of Figure 12 , the table saw is in a less vertical orientation because, as the center of gravity of the table saw moves towards the vertical plane 250, the pivots 164 / 166 have moved to a position adjacent to or in line with the vertical plane 250. With the pivots 164 / 166 and the pivots 146 / 148 stacked in this way, the table saw assembly 100 is stable. To continue from Figure 13 the intermediate position of, the user simply presses down on the W-shaped handle 118. This additional force allows the table saw assembly 100 to continue moving towards Figure 2 the open position shown in.

[0060] Specifically, when the W-shaped handle 118 moves downward under the force provided by the user, the longitudinal support members 110 / 112 rotate counterclockwise, and the contact portions with the lower support surface shift from the support pads 122 / 124 to the anti-tip feet 126 / 128. In some embodiments, the support pads 122 / 124 and the anti-tip feet 126 / 128 are configured to contact the lower support surface simultaneously. In other embodiments, the contact portion moves from the support pads 122 / 124 to the connection portion between the vertical stabilizer 120 and the longitudinal support members 110 / 112. Throughout the change of the contact portion from the support pads 122 / 124 to the anti-tip feet 126 / 128, the wheels 152 / 154 continue to move away from the vertical plane 250.

[0061] As the table saw assembly continues to move towards Figure 2 the open position shown in, the locking pin 180 contacts the activation surface 226 of the latch 218. This contact presses the latch 218 downward, thereby causing the connecting plate 214 to rotate against the biasing force of the spring 215. This movement continues until the locking pin 180 moves into the recess 230, at which point the spring 215 causes the connecting plate 214 (and the foot pedal 212) to rotate counterclockwise (in Figure 10in the view of) rotate. The counterclockwise pivoting of the connecting plate 214 causes the latch 218 to move upward under the guidance of the screw 234 in the slot 232, thereby locking the locking pin 180 in the receiving groove 230.

[0062] Simultaneously with or almost simultaneously with the locking of the locking pin 180 by the latch 218, the locking pins 180 / 182 also move into contact with the lower support members 140 / 142. Away from Figure 13 the further movement from the intermediate position is thereby terminated, and the table saw assembly 100 is in Figure 2 the open position, in which the table saw is in a substantially horizontal configuration. Thus, the table saw 102 is in place for use. Then, the user can use the table saw 102 as needed.

[0063] When the user desires to move the table saw assembly 100 from Figure 2 the open position to the closed position, the user pivots the foot pedal 212 in the clockwise direction (as Figure 10 observed) against the biasing force of the spring 215. The clockwise pivoting of the foot pedal 212 causes the connecting plate 214 to pivot clockwise about the pivot 216, thereby forcing the latch 218 downward. Once the latch 218 has moved downward sufficiently, the locking pin 180 is no longer restricted within the groove 230. Then, the user lifts upward using the W-shaped handle 118. Since the weight of the table saw 102 acts through the intermediate support members 168 / 170 and the pivots 164 / 166, this causes the longitudinal support members 110 and 112 to pivot on the hard anti-tip feet 126 / 128 and the wheels 152 / 154 to start moving toward the vertical plane 250.

[0064] As the user continues to lift the W-shaped handle 118, the contact portion with the lower support surface moves from the anti-tip feet 126 / 128 to the support pads 122 / 124 in a manner opposite to that described above for the movement to the Figure 2 open position, and the table saw assembly 100 reaches Figure 13 the intermediate position. Starting from Figure 13 the intermediate position, the user pushes the W-shaped handle 118 in the forward direction toward the vertical plane 250, allowing the wheels 152 / 154 to move closer to the vertical plane 250.

[0065] When the wheels 152 / 154 move closer to the vertical plane 250, the locking pin 236 fixedly connected to the longitudinal support member 110 contacts the activation surface 228 of the latch 218. This forces the latch 218 downward, thereby causing the connecting plate 214 to rotate against the biasing force of the spring 215. This movement continues until the locking pin 236 moves into the groove 230, at which time the spring 215 causes the connecting plate 214 (and the foot pedal 212) to rotate counterclockwise (in Figure 10rotation in the view of). The counterclockwise pivoting of the connecting plate 214 causes the latch 218 to move upward under the guidance of the screw 234 within the slot 232, thereby locking the locking pin 236.

