Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWER SAW
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for use with a
power saw,
and more specifically relates to an apparatus for use with a power saw capable
of
cutting a fence post.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fences are generally constructed to divide portions of land. There have
been
numerous methods and designs for building fences. One example involves
erecting
fence posts spaced apart from each other and connecting the fence posts with
top rails.
Fencing material, such as netting, wire-mesh, chain-link, and panels can be
suspended
from the top rail to the ground to form a barrier.
[0003] In general, fence posts are often pre-cut in a factory, such as a
lumber mill, to
have a uniform length prior to arriving at a worksite where the fence post is
to be
erected. However, due to variations in ground height as well as variations in
posthole
depth, the tops of the erected fence posts on a piece of land may not be at
the desired
heights.
[0004] Power saws, such as chainsaws and circular saws, can be used to cut
fence
posts to the desired heights. For example, the height of the fence post
relative to either
the ground or the top rail can be measured. A fence builder can use the power
saw to
cut each fence post to be the same height or cut to follow a slope or pattern
by holding
the blade of a power saw against the fence post to cut through. By positioning
and
holding the power saw by hand, undesirable variations can be introduced as the
fence
builder may not be able to execute a straight cut or a level cut of the fence
post.
Moreover, certain types of post caps may not fit properly on uneven cuts. In
addition,
each fence post would need to be manually measured and marked prior to each
cut.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with an aspect of the specification, there is provided an
apparatus
for operating a power saw on a fence. The apparatus includes a body for
supporting
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the power saw. The body includes a primary coupling mechanism for coupling the
power saw to the body and constraining movement of a blade of the power saw to
be in
a plane. The apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism connected to the
body.
The clamping mechanism is for clamping a top rail of the fence to secure the
body
relative to the fence.
[0006] The primary coupling mechanism may couple the power saw to the body
pivotally. The power saw may be rotatable about a primary axis when coupled.
[0007] The primary coupling mechanism may include a primary coupling aperture
for
receiving a coupling member. The coupling member may be for securing the power
saw to the body.
[0008] The coupling member may be freely rotatable within the primary coupling
aperture such that the power saw is rotatable relative to the body.
[0009] The primary coupling mechanism may further include a primary motion
limiting
aperture for receiving a motion limiting member connected to the power saw.
The
motion limiting member may be configured to limit the movement of the blade of
the
power saw by engaging the motion limiting aperture.
[0010] The primary coupling mechanism may be disposed proximate to a center
point of
the body.
[0011] The apparatus may further include a secondary coupling mechanism for
pivotally
coupling the power saw to the body. The power saw may be rotatable about a
secondary axis when coupled.
[0012] The primary axis may be parallel to the secondary axis.
[0013] The secondary coupling mechanism may be offset from the center point of
the
body. The secondary coupling mechanism may be for coupling the power saw to
position the blade for decorative cuts on a side of a fence post.
[0014] The primary coupling mechanism may include an arm having a first end
and a
second end. The first end may be connected to the body and the second end may
be
connected to the power saw.
[0015] The first end may be rotatably connected to the body about a first
axis.
[0016] The second end may be rotatably connected to the power saw about a
second
axis.
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[0017] The clamping mechanism may include a first plate and a second plate.
The first
plate may be for engaging a first side of the top rail. The second plate may
be for
engaging a second side of the top rail. The second side may be opposite the
first side.
[0018] The first plate may be adjusted using a first bolt. The second plate
may be
adjusted using a second bolt.
[0019] The first plate may include a first notch. The second plate may include
a second
notch. The first notch and second notch may be configured to mate with the
body for
guiding the movement of the first plate and the second plate relative to the
body.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the specification, there is
provided a
method of operating a power saw on a fence. The method involves clamping a
body to
a top rail using a clamping mechanism connected to the body, wherein clamping
secures the body relative to the fence. In addition, the method involves
coupling the
power saw to the body using a coupling mechanism. The method further involves
constraining movement of a blade of the power saw to be in a plane.
[0021] Coupling the power saw to the body may involve pivotally coupling the
power
saw to the body, wherein the power saw is rotatable about a primary axis when
coupled.
[0022] Coupling the power saw to the body may involve receiving a coupling
member in
a primary coupling aperture of the body. The coupling member may be for
connecting
to the power saw and engaging the primary coupling aperture.
[0023] Coupling the power saw to the body may involve rotatably connecting a
first end
of an arm to the body and a second end of the arm to the power saw.
