Track saw having a self-adjusting rib guide assembly and method of operating a track saw with a self-adjusting rib guide assembly - Patents.com

Abstract

A track saw having a self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a method of operating the self-adjusting rib guide assembly of a track saw. The track saw includes a motor, an arbor, and a base plate. The base plate defines an arbor-facing side and an arbor-opposing side and includes a rib-receiving channel and a self-adjusting rib guide assembly. The self-adjusting rib guide assembly at least partially defines the rib-receiving channel and is configured to automatically accommodate a range of raised rib cross-widths. The method includes positioning a raised elongated rib of a track within the rib-receiving channel of the base plate of the track saw. During positioning, the method also includes establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib and the self-adjusting rib guide assembly. In response to the contact force, the method further includes moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a remainder of the track saw.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 044,034, filed June 25, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure is generally directed to a track saw having a self-adjusting rib guide assembly and / or a method of operating a self-adjusting rib guide assembly of a track saw. [Background technology]

[0003] A circular saw may be configured to rotate a circular saw blade that may be utilized to cut a workpiece. A handheld circular saw is a type of circular saw that is generally small, portable, and / or held and / or operated by a user when utilized to cut a workpiece. Although convenient, handheld circular saws generally offer several unique degrees of freedom of movement that must be carefully controlled by the user. As such, the quality of cuts produced by a particular handheld circular saw may be highly dependent on the user's level of experience, expertise, dexterity, and / or physical strength.

[0004] A track saw is a type of handheld circular saw that utilizes a separate track that may be clamped to and guide the track saw while the track saw is utilized to cut the workpiece. The clamped track constrains the movement of the track saw, thereby allowing both novice and experienced users to make higher quality and / or straighter cuts in the workpiece. Although highly effective, track saws may rely on relatively tight tolerances between the track saw and the track to accurately cut the workpiece. Some track saws include a manual adjustment mechanism that may be utilized to manually adjust the tolerance between the track saw and the track. However, users may not always be aware that they should make the adjustment. Additionally, variations in the dimensions of the track may make it difficult, if not impossible, for users to ensure a desired tolerance along the entirety of a cut, especially when the cut extends along a series of interconnected segments of the track. Thus, a need exists for a track saw having a self-adjusting rib guide assembly and / or a method of operating the self-adjusting rib guide assembly. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A track saw having a self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a method of operating the self-adjusting rib guide assembly of the track saw are disclosed herein. The track saw includes a motor, an arbor, and a base plate. The motor includes a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation. The arbor mounts a circular saw blade to the track saw and is configured to receive torque from the motor as the motor shaft rotates about the shaft axis of rotation. The base plate defines an arbor-facing side and an arbor-opposite side. The arbor is operably attached to the arbor-facing side. The base plate includes a rib-receiving channel and a self-adjusting rib guide assembly. The rib-receiving channel is defined in the arbor-opposite side of the base plate and is configured to receive a raised elongated rib of the track. The self-adjusting rib guide assembly at least partially defines the rib-receiving channel and is configured to automatically adjust a range of the raised rib cross width.

[0006] The method includes positioning a raised elongated rib of the track within a rib receiving channel of a self-adjusting rib guide assembly of a base plate of the track saw. During positioning, the method also includes establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib of the track and the self-adjusting rib guide assembly. In response to the contact force, the method further includes moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a remainder of the track saw to adjust a raised rib cross width of the raised elongated rib. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a less schematic top profile view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a less schematic right side view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a less schematic left side view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is another less schematic left side view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is another less schematic left side view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a less schematic front view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a less schematic rear view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a less schematic top view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a less schematic bottom view of an example track saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a region of a base plate that includes a self-adjusting rib guide assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a region of a base plate that includes a self-adjusting rib guide assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of an example base plate including a self-adjusting rib guide assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the opposite side of the arbor. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate of FIG. 13 showing the guide rollers of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly in an extended position. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate of FIG. 13 showing the guide rollers of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly in a contracted state. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of operating a self-adjusting rib guide assembly according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Figures 1-15 provide examples of a track saw 10 and / or components thereof according to the present disclosure. Elements serving similar or at least substantially similar purposes are labeled with the same numbers in each of Figures 1-15, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of Figures 1-15. Similarly, not all elements are labeled in each of Figures 1-15, but the reference numbers associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and / or features discussed herein with reference to one or more of Figures 1-15 may be included in and / or utilized in conjunction with any of Figures 1-15 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] In general, elements that tend to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated with solid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated with dashed lines, however, elements shown with solid lines may not be essential to all embodiments and may be omitted in some embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a circular saw in the form of a track saw 10 according to the present disclosure, while FIGS. 2-10 are less schematic views of an example of a track saw 10 according to the present disclosure that is also a plunge saw 30. FIGS. 11-15 are views of a base plate 304 of the track saw 10 including a self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 according to the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a top profile view of the track saw 10, and FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the track saw 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the track saw 10 illustrating the track saw in a fully lowered orientation 52, FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the track saw 10 illustrating the track saw in a fully retracted orientation 54, and FIG. 6 illustrates the left side view of FIG. 5 with several covers removed. FIG. 7 is a front view of the track saw 10, FIG. 8 is a rear view of the track saw 10, FIG. 9 is a top view of the track saw 10, and FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the track saw 10. 11-12 are schematic diagrams of an example region of a base plate 304 of a track saw 10 including a self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 according to the present disclosure in engagement with a track 42, the region of the base plate 304 shown being shown in schematic form. FIG. 13 is a side view of the arbor opposite side of an example base plate 304 including a self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 according to the present disclosure, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate 304 of FIG. 13 showing the guide rollers 348 of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly in an extended position 360, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate of FIG. 13 showing the guide rollers 348 of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly in a contracted position 364. The base plate 304 shown in the example of FIGS. 13-15 may be different or include different structure than the base plate 304 shown in the example of FIGS. 2-10.

