CA2876320A1

CA2876320A1 - Apparatus for portable cutting machine

Info

Publication number: CA2876320A1
Application number: CA2876320A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Oliks Lekaj
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-31
Filing date: 2014-12-31
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

An apparatus is for a portable cutting machine configured to cut a work piece.
The apparatus includes a work-piece datum assembly configured to spatially contact, at least in part, the work piece. A cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly are joined at an intersection. The cutting-tool guide assembly is configured to guide linear movement of the portable cutting machine relative to the work piece. This is done in such a way that the portable cutting machine (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece. A
protractor assembly extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly. The protractor assembly is fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly and also to the work-piece datum assembly. The protractor assembly is configured to facilitate angular alignment between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work piece.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE CUTTING MACHINE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) an apparatus for a portable cutting machine configured to cut a work piece (and method associated with the apparatus).
BACKGROUND

[0002] Examples of a portable cutting machine having a cutting blade include a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a router.

[0003] The circular saw is a saw using a toothed or abrasive disc or blade to cut different materials using a rotary motion spinning around an arbor. The circular saw is a tool for cutting many materials such as wood, masonry, plastic, or metal and may be hand-held.
The circular saw blade is specially designed for a particular material to be cut, and in cutting wood, the blade is specifically designed for making rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or a combination of both.

[0004] The jigsaw is a tool used for cutting arbitrary curves, such as stenciled designs or other custom shapes, into a piece of wood, metal, or other material. Although a jigsaw can be used to cut arbitrary patterns, making a straight cut is more difficult.

[0005] The router is a tool used to rout out (hollow out) an area in the face of a relatively hard work piece, typically made of wood or plastic. The main application of routers is in woodworking, especially cabinetry.
SUMMARY

[0006] It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing portable cutting machines. After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

[0007] It is very difficult to use a portable cutting machine to cut a work piece along an accurate angle in such a way that an angle cut may be formed on a repeatable basis and/or a reliable basis.

[0008] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing portable cutting machines, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for a portable cutting machine configured to cut a work piece.
The apparatus includes a work-piece datum assembly configured to spatially contact (to make spatial contact with), at least in part, the work piece. A cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly are joined at an intersection. The cutting-tool guide assembly is configured to guide linear movement of the portable cutting machine relative to the work piece.
This is done in such a way that the portable cutting machine (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece. A protractor assembly extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly. The protractor assembly is configured to facilitate angular alignment between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work piece.

[0009] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing portable cutting machines, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for a portable cutting machine having a cutting device and a tool guide assembly spaced apart from the cutting device. The cutting device is configured to cut a work piece having a linearly-extending work-piece length. The apparatus includes a work-piece datum assembly having a linearly-extending datum length configured to spatially contact (to make spatial contact with), at least in part, the linearly-extending work-piece length of the work piece once the linearly-extending datum length is positioned just so. A cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly are joined at an intersection. The cutting-tool guide assembly has a linearly-extending guide length configured to guide linear movement of the tool guide assembly of the portable cutting machine along the linearly-extending guide length relative to the work piece. This is done in such a way that the cutting device (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece once the tool guide assembly is spatially moved along the cutting-tool guide assembly just so. A protractor assembly extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly. The protractor assembly is configured to angularly align the cutting-tool guide assembly relative to the work piece once the protractor assembly is positioned just so.

[0010] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing portable cutting machines, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) a method. The method is for a portable cutting machine having a cutting device and a tool guide assembly spaced apart from the cutting device. The cutting device is configured to cut a work piece having a linearly-extending work-piece length. The method is also for an apparatus including a cutting-tool guide assembly and a work-piece datum assembly joined at an intersection. The apparatus also includes a protractor assembly extending between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly. The method includes an operation (A), an operation (B), an operation (C), and an operation (D). Operation (A) includes positioning the protractor assembly being fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly and also to the work-piece datum assembly relative to the work piece. Operation (B) includes spatially contacting, at least in part, a linearly-extending datum length of the work-piece datum assembly with the linearly-extending work-piece length of the work piece once the linearly-extending datum length is positioned just so.
Operation (C) includes angularly aligning the cutting-tool guide assembly relative to the work piece once the protractor assembly is positioned just so. Operation (D) includes guiding linear movement of the tool guide assembly of the portable cutting machine relative to the work piece along a linearly-extending guide length of the cutting-tool guide assembly.
This is done in such a way that the cutting device (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece once the tool guide assembly is spatially moved along the cutting-tool guide assembly just SO.