[0024] Clamping may include engaging a first side of a top rail using a first
plate and
engaging a second side of the top rail using a second plate. The second side
may be
opposite the first side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for operating a
power saw on
a fence in accordance with an embodiment;
[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a power saw for use with the
apparatus
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shown in figure 1;
[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in figure 1
in use with
the power saw shown in figure 2;
[0029] Figure 4 is a side view of a plate in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the apparatus shown in figure 1 in
use;
[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for operating a
power saw on
a fence in accordance with another embodiment;
[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic view showing the motion of the apparatus
shown in
figure 6; and
[0033] Figure 8 is a top view of an apparatus for operating a power saw on
a fence
in accordance with another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0034] As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute
orientation, such as
"top", "front", and "side", are for illustrative convenience and refer to the
orientation
shown in an example of a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be
construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components
will, in
practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than
those
described or shown.
[0035] Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of an apparatus for operating a
power saw
on a fence is shown generally at 50. The apparatus 50 includes a body 60, and
a
clamping mechanism 70. It is to be understood that the apparatus 50 is purely
exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety
of apparatus for
operating a power saw on a fence are contemplated. For example, the apparatus
can
be used on various applications with various types of fences and power saws.
In
particular, although one application of the present embodiment includes a
fence having
wooden posts and top rails, the apparatus 50 or modifications thereof can be
used with
other types of fences made from different materials, such as composites.
Similarly, the
type of power saw is not particularly limited and can include a chainsaw,
circular saw, or
similar. For example, figure 2 illustrates a power saw 100, and specifically a
chainsaw,
configured to be compatible with the apparatus 50. The manner by which the
power
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saw 100 is powered is not limited and can include an internal combustion
engine, an
electric motor powered by a battery or alternating current source (e.g., an
electric
circular saw), or similar.
[0036] In the present embodiment, the body 60 is configured to be coupled with
the
power saw 100 shown in figure 2 via a motion limiting member 120 and a
coupling
member 130. The motion limiting member 120 and coupling member 130 are
threaded
nuts configured to replace nuts on the power saw 100 that are typically used
for holding
the blade 110 in place. In addition to the motion limiting member 120 and
coupling
member 130 holding the blade 110 to the main part of the saw 100, the coupling
member 130 also secures the saw 100 to the body 60 of the apparatus 50.
The
internal thread of the coupling member 130 is configured to engage a bolt 135
to
pivotally fasten the power saw 100 to the body 60, as shown in Figure 3. The
bolt 135
can include an attached or separate washer, or an enlarged head, to prevent
the
coupling member 130 from leaving the aperture 82. The motion limiting member
120
and the coupling member 130 can be after-market accessories configured to
replace
the two blade-securing nuts of the original power saw 100. The motion limiting
member
120 and the coupling member 130 can be purchased with the apparatus 50 or
purchased separately for use with the apparatus 50. It is to be appreciated
with the
benefit of this description that the motion limiting member 120 and the
coupling member
130 are not particularly limited and can be identical to each other or
different from each
other.
[0037] It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the exact
configuration of
the power saw 100 is not particularly limited and can be modified. For
example, the
power saw 100 can be configured such that the motion limiting member 120 and
the
coupling member 130 are attached to the power saw using an adaptor or other
means,
such as with clips or other kinds of fasteners. In the present embodiment, the
motion
limiting member 120 and the coupling member 130 are part of a coupling
mechanism 80
that couples the saw 100 to the apparatus 50.
[0038] In the present embodiment, the body 60 is generally configured to
support the
power saw 100. The body 60 can be constructed from materials that provide
support
for weight the power saw 100 as well as withstand the stresses and forces
associated
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with use of the power saw 100. Accordingly, the design of the body 60 can be
customized depending on the intended application and the size and weight of
the power
saw 100. Some examples of suitable materials for use include aluminum, steel,
composites, plastics, and other materials. In the present embodiment, the body
60 is a
made of steel.
[0039] The coupling mechanism 80 is generally configured for coupling the
power saw
100 to the body 60 while allowing the power saw 100 to swivel relative to the
body 60.
In the present embodiment, the motion of the power saw 100 is constrained to
be in a
blade-sweep plane 115 (figure 3). By constraining the motion of the power saw
100
within the plane 115, the motion of the blade 110 will also be constrained to
the plane
115. Accordingly, the power saw 100 attached to the body 60 can provide
consistent
planar cuts to a fence post relative to the position of the body 60. In the
present
embodiment, the coupling mechanism 80 includes the motion limiting member 120
and
coupling member 130, as well as a coupling aperture 82 and a motion limiting
aperture
84.
