CA2177640A1 - Self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly - Google Patents
Self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA2177640A1 CA2177640A1 CA 2177640 CA2177640A CA2177640A1 CA 2177640 A1 CA2177640 A1 CA 2177640A1 CA 2177640 CA2177640 CA 2177640 CA 2177640 A CA2177640 A CA 2177640A CA 2177640 A1 CA2177640 A1 CA 2177640A1
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- miter gauge
- self
- spring
- aligning
- miter
- Prior art date
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Abstract
A self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly is disclosed. The miter gauge assembly includes an elongated miter gauge rod and a longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements which extend laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning. Each spring ball element is adjustable to increase or decrease the spring pressure, as desired. The spring ball element may include a spring ball plunger that threadably engages an internally threaded laterally passageway in the miter gauge rod or a set screw that engages one end of a coil spring having a ball bearing attached to an opposite end, while threadably engaging the internally threaded passageway, for adjusting the spring pressure.
Description
-Backf~round of the Invention The present invention relates to a miter gauge assembly, and more particularly, to a self~ ning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly that takes up dimensional clearances between a miter gauge rod received within a miter gauge slot in a worktable for accurate miter gauge positioning.
Conventional miter gauges are used in various powered tool equipment including table saws, routers, sanders, band saws and the like. Typically, the miter gauge includes a miter gauge rod that is pivotally attached to a miter gauge body having a semi-circular plate with calibrations in degrees for accurately positioning the miter gauge body, including the semi-circular calibrated plate, relative to the miter gauge rod. For mounting the miter gauge rod relative to a worktable used in the aforementioned powered tool equipment, a miter gauge slot is provided in an upper surface of a worktable for receiving the miter gauge rod.
It is well known that miter gauge rods and miter gauge slots vary in dimensional clearances with respect to one another. For example, miter gauge rods of one manufacturer may not fit the miter gauge slots in the worktables of other manufacturers of powered tool equipment. Even for those manufacturers who manufacture their own miter gauges for use in their own powered tool equipment, it is well known that typical dimensional variations between a miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot create undesirable dimensional tolerances which affect miter gauge positioning, particularly as wear and tear occur over time.
There have been attempts to solve this problem such as through the use of an adjustable miter gauge bar, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,402,5~1, or an adjustable width miter gauge bar, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,097,601. Despite the improvements associated with these devices, both of these and other prior art devices require continued and repeated adjustment in constructions that also include a substantial number of parts. As will be explained in the discussion that follows, the present invention allows construction of a new and improved miter gauge assembly that overcomes the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art. ~
The several objects and advantages of the present disclosure include:
The provision of a new and improved miter gauge assembly that overcomes the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which provides self-~ligning and self-adjustment of a miter gauge rod relative to a miter gauge slot n a worktable;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which, through its self-aligning and self-adjustment capabilities, takes up dimensional clearances between a miter gauge rod and a miter gauge slot in the upper surface of a worlctable for accurate miter gauge positioning;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly in which the miter gauge rod readily and quickly adapts to dimensional tolerances relative to a miter gauge slot in an upper surface of a worktable;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which includes adjustable spring ball elements that readily adapt to wear and tear of the miter gauge rod relative to its associated miter gauge slot;
21 77~40 ---The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which is simple in construction and operation; uses a minimum number of parts; is relatively economical to produce and maintain; is readily adaptable for initial and continuous adjustment as desired; and is otherwise well adapted for the purposes intended.
Briefly stated, the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly embodied in the present invention includes an elongated miter gauge rod with at least two longitudinally spaced spring ball elements that extend laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary shaped miter gauge slot, in order to take up dimensional clearance between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
Each spring ball element may include a coil spring having a ball element attached to one end. Each spring ball element also preferably includes an adjustable element to increase or decrease the spring pressure of each associated spring ball element. Each adjustable element is constructed to threadably engage an intemally t'nreaded passageway in the miter gauge rod.