[0011] Other aspects are identified in the claims.

[0012] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIGS. IA to lE depict views of embodiments of a portable cutting machine having a cutting device and a tool guide assembly.

[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. lA to 1E;

[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for cutting a work piece by using the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E;

[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for cutting a work piece by using the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E;

[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for cutting a work piece by using the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. lA to 1E;

[0019] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for use with the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. lA to 1E;

[0020] FIGS. 6D and 6E depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for cutting a work piece by using the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. lA to 1E; and

[0021] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for cutting a work piece by using the portable cutting machine of any one of FIGS. lA to 1E.

[0022] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
100 apparatus 101 protractor assembly 102 protractor origin 103 protractor markings 104 auxiliary protractor assembly 105 auxiliary protractor markings 106 cutting-tool guide assembly 108 work-piece datum assembly 109 intersection 110 work-piece fence 111 linearly-extending datum length 112 cutting tool fence 113 linearly-extending guide length 114 guide-extension assembly 116 complementary extension interface assembly 118 extension-interface portion 120 extension assembly 122 key assembly 900 portable cutting machine 901 cutting device 902 footprint 903 tool guide assembly 904 portable circular saw 905 circular cutting blade 906 portable jigsaw 907 reciprocating cutting blade 908 portable router 909 spinning cutting blade 910 work piece 911 linearly-extending work-piece length 912 linearly-extending cut 914 clamp assembly DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

[0025] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

[0026] FIGS. lA to lE depict views of embodiments of a portable cutting machine 900 having a cutting device 901 and a tool guide assembly 903. FIGS. 1A, 1B, IC and 1E
depict perspective views. FIG. IC depicts a top view of a footprint 902 of the portable cutting machine 900 of FIGS. 1 A and 1B.

[0027] The portable cutting machine 900 includes a cutting device 901. The portable cutting machine 900 also includes a tool guide assembly 903 that is spaced apart from the cutting device 901. The cutting device 901 is spaced a set distance from the tool guide assembly 903. The cutting device 901 may be called a cutting blade (etc.). The tool guide assembly 903 is also called a base plate, a guide plate, a fence-following base, a fence-following surface, a fence-following device, etc. The cutting device 901 is configured to cut a work piece 910 having a linearly-extending work-piece length 911 (positioned at a side of the work piece 910).
Embodiments of the work piece 910 are depicted in FIGS. 1A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6D, 6E, 7A, 7B and 7C. The work piece 910 may include a piece of wood or a piece of stone, such as a sheet (a plywood sheet, etc.), or a baseboard having a baseboard profile, etc.

[0028] Preferably, the cutting device 901 of the portable cutting machine 900 is configured to form a cross cut and/or a rip cut in the work piece 910. The cross cut is a cut that is aligned across the main grain of the work piece 910, or is a cut that is aligned perpendicular to the grain of the work piece 910. The rip cut is a cut that severs or divides a piece of the work piece 910 parallel to the grain of the work piece 910.

[0029] In accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. IA, 1B and IC, the portable cutting machine 900 includes a portable circular saw 904 having a circular cutting blade 905. The circular cutting blade 905 is an embodiment of the cutting device 901.

[0030] In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. IC, a tool guide assembly 903 of the portable circular saw 904 (depicted in FIGS. IA and 1B) encloses a footprint 902 of the circular cutting blade 905 of FIGS. IA and 1B. The tool guide assembly 903 may have any suitable shape. The tool guide assembly 903 is depicted as having a rectangular form or shape.