[0040] In the present embodiment, the coupling aperture 82 is configured to
receive the
coupling member 130. The coupling member 130 is coupled to the body 60 using
the
complementary bolt 135 configured to be threaded into the internal thread of
the
coupling member 130. With reference to figure 3, the coupling member 130 is
constrained to be freely rotatable within the coupling aperture 82, and thus
the power
saw 100 is freely rotatable relative to the body 60 and about the axis 200 of
the coupling
member 130, such that the blade 110 is limited to sweep within the plane 115.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 80 couples the
power
saw 100 to the body 60 pivotally such that the power saw 100 is rotatable
about the axis
200 normal to a top surface of the body 60.
[0041] In the present embodiment, the motion limiting aperture 84 is
configured to
receive the motion limiting member 120 of the power saw 100. The motion
limiting
member 120 is configured to engage the motion limiting aperture 84 to limit
the range of
motion of the power saw 100. As a result, the range of motion of the blade 110
is also
limited in the present example. It is to be appreciated that in some
applications, it is
advantageous to limit the motion of the blade 110. In the present example,
when the
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apparatus 50 is used to cut a fence post, the blade 110 is only required to
move within a
predefined sector that includes the fence post. Allowing the blade 110 to move
any
further could result in the blade 110 reaching other objects and accidentally
cutting
something else or damaging the blade 110. In the present embodiment, the
motion
limiting member 120 is configured to extend into the motion limiting aperture
84 such
that the motion limiting member 120 abuts against the edges of the motion
limiting
aperture 84 to restrict blade motion. In the present embodiment, the motion
limiting
aperture 84 is arc-shaped to allow the motion limiting member 120 to freely
move along
the arc as the coupling member 130 rotates within the coupling aperture 82.
[0042] In addition, the sizes and relative positions of the coupling aperture
82 and the
motion limiting aperture 84 are not particularly limited and can be configured
to be fit a
wide variety of power saws other than the power saw 100. For example, it is to
be
appreciated that power saws are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes
depending on
the application, and various manufactures make various designs. Various power
saws
may have various bolt spaces. Larger power saws may include larger bolts which
would require the coupling aperture 82 and the motion limiting aperture 84 to
be larger
and/or spaced further apart. Hence, the sizes and relative positions of the
coupling
aperture 82 and the motion limiting aperture 84 can be selected to accommodate
a
reasonable range of power saws expected to be used in the fencing business.
[0043] In general terms, the coupling mechanism 80 is configured to couple the
power
saw 100 to the body 60 while providing a constrained motion to the power saw
100. The
manner by which the power saw 100 and the body 60 are coupled is not
particularly
limited. For example, in the present embodiment, the power saw 100 and the
body 60
are pivotally coupled to provide a motion constrained to be within a plane
parallel to the
surface of the body 60. However it is to be appreciated by a person of skill
in the art
that the coupling mechanism 80 can be substituted with other types of coupling
mechanisms. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism 80 can be configured to
provide a
motion of the blade 110 constrained to a three-dimensional motion that is non-
planar
using a variety of mechanical links and joints. Accordingly, the apparatus 50
allows a
user to move the blade 110 in a controlled with repeatable motion to provide
consistent
cuts on multiple workpieces, such as fence posts. It is to be appreciated with
the
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benefit of this description that by providing consistent cuts, the user can
use the
apparatus 50 to cut multiple fence posts at desired heights above a reference
point or to
consistently cut substantially similar decorative patterns into fence posts.
[0044] In the present embodiment, the body 60 also includes a clamping
mechanism 70.
The clamping mechanism 70 is generally configured to clamp a support, such as
a top
rail of a fence, so that the apparatus 50 can be securely fixed in place. It
is to be
appreciated with the benefit of this description that the clamping mechanism
70 is not
particularly limited and a person of skill in the art would recognize that the
clamping
mechanism 70 can be varied to accommodate the support to which the apparatus
50 is
to be secured. In the present embodiment, the clamping mechanism 70 is
generally
configured to secure the body 60 to a top rail of a fence for use in cutting a
fence post.