The spring ball element may include a spnng ball plunger as the adjustable element that threadably engages intemally threaded passageway in the miter gauge rod.
The spring ball element may also include a coil spring having a ball attached to one end with an extemally threaded element in the form of a set screw which engages the other end of the coil spring, while threadably engaging the intemally threaded passageway, for adjustment of the spring ball element.
The elongated miter gauge rod preferably has a generally rectangular cross sectional configuration having generally parallel longer upper and lower surface than generally parallel opposite side edges. The miter gauge rod is mounted in a complementary shaped miter gauge slot of a powered tool equipment worktable with the miter gauge slot including side surfaces generally parallel to and in confronting relationship to the opposed side edges. Longitudinally spaced threaded passageways extend laterally through the elongated miter gauge rod in generally parallel relationship to its upper and lower surfaces and also provides openings in each of the opposed side edges from each threaded passageway. An adjustable spring ball element is mounted in each of the threaded passage~ays and includes an associated threaded element for engaging the adjustable spring ball element while being in threaded engagement with an associated threaded passageway. Each adjustable spring ball element, including the threaded element, cooperates to move an associated adjustable spring ball element in self-aligning and self-adjusting engagement with one of the opposed side surfaces of the miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the miter gauge assembly embodying the present invention that is mounted with respect to a miter gauge slot in a powered tool equipment worktable;
-Figure 2 is a perspective view of the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly that is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating a spring ball plunger that serves as one type of spring ball element used in conjunction with a miter gauge rod;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of another type of spring ball element, with a coil spring having a ball bearing at one end and a set screw at the other end, for association with a miler gauge rod.
Corresponding reference nurnerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.
Description of the Preferred l~;mbodiments The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention.
The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 includes a miter gauge rod 3 having a miter gauge body 5 at one end. The miter gauge rod 3 is adapted to be received within a complementary shaped miter gauge slot 7 of a powered tool equipment worktable 9. The various types of power tool equipment with which miter gauge assemblies are used include table saws, routers, sanders, band saws, and the like.
As best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings, the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 is constructed to enable the miter gauge body 5 to be pivotally mounted to the miter gauge rod 3. Thus, as the threadable miter gauge knob l l is unscrewed, enabling a lower face 13 of the knob I I to be moved out of engagement relative to the elongated curvilinear surfaces 15 on opposite sides of the curvilinear slot 17, the miter gauge body ~ can be pivotally adjusted relative to the miter gauge rod 3. In order to provide for precise adjustments of the miter gauge body 5 relative to the miter gauge rod ~, the miter gauge body 5 includes a semi-circular plate 17 that is calibrated in degrees. This permits appropriate positioning of the miter gauge body ~ and associated calibrated semi-circular plate 17 relative to a pointed indicator l 9 mounted on a miter gauge indicator block 21 attached to one end of the miter gauge rod 3. Following desired positioning, the knob l l is re-tightened.
All of the foregoing described components of the miter gauge assembly l are well-known in the art and provide background understanding of the environment in which the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 is used.
The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 includes at least two longitudinally spaced spring ball elements 23, 23 which extend laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod 3 for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary shaped miter gauge slot 7, as shown in Figure l, in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod 3 and the miter gauge rod 7, for accurate miter gauge positioning.
As shown in Figures 2-4 of the drawings, the elongated miter gauge rod 3 is of generally rectangular cross sectional configuration having generally parallel longer upper and lower surfaces 25, 25 than generally parallel opposed side edges 27, 27. The miter gauge slot 7 includes side surfaces 29, 29 tllat are generally parallel to and in confronting relationship to 21 77~4~ `
the opposed side edges 27, 27 of the miter gauge rod 3. A pair of longitudinally spaced threaded passageways 31, 31 extend through the elongated miter gauge rod 3 in generally parallel relationship to the upper and lower surfaces 25, 25 and also provide openings 33,33 in each of the opposed side edges 27 from each threaded passageway 31. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 further includes an adjustable spring ball element that is mounted in each of the longitudinally spaced threaded passageways 31,31. Each such spring ball element is also selectively adjustable for increasing or decreasing the spring pressure of its associated spring ball element.
