Patent Application
20190291293
Mechanisms that can effectively and efficiently cut large panels are used in many different applications, including lumber yards, retail stores selling lumber and/or building materials, cabinet shops, sign fabricators, and other woodworking shops. One example of a panel saw is shown and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,399 “PANEL SAW APPARATUS”, issued on Feb. 7, 1989 to Olson. As shown in the Olson patent, this apparatus can easily make large cuts in a very controlled manner. That said, the device of Olson is primarily directed toward cutting plywood or other hard panel materials.
To provide a cutting apparatus that efficiently cuts panel materials, a cutting mechanism and related clamping system are configured to uniquely cooperate with one another. Generally speaking, the vertical panel cutter includes a support framework designed to support and orient a panel of material to be cut in a substantially vertical manner. The cutting mechanism is carried on a carriage, which is guided along a predetermined cutting path, with the carriage being slidably coupled to a pair of guide rails. In an effort to provide more efficient and effective cutting, the related clamping system includes a clamping bar which extends adjacent to and parallel with the cutting path, and which is movable between a locked or holding position and an unlocked or open position. The clamping bar is supported at an upper and lower end by respective lever mechanisms, which accommodate the movement between the two stated positions. Each lever mechanism is rotatably attached to the framework of the panel cutter at an appropriate position. An actuator arm is also attached to the framework and carries a pair of cams on either end which also cooperate with the lever mechanism. In operation, the actuator arm is rotated, thus causing interaction between the cams and the lever mechanism. Due to the orientation and configuration of these components, the lever mechanism will then move the clamp bar between the two desired positions. In this manner, clamping/holding of the panel material can be easily accomplished by the simple movement of the lever and related rotation of the actuator arm.
The further details and advantages of the preferred embodiments can be seen from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawing, in which:
As illustrated in
As generally illustrated in
To improve operation of the panel saw or cutting knife, clamping mechanism 40 is added so a panel can be securely held in position during cutting operations. The clamping mechanism 40 includes an actuator arm 50 which is rotatably and removably attached to the frame 20 via a bracket 46. A cam 52 is attached to each end of the actuator arm 50. A lever or handle mechanism 54 which is configured to allow rotation of actuator arm 50. Generally, a clamp bar 82 is attached to lever mechanism 72 which carries out a clamping function. All of these components are positioned and configured so that clamp bar 82 will be positioned close to or immediately adjacent to the cutting zone (i.e. the path of the cutting blade). Again, the path of cutting blade is controlled by the configuration of carriage 30 and guide rails 24. In addition, handle 54 is accessible by a user, but is positioned outside of the cutting area, thus providing an additional level of safety. Further, all components are designed so that the clamp bar 82 is easily removable so that alternative cutting operations can be completed and potential interference is avoided.
In use, handle 54 allows a user to rotate actuator arm 50, which will also cause rotation of cams 52. The cams 52 are specifically designed and fabricated to interact with lever mechanisms 62, 72, and thus cause clamp bar 82 to move into a locked position when desired. Similarly, clamp bar 82 can be moved to the unlocked position by rotating the actuator bar 50 in the opposite direction. Referring now to
As generally discussed above, actuator arm 50 is rotatably coupled to framework brackets 46 and 47 and can be operated using handle 54. Rotation of actuator arm 50 causes related movement of cams 52, which are permanently attached to actuator arm 50. As shown, cams 52 have an irregular shape, thus causing forces to be applied to top lever mechanism 62 and bottom lever mechanism 72 when actuator arm is rotated. In both
To provide efficiency, clamp bar 82 is designed to clamp the full length of the material being cut in a uniform manner. Although not required, it is helpful if this clamping can occur immediately adjacent the cutting zone, to make cutting operations more efficient. In one example, the clamp bar 82 is positioned within inches of the cutting zone and parallel to the cutting path.
In addition to the details above, clamp mechanism 40 was designed for easy removal, thus allowing the machine to perform other cutting applications which may not benefit from the clamp, including both horizontal and vertical cutting operations. As an example, the cutting of plywood, rigid plastic panels, or thicker material may not require the use of the clamp to obtain efficient cuts. In the disclosed embodiments, the removal and/or reinstallation of the clamp can be done in a matter of seconds. Referring to
As discussed above, the clamping mechanism described in the identified embodiment makes use of a rotatable actuator arm having cams 52 attached to each end which interact with lever mechanisms 62, 72 and to cause movement. With clamp bar 82 attached to an end of lever mechanisms 62, 72, this creates the desired movement between the closed or locked position, and the open or unlocked position. Those skilled in the art recognized that alternative schemes could be utilized. For example, gears, levers or other movement mechanism could be possible. In such an alternative mechanism, a lever could be used to create straight line movement of components, which could then be translated into movement of a related clamp bar between an unlocked position and a locked position.
Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62646350 | Mar 2018 | US |