[0011] As collectively illustrated by Figures 1-15, the track saw 10 includes a motor 90 including a motor shaft 92 configured to rotate about a rotational shaft axis 94. The track saw 10 also includes an arbor 100 configured to receive torque from the motor 90 as the motor shaft 92 rotates about the shaft rotation axis. The receipt of torque may cause the arbor 100 to rotate about an arbor rotation axis 106, which may be referred to herein as and / or may be a circular saw rotation axis 106, as shown in Figure 1. As illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 1 and solid lines in Figures 3-8 and 10, the track saw 10 may also include a track saw blade 200. When present, the circular saw blade 200 may be operably attached to the track saw via the arbor 100 and / or may be configured for rotational movement with the arbor. Rotation of the circular saw blade 200 may facilitate cutting a workpiece 98 with the circular saw blade, as illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1.

[0012] The track saw 10 may be any suitable type or style of track saw that is adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to utilize a circular saw blade 200 to cut a workpiece and / or may utilize a track 42 to improve the quality and / or accuracy of cuts made in the workpiece. Examples of track saws 10 include track saws 10 in the form of a handheld track saw 12 and / or a plunge saw 30. In some examples, the track saw 10 may include structures and / or features from both of the above saws and / or incorporate the functionality of both of the above saws. By way of example and as discussed in more detail herein, a given track saw 10 may be a handheld track saw 12 and / or a plunge saw 30 and / or incorporate the functionality of a handheld track saw 12 and / or a plunge saw 30. Thus, a track saw 10 according to the present disclosure may include one or more features disclosed herein, but the track saw 10 need not include all of the features disclosed herein.

[0013] The motor 90 may include any suitable structure capable of providing motive power for rotation of the motor shaft 92 and / or for operation of the circular saw blade 200. Examples of the motor 90 include an electric motor, an AC electric motor, a DC electric motor, a brushless DC motor, a variable speed motor, and / or a single speed motor.

[0014] As illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 1 and solid lines in Figures 2, 4-6 and 8-9, the track saw 10 may include a gripping area 60 configured to be grasped and / or held by a user while operating the track saw. Gripping area 60, when present, may be referred to herein as and / or may be a handle or hand grip.

[0015] As also illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 and solid lines in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the track 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 track saw, such as to enable and / or permit the provision of electrical current to at least one other component of the track saw and / or to permit powering of that at least one other component of the track saw. By way of example, selective actuation of the switch 65 may be utilized to enable operation of a motor controller of the track saw, selectively apply electrical current to the motor 90, enable the motor controller to selectively apply electrical current to the motor, and / or permit or direct the motor to provide motive power for rotation of the motor shaft. In some examples, the electrical current may be utilized to power or directly power at least one other component of the track saw, such as the motor 90. In some such examples, the electrical current may also be referred to herein as a power signal. In some examples, the electrical current may be an electrical data signal that is sent to at least one other component of the track saw, such as the motor controller of the track saw. In some such instances, the electrical current may also be referred to herein as a data signal and / or an electrical data signal. Examples of switch 65 include an electrical switch, a normally open electrical switch, a momentary electrical switch, and / or a latching momentary electrical switch.

[0016] 1-15, the track saw 10 also includes a workpiece support 300 in the form of a base plate 304. The workpiece support 300 may be configured to support a workpiece 98 and / or to position the track saw relative to the workpiece as the workpiece is cut or otherwise acted upon by an implement, as shown in FIG.

[0017] The track saw 10 may include any suitable power source and corresponding power supply structure 70 for powering the motor 90. Examples of power supply structures include a power cord 72 and / or a battery 74, as shown in FIG.

[0018] As also illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and solid lines in FIGS. 2-10, the track saw 10 may include a blade guard 80. The blade guard 80, when present, may be configured to cover, store, and / or contain at least a region of the circular saw blade 200, such as to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between a user and the circular saw blade. In some examples of the track saw 10, the blade guard 80 may include a stowable region 82, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The stowable region may be configured to fold, rotate, and / or otherwise store when the track saw is utilized to cut a workpiece. The stowable region 82 may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a storage region 82 and / or a folding region 82.

[0019] In some examples, as discussed, the track saw 10 may be (i.e., may include the structure and functionality of) a plunge saw 30. In examples of track saws 10 that are or include the functionality of a plunge saw 30, the arbor 100 may be configured to move relative to the workpiece support 300, such as to selectively vary the area of ​​the circular saw blade 200 that protrudes from the workpiece support 300 and / or to selectively vary the cutting depth of the track saw. For example, the arbor 100 may be configured to pivot relative to the workpiece support 300, as illustrated by the translation between the configurations shown in Figures 3-4 and 7-8 and the configurations shown in Figures 5-6.