Several different types of adjustable spring ball elements may be used. One such adjustable spring ball element is shown in Figure 3 of the drawings and comprises a spring ball plunger 35 that threadably engages an internally threaded and laterally extending passageway 33. The spring ball plunger 35 includes a screwdriver slot 37 (or other equivalent driving elements such as a hexagon or square shape) at one end and an elongated longitudinally extending opening 39 at an opposite end for receiving a coil spring 41 and associated ball 43. The spring ball plunger 35 is swaged or deformed at the outer end of the elongated longitudinally extending opening 39 in order to retain a ball 43 in the relative position illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings. This prevents disassociation of the ball and its associated spring 41 from the spring ball plunger 35.
It is important to note that the ball 43 extends laterally outwardly beyond the spring ball plunger 35, as well as beyond one of the opposed side edges 27 of the miter gauge rod 3, in order to enable the ball 43 to engage one of the side surfaces 29 of the miter gauge slot 7.
Since a predetermined amount of spring pressure is consistently applied through the coil -spring 41 to the ball 43, the longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements 43 are capable of engaging one adjacent side surface 29 of the miter gauge slot 7 for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement within a predetermined range. This self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement further take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod 3 and the miter gauge slot 7 for accurate miter gauge positioning. It will be appreciated that the spring pressure of the coil spring 41 may be increased or decreased by threadably engaging or disengaging the externally threaded spring ball plunger 35 relative to its associated longitudinally extending threaded passageway. This can be easily accomplished by a screwdriver (not shown) engaging the screwdriver slot 37 for selective adjustment of the spring pressure in the coil spring 41.
A second type of adjustable spring ball element is shown in Figure 4 of the drawings and includes an externally threaded ferrule 45 in the form of a set screw having a screwdriver slot 47 at one end. The externally threaded ferrule or set screw 45 engages a coil spring 51 at its opposite end which is associated with a ball 53. In order to retain the ball in its relative position shown in Figure 4, the side edge 27, through which the ball 53 extends, is deformed or swaged in order to hold the ball in its relative position as illustrated in Figure 4. Selective adjustment of the spring pressure of the coil spring 51 can be accomplished simply by inserting a screwdriver blade in the screwdriver slot 47 and tightening the externally threaded ferrule or set screw 45 to increase the spring pressure or by loosening the externally threaded fe-rule or set screw 45 relative to the internally threaded passageway 31 for decreasing the spring pressure in the coil spring 51.
Conventional miter gauges are used in various powered tool equipment including table saws, routers, sanders, band saws and the like. Typically, the miter gauge includes a miter gauge rod that is pivotally attached to a miter gauge body having a semi-circular plate with calibrations in degrees for accurately positioning the miter gauge body, including the semi-circular calibrated plate, relative to the miter gauge rod. For mounting the miter gauge rod relative to a worktable used in the aforementioned powered tool equipment, a miter gauge slot is provided in an upper surface of a worktable for receiving the miter gauge rod.
It is well known that miter gauge rods and miter gauge slots vary in dimensional clearances with respect to one another. For example, miter gauge rods of one manufacturer may not fit the miter gauge slots in the worktables of other manufacturers of powered tool equipment. Even for those manufacturers who manufacture their own miter gauges for use in their own powered tool equipment, it is well known that typical dimensional variations between a miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot create undesirable dimensional tolerances which affect miter gauge positioning, particularly as wear and tear occur over time.