[0031] In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. ID, the portable cutting machine 900 includes a portable jigsaw 906 having a reciprocating cutting blade 907. The portable jigsaw 906 also includes the tool guide assembly 903. The reciprocating cutting blade 907 is an embodiment of the cutting device 901.

[0032] In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1E, the portable cutting machine 900 includes a portable router 908 having a spinning cutting blade 909 (also called a rotating cutting blade). The portable router 908 also includes the tool guide assembly 903. The spinning cutting blade 909 is an embodiment of the cutting device 901.

[0033] FIG. 2A depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to IE. FIG. 2A depicts a top view.

[0034] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the apparatus 100 includes a combination of a protractor assembly 101, an auxiliary protractor assembly 104, a cutting-tool guide assembly 106, a work-piece datum assembly 108, a work-piece fence 110, a cutting tool fence 112, a guide-extension assembly 114, and an extension-interface portion 118.The protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are configured to measure and facilitate the construction of angles (angled cuts).

[0035] The protractor assembly 101 extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 (also called a guide plate) and the work-piece datum assembly 108 (also called a datum plate).
The protractor assembly 101 includes a body forming opposite ends. One of the opposite ends of the protractor assembly 101 is fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106, and another of the opposite ends of the protractor assembly 101 is fixedly connected to the work-piece datum assembly 108. In this manner, the opposite ends of the protractor assembly 101 are fixedly connected, respectively, to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. As depicted in FIG. 2A, the protractor assembly 101 forms (defines) a quarter arch shape (an accurate shape). It will be appreciated that the protractor assembly 101 may have any suitable shape (if desired).

[0036] The auxiliary protractor assembly 104 is spaced apart from the protractor assembly 101. The auxiliary protractor assembly 104 extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The auxiliary protractor assembly 104 includes a body forming opposite ends. One of the opposite ends of the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 is fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106, and another of the opposite ends of the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 is fixedly connected to the work-piece datum assembly 108. In this manner, the opposite ends of the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are fixedly connected, respectively, to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. As depicted in FIG. 2A, the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 forms (defines) a shape having a linear length. It will be appreciated that the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 may have any suitable shape (if desired).

[0037] The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108 form an L-shaped body (or an L-shaped jig). The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108 are fixedly connected to each other at the intersection 109. The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 includes the cutting tool fence 112 having a linear shape (a linear surface) extending along a length of the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The work-piece datum assembly 108 includes the work-piece fence 110 having a linear shape (a linear surface) extending along a length of the work-piece datum assembly 108.

[0038] The cutting tool fence 112 is configured to guide a linear movement of the portable cutting machine 900 along a linear length of the cutting tool fence 112 once the portable cutting machine 900 is positioned against the cutting tool fence 112 and is then moved along the cutting tool fence 112 (by the operator of the portable cutting machine 900, once made to do just so).
The cutting tool fence 112 extends vertically above the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The work-piece fence 110 extends below the work-piece datum assembly 108.

[0039] The guide-extension assembly 114 may be called a guide plate. The guide-extension assembly 114 (also called a guide plate) extends from the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and from the cutting tool fence 112. The guide-extension assembly 114 receives (at least in part) the tool guide assembly 903 (as depicted in FIG. 3A), and is configured to facilitate linear movement of the portable cutting machine 900 along a length of the guide-extension assembly 114.

[0040] In accordance with an embodiment, the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the guide-extension assembly 114 forms or defines instances of the extension-interface portion 118 at the opposite ends of the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the guide-extension assembly 114.
The extension-interface portion 118 is configured to facilitate attachment of an extension assembly 120 (depicted in the embodiments of FIG. 6A). The extension-interface portion 118 may include a groove formation, etc.