[0045] Accordingly, by securing the body 60 in the same relative position on a
top rail,
the apparatus 50 can be used to uniformly cut multiple fence posts along a
fence to
have a substantially equal height above the top rail without having to measure
and mark
is each fence post individually.
[0046] Referring again to figure 1, the clamping mechanism 70 includes a first
plate 72
and a second plate 74. The first plate 72 and the second plate 74 are
configured to
engage opposite sides of the top rail to secure the body 60. The first plate
72 and the
second plate 74 are linearly adjustable using a first adjustment mechanism 76
and a
second adjustment mechanism 78, respectively, such that the first plate 72 and
the
second plate 74 can move closer and further away from each other. It is to be
appreciated that the clamping mechanism 70 of the present embodiment applies a
frictional force to opposite sides of the top rail to secure the body 60 to
the top rail. In
the present embodiment, the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 include a
smooth
surface to engage the top rail. In other embodiments, the first plate 72 and
the second
plate 74 can include a textured or padded surface, a surface with spikes or
teeth to
improve the grip of the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 on the top rail
depending
on the type or requirements of the top rail. Furthermore, since the first
plate 72 and the
second plate 74 and independently moveable, the lateral position of the
coupling
mechanism 80 relative to the top rail can be adjusted during use.
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[0047] In the present embodiment, the first plate 72 and the second
plate 74 are
generally configured to engage the top rail of a fence frictionally. The
design and
composition of the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 are not particularly
limited. In
terms of materials capable of engaging the top rail, each of the first plate
72 and the
second plate 74 is constructed such that they are rigid enough to apply
sufficient
frictional force to support the power saw 100 on the top rail. Some examples
of suitable
materials used for the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 can include
steel, wood,
plastics, aluminum, composites, and other hard materials.
[0048] Referring to figure 4, the present embodiment of the first plate
72 and the
second plate 74 is generally shown. It is to be understood that the first
plate 72 and the
second plate 74 are purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art
that a variety of different designs can be used. In the present embodiment,
the first
plate 72 includes a notch 73. The notch 73 is generally configured to mate
with at least
a portion of the body 60 such as a notch or an edge to guide the movement of
the first
plate 72 relative to the body 60. In the present embodiment, the notch 73
mates with
the edge 65 (figure 1) of the body 60. Similarly, the second plate 74 includes
a notch
75. The notch 75 is generally configured to mate with at least a portion of
the body 60
such as a notch or an edge to guide the movement of the second plate 74
relative to the
body 60. In the present embodiment, the notch 75 also mates with the edge 65
of the
body 60. It is to be re-emphasized that the structure of the first plate 72
and the second
plate 74 shown in figure 4 are not limited and that several variations are
contemplated.
For example, although the notches 73 and 75 are shown on a corner of the first
plate 72
and the second plate 74, it is to be appreciated that the notches 73 and 75
can be
relocated to another location such as along an edge. Furthermore, in other
embodiments the notches 73 and 75 can be replaced with other guiding
mechanisms.
[0049] In the present embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 76 and the
second
adjustment mechanism 78 are generally configured to move the first plate 72
and the
second plate 74 in a linear motion to clamp a top rail of a fence when the
first plate 72
and the second plate 74 frictionally engages the top rail. The first
adjustment
mechanism 76 and the second adjustment mechanism 78 comprise a first bolt 77
and a
second bolt 79. The first bolt 77 is coupled to the first plate 72 at one end
and the other
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end of the first bolt 77 is free to rotate. Furthermore, the first bolt 77
engages a threaded
portion of the body 60 such that rotation of the first bolt 77 causes the
first bolt 77 to
move linearly through the threaded portion relative to the body 60. Since the
first bolt
77 is coupled to the first plate 72, the movement of the first bolt 77 will
consequently
move the first plate 72 relative to the body 60 as well. Similarly, the second
bolt 79 is
coupled to the second plate 74 at one end and the other end of the second bolt
79 is
free to rotate. The second bolt 79 similarly engages a threaded portion of the
body 60
such that rotation of the second bolt 79 causes the second bolt 79 to move
linearly
through the threaded portion. Since the second bolt 79 is coupled to the
second plate
74, the movement of the second bolt 79 will consequently move the second plate
74
relative to the body 60 as well. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of
this
description, that the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 can be adjusted
using a
controlled rotation of the first bolt 77 and the second bolt 79, respectively.
Furthermore,
by adjusting the pitch of the first bolt 77 and the second bolt 79, the degree
of fine
motion and force control can be adjusted. In particular, if the top rail is
constructed of a
relatively soft material where a large force applied by the first plate 72 and
the second
plate 74 can damage the top rail, a smaller pitch on at least one of the first
bolt 77 and
the second bolt 79 can allow provide fine tuning for the amount of force
applied to the
top rail.
[0050] Figure 4 also shows holes or recesses 81, 83 in the respective plates
72, 75 for
receiving the end of the respective bolt 77, 79. Each bolt end can be
rotationally mated
with the respective hole 81, 83 to permit the bolt 77, 79 to rotate while
pushing/pulling
the plate 72, 75 to/from the fence post. This can be accomplished by a bearing
at the
end of the bolt 77, 79 that is press fit into the hole or recess 81, 83, one
or more cotter
pins, or similar.
[0051] In other embodiments, the first plate 72 is moveable as discussed
above, while
the second plate 74 is fixed and the second bolt 79 and respective structure
is omitted.
[0052] In general terms, the clamping mechanism 70 is generally configured to
secure
the body 60 relative to a top rail of the fence in the present embodiment.
Although one
specific example of the clamping mechanism 70 is described above, the manner
by
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which the body 60 is secured to the fence is not particularly limited. For
example, in the
present embodiment, although the clamping mechanism 70 uses the first plate 72
and
the second plate 74 in a vertical orientation, the plates can be modified to
apply force on
the top and bottom of the top rail. In addition, it is to be appreciated by a
person of skill
in the art that more or less than two moveable plates can be used. For
example, the
clamping mechanism 70 can be modified to include a single moveable plate used
to
press the top rail against a fixed plate or another portion of the body 60. As
another
example of a variation, the first bolt 77 and the second bolt 79 need not be
coupled to
the first plate 72 and the second plate 74, respectively. Instead, the first
bolt 77 and the
lo second bolt 79 can be configured for use solely to apply pressure when
tightened
against the faces of the first plate 72 and the second plate 74, respectively,
without
being coupled to the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 when no force is
applied.
Furthermore, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the
first bolt 77
and the second bolt 79 are just one example mechanism for moving the first
plate 72
and the second plate 74 and that others are contemplated. It is to be
appreciated with
the benefit of this description that by providing a clamping mechanism 70 that
can be
firmly attached to and detached from a top rail, the apparatus can be easily
moved
along a fence to where the power saw 100 is needed to make a cut.
[0053] In an example of use as shown in figure 5, the apparatus 50 of the
present
embodiment is configured to clamp to a top rail 35 of a fence using the
clamping
mechanism 70, so that fence posts 45 can be neatly and easily trimmed. It is
to be
appreciated with the benefit of this description that by clamping the top rail
35 in the
present embodiment, the body 60 is secured to the top rail 35 and fixed at a
location
relative to the fence. The apparatus 50 couples the power saw 100 to the top
rail 35
and constrains the blade 110 of the power saw 100 to move within a plane for
trimming
the fence posts 45.
[0054] Referring to figure 6, another embodiment of the apparatus is generally
shown at
50a. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their
counterparts in
the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix "a". For example, the
apparatus 50a
includes a body 60a, and a clamping mechanism 70a.
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[0055] In the present embodiment, the body 60a is generally configured to
support the
power saw 100. The body 60a is typically constructed from materials which can
provide
support for weight the power saw 100 as well as withstand the stresses and
forces
associated with use of the power saw 100. Accordingly, the design of the body
60a can
be customized depending on the intended application and the size and weight of
the
power saw 100. Some examples of suitable materials for use include the
materials
discussed above in connection with the body 60.
[0056] The body 60a also includes a coupling mechanism 80a disposed proximate
to
the center point of the body 60a. The coupling mechanism 80a is generally
configured
for coupling the power saw 100 to the body 60a while allowing the power saw
100 to
move relative to the body 60a similar to the coupling mechanism 80 discussed
above.
In the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 80a constrains the motion of
the
power saw 100 to be in a plane such that the blade 110 can provide consistent
planar
cuts. It is to be appreciated that like the coupling mechanism 80, the
coupling
mechanism 80a is not particularly limited and can be modified to be another
type of
coupling mechanism constraining the movement of the power saw 100. In the
present
embodiment, the coupling mechanism 80a includes a coupling aperture 82a and a
motion limiting aperture 84a.
[0057] In the present embodiment, the body 60a also includes an additional
coupling
mechanism 90a disposed at a location offset from the center point of the body
60a. In
the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 90a is identical to the
coupling
mechanism 80a, aside from its position and the differences discussed herein.
In the
present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 90a includes a coupling aperture
92a
and a motion limiting aperture 94a. Similar to the coupling mechanism 80a, the
coupling mechanism 90a constrains the motion of the power saw 100 to be in a
plane in
the present embodiment such that the blade 110 can provide consistent planar
cuts.
[0058] In the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 80a is configured to
couple
the power saw 100 such that the power saw 100 is rotatable about an axis
normal to the
surface of the body 60a passing through the coupling aperture 82a proximate to
the
center point of the body 60a. Furthermore, it is also to be appreciated that
in the
present embodiment, the coupling mechanism 90a is configured to couple the
power
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saw 100 such that the power saw 100 is rotatable about an additional axis
normal to the
surface of the body 60a passing through the coupling aperture 92a, but offset
from the
center point of the body 60a. Although the present embodiment shows that the
axes
associated with the coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a are parallel, it is to be
emphasized that the present embodiment is merely an example. Accordingly,
several
variations are contemplated. For example, the axes associated with the
coupling
mechanisms 80a and 90a can be non-parallel to provide angular cuts. As another
example, the second coupling mechanism 90a can be structurally different from
the
coupling mechanism 80a, such as no longer providing pivotal motion.
[0059] As shown in figure 7, the coupling mechanism 90a can be used for making
decorative cuts on the side of a fence post as the blade 110. By centering the
axis of
rotation off center, the blade 110 of the power saw 100 can approach the fence
post
from a side. In contrast, when using the centered coupling mechanism 80a, the
blade
110 would contact the fence post at a corner as illustrated. Decorative cuts
can be
made on all four side of a fence post by using the coupling mechanism 90a for
gouging
the front and back sides and by using the coupling mechanism 80a for gouging
the
lateral sides with the tip of a chainsaw blade.
[0060] Similar to the body 60, the body 60a is configured to be coupled with
the power
saw 100 shown in figure 2. In the present embodiment, the motion limiting
member 120
and the coupling member 130 are configured to engage the either one of the
coupling
mechanisms 80a and 90a of the apparatus 50a in a manner similar to that
described
above. However, in other embodiments, the power saw 100 can be configured to
only
engage one of the coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a while the other coupling
mechanisms 80a and 90a is configured to couple another power saw.
[0061] In general terms, the coupling mechanism 80a is generally configured to
couple
the power saw 100 to the body 60a to provide a pivotal motion to the power saw
100
about an axis in the center of the body 60a. The coupling mechanism 90a is
generally
configured to couple the power saw 100 to the body 60a to provide a pivotal
motion to
the power saw 100 about an axis offset from the center of the body 60a. It is
to be
appreciated that the manner by which the power saw 100 and the body 60a are
coupled
is not particularly limited. For example, in the present embodiment, the power
saw 100
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and the body 60a are pivotally coupled to provide a motion constrained to be
within a
plane parallel to the surface of the body 60. However it is to be appreciated
by a
person of skill in the art that the coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a can be
substituted
with other types of coupling mechanisms. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated
with the
benefit of this description that the coupling mechanism 80a can be used to
provide a cut
through the fence post or to allow for centrally etching a face of the fence
post closest to
the power saw 100. Alternatively, it is to be appreciated with the benefit of
this
description that the coupling mechanism 90a can be used to provide decorative
cuts to
a side of the fence post without having to cut a corner of the fence post.
Accordingly,
the apparatus 50a allows the blade 110 to move in at least two controlled and
repeatable motions to provide consistent cuts on multiple workpieces, such as
fence
posts. It is to be appreciated with the benefit of this description that by
providing
consistent cuts, the apparatus 50a can be used to cut multiple fence posts to
be of
uniform height and/or to cut decorative patterns about a reference point or to
consistently cut substantially similar decorative patterns into a workpiece.
[0062] In the present embodiment, the body 60a also includes a clamping
mechanism
70a. The clamping mechanism 70a is generally configured to clamp a support
such that
the apparatus 50a can be secured to a fixed base. The manner by which the
clamping
mechanism 70a clamps a support is not particularly limited and can include
several
manners and variations such as those discussed above.
[0063] It is to be re-emphasized that the structure of the apparatus 50a shown
in
figure 6 is a non-limiting representation only. In particular, it is to be
understood that the
coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a are not particularly limited. For example, the
coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a can be modified such that each constrains the
blade
110 of the power saw 100 to different motions (e.g., linear and pivotal). As
another
example of a variation, the coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a can pivot about
axes that
are not parallel. Furthermore, the coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a need not be
at a
center point and offset, respectively. Instead, both of the coupling
mechanisms 80a and
90a can be offset or disposed along the top rail or in any other position.
Although the
present embodiment shows two coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a, it is to be
appreciates that the apparatus 50a can be modified to include more coupling
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mechanisms. For example, different coupling mechanisms can be disposed on the
body 60a for different power saws which may have different complementary
coupling
mechanisms.
[0064] Referring to figure 8, another embodiment of the apparatus is generally
shown at
50b as seen from above. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like
reference to
their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix "b". For
example,
the apparatus 50b includes a body 60b, and a clamping mechanism (not shown).
In the
present embodiment, the clamping mechanism is not particularly limited and can
include
all the mechanisms discuss above.
[0065] In the present embodiment, the body 60b is generally configured to
support the
power saw 100 shown in figure 2. The body 60b is typically constructed from
materials
which can provide support for weight the power saw 100 as well as withstand
the
stresses and forces associated with use of the power saw 100. Accordingly, the
design
of the body 60b can be customized depending on the intended application and
the size
and weight of the power saw 100. Some examples of suitable materials for use
include
the materials discussed above in connection with the body 60.
[0066] The body 60b includes a coupling mechanism 80b. The coupling mechanism
80b
is generally configured for coupling the power saw 100 to the body 60b while
allowing
the power saw 100 to move relative to the body 60b. In the present embodiment,
the
motion of the power saw 100 is constrained to be in a plane. By constraining
the motion
of the power saw 100 to a plane, it is to be appreciated, with the benefit of
this
description, that the blade 110 of the power saw 100 can provide planar cuts.
Accordingly, the power saw 100 attached to the body 60b can be used to provide
consistent planar cuts relative to the position of the body 60b. In the
present
embodiment, the coupling mechanism 80b includes an arm 85b connected to the
body
60b at one end and configured to connect to the power saw 100 at the other
end.
[0067] The arm 85b is rotatably connected to the body 60b using a rotatable
joint or
rotational bearing 86b. The structure of the rotatable joint or bearing 86b is
not
particularly limited and can include any mechanism that can provide the arm
85b with
rotation about an axis 88b. For example, the rotatable joint 86b can include a
freely
rotatable bolt passing through an aperture or a ball bearing mechanism.
Furthermore,
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the arm 85b is configured to connect rotatably to the power saw 100. In the
present
embodiment, the arm 85b can include a rotatable joint or rotational bearing
87b having
attachment points 82b (e.g., bolts in bolt holes, threaded studs, etc.)
configured to
receive coupling members 130 of the power saw 100 such that the power saw 100
can
rotate about the axis 89b. Thus, when the body 60b is fixed to a top rail, the
arm 85b
can be freely rotated with respect to the body 60b and the power saw 100 can
be freely
rotated about the arm 85b. This arrangement can be considered a three-bar
linkage.
The dual-swivel points allow the blade 110 of the power saw 100 to be
controllably
positioned within a wide range of motion in the blade-sweep plane to provide
for a wide
variety of decorative cuts.
[0068] It is to be re-emphasized that the structure of the apparatus 50b shown
in
figure 8 is a non-limiting representation only and that variations are
contemplated. For
example, the arm 85b can be modified to be rigidly attached to the body 60b
and/or the
power saw 100. It is to be appreciated that in such embodiments, the range of
movement can be limited to a single connection that is rotatable. As another
variation,
the arm 85b can be modified to be articulated and configured to bend within a
plane to
increase the range of motion and be used in embodiments where the arm is not
rotatably at either the connection to the body 60b or the power saw 100.
[0069] It is to be understood that many combinations, variations and subsets
of the
embodiments and teachings herein are contemplated. As a non-limiting example,
the
coupling mechanisms 80a and 90a can be modified to each include an arm similar
to
the coupling mechanism of 80b.
[0070] Advantages of the techniques discussed above include providing a simple
and
convenient way in which to consistently and quickly cut fence posts after the
fence
posts are set in the ground. Other advantages, such as providing for
repeatable
decorate cuts, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0071] While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated,
such
embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serve to
limit the
accompanying claims.
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