There have been attempts to solve this problem such as through the use of an adjustable miter gauge bar, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,402,5~1, or an adjustable width miter gauge bar, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,097,601. Despite the improvements associated with these devices, both of these and other prior art devices require continued and repeated adjustment in constructions that also include a substantial number of parts. As will be explained in the discussion that follows, the present invention allows construction of a new and improved miter gauge assembly that overcomes the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art. ~
The several objects and advantages of the present disclosure include:
The provision of a new and improved miter gauge assembly that overcomes the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which provides self-~ligning and self-adjustment of a miter gauge rod relative to a miter gauge slot n a worktable;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which, through its self-aligning and self-adjustment capabilities, takes up dimensional clearances between a miter gauge rod and a miter gauge slot in the upper surface of a worlctable for accurate miter gauge positioning;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly in which the miter gauge rod readily and quickly adapts to dimensional tolerances relative to a miter gauge slot in an upper surface of a worktable;
The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which includes adjustable spring ball elements that readily adapt to wear and tear of the miter gauge rod relative to its associated miter gauge slot;
21 77~40 ---The provision of the aforementioned new and improved miter gauge assembly which is simple in construction and operation; uses a minimum number of parts; is relatively economical to produce and maintain; is readily adaptable for initial and continuous adjustment as desired; and is otherwise well adapted for the purposes intended.
Briefly stated, the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly embodied in the present invention includes an elongated miter gauge rod with at least two longitudinally spaced spring ball elements that extend laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary shaped miter gauge slot, in order to take up dimensional clearance between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
Each spring ball element may include a coil spring having a ball element attached to one end. Each spring ball element also preferably includes an adjustable element to increase or decrease the spring pressure of each associated spring ball element. Each adjustable element is constructed to threadably engage an intemally t'nreaded passageway in the miter gauge rod.
The spring ball element may include a spnng ball plunger as the adjustable element that threadably engages intemally threaded passageway in the miter gauge rod.
The spring ball element may also include a coil spring having a ball attached to one end with an extemally threaded element in the form of a set screw which engages the other end of the coil spring, while threadably engaging the intemally threaded passageway, for adjustment of the spring ball element.
The elongated miter gauge rod preferably has a generally rectangular cross sectional configuration having generally parallel longer upper and lower surface than generally parallel opposite side edges. The miter gauge rod is mounted in a complementary shaped miter gauge slot of a powered tool equipment worktable with the miter gauge slot including side surfaces generally parallel to and in confronting relationship to the opposed side edges. Longitudinally spaced threaded passageways extend laterally through the elongated miter gauge rod in generally parallel relationship to its upper and lower surfaces and also provides openings in each of the opposed side edges from each threaded passageway. An adjustable spring ball element is mounted in each of the threaded passage~ays and includes an associated threaded element for engaging the adjustable spring ball element while being in threaded engagement with an associated threaded passageway. Each adjustable spring ball element, including the threaded element, cooperates to move an associated adjustable spring ball element in self-aligning and self-adjusting engagement with one of the opposed side surfaces of the miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the miter gauge assembly embodying the present invention that is mounted with respect to a miter gauge slot in a powered tool equipment worktable;
-Figure 2 is a perspective view of the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly that is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating a spring ball plunger that serves as one type of spring ball element used in conjunction with a miter gauge rod;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of another type of spring ball element, with a coil spring having a ball bearing at one end and a set screw at the other end, for association with a miler gauge rod.
Corresponding reference nurnerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.
Description of the Preferred l~;mbodiments The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention.
The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 includes a miter gauge rod 3 having a miter gauge body 5 at one end. The miter gauge rod 3 is adapted to be received within a complementary shaped miter gauge slot 7 of a powered tool equipment worktable 9. The various types of power tool equipment with which miter gauge assemblies are used include table saws, routers, sanders, band saws, and the like.