[0041] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3A, by way of example, the work-piece fence 110 of the work-piece datum assembly 108 is configured to be positioned against (to abut) a linear length of the work piece 910. In this manner, the work-piece datum assembly 108 may be positioned relative to a datum reference (such as, the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 also called a face side or a face edge) of the work piece 910. The operator of the portable cutting machine 900 nominates a straight edge of the work piece 910 as the datum edge (in subsequent markings and measurements, the measurements are then taken from the datum reference).
Sometime, two datum references positioned orthogonally to each other are used.
The work-piece fence 110 of the work-piece datum assembly 108 is positioned to the datum edge (such as the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 as depicted in FIG. 3A) of the work piece 910.

[0042] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 7A, by way of example, the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are configured to be positioned against (to abut) a linear length of the work piece 910. In this manner, the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 may be positioned relative to a datum reference (such as the linearly-extending work-piece length 911, also called a face side or a face edge) of the work piece 910. The operator of the portable cutting machine 900 nominates a straight edge of the work piece 910 as the datum edge (in subsequent markings and measurements, the measurements are taken from the datum reference). Sometimes, two datum references positioned orthogonally to each other are used. The protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are positioned to the datum edge (such as the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 as depicted in FIG. 3A) of the work piece 910. Selected corresponding instances of the protractor markings 103 (as depicted in FIG. 2B) of the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor markings 105 (as depicted in FIG. 2B) of the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are aligned with a datum reference (the linearly-extending work-piece length 911) of the work piece 910. More specifically, the protractor markings 103 of the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor markings 105 of the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are configured to be aligned with a datum reference of the work piece 910. For instance, the protractor markings 103 and the auxiliary protractor markings 105 corresponding to the 45 degree angle may be selected for the case where the operator desires to form an angled cut line through the work piece 910. For instance, the angled cut line may be aligned at 45 degrees relative to the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 of the work piece 910 (if desired).

[0043] Referring back to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the protractor assembly 101 forms (defines) an arch that extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The protractor assembly 101 is fixedly attached to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The protractor assembly 101 is also fixedly attached to the work-piece datum assembly 108.

[0044] The auxiliary protractor assembly 104 forms (defines) a triangular shape that extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The auxiliary protractor assembly 104 is fixedly attached to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106.
The auxiliary protractor assembly 104 is also fixedly attached to the work-piece datum assembly 108.

[0045] The cutting tool fence 112 is configured to permit linear movement of the portable cutting machine 900 so that the cuts formed by the portable cutting machine 900 on the work piece 910 are aligned straight relative to an edge of the work piece 910.

[0046] In accordance with one embodiment, the method for using the apparatus 100 includes:
an operation (A) including placing the work-piece fence 110 against the work piece 910; and an operation (B) including clamping the apparatus 100 to the work piece 910 in such a way that the cutting tool fence 112 is fixedly positioned relative to the work piece 910.
The portable cutting machine 900 is moved (by the operator or user) linearly along the cutting tool fence 112 in such a way as to form a linear cut in the work piece 910. For the case depicted in FIG. 3A, a clamping device (known and therefore not depicted) is not depicted. For the case depicted in FIG. 7B, a clamp assembly 914 is depicted. It will be appreciated that the clamp assembly 914 depicted in FIG. 7B may be deployed in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A (if so desired).

[0047] For the case depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the linearly-extending cut 912 formed by using the portable cutting machine 900 with assistance from the apparatus 100 is aligned 90 degrees relative to the linearly-extending work-piece length 911.

[0048] For the case depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, the linearly-extending cut 912 formed by using the portable cutting machine 900 with the apparatus 100 is aligned at an acute angle relative to the linearly-extending work-piece length 911.

[0049] FIG. 2B depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E. FIG. 2B depicts atop view.

[0050] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, the apparatus 100 further includes protractor markings 103 defined by (provided by) the protractor assembly 101, and auxiliary protractor markings 105 defined by (provided by) the auxiliary protractor assembly 104. The protractor markings 103 and the auxiliary protractor markings 105 are positioned at corresponding angular positions relative to the work-piece datum assembly 108.
For instance, the 45-degree marking provided by the protractor markings 103 correspond with the 45-degree marking provided by the auxiliary protractor markings 105.