[0020] In a detailed example, the workpiece support 300 may include and / or be a base plate 304, which may define an arbor-facing side 308 and an arbor-opposite side 312. The arbor 100 may be operatively attached to the arbor-facing side 308 of the base plate 304 with, through, and / or with the aid of a base plate pivot 316. In other words, the arbor-facing side 308 of the base plate 304 may face towards the arbor 100. In such an example, the arbor 100 and base plate 304 may be configured to rotate about the base plate pivot 316 relative to one another, such as to selectively vary the region 320 of the circular saw blade 200 that extends on the arbor opposite side 312 of the base plate, as perhaps best illustrated by translation from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrating a fully lowered orientation 52 to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 illustrating a fully retracted orientation 54. In other words, the arbor 100 may be configured to pivot relative to the workpiece support 300 through a range of relative orientations or relative angles that may be bounded by a fully lowered orientation and a fully retracted orientation. For each relative orientation in this range of relative orientations, the circular saw blade 200 may extend on the arbor opposite side 312 by a corresponding amount, thereby providing a corresponding maximum cutting depth to the track saw.

[0021] The base plate 304 of the track saw 10 includes a rib receiving channel 324 that may be configured to receive the raised elongated rib 44 of the track 42, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1, 11-12, and 14-15. The track 42, sometimes referred to herein as an elongated track 42, may be formed from one or more elongated track sections or track portions 46, which may be operably attached relative to one another to define any suitable track length. During operation of the track saw 10, the track 42 may be operably attached or fastened 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, thereby producing a straight cut along the desired cut line.

[0022] Figures 11-15 highlight a rib guide assembly 332 in the form of a self-adjusting rib guide assembly 328 in accordance with the present disclosure. Figures 11-15 may include and / or be more detailed and / or specific views of components, areas, and / or features of a track saw 10 in accordance with the present disclosure, such as the track saw 10 of Figures 1-10. With this in mind, any structure, function, and / or feature disclosed herein with reference to any one of Figures 1-15 may be included in and / or utilized in conjunction with any other of Figures 1-15 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] As discussed, the track saw 10 includes a workpiece support 300 in the form of a base plate 304 including rib receiving channels 324 configured to receive the raised elongated ribs 44 of the track 42. The rib receiving channels 324 may extend from the arbor-opposing side 312 of the base plate 304 and / or into the base plate. As perhaps best shown in Figures 10 and 13, the rib receiving channels 324 may extend between a leading edge 305 of the base plate 304 and a trailing edge 306 of the base plate. Additionally or alternatively, the rib receiving channels 324 may extend parallel, or at least generally parallel, to the planar blade surface 202 of the circular saw blade 200 and / or perpendicular to the axis of rotation 204 of the circular saw blade, as perhaps best shown in Figure 10.

[0024] The track saw 10 also includes at least one rib guide assembly 328, and in some examples, at least two rib guide assemblies 328 that at least partially define the rib receiving channel 324, as shown in FIG. 13. The rib guide assembly 328 may be positioned on an opposite blade side 326 of the rib receiving channel 324. If the base plate 304 includes at least two rib guide assemblies 328, a forward rib guide assembly 329 may be positioned proximate a leading edge 305 of the base plate 304. Additionally or alternatively, a rear rib guide assembly 330 may be positioned proximate a trailing edge 306 of the base plate.

[0025] A self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 according to the present disclosure automatically adjusts, self-adjusts, and / or accommodates for changes or ranges of raised rib cross widths 48 of the raised elongated ribs 44 of the track 42, or track segments 46 thereof, as shown in Figures 11-12 and 14-15. More specifically, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 is configured to automatically maintain a desired amount of clearance, tolerance, and / or contact between the track saw 10 and the raised elongated rib 44 over a range of raised rib cross widths 48. This may include automatically maintaining a desired clearance, tolerance, and / or contact for variations in raised rib cross width 48 between different tracks 42 and / or automatically maintaining a desired clearance, tolerance, and / or contact for variations in raised rib cross width 48 along the length of a single, or predetermined, raised elongated rib 44 of a single, or predetermined track 42, such as while the track saw is operatively translated along the length of a single track 42 and / or utilized to cut a workpiece. This may be in contrast to conventional track saws, which may include and / or utilize manual adjustment mechanisms that cannot automatically account for or adjust for variations in raised rib cross width 48, as discussed herein.

[0026] In other words, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 may be configured to automatically adjust the cross-sectional width 336, minimum cross-sectional width, and / or cross-sectional area of ​​the region of the rib-receiving channel defined by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly, such as to accommodate a range of raised rib cross-sectional widths. This is illustrated by the transition between the configurations shown in Figures 11 and 14 and the configurations shown in Figures 12 and 15.

[0027] By way of example, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 may be configured to automatically adjust the range of raised rib cross-widths that vary with a threshold rib width distribution. Examples of threshold rib width distributions include at least 0.05 millimeters (mm), at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.35 mm, at least 0.4 mm, up to 1 mm, up to 0.9 mm, up to 0.8 mm, up to 0.7 mm, up to 0.6 mm, up to 0.5 mm, up to 0.4 mm, up to 0.3 mm, and / or up to 0.2 mm.

[0028] This automatic adjustment may be accomplished in any suitable manner. By way of example, a portion and / or region of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly 332 may be configured to automatically move relative to the remainder of the track saw 10 in response to a contact force between a portion of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly and the raised elongated rib. This may include automatic movement to accommodate or adjust to the raised rib cross width 48 of the raised elongated rib 44. Additionally or alternatively, a portion and / or region of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly may be biased to remain in contact with the raised elongated rib to accommodate or adjust to changes in the raised rib cross width 48. This adjustment is illustrated by the transition of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly 332 from the configuration shown in FIG. 11 where the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly accommodates a relatively narrow raised rib cross width 48 to the configuration shown in FIG. 12 where the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly has been moved to the left to accommodate a relatively narrow raised rib cross width 48.