As best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings, the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 is constructed to enable the miter gauge body 5 to be pivotally mounted to the miter gauge rod 3. Thus, as the threadable miter gauge knob l l is unscrewed, enabling a lower face 13 of the knob I I to be moved out of engagement relative to the elongated curvilinear surfaces 15 on opposite sides of the curvilinear slot 17, the miter gauge body ~ can be pivotally adjusted relative to the miter gauge rod 3. In order to provide for precise adjustments of the miter gauge body 5 relative to the miter gauge rod ~, the miter gauge body 5 includes a semi-circular plate 17 that is calibrated in degrees. This permits appropriate positioning of the miter gauge body ~ and associated calibrated semi-circular plate 17 relative to a pointed indicator l 9 mounted on a miter gauge indicator block 21 attached to one end of the miter gauge rod 3. Following desired positioning, the knob l l is re-tightened.
All of the foregoing described components of the miter gauge assembly l are well-known in the art and provide background understanding of the environment in which the self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 is used.
The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 includes at least two longitudinally spaced spring ball elements 23, 23 which extend laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod 3 for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary shaped miter gauge slot 7, as shown in Figure l, in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod 3 and the miter gauge rod 7, for accurate miter gauge positioning.
As shown in Figures 2-4 of the drawings, the elongated miter gauge rod 3 is of generally rectangular cross sectional configuration having generally parallel longer upper and lower surfaces 25, 25 than generally parallel opposed side edges 27, 27. The miter gauge slot 7 includes side surfaces 29, 29 tllat are generally parallel to and in confronting relationship to 21 77~4~ `
the opposed side edges 27, 27 of the miter gauge rod 3. A pair of longitudinally spaced threaded passageways 31, 31 extend through the elongated miter gauge rod 3 in generally parallel relationship to the upper and lower surfaces 25, 25 and also provide openings 33,33 in each of the opposed side edges 27 from each threaded passageway 31. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly 1 further includes an adjustable spring ball element that is mounted in each of the longitudinally spaced threaded passageways 31,31. Each such spring ball element is also selectively adjustable for increasing or decreasing the spring pressure of its associated spring ball element.
Several different types of adjustable spring ball elements may be used. One such adjustable spring ball element is shown in Figure 3 of the drawings and comprises a spring ball plunger 35 that threadably engages an internally threaded and laterally extending passageway 33. The spring ball plunger 35 includes a screwdriver slot 37 (or other equivalent driving elements such as a hexagon or square shape) at one end and an elongated longitudinally extending opening 39 at an opposite end for receiving a coil spring 41 and associated ball 43. The spring ball plunger 35 is swaged or deformed at the outer end of the elongated longitudinally extending opening 39 in order to retain a ball 43 in the relative position illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings. This prevents disassociation of the ball and its associated spring 41 from the spring ball plunger 35.
It is important to note that the ball 43 extends laterally outwardly beyond the spring ball plunger 35, as well as beyond one of the opposed side edges 27 of the miter gauge rod 3, in order to enable the ball 43 to engage one of the side surfaces 29 of the miter gauge slot 7.
Since a predetermined amount of spring pressure is consistently applied through the coil -spring 41 to the ball 43, the longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements 43 are capable of engaging one adjacent side surface 29 of the miter gauge slot 7 for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement within a predetermined range. This self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement further take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod 3 and the miter gauge slot 7 for accurate miter gauge positioning. It will be appreciated that the spring pressure of the coil spring 41 may be increased or decreased by threadably engaging or disengaging the externally threaded spring ball plunger 35 relative to its associated longitudinally extending threaded passageway. This can be easily accomplished by a screwdriver (not shown) engaging the screwdriver slot 37 for selective adjustment of the spring pressure in the coil spring 41.
A second type of adjustable spring ball element is shown in Figure 4 of the drawings and includes an externally threaded ferrule 45 in the form of a set screw having a screwdriver slot 47 at one end. The externally threaded ferrule or set screw 45 engages a coil spring 51 at its opposite end which is associated with a ball 53. In order to retain the ball in its relative position shown in Figure 4, the side edge 27, through which the ball 53 extends, is deformed or swaged in order to hold the ball in its relative position as illustrated in Figure 4. Selective adjustment of the spring pressure of the coil spring 51 can be accomplished simply by inserting a screwdriver blade in the screwdriver slot 47 and tightening the externally threaded ferrule or set screw 45 to increase the spring pressure or by loosening the externally threaded fe-rule or set screw 45 relative to the internally threaded passageway 31 for decreasing the spring pressure in the coil spring 51.