[0066] Simultaneously with or substantially simultaneously with the locking of the locking pin 236 by the latch 218, the tube stoppers 134 / 136 move into contact with the coupling assembly 106 and the lower support member 150 (see Figure 9 ). Further movement away from Figure 13 the intermediate position is thereby terminated, and the table saw assembly 100 is in Figure 12 the closed upright position, in which the table saw is in a substantially vertical configuration. Thus, the table saw assembly 100 can be safely moved as needed.

[0067] Thus, the configuration of the leg 104 provides an automatic movement from Figure 12 the closed upright position to Figure 13 the intermediate position using two pivot axes. One pivot axis is defined by the pivots 146 / 148, and the other pivot axis is defined by the pivots 164 / 166. Preferably, when the leg 104 is in the closed upright position, the pivot axis defined by the pivots 164 / 166 is positioned at a distance x from the vertical plane 250, where 0.25” ≥ x ≤ 3”. When the leg 104 is in the closed upright position, the pivot axis defined by the pivots 164 / 166 is positioned at a distance y from the horizontal plane 256 in which the pivot axis 252 extends, where 1.0” ≥ y ≤ 6”. The geometric relationship resulting from these distances causes the weight of the saw to cause an automatic movement to Figure 13 the stable intermediate position when the leg is in the closed position and the foot pedal is depressed, thus requiring less effort from the user to open the leg.

[0068] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, it should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments are presented, and all changes, modifications, and further applications falling within the spirit of the present disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A table saw system, comprising: Table saw; as well as A tripod configured to support the table saw, the tripod comprising: a table saw coupling assembly configured to couple with the table saw, an intermediate support member pivotably coupled to the table saw coupling assembly via at least one first pivot, a lower support member pivotably coupled to the intermediate support member by at least one second pivot, a longitudinal support member pivotably connected to the table saw coupling assembly by at least one third pivot and pivotably connected to the lower support member by at least one fourth pivot, in, The stand is movable between: a closed upright position in which the table saw is oriented generally vertically; an open position in which the table saw is oriented generally horizontally; and an intermediate position from which the stand is selectively movable to either of the closed upright position and the open position without passing through the other of the closed position and the open position, In the intermediate position, the table saw is oriented generally vertically, The at least one second pivot is closer to a vertical plane in which a pivot axis of the at least one fourth pivot extends when the stand is in the intermediate position than when the stand is in the closed upright position, and The stand is configured to automatically move from the closed upright position to the intermediate position when the table saw is coupled to the table saw coupling assembly.

2. The table saw system according to claim 1, wherein: When the stand is in the closed upright position: A minimum distance between the at least one second pivot axis and a vertical plane extending through the fourth pivot axis is ≥ 0.25 inches and ≤ 3 inches; and A minimum distance between a horizontal plane extending through the at least one second pivot and a horizontal plane extending through the at least one fourth pivot is ≥ 1 inch and ≤ 6 inches.

3. The table saw system of claim 2, further comprising: A pipe stop assembly mounted on one of the lower support member, the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly, the pipe stop assembly being configured to abut the other two of the lower support member, the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly when the tripod is in the closed horizontal position.

4. The table saw system according to claim 3, wherein: The tube stop assembly includes a stop bolt configured to contact one of the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly when the stand is in the closed horizontal position.

5. The table saw assembly of claim 3, wherein: The intermediate support member has: a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the table saw assembly further comprising: a locking pin located at a second end portion of the intermediate support member; a locking latch slidably connected to the lower support member; and a foot actuator pivotally connected to the lower support member and the locking latch, in, The locking pin and the locking latch are configured to automatically lock the stand when the stand is moved to the open position, The foot actuator is configured to unlock the locking pin and the locking latch when the foot actuator moves from the first position to the second position, and The locking pin is configured to contact the lower support member in the open position.

6. The table saw assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a protective plate mounted on the longitudinal support, in, The protective plate is configured such that when the stand is in the closed horizontal position, a lower edge of the protective plate extends further downward than a lowermost portion of the locking latch, and The lower edge is rounded.

7. The table saw assembly of claim 6, further comprising: At least one wheel is rotatably connected to the lower support member.

8. The table saw assembly of claim 6, further comprising: A vertical stabilizer extends from the longitudinal support and is configured to maintain the stand in an upright position when the stand is in the closed upright position and the intermediate position.

9. The table saw assembly of claim 8, wherein: The lower support member includes a lower leg and an upper leg; The second pivot and the fourth pivot are operably connected to the upper leg; When the tripod is in the open position, the upper leg extends from the lower leg at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the table saw coupling assembly; The intermediate support member includes an upper arm and a lower arm, The first pivot and the second pivot are operably connected to the upper arm; and When the tripod is in the open position, the upper arm extends from the lower arm at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the table saw coupling assembly.

10. The table saw assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A latch assembly is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the stand is configured to automatically move from the closed upright position to the intermediate position when the table saw is coupled to the table saw coupling assembly and the latch assembly is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

11. The table saw assembly of claim 10, wherein: The intermediate support member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the latch assembly comprising: a locking pin located at a second end portion of the intermediate support member; a locking latch slidably connected to the lower support member; and A foot actuator is pivotally connected to the lower support member and the locking latch.

12. A tripod for a power tool, the tripod comprising: a power tool coupling assembly configured to be coupled to the power tool; an intermediate support member pivotably coupled to the power tool coupling assembly via at least one first pivot; a lower support member pivotably coupled to the intermediate support member by at least one second pivot; as well as a longitudinal support member pivotably connected to the power tool coupling assembly by at least one third pivot and pivotably connected to the lower support member by at least one fourth pivot, in, The tripod is configured to be movable between: a closed upright position in which the power tool is oriented generally vertically when coupled to the tripod; an open position in which the power tool is oriented generally horizontally when coupled to the tripod; and an intermediate position from which the tripod can be selectively moved to either of the closed upright position and the open position without passing through the other of the closed position and the open position, The tripod is configured such that in the intermediate position, the power tool is oriented generally vertically when coupled to the tripod, The at least one second pivot is closer to a vertical plane in which the axis of the at least one fourth pivot extends when the stand is in the intermediate position than when the stand is in the closed upright position, and The tripod is configured to automatically move from the closed upright position to the intermediate position when the power tool is coupled to the power tool coupling assembly.

13. The tripod according to claim 12, wherein: When the stand is in the closed upright position: A minimum distance between the at least one second pivot axis and a vertical plane extending through the fourth pivot axis is ≥ 0.25 inches and ≤ 3 inches; and A minimum distance between a horizontal plane extending through the at least one second pivot and a horizontal plane extending through the at least one fourth pivot is ≥ 1 inch and ≤ 6 inches.

14. The tripod according to claim 13, further comprising: A pipe stop assembly mounted on one of the lower support member, the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly, the pipe stop assembly being configured to abut the other two of the lower support member, the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly when the tripod is in the closed horizontal position.

15. The tripod according to claim 14, wherein: The tube stop assembly includes a stop bolt configured to contact one of the intermediate support member and the table saw coupling assembly when the stand is in the closed horizontal position.

16. The tripod according to claim 14, wherein: The intermediate support member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and the stand further comprises: a locking pin located at a second end portion of the intermediate support member; a locking latch slidably connected to the lower support member; and a foot actuator pivotally connected to the lower support member and the locking latch, in, The locking pin and the locking latch are configured to automatically lock the stand when the stand is moved to the open position, The foot actuator is configured to unlock the locking pin and the locking latch when the foot actuator moves from the first position to the second position, and The locking pin is configured to contact the lower support member in the open position.

17. The tripod according to claim 16, further comprising: a protective plate mounted on the longitudinal support, in, The protective plate is configured such that when the stand is in the closed horizontal position, a lower edge of the protective plate extends further downward than a lowermost portion of the locking latch, and The lower edge is rounded.

18. A tripod according to claim 17, wherein: The lower support member includes a lower leg and an upper leg; The second pivot and the fourth pivot are operably connected to the upper leg; When the tripod is in the open position, the upper leg extends from the lower leg at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the power tool coupling assembly; The intermediate support member includes an upper arm and a lower arm, The first pivot and the second pivot are operably connected to the upper arm; and When the tripod is in the open position, the upper arm extends from the lower arm at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the power tool coupling assembly.

19. The tripod according to claim 12, further comprising: A latch assembly is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the tripod is configured to automatically move from the closed upright position to the intermediate position when the power tool is coupled to the power tool coupling assembly and the latch assembly moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

20. The table saw assembly of claim 19, wherein: The intermediate support member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the latch assembly comprising: a locking pin located at a second end portion of the intermediate support member; a locking latch slidably connected to the lower support member; and A foot actuator is pivotally connected to the lower support member and the locking latch.

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