[0029] In an illustrative example, and perhaps best shown in FIGS. 14-15 , the self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 may include a roller shaft 344, guide rollers 348, and a biasing mechanism 356. The roller shaft 344 may include and / or be a cylindrical or elongated cylindrical roller shaft. The guide rollers 348 may be configured to rotate about the roller shaft 344, such as during movement of the track saw 10 relative to the track. The guide rollers 348 may also be configured to operatively translate along or along the length of the roller shaft 344 between an extended state 360, as shown in FIG. 14 , and a contracted state 364, as shown in FIG. 15 . The extended state 360 ​​may define a minimum or minimum value of the transverse width 336, while the contracted state 364 may define a maximum or maximum value of the transverse width 336.

[0030] Biasing mechanism 356 may be configured to bias guide roller 348 toward and / or into extended state 360. However, insertion of a raised elongated rib having a transverse width greater than the minimum transverse width illustrated in Figures 11 and 14 may bias guide roller 348 toward contracted state 364, thereby adjusting or automatically adjusting transverse width 336. Biasing mechanism 356 may also bias guide roller 348 to extend and / or allow guide roller 348 to contract along the length of guide roller 344 in response to changes in raised rib transverse width 48 of the area of ​​track 42 contacting guide roller 348, such as may occur during movement of track saw 10 along the length of raised elongated rib 44 and / or during operational use of the track saw to cut a workpiece. In other words, the biasing mechanism 356 may bias the guide roller 348 to remain in contact with the raised elongated rib 44, thereby increasing the transverse width 336 in response to a decrease in the raised rib transverse width 48 and / or decreasing the transverse width 336 in response to an increase in the raised rib transverse width 48. Additionally or alternatively, the biasing mechanism 356 may bias the guide roller 348 towards and / or to the extended state upon removing the raised elongated rib 44 from the rib receiving channel 324.

[0031] To facilitate the functions described above, the guide rollers 348 may include and / or be tapered guide rollers and / or at least partially conical guide rollers. Additionally or alternatively, the guide rollers 348 may be tapered toward the arbor-opposing side 312 of the base plate 304. In other words, the width of the guide rollers 348 may increase in a direction extending from the arbor-opposing side 312 toward the arbor-facing side 308.

[0032] The taper angle 350 for this taper shown in FIG. 14 may have any suitable value. Examples of taper angles include angles of at least 5 degrees, at least 7.5 degrees, at least 10 degrees, at least 12.5 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 17.5 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 22.5 degrees, at least 25 degrees, at least 27.5 degrees, at least 30 degrees, up to 45 degrees, up to 40 degrees, up to 35 degrees, up to 30 degrees, up to 27.5 degrees, up to 25 degrees, up to 22.5 degrees, and / or up to 20 degrees. A particular taper angle may be selected with respect to and / or based on the strength, restoring force, and / or biasing force applied to the guide roller 348 by the biasing mechanism 356, with smaller angles being associated with weaker biasing forces and larger angles being associated with stronger biasing forces. The taper angle may open toward the arbor-opposite side 312 of the base plate 304, as also shown in FIG. 14.

[0033] The guide roller 348 may have, define, and / or include a central opening 352. The roller shaft 344 may extend within and / or through the central opening. The guide roller 348 may be formed and / or defined from any suitable guide roller material and / or materials. Examples of guide roller materials include elastomeric materials, polymeric materials, polyurethanes, and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] The biasing mechanism 356 may include and / or be formed from any suitable material and / or materials. Examples of the biasing mechanism 356 include a resilient material, a spring, and / or a coil spring.

[0035] In some examples of the track saw 10, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, the track saw 10 and / or its rib guide assembly 328 may include a manual adjustment mechanism 334. The manual adjustment mechanism 334, if present, may be configured to be actuated by a user of the track saw to manually adjust the cross-sectional width of a corresponding region of the rib receiving channel 324. In some examples, the manual adjustment mechanism 334 may be distinct, spaced apart, and / or separate from the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly 332. In some such examples, the corresponding region of the rib receiving channel may be distinct from the region of the rib receiving channel that is adjusted by the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly. In some examples, the manual adjustment mechanism may form part of and / or interact with the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly 332. In some such examples, the corresponding region of the rib receiving channel may be the same as the region of the rib receiving channel that is adjusted by the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly. In some such examples, the manual adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust, such as widen and / or narrow, the range of raised rib cross width 48 that may be accommodated or adjusted by the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly 332.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 1000 of operating a self-adjusting rib guide assembly according to the present disclosure, such as the self-adjusting rib guide assembly 332 of FIGS. 1 and 11-15. The method 1000 may include operating and / or adjusting the self-adjusting rib guide assembly to automatically adjust to or automatically accommodate a range of raised rib cross widths of a track raised elongated rib that may be utilized with a track saw. An example track saw is disclosed herein with reference to track saw 10. An example track is disclosed herein with reference to track 42. An example raised elongated rib is disclosed herein with reference to raised elongated rib 44.

[0037] The method 1000 includes positioning a raised elongated rib at 1010 and establishing a contact force at 1020. The method 1000 may also include moving a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly at 1030 and may include cutting the workpiece at 1040.