2 1 7764~`
.
In the use of the adjustable spring ball elements disclosed in Figures 3 or 4 of the drawings or in other equivalent embodiments, it will be appreciated that the at least two spaced spring ball elements, including their associated threaded elcments that engage the internally threaded passageways, enable the longitudinally spaced adjustable spring ball elements to be positioned in self-aligning and self-adjusting engagement with one of the opposed side surfaces of the miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning. The longitudinally spaced adjustable spring ball elements not only readily and quickly adapt to dimensional tolerances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot, but also readily adapt to wear and tear of the miter gauge rod relative to its associated miter gauge slot.
Should adjustment be required, selective adjustment of the adjustable spring ball elements may be accomplished, in the manner described above. In addition, adjusting the spring ball elements forces the miter gauge rod against an opposite side of the miter gauge slot to maintain alignment. Adjusting the spring ball elements also makes continuous adjustment for variations in width of any given miter gauge slot. Moreover, there is an ease of engagement of the miter gauge rod into the miter gauge slot by using the spring ball elements rather than prior art fixed adjustment techniques.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or 1~
21 7764~
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
.
In the use of the adjustable spring ball elements disclosed in Figures 3 or 4 of the drawings or in other equivalent embodiments, it will be appreciated that the at least two spaced spring ball elements, including their associated threaded elcments that engage the internally threaded passageways, enable the longitudinally spaced adjustable spring ball elements to be positioned in self-aligning and self-adjusting engagement with one of the opposed side surfaces of the miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning. The longitudinally spaced adjustable spring ball elements not only readily and quickly adapt to dimensional tolerances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot, but also readily adapt to wear and tear of the miter gauge rod relative to its associated miter gauge slot.
Should adjustment be required, selective adjustment of the adjustable spring ball elements may be accomplished, in the manner described above. In addition, adjusting the spring ball elements forces the miter gauge rod against an opposite side of the miter gauge slot to maintain alignment. Adjusting the spring ball elements also makes continuous adjustment for variations in width of any given miter gauge slot. Moreover, there is an ease of engagement of the miter gauge rod into the miter gauge slot by using the spring ball elements rather than prior art fixed adjustment techniques.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or 1~
21 7764~
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (10)
1. A self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly including:
an elongated miter gauge rod; and at least two longitudinally spaced spring ball elements extending laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary shaped miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
an elongated miter gauge rod; and at least two longitudinally spaced spring ball elements extending laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement relative to adjacent surfaces of a complementary shaped miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
2. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 1 wherein each spring ball element includes a coil spring having a ball element attached to one end.
3. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 1 wherein each spring ball element includes an adjustable element to increase or decrease spring pressure of each associated spring ball element.
4. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 3 wherein each spring ball element is a spring ball plunger that threadably engages an internally threaded laterally extending passageway.
5. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 3 wherein the adjustable element is an externally threaded ferrule that threadably engages an internally threaded laterally extending passageway.
6. The self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 5 wherein the externally threaded ferrule is a set screw that engages one end of a coil spring having an associated ball at an opposite end.