[0051] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 for cutting the work piece 910 by using the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS.
IA to 1E. FIG. 3B depicts a view of the embodiment of the work piece 910 of FIG. 3A that was cut by using the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E
with the apparatus 100 of FIG. 3A. FIGS. 3A and 3B depict top views. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict end views. FIGS.
5A and 5B depict side views.

[0052] By way of example, before the portable cutting machine 900 is positioned on the apparatus 100 (as depicted in FIG. 3A), the operator measures out a length (using a tape measure, for instance) along the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 of the work piece 910. The operator make a mark on the desired spot on the linearly-extending work-piece length 911. Then, the operator places (positions) the apparatus 100 in such a way that the work-piece fence 110 abuts (makes contact with) the linearly-extending work-piece length 911, and the intersection 109 is positioned at the spot where the end of the measurement was marked on the work piece 910 (along the linearly-extending work-piece length 911). The apparatus 100 may be clamped down to the work piece 910, and then the portable cutting machine 900 is placed on the apparatus 100 as depicted in (FIG. 3A), and the cut is made (using the portable cutting machine 900) starting from where the measured mark was placed on the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 and ending where desired along the work piece 910. It will be appreciated that using the apparatus 100 may reduce (at least in part) the amount or degree of chipping that may occur along the linearly-extending cut 912 (depicted in FIG. 3B) as a result of using the portable cutting machine 900.

[0053] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3A, by way of example, the work-piece fence 110 of the work-piece datum assembly 108 is positioned against (abuts) a linear length of the work piece 910. In this manner, the work-piece datum assembly 108 may be positioned relative to a datum reference (such as, the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 also called a face side or a face edge) of the work piece 910. The operator of the portable cutting machine 900 nominates a straight edge of the work piece 910 as the datum edge (in subsequent markings and measurements, the measurements are taken from the datum reference). Sometimes, two datum references positioned orthogonally to each other are used. The work-piece fence 110 of the work-piece datum assembly 108 is positioned to the datum edge (such as the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 as depicted in FIG. 3A) of the work piece 910.

[0054] In accordance with a first major aspect and with reference to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, the apparatus 100 is for the portable cutting machine 900. The portable cutting machine 900 is configured to cut the work piece 910. The apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a combination of a cutting-tool guide assembly 106, a work-piece datum assembly 108 and a protractor assembly 101. The work-piece datum assembly 108 is configured to spatially contact (to make spatial contact with), at least in part, the work piece 910. The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108 are joined at an intersection 109. The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 is configured to guide linear movement of the portable cutting machine 900 along the work piece 910. This is done in such a way that the portable cutting machine 900 (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut 912 extending along the work piece 910. The protractor assembly 101 extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The protractor assembly 101 is fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The protractor assembly 101 is also fixedly connected to the work-piece datum assembly 108. The protractor assembly 101 is configured to facilitate angular alignment between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work piece 910. A technical effect provided by the apparatus 100 is that the components of the apparatus 100 are not moveable relative to each other, and therefore are less prone to failure due to movable parts and/or components.

[0055] In accordance with a second major aspect and with reference to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, the apparatus 100 is for the portable cutting machine 900.
The portable cutting machine 900 has the cutting device 901 and the tool guide assembly 903 spaced apart from the cutting device 901. The cutting device 901 is configured to cut the work piece 910 having a linearly-extending work-piece length 911 (depicted in FIGS.
3A and 3B).
The apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a combination of the cutting-tool guide assembly 106, the work-piece datum assembly 108 and the protractor assembly 101. The work-piece datum assembly 108 has a linearly-extending datum length 111. The linearly-extending datum length 111 is configured to spatially contact (to make spatial contact with), at least in part, the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 of the work piece 910 once the linearly-extending datum length 111 is positioned just so. The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108 are joined at an intersection 109. The cutting-tool guide assembly 106 has a linearly-extending guide length 113. The linearly-extending guide length 113 is configured to guide linear movement of the tool guide assembly 903 of the portable cutting machine 900 along the linearly-extending guide length 113 relative to the work piece 910. This is done in such a way that the cutting device 901 (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut 912 extending along the work piece 910 once the tool guide assembly 903 is spatially moved along the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 just so. The protractor assembly 101 extends between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The protractor assembly 101 is fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The protractor assembly 101 is also fixedly connected to the work-piece datum assembly 108.
The protractor assembly 101 is configured to angularly align the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 relative to the work piece 910 once the protractor assembly 101 is positioned just so. A
technical effect provided by the apparatus 100 is that the components of the apparatus 100 are not moveable relative to each other, and therefore are less prone to failure due to movable parts and/or components.

[0056] In accordance with a third major aspect and with reference to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, a method is for the portable cutting machine 900.
The method is also for the apparatus 100 including the cutting-tool guide assembly 106, the work-piece datum assembly 108, and the protractor assembly 101. The protractor assembly 101 is fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The protractor assembly 101 is also fixedly connected to the work-piece datum assembly 108. The method includes (and is not limited to) a combination of an operation (A), an operation (B), an operation (C), and an operation (D). The operation (A) includes positioning the protractor assembly 101 being fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and also to the work-piece datum assembly 108 (relative to the work piece 910). The operation (B) includes spatially contacting (making spatial contact with), at least in part, the linearly-extending datum length 111 of the work-piece datum assembly 108 with the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 of the work piece 910 once the linearly-extending datum length 111 is positioned just so. The operation (C) includes angularly aligning the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 relative to the work piece 910 (once the protractor assembly 101 is positioned just so). The operation (D) includes guiding linear movement of the tool guide assembly 903 of the portable cutting machine 900 relative to the work piece 910 along a linearly-extending guide length 113 of cutting-tool guide assembly 106;
this is done in such a way that the cutting device 901 (in use) forms a linearly-extending cut 912 extending along the work piece 910 once the tool guide assembly 903 is spatially moved along the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 just so.

[0057] In accordance with an embodiment, the protractor assembly 101 has a protractor origin 102 positioned between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The protractor origin 102 is aligned with the intersection 109.

[0058] In accordance with an embodiment, the linearly extending work-piece datum assembly 108 extends from the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. This is done in such a way that the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108 are mutually orthogonal (aligned mutually orthogonal relative to each other).

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment, the protractor assembly 101 is configured to assist in angular alignment between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108.

[0060] In accordance with an embodiment, the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108 define an L-shape.

[0061] In accordance with an embodiment, the protractor assembly 101 extends symmetrically between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108. The protractor origin 102 is positioned symmetrically between the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the work-piece datum assembly 108.

[0062] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 for use with the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. 1A to 1E. FIGS. 6A, 6B
and 6C depict top views.

[0063] In accordance with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the apparatus 100 further includes an extension assembly 120 (or instances of an extension assembly 120). The extension assembly 120 includes opposite sides that provide (form) the extension-interface portion 118 and the complementary extension interface assembly 116. By way of example, the complementary extension interface assembly 116 may include a tongue (extending from the extension assembly 120). The extension-interface portion 118 may include a groove (defined by the extension assembly 120). By way of example, instances of the extension assembly 120 are positioned on opposite sides of the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 and the guide-extension assembly 114. Instances of the extension assembly 120 include corresponding instances of the cutting-tool guide assembly 106, the cutting tool fence 112 and the guide-extension assembly 114.

[0064] A key assembly 122 (also called a key) is configured to lock positions of the extension assembly 120 relative to the cutting-tool guide assembly 106. The key assembly 122 may include any suitable shape (examples of which are depicted in FIGS. 6B and 6C). The extension assembly 120 and the cutting-tool guide assembly 106 define cavities that are configured to lockably receive the key assembly 122.

[0065] FIGS. 6D and 6E depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 for cutting a work piece 910 by using the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E. FIGS. 6D

and 6E depict top views. FIG. 6E depicts a view of the embodiment of the work piece 910 of FIG. 6D that was cut by using the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to I E
with the apparatus 100 of FIG. 6D.

[0066] The case depicted in FIG. 6D is similar to the case for FIG. 3A;
moreover, the extension assembly 120 permits the portable cutting machine 900 to cut along a relatively longer linear length aligned along the work piece 910.

[0067] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C (SHEETS 11 AND 12 OF 13 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 for cutting a work piece 910 by using the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E. FIG. 7B depicts a view of the embodiment of the work piece 910 of FIG. 7A that was cut by using the portable cutting machine 900 of any one of FIGS. IA to 1E with the apparatus 100 of FIG. 7A. FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C
depict top views.

[0068] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A permits the apparatus 100 to be used to form an angled cut aligned along the work piece 910. Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 7A, by way of example, the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are positioned against a linear length of the work piece 910. In this manner, the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 may be positioned relative to a datum reference (such as the linearly-extending work-piece length 911, also called a face side or a face edge) of the work piece 910. The operator of the portable cutting machine 900 nominates a straight edge of the work piece 910 as the datum edge (in subsequent markings and measurements, the measurements are then taken from the datum reference). Sometimes, two datum references positioned orthogonally to each other are used. The protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are positioned to the datum edge (such as the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 as depicted in FIG. 3A) of the work piece 910. Selected instances (corresponding instances) of the protractor markings 103 (as depicted in FIG.
2B) of the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor markings 105 (as depicted in FIG. 2B) of the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are aligned with the linearly-extending work-piece length 911. For instance, the protractor markings 103 and the auxiliary protractor markings 105 corresponding to the 45 degree angle may be selected for the case where the operator desires to form an angled cut line through the work piece 910. For instance, the angled cut line may be aligned at 45 degrees relative to the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 of the work piece 910 (if desired).

[0069] Selected markings of the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104 are positioned along the linearly-extending work-piece length 911 in such a way as to measure out an angle 124. The angle 124 is formed between: (A) the work-piece datum assembly 108, and (B) the markings of the protractor assembly 101 and the auxiliary protractor assembly 104. As a result, the cutting tool fence 112 is aligned in such a way that the angle 124 is formed between the cutting tool fence 112 and the line that is aligned normal to the linearly-extending work-piece length 911. Once the desired angle is formed (constructed), the apparatus 100 is clamped to the work piece 910 (as depicted in FIG. 7B).

[0070] In accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7B, the clamp assembly 914 is used (deployed) to clamp the apparatus 100 to the work piece 910 before the portable cutting machine 900 is deployed (for forming the linearly-extending cut 912 depicted in FIG. 7C).

[0071] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0072] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase "includes"

is equivalent to the word "comprising." The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for a portable cutting machine being configured to cut a work piece, the apparatus comprising:
a work-piece datum assembly being configured to spatially make contact, at least in part, with the work piece once positioned to do just so;
a cutting-tool guide assembly, the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly being joined at an intersection, and the cutting-tool guide assembly being configured to guide linear movement of the portable cutting machine relative to the work piece in such a way that the portable cutting machine, in use, forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece; and a protractor assembly extending between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly, the protractor assembly being configured to facilitate angular alignment between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work piece, and the protractor assembly being fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly and also to the work-piece datum assembly.

2. An apparatus for a portable cutting machine having a cutting device and a tool guide assembly spaced apart from the cutting device, the cutting device being configured to cut a work piece having a linearly-extending work-piece length, the apparatus comprising:
a work-piece datum assembly having a linearly-extending datum length being configured to spatially make contact, at least in part, with the linearly-extending work-piece length of the work piece once the linearly-extending datum length is positioned just so;
a cutting-tool guide assembly, the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly being joined at an intersection, and the cutting-tool guide assembly having a linearly-extending guide length being configured to guide linear movement of the tool guide assembly of the portable cutting machine along the linearly-extending guide length relative to the work piece in such a way that the cutting device, in use, forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece once the tool guide assembly is spatially moved along the cutting-tool guide assembly just so; and a protractor assembly extending between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly, the protractor assembly being configured to angularly align the cutting-tool guide assembly relative to the work piece once the protractor assembly is positioned just so, and the protractor assembly being fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly and also to the work-piece datum assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:
the protractor assembly has a protractor origin positioned between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly; and the protractor origin is aligned with the intersection.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:
the work-piece datum assembly extends from the cutting-tool guide assembly in such a way that the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly are mutually orthogonal relative to each other.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:
the protractor assembly is configured to assist in angular alignment between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:
the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly define an L-shape.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:
the protractor assembly extends symmetrically between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly, and the protractor origin is positioned symmetrically between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
an auxiliary protractor assembly spaced apart from the protractor assembly, the auxiliary protractor assembly extending between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly, and opposite ends of the auxiliary protractor assembly being fixedly connected, respectively, to the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:
the work-piece datum assembly includes:
a work-piece fence having a linear shape extending along a length of the work-piece datum assembly, and the work-piece fence extends below the work-piece datum assembly.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:
the cutting-tool guide assembly includes:
a cutting tool fence having a linear shape extending along a length of the cutting-tool guide assembly, and the cutting tool fence extends vertically above the cutting-tool guide assembly, and the cutting tool fence being configured to permit the linear movement of the portable cutting machine.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
a guide-extension assembly extending from the cutting-tool guide assembly and also from the cutting tool fence, and the guide-extension assembly receives, at least in part, the tool guide assembly, and the guide-extension assembly is configured to facilitate the linear movement of the portable cutting machine along the guide-extension assembly.

12. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
an extension-interface portion located at opposite ends of the cutting-tool guide assembly and a guide-extension assembly, and the extension-interface portion being configured to facilitate attachment of an extension assembly.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:
the work-piece fence of the work-piece datum assembly is configured to be positioned against a linear length of the work piece in such a way that the work-piece datum assembly is positioned relative to a datum reference of the work piece.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:
the protractor assembly and the auxiliary protractor assembly are configured to be positioned against a linear length of the work piece, in such a way that the protractor assembly and the auxiliary protractor assembly are positioned relative to a datum reference of the work piece.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:
the protractor assembly includes protractor markings;
the auxiliary protractor assembly includes auxiliary protractor markings; and the protractor markings and the auxiliary protractor markings are configured to be aligned with a datum reference of the work piece.

16. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
an extension assembly including opposite sides that provide an extension-interface portion and a complementary extension interface assembly.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:
the complementary extension interface assembly includes a tongue extending from the extension assembly; and the extension-interface portion includes a groove defined by the extension assembly.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:
a key assembly configured to lock positions of the extension assembly relative to the cutting-tool guide assembly.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein:
the extension assembly and the cutting-tool guide assembly define cavities that are configured to lockably receive the key assembly.

20. A method for a portable cutting machine having a cutting device and a tool guide assembly spaced apart from the cutting device, the cutting device being configured to cut a work piece having a linearly-extending work-piece length, and for an apparatus including a cutting-tool guide assembly and a work-piece datum assembly being joined at an intersection, and a protractor assembly extending between the cutting-tool guide assembly and the work-piece datum assembly, and the protractor assembly being fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly and also to the work-piece datum assembly, the method comprising:
positioning the protractor assembly being fixedly connected to the cutting-tool guide assembly and also to the work-piece datum assembly relative to the work piece;
spatially contacting, at least in part, a linearly-extending datum length of the work-piece datum assembly with the linearly-extending work-piece length of the work piece once the linearly-extending datum length is positioned just so;
angularly aligning the cutting-tool guide assembly relative to the work piece once the protractor assembly is positioned just so; and guiding a linear movement of the tool guide assembly of the portable cutting machine relative to the work piece along a linearly-extending guide length of the cutting-tool guide assembly in such a way that the cutting device, in use, forms a linearly-extending cut extending along the work piece once the tool guide assembly is spatially moved along the cutting-tool guide assembly just so.