[0038] Positioning the raised elongated rib at 1010 may include positioning the raised elongated rib within a rib receiving channel of a base plate of the track saw. In some examples, positioning at 1010 may include engaging the raised elongated rib with at least a portion of the rib receiving channel, operably engaging the raised elongated rib with at least a portion of the rib receiving channel, and / or establishing physical contact between the raised elongated rib and at least a portion of the rib receiving channel. In some examples, positioning at 1010 may include engaging the raised elongated rib with at least a portion of a self-adjusting rib guide assembly, operably engaging the raised elongated rib with at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly, and / or establishing physical contact between the raised elongated rib and at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0039] Establishing a contact force at 1020 may include generating, generating, and / or establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib and the self-adjusting rib guide assembly. The establishing at 1020 may be in response to and / or as a result of contact between the raised elongated rib and the self-adjusting rib guide assembly or through direct physical contact during positioning at 1010. Additionally or alternatively, the establishing at 1020 may include maintaining the contact force as a user pushes the track saw along the length of the track.

[0040] Moving a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly at 1030 may include moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a remainder of the track saw, such as while the raised elongated rib is positioned within the rib receiving channel and / or while the self-adjusting rib guide assembly contacts the raised elongated rib. This may include moving a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly to adjust, accommodate, and / or permit the rib receiving channel to receive the raised elongated rib of the track. The movement at 1030 may be during, in response to, and / or as a result of the contact force established during the establishment at 1020.

[0041] The movement at 1030 may be accomplished in any suitable manner. As an example, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly may include a guide roller, such as guide roller 348. In some such examples, the establishing at 1020 may include establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib and the guide roller, and the movement at 1030 may include moving the guide roller. In some such examples, the guide roller may include and / or be a tapered guide roller defining a tapered region, and the movement at 1030 may include changing a portion of the tapered region that contacts the raised elongated rib. In some such examples, the guide roller may define an axis of symmetry, and the movement at 1030 may include operatively translating the guide roller along the axis of symmetry.

[0042] In some examples, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly may include a roller shaft, and the guide roller may be configured to operatively rotate about the roller shaft. In some such examples, moving at 1030 may include operatively translating the guide roller along the roller shaft, along at least a portion of its length, and / or along its elongated axis.

[0043] In some examples, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly may include a biasing mechanism. In some such examples, the movement at 1030 may include compressing the biasing mechanism. In more detailed examples, the guide roller may be configured to operatively translate along the roller shaft and / or between an extended state and a contracted state, possibly in response to a contact force, a change in the contact force, and / or a change in the transverse width of the raised elongated rib. The extended state may define a minimum transverse width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel that is at least partially defined by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly, and the contracted state may define a maximum transverse width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel that is at least partially defined by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly. In some such examples, the biasing mechanism may be configured to bias or encourage the guide roller toward the extended state. In some such examples, the movement at 1030 includes at least partially moving the guide roller toward the contracted state, such as by overcoming a biasing force of the biasing mechanism with the contact force.

[0044] Cutting the workpiece at 1040 may include cutting the workpiece by, through, and / or with a track saw. Cutting at 1040 may include cutting the workpiece by operatively translating the track saw along a length of the raised elongated rib such that the track and / or the raised elongated rib allows the track saw to at least partially guide and / or direct during cutting at 1040.

[0045] Method 1000 may include performing the moving at 1030 simultaneously with and / or in response to the cutting at 1040. In other words, the moving at 1030 may include automatically moving a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to the remainder of the track saw to maintain contact between the portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and the raised elongated rib, to maintain a contact force between the raised elongated rib and the self-adjusting rib guide assembly, to maintain the contact force within a predetermined contact force range, and / or to maintain a desired tolerance between the track saw and the track via operable engagement between the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and the raised elongated rib, during and / or despite changes in the raised rib cross width of the area of ​​the raised elongated rib that contacts or is in contact with the portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0046] In this disclosure, several illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and / or depicted in terms of flow diagrams or flowcharts in which a method is shown and described as a series of blocks or steps. Unless otherwise stated in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the order of the blocks may differ from the order illustrated in the flow diagrams, including that several blocks (or steps) occur in different orders and / or simultaneously.

[0047] 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 construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so combined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entity specifically identified by the "and / or" phrase, whether related to the specifically identified entity or not. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used with open-ended language such as "comprising," a reference to "A and / or B" may refer in one embodiment to only A (optionally including entities other than B), in another embodiment to only B (optionally including entities other than A), and in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, acts, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

[0048] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" in reference 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 list of entities, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every entity specifically listed in the list of entities, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows for entities other than those specifically identified in the list of entities to which the phrase "at least one" refers, may optionally be present, whether or not related to the specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in some embodiments, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, in the absence of B (and optionally including entities other than B); in other embodiments, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, in the absence of A (and optionally including entities other than A); and in yet other embodiments, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). 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, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" may mean A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, as well as any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

[0049] If any patent, patent application, or other reference is incorporated herein by reference, (1) defines a term in a manner that is inconsistent with either the unincorporated portions of this disclosure or any other incorporated reference, and / or (2) otherwise inconsistent with either the unincorporated portions of this disclosure or any other incorporated reference, the unincorporated portions of this disclosure shall control and the term herein or the incorporated disclosure shall control only with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and / or in which the incorporated disclosure was originally located.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean that an element, component, or other subject matter is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Thus, use of the terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be interpreted to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is merely "capable" of performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject matter is specifically selected, generated, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is within the scope of this disclosure that elements, components, and / or other listed subject matter that are listed as adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0051] As used herein, the phrases "for example," "as an example," and / or simply the term "example," when used in reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods are illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the 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, necessary, 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.

[0052] As used herein, "at least substantially" may include not only the "substantial" degree or relationship listed, but also the entire range of the degree or relationship listed when modifying the degree or relationship. A substantial amount of the listed degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the listed degree or relationship. For example, an object at least substantially formed from a material includes an object in which at least 75% of the object is formed from the material, and also includes an object formed entirely from the material. In another example, a first length that is at least substantially the same length as a second length includes a first length that is within 75% of the second length, and also includes a first length that is the same length as the second length.

[0053] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of track saws and methods according to the present disclosure are presented in the enumerated paragraphs below: It is within the scope of this disclosure that the individual steps of the methods recited herein, including the enumerated paragraphs below, may additionally or alternatively be referred to as "steps for" performing the recited action.

[0054] A1. A track saw, a motor including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation; an arbor configured to mount the circular saw blade to the track saw and receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the shaft axis of rotation; a base plate defining an arbor-facing side and an arbor-opposite side, the arbor-facing side of the base plate facing towards the arbor, the base plate comprising: (i) a rib receiving channel defined in an arbor-opposing side of the base plate and configured to receive a raised elongated rib of the track; (ii) a base plate including a self-adjusting rib guide assembly at least partially defining a rib receiving channel, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly being configured to automatically adjust a range of raised rib cross-widths; Track saw.

[0055] A2. The track saw of paragraph A1, wherein the base plate includes at least two self-adjusting rib guide assemblies.

[0056] A3. The track saw of paragraph A2, wherein a front rib guide assembly of the at least two self-adjusting rib guide assemblies is positioned proximate a leading edge of the base plate, and further, a rear rib guide assembly of the at least two self-adjusting rib guide assemblies is positioned proximate a trailing edge of the base plate.

[0057] A4. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly is configured to automatically adjust a cross-sectional width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel that is at least partially defined by the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0058] A5. The self-adjusting rib guide assembly automatically adjusts the cross width to (i) accommodating a range of raised rib transverse widths; (ii) maintaining contact with the raised elongated rib of the track as the track saw translates along the raised elongated rib; The track saw of paragraph A4, configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0059] A6. The track saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly is configured to automatically move relative to a remainder of the track saw in response to a contact force between a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a raised elongated rib of the track to accommodate a raised rib cross width of the raised elongated rib.

[0060] A7.The self-adjusting rib guide assembly is (i) When cutting a workpiece using a track saw, (ii) as the track saw is operatively translated along the length of the raised elongated rib; The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein in at least one of the cases, the raised elongated rib is biased to remain in contact with the raised elongated rib.

[0061] A8. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly is positioned on an opposite side of the rib receiving channel to the blade.

[0062] A9. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly includes a roller shaft, a guide roller, and a biasing mechanism.

[0063] A10. The track saw of paragraph A9, wherein the guide roller is configured to operatively rotate about the roller shaft.

[0064] A11. The track saw of paragraph A10, wherein the guide roller is configured to operatively translate along the roller shaft between an extended state defining a minimum cross-sectional width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a retracted state defining a maximum cross-sectional width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0065] A11.1. The track saw of paragraph A11, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the guide roller toward the extended state.

[0066] A12. The track saw of any of paragraphs A9-A11.1, wherein the roller shaft includes an elongated cylindrical roller shaft.

[0067] A13. Guide rollers are (i) a tapered guide roller; (ii) including an at least partially conical guide roller; (iii) tapered toward the opposite side of the base plate to the arbor; The track saw according to any one of paragraphs A9 to A12, which is at least one of the above.

[0068] A14. The track saw of any of paragraphs A9-A13, wherein the guide roller defines a taper angle.

[0069] A15.The taper angle is (i) at least 5 degrees, at least 7.5 degrees, at least 10 degrees, at least 12.5 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 17.5 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 22.5 degrees, at least 25 degrees, at least 27.5 degrees, or at least 30 degrees; (ii) up to 45 degrees, up to 40 degrees, up to 35 degrees, up to 30 degrees, up to 27.5 degrees, up to 25 degrees, up to 22.5 degrees, or up to 20 degrees; The track saw of paragraph A14, wherein at least one of

[0070] A16. The track saw of any one of paragraphs A14-A15, wherein the taper angle is open toward a side of the base plate opposite the arbor.

[0071] A17. The track saw of any of paragraphs A14-A16, wherein the taper angle is based at least in part on a biasing force applied to the guide roller by a biasing mechanism.

[0072] A18. The track saw of any of paragraphs A9-A17, wherein the guide roller includes a central opening, and further, the roller shaft extends through the central opening.

[0073] A19. Guide rollers are (i) an elastic material; (ii) a polymeric material; and (iii) polyurethane; and The track saw of any of paragraphs A9-A18, wherein the guide roller material includes or is defined by at least one of:

[0074] A20. The biasing mechanism is (i) an elastic material; (ii) a spring; and (iii) a coil spring; and The track saw of any one of paragraphs A9 to A19, comprising at least one of the following:

[0075] A21. The rib receiving channel is (i) extending between a leading edge of the base plate and a trailing edge of the base plate; (ii) extending parallel, or at least approximately parallel, to the planar cutting surface of the circular saw blade; The track saw of any one of paragraphs A1 to A20, which is at least one of the above.

[0076] A22. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the rib-receiving channel extends into the base plate from a side of the base plate opposite the arbor.

[0077] A23. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A22, wherein the track saw further includes a manual adjustment mechanism configured to be actuated by a user of the track saw to manually adjust a cross-sectional width of a corresponding region of the rib-receiving channel.

[0078] A24.The track saw of paragraph A23, wherein the manually adjusting mechanism is different from the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0079] A25. The track saw of paragraph A23, wherein the manual adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a range of raised rib cross-widths accommodated by the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0080] A26. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A25, wherein the motor includes an electric motor.

[0081] A27. The track saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A26, wherein the track saw further includes a gripping area configured to be gripped by a user of the track saw during operation of the track saw to cut one / its workpiece.

[0082] A28. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the track saw further includes a switch configured to selectively apply current to at least one other component of the track saw.

[0083] A29. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A28, further including a blade guard configured to prevent contact between a user of the track saw and the saw blade.

[0084] A30. The track saw of paragraph A29, wherein the blade guard includes a retractable area configured to retract when the track saw is utilized to cut one / its workpiece.

[0085] A31. Track saws also have: (i) a power supply structure configured to power a track saw; (ii) a power cord configured to provide electrical current to the track saw; and (iii) a battery configured to provide electrical current to the track saw; The track saw of any one of paragraphs A1 to A30, comprising at least one of the following:

[0086] A32. The track saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein the track saw is a plunge saw.

[0087] A33. The track saw of paragraph A32, wherein the arbor is operatively attached to the arbor-facing side of the base plate via a base plate pivot.

[0088] A34. The track saw of paragraph A33, wherein the arbor and the base plate are configured to operatively rotate relative to one another about a base plate pivot to selectively vary an area of ​​the circular saw blade extending on an arbor-opposite side of the base plate.

[0089] A35. The track saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A34, wherein the track saw includes a circular saw blade.

[0090] A36. The track saw of paragraph A35, wherein the circular saw blade is operatively mounted to the track saw via the arbor for rotational movement therewith.

[0091] A37. The track saw of any of paragraphs A1-A36, wherein the track saw further includes a track, the track including a raised elongated rib.

[0092] B1. A method of operating a self-adjusting rib guide assembly of a track saw to adjust a range of raised rib cross-widths of a raised elongated rib of a track, comprising: Positioning a raised elongated rib within a rib receiving channel of a base plate of the track saw; establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib and a self-adjusting rib guide assembly during positioning; and moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a remainder of the track saw in response to the contact force to accommodate a raised rib cross width of the raised elongated rib. method.

[0093] B2. The method of paragraph B1, wherein the positioning includes engaging a raised elongated rib with at least a portion of the rib receiving channel.

[0094] B3. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the positioning includes engaging a raised elongated rib with at least a portion of a self-adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0095] B4. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein the method further includes cutting the workpiece by operatively translating the track saw along a length of the raised elongated rib.

[0096] B5. The method of paragraph B4, wherein during cutting, moving includes automatically moving a portion of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a remainder of the track saw to maintain contact between the portion of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly and the raised elongated rib during a change in the raised rib cross-width in an area of ​​the raised elongated rib in contact with the portion of the automatically adjusting rib guide assembly.

[0097] B6. The method of any one of paragraphs B4-B5, wherein moving during cutting includes automatically moving a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a remainder of the track saw to maintain the contact force within a predetermined contact force range.

[0098] B7. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly includes a guide roller, and establishing a contact force includes establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib and the guide roller, and further, moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly includes moving the guide roller.

[0099] B8. The method of paragraph B7, wherein the guide roller is a tapered guide roller defining a tapered region, and further wherein the moving includes changing a portion of the tapered region that contacts the raised elongated rib.

[0100] B9. The method of any of paragraphs B7-B8, wherein the guide roller defines an axis of symmetry, and further, moving includes operatively translating the guide roller along the axis of symmetry.

[0101] B10. The method of any one of paragraphs B7-B9, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly further includes a roller shaft, the guide roller configured to operatively rotate about the roller shaft, and further wherein moving includes operatively translating the guide roller along the roller shaft.

[0102] B11. The method of paragraph B10, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly further includes a biasing mechanism, wherein the guide roller is configured to operatively translate along the roller shaft between an extended state defining a minimum cross-sectional width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a retracted state defining a maximum cross-sectional width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the guide roller toward the extended state, and further wherein the moving includes at least partially moving the guide roller toward the retracted state.

[0103] B12. The method of paragraph B11, wherein the moving includes compressing a biasing mechanism.

[0104] B13. The method of any one of paragraphs B1-B12, wherein the track saw includes any structure of, or is any track saw of, any one of the track saws of paragraphs A1-A37.

[0105] Industrial Applicability The track saw disclosed herein can be utilized in the power tool industry.

[0106] The present disclosure above is believed to encompass multiple separate inventions with independent utility. Each of these inventions is disclosed in a preferred form, but the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be taken in a limiting sense, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of the invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, when a claim recites "a" or "first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claim should be understood to include combinations of one or more of such elements, without requiring or excluding a plurality of such elements.

[0107] The following claims are believed to specifically point out certain novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of one of the disclosed inventions. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed through modification of the claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such modified or new claims, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, whether they relate to different or the same invention, are also deemed to be included within the inventive subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A track saw, a motor including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation; an arbor configured to mount a circular saw blade to the track saw and receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the shaft axis of rotation; a base plate defining an arbor-facing side and an arbor-opposite side, the arbor-facing side of the base plate facing towards the arbor, the base plate comprising: (i) a rib receiving channel defined in a side of the base plate opposite the arbor and configured to receive a raised elongated rib of a track; (ii) a base plate including a self-adjusting rib guide assembly at least partially defining the rib receiving channel, the self-adjusting rib guide assembly configured to automatically adjust to a range of rib cross-sectional widths that are cross-sectional widths of the ribs; The self-adjusting rib guide assembly includes a roller shaft, a guide roller, and a biasing mechanism; The guide roller is configured to be rotatable about the roller shaft, the guide roller is configured to be translatable axially along the roller shaft between an extended state defining a minimum transverse width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a retracted state defining a maximum transverse width of the area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly. Track saw.

2. The track saw of claim 1 , wherein the base plate includes at least two self-adjusting rib guide assemblies.

3. 3. The track saw of claim 2, wherein a front rib guide assembly of the at least two self-adjusting rib guide assemblies is positioned proximate a leading edge of the base plate and further, a rear rib guide assembly of the at least two self-adjusting rib guide assemblies is positioned proximate a trailing edge of the base plate.

4. The track saw of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly is configured to automatically adjust a transverse width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel that is at least partially defined by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly.

5. The self-adjusting rib guide assembly automatically adjusts the transverse width to (i) accommodating a range of raised rib transverse widths; (ii) maintaining contact with the raised elongated rib of the track as the track saw translates along the raised elongated rib; The track saw of claim 4 configured to perform at least one of the following:

6. 6. The track saw of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly is configured to automatically move relative to parts of the track saw other than the self-adjusting rib guide assembly to adjust the rib cross-width in response to a contact force between a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and the raised elongated rib of the track.

7. The self-adjusting rib guide assembly comprises: (i) when cutting a workpiece using the track saw, (ii) as the track saw is translated along the length of the raised elongated rib; A track saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the raised elongated rib is biased to remain in contact with the raised elongated rib in at least one of the cases.

8. 8. The track saw of claim 1, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly is positioned on a circular saw blade-opposite side of the base plate opposite to the side on which the circular saw blade is disposed.

9. The track saw of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the guide roller toward the extended state.

10. A track saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the roller shaft comprises an elongated cylindrical roller shaft.

11. The guide roller is (i) a tapered guide roller; (ii) including an at least partially conical guide roller; (iii) the base plate is tapered toward a side opposite the arbor; The track saw according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the track saw is at least one of the following:

12. A track saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the rib receiving channel extends parallel to a planar cutting surface of the circular saw blade.

13. A track saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the track saw is a plunge saw.

14. 14. The track saw of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the arbor is operably attached to the arbor-facing side of the baseplate via a baseplate pivot, and further wherein the arbor and the baseplate are configured to be rotatable relative to one another about the baseplate pivot to selectively vary an area of ​​the circular saw blade that extends on the arbor-opposing side of the baseplate.

15. The track saw of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising said track, said track including said raised elongated rib.

16. A method of operating a self-adjusting rib guide assembly on a track saw to adjust for a range of rib cross-sectional widths, the range being the cross-sectional width of a rib, comprising the steps of: Positioning a raised elongated rib within a rib receiving channel of a base plate of the track saw; establishing a contact force between the raised elongated rib and the self-adjusting rib guide assembly during said positioning; in response to the contact force, moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a component of the track saw other than the self-adjusting rib guide assembly to accommodate the rib cross width; the self-adjusting rib guide assembly includes a guide roller, and establishing the contact force includes establishing the contact force between the raised elongated rib and the guide roller, and further, moving at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly includes moving the guide roller; the self-adjusting rib guide assembly further includes a roller shaft, the guide roller configured to be rotatable about the roller shaft, and the moving further includes translating the guide roller along an axial direction of the roller shaft. method.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the positioning includes engaging the raised elongated rib with at least a portion of the rib receiving channel.

18. The method of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the positioning includes engaging the raised elongated rib with at least a portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising cutting a workpiece by causing the track saw to be translatable along a length of the raised elongated rib.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein during the cut, said moving includes automatically moving said portion of said automatically adjusting rib guide assembly relative to a part of the track saw other than said automatically adjusting rib guide assembly to maintain contact between said portion of said automatically adjusting rib guide assembly and said raised elongated rib during a change in the rib cross width in contact with said portion of said automatically adjusting rib guide assembly.

21. 21. The method of any one of claims 19-20, wherein during the cut, the moving includes automatically moving the portion of the self-adjusting rib guide assembly relative to parts of the track saw other than the self-adjusting rib guide assembly to maintain the contact force within a predetermined contact force range.

22. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the guide roller is a tapered guide roller defining a tapered region, and further wherein the moving comprises changing a portion of the tapered region that contacts the raised elongated rib.

23. The method of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the guide roller defines an axis of symmetry, and further wherein said moving comprises enabling the guide roller to translate along the axis of symmetry.

24. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the self-adjusting rib guide assembly further includes a biasing mechanism, the guide roller configured to be translatable along the roller shaft between an extended state defining a minimum cross-sectional width of an area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly and a retracted state defining a maximum cross-sectional width of the area of ​​the rib receiving channel defined at least in part by the self-adjusting rib guide assembly, the biasing mechanism configured to bias the guide roller toward the extended state, and further wherein the moving includes moving the guide roller at least partially toward the retracted state.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the moving comprises moving the guide roller in a direction that compresses the biasing mechanism.

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