7. A self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly including:
an elongated miter gauge rod positioned in a complementary shaped miter gauge slot of a worktable;
a longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements extending laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod, each spring ball element being selectively adjustable for increasing or decreasing the spring pressure of its associated spring ball element; and said longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements engaging one adjacent surface of the miter gauge slot for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement within a predetermined range relative to adjacent surfaces of the complementary shaped miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
an elongated miter gauge rod positioned in a complementary shaped miter gauge slot of a worktable;
a longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements extending laterally from the elongated miter gauge rod, each spring ball element being selectively adjustable for increasing or decreasing the spring pressure of its associated spring ball element; and said longitudinally spaced pair of spring ball elements engaging one adjacent surface of the miter gauge slot for self-aligning and self-adjustable engagement within a predetermined range relative to adjacent surfaces of the complementary shaped miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
8. A self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly including:
an elongated miter gauge rod of generally rectangular cross sectional configuration having generally parallel longer upper and lower surfaces than generally parallel opposed side edges;
said miter gauge rod being mounted in a complementary shaped miter gauge slot of a powered cutting blade worktable, said miter gauge slot including side surfaces generally parallel to and in confronting relationship to said opposed side edges;
a pair of longitudinally spaced threaded passageways extending laterally through the elongated miter gauge rod in generally parallel relationship to its upper and lower surfaces and also providing openings in each of said opposed side edges from each threaded passageway; and an adjustable spring ball element mounted in each of said threaded passageways and including an associated threaded element for engaging the adjustable spring ball element while being in threaded engagement with an associated passageway, each adjustable spring ball element including said threaded element cooperating to move an associated adjustable spring ball element in self-aligning and self-adjusting engagement with one of the opposed side surfaces of the miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
an elongated miter gauge rod of generally rectangular cross sectional configuration having generally parallel longer upper and lower surfaces than generally parallel opposed side edges;
said miter gauge rod being mounted in a complementary shaped miter gauge slot of a powered cutting blade worktable, said miter gauge slot including side surfaces generally parallel to and in confronting relationship to said opposed side edges;
a pair of longitudinally spaced threaded passageways extending laterally through the elongated miter gauge rod in generally parallel relationship to its upper and lower surfaces and also providing openings in each of said opposed side edges from each threaded passageway; and an adjustable spring ball element mounted in each of said threaded passageways and including an associated threaded element for engaging the adjustable spring ball element while being in threaded engagement with an associated passageway, each adjustable spring ball element including said threaded element cooperating to move an associated adjustable spring ball element in self-aligning and self-adjusting engagement with one of the opposed side surfaces of the miter gauge slot in order to take up dimensional clearances between the miter gauge rod and miter gauge slot for accurate miter gauge positioning.
9. The self-aligning miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 8 wherein each adjustable spring element including an associated threaded element comprises a spring ball plunger.
10. The self-aligning miter gauge assembly as defined in Claim 8 wherein the adjustable spring element is a coil spring with a ball attached at one end, and the threaded element is a threaded ferrule for threadably engaging an associated threaded passageway while engaging an opposite end of the coil spring to increase or decrease the spring pressure of the coil spring in applying force through the attached ball.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US594,623 | 1990-10-09 | ||
| US59462396A | 1996-02-02 | 1996-02-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2177640A1 true CA2177640A1 (en) | 1997-08-03 |
Family
ID=24379683
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2177640 Abandoned CA2177640A1 (en) | 1996-02-02 | 1996-05-29 | Self-aligning and self-adjusting miter gauge assembly |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2177640A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9603794A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018024877A1 (en) * | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-08 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Precision adjustable miter gauge for table saw |
| US20230082307A1 (en) * | 2021-09-10 | 2023-03-16 | Woodpeckers, Llc | Miter bar |
-
1996
- 1996-05-29 CA CA 2177640 patent/CA2177640A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-08-30 MX MX9603794A patent/MX9603794A/en unknown
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018024877A1 (en) * | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-08 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Precision adjustable miter gauge for table saw |
| US10166692B2 (en) | 2016-08-04 | 2019-01-01 | Robert Bosch Tool Corporation | Precision adjustable miter gauge for a table saw |
| US20230082307A1 (en) * | 2021-09-10 | 2023-03-16 | Woodpeckers, Llc | Miter bar |
| US11958120B2 (en) * | 2021-09-10 | 2024-04-16 | Woodpeckers, Llc | Miter bar |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX9603794A (en) | 1997-08-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |