CUTTING GUIDE

Abstract

This invention provides a guide for use with cutting power tools such as routers, circular saws, rotary cutters and the like. The invention provides a secure path along which a power tool can be used. The invention provides a device that is securely held against a surface by either user pressure or suction pressure and maintains its position along the surface to be cut. The invention can be configured to provide for varying cutting tools and differing attachments that are on the cutting tool and would be slid along the invention to effectuate a cut.

Claims

1. A cutting guide that provides a means to guide a power cutting tool comprising: A control plate; A connecting plate affixed to said control plate and extending in a generally perpendicular relation from said control plate; A guide plate affixed to said connecting plate and extending in a generally perpendicular relation from said connecting plate such that said guide plate is generally parallel to said control plate and said control plate, said connecting plate, and said guide plate are aligned substantially in planar relation to each other; A rail affixed to said guide plate and extending upwardly from said plane formed by said control plate, said connecting plate, and said guide plate, such that said rail is securely held in vertical relation from said plane by said guide plate.

2. The cutting guide of claim 1, further comprising: A pressure pad affixed to the top surface of said control plate; A foot affixed to the underside of said control plate and optionally said connecting plate, and/or said guide plate, said foot providing additional friction between the cutting guide and the surface upon which it is placed; A handle affixed to the top surface of said control plate.

3. The cutting guide of claim 1 further comprising: One or more alignment rods affixed to said guide plate such that said alignment rods can be placed on or into the material to be cut, and Wherein said connecting plate is adjustable in length.

4. A cutting guide comprising: A control plate; A lockable hinge affixed to one end of said control plate; A guide plate affixed to said lockable hinge in opposing relation to said control plate wherein said lockable hinge is adjustable and can be locked into a plurality of positions forming angles between the edges of said control plate and said guide plate, said control plate and said guide plate forming a plane; and a rail affixed to said guide plate and extending upwardly from said guide plate, such that said rail is securely held in vertical relation from said plane by said guide plate.

5. The cutting guide of claim 4 further comprising: A pressure pad affixed to the top surface of said control plate; A foot affixed to the underside of said control plate and optionally said connecting plate and/or said guide plate, said foot providing additional friction between the cutting guide and the surface upon which it is placed; and A handle affixed to the top surface of said control plate.

6. A cutting guide for a power cutting tool comprising: A control plate; A support affixed to and extending vertically along the length of said control plate; A plurality of hinges disposed along the top surface of said support; A second support affixed to said plurality of hinges such that said second support can rotate about an axis defined by said plurality of hinges, said second support forming adjustable angles with said support; A rail affixed to said second support and extending the length of said second support such that said rail rotates with said second support and can rotate to an angle such that said rail contacts said control plate and provides a surface against which a power cutting tool can be placed.

7. The cutting guide of claim 6 further comprising: A beam affixed to said support and extending away from said control plate; and A suction cup apparatus attached to said beam and oriented downwardly in order to engage a surface upon which the cutting guide is placed and create suction thereby securing said control plate to said surface.

8. The cutting guide of claim 6 further comprising: A pressure pad affixed to the top surface of said control plate; A foot affixed to the underside of said control plate, said foot providing additional friction between the cutting guide and the surface upon which it is placed; A handle affixed to the top surface of said control plate; and A spacer bar affixed to the control plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cutting guide.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cutting guide.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the cutting guide.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of the first alternative embodiment of the cutting guide.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of a second alternative embodiment of the cutting guide.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a top view of the second alternative embodiment of the cutting guide.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of the second alternative embodiment of the cutting guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes for carrying out the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention should not be read to in any way limit the scope of the present invention. Rather, the detailed description is simply to illustrate the guiding principles of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two primary components. The first component is a guide plate with a generally perpendicularly affixed guide rail that extends along the length of the guide plate. The second component is a control plate that is rigidly connected to the guide plate such that temporary fixation of the control plate upon a work surface results in consequent fixation of the guide plate. The saw guide may be manufactured with a direct connection between the primary components or such connection may be provided by a connecting plate. The guide plate provides a flat surface along which the base plate of a cutting tool is moved while also maintaining contact with the guide rail, to thereby allow a user to cut in a straight line. When performing cuts on a horizontal surface substrate a user exerts downward force on the pressure plate of the saw guide to prevent slippage of the saw guide upon the substrate while performing a cut. This force may be provided by resting a knee on the pressure plate, by pressing downward upon a handle on the pressure plate, or both. This force may be provided by alternate means as chosen by the user. Once a cut is made, the cutting guide can be easily moved into the next position to facilitate further cutting along a straight line.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the cutting guide can include a guide plate 2 that has a generally rectangular shape with a first inner edge 4 running parallel to a first outer edge 6 and a first front edge 8 parallel to a first back edge 10 thereby defining the rectangular shape of the guide plate 2. The guide plate 2 has a generally flat top surface and a flat bottom surface. The guide plate 2 should be manufactured from semi-rigid or rigid material in order to not move when one is using the cutting tool. The guide plate 2 can also be of varying sizes depending on the application of the cutting guide.

[0034] Extending perpendicularly from the top surface of the guide plate outer edge 22 is the rail 12. The rail 12 can be an extension of the guide plate 2 or the rail 12 could be a separate piece of material affixed to the guide plate 2. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the only requirement for the rail 12 is that it must provide a rigid surface against which the base plate of a cutting tool can be placed such that the cutting tool can continuously move along guide plate 2 and maintain contact with the length of the rail 12. The width of guide plate 2 from inner edge 4 to the outer edge 6 is manufactured or moveably adjusted such that a cutting tool blade or bit projects downward past inner edge 4 of guide plate 2 while the cutting tool base plate remains in contact with rail 12. The power tool cutting blade or bit extends downward from the power tool lateral to the inner edge 4 of the guide plate 2 and downward beyond the bottom surface of the guide plate 2 and into the substrate to be cut. Thus, the rail 12 must provide a stable surface for the cutting tool to rest against as the cut is made. The rail 12 can be made to varying sizes and specifications depending on the intended application. The height of rail 12 is greater than the thickness of the base plate of the power tool that will be aligned with the cutting guide. Further, it should be apparent that the rail 12 could be manufactured to be removable from the guide plate 2 such that rails 12 of differing sizes or designed specifically for different tools can be attached to the guide plate 2. Although not shown in the Figures, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the guide plate 2 or rail 12 may be modified with specialized grooves, additional rails, or other effective means to engage or interlock with corresponding specialized components of the base plate of a power tool, thereby further facilitating proper alignment during power tool cutting or grinding operations.

[0035] Extending from the guide plate inner edge 4 near the first back edge 10 is a connecting plate 14 that has generally a rectangular shape. The connecting plate 14 has a connecting plate interior edge 16 that is parallel to a connecting plate exterior edge 18. The connecting plate 14 extends away from guide plate 2 and connects in a rigid manner to control plate 20. The connecting plate 14 can be manufactured from either the same or a different semi-rigid or rigid material as the guide plate 2. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a principle function of connecting plate 14 is rigid connection between guide plate 2 and control plate 20 and the connecting plate 14 can be of different sizes and shapes, including the form of a tube. Although not shown in the Figures, it is contemplated that the connecting plate could be manufactured to be adjustable, thereby allowing one to shorten or lengthen the distance between the guide plate 2 and the control plate 20. It should also be apparent that connecting plate 14 may alternatively attach to the first inner edge 4 of guide plate 2 at or near the first front edge 8 of guide plate 2 and extend away from guide plate 2 to connect in a rigid manner to control plate 20 at a point nearer to a control plate front edge 22 of control plate 20.

[0036] The Figures demonstrate a generally ninety degree angle of connection between guide plate 2 and connecting plate 14. The Figures similarly demonstrate a generally ninety degree angle of connection between connecting plate 14 and control plate 20. Although not shown in the Figures, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the cutting guide could be manufactured with connecting plate 14 attaching to either guide plate 2 or control plate 20 at any effective angles of attachment to improve ergonomic structure for a user. It is further contemplated that the connecting plate 14 angle of attachment to either guide plate 2 or control plate 20 could be manufactured to be adjustable.

[0037] Extending from the connecting plate 14 on the end opposite from the attachment to guide plate 2 is control plate 20. Control plate 20 can be manufactured from either the same or a different semi-rigid or rigid material as the guide plate 2. Said control plate 20 is generally in the shape of a rectangle with a control plate inner edge 24 running parallel to a control plate outer edge 26 and a control plate front edge 22 parallel to a control plate back edge 28 thereby defining the rectangular shape of the control plate 20. Control plate 20 has a generally flat top surface and a flat bottom surface. Attached to the top surface of control plate 20 is a pressure pad 29 running along the top surface of control plate 20 from the control plate back edge 28 toward the control plate front edge 22 that extends for a distance up the control plate 20. Said pressure pad 29 is a generally flat item with solid but cushioning characteristics whereon a user can rest a knee and exert downward force during cutting or grinding operations on a generally horizontal surface. A handle 30 is attached to the top surface of control plate 20 near the control plate front edge 22 such that a user can hold the cutting guide by the handle 30, or one can use the handle 30 in conjunction with the pressure pad 29 to maintain the cutting guide in fixed position upon a generally horizontal surface to be cut. It should be readily appreciated that the size and shape of the control plate 20, pressure pad 29, and handle 30 can vary according to the intended use of the cutting guide.

[0038] As an optional accessory, the saw guide can be provided with an additional feature to aid in using the saw guide on surfaces with indentations such as grout lines. An alignment rod 32 can be permanently or removably affixed to the opposite ends of guide plate 2 lateral to first inner edge 4 through conventional means. Said alignment rods 32 are generally rigid rods of a caliber generally corresponding to the width of an intended cut line created by a power tool in conjunction with the cutting guide. One alignment rods is positioned parallel with first inner edge 4 and extends past first front edge 8. A second alignment rod 32 is positioned parallel with first inner edge 4 and extends past first back edge 10 or out from connecting plate interior edge 16. The distance from the rail 12 to the nearest edge of each alignment rod 32 is equivalent to the distance from the outer margin of a given power cutting tool base plate and the nearest edge of the cutting blade, routing bit, or drill bit. The length of each alignment rod 32 is generally short, with a length sufficient only to adequately aid a user in properly positioning the cutting guide. The alignment rods 32 would be placed into the grout line that corresponds with the desired cut line but a given cut with the power tool would not extend forward or backward sufficiently for the cutting blade, routing bit, or drill bit to make contact with either alignment rod 32.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 2, the cutting guide is contemplated to optionally include a foot 34 affixed to the underside of the control plate 20. The foot 34 would run a distance under the control plate 20 such that when the cutting guide is placed on a surface, the foot 34 would engage the surface and form a layer between the surface and the control plate 20 of the cutting guide. It is contemplated that the foot 34 would be manufactured from a substance that possessed qualities of surface friction in order to limit the amount of slipping between the control plate 20 and the surface. The foot 34 is directly underneath the pressure pad 29 on the top side of the control plate 20. Thus, the pressure exerted on the pressure pad 29, typically by a user's knee, would transfer directly through the control plate 20 and into the foot 34, thereby holding the cutting guide securely in place on the surface. Likewise, the foot 34 can extend under the control plate 20 directly below the handle 30. It should be appreciated that the foot 34 is not limited to the area of the control plate 20 but could also be utilized under the connecting plate 14 and the guide plate 2.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 which show a first alternative embodiment of the present invention where a control plate 36 is a flat item manufactured from a semi-rigid or rigid material. Said control plate 36 is generally in the shape of a rectangle with an inner edge 38 running parallel to an outer edge 40 and a front edge 42 parallel to a back edge 44 thereby defining the rectangular shape of the control plate 36. Optionally attached to the control plate 36 is a pressure pad 46 running along the control plate 36 from the back edge 44 toward the front edge 42 that extends for a distance up the control plate 36. An optional handle 48 is attached to the control plate 36 near the front edge 42 such that one can hold or carry the cutting guide by the handle 48, or one can use the handle 48 in conjunction with the pressure pad 46 to maintain the cutting guide in fixed position on the surface to be cut. It should be readily appreciated that the size of the control plate 36, pressure pad 46, and handle 48 can vary according to the intended use of the cutting guide.

[0041] Affixed to the front edge 42 of the control plate 36 is a pivoting, lockable hinge 50 (hinge). It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the hinge 50 would typically be of the type that is configured in a circular shape with raised teeth that correspond to a second circular disc with raised teeth in opposite relation to the first disk. This second disk is affixed to an alternate item such that when placed together the teeth from the first half engage the teeth from the second half and thereby securely attach at varying angles. It is contemplated that the hinge 50 would be secured by a wing nut or other conventional means.

[0042] The hinge 50 is affixed to a guide plate 52 that also has a generally rectangular shape. The guide plate 52 has a guide plate inner edge 54 that faces the inner edge 38 of the control plate 36. The guide plate 52 is also defined by a guide plate outer edge 56 running parallel to the guide plate inner edge 54 and a guide plate front edge 58 running parallel to a guide plate back edge 60, each of which combine to define the generally rectangular shape of the guide plate 52. The guide plate 52 should be manufactured from semi-rigid or rigid material in order to not move when one is using the cutting tool. The guide plate 52 can also be of varying sizes depending on the application of the cutting guide.

[0043] The hinge 50 allows the control plate 36 and the guide plate 52 to be configured at different angles such that the inner edge 38 and the guide plate inner edge 54 define an angle 62 defined by the hinge. Thus, the control plate 36 can be placed against a wall and the angle 62 adjusted to align the guide plate 52 with a desired cut line. This is particularly useful when cutting grout lines in flooring adjacent to a wall.

[0044] Extending from the guide plate outer edge 56 is a rail 64. The rail 64 can be an extension of the guide plate 52 or the rail 64 could be a separate piece of material affixed to the guide plate 52. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the only requirement for the rail 64 is that it must provide a surface against which a cutting tool can be placed such that the cutting tool can move up and down the rail 64 while cutting. Thus, the rail 64 must provide a stable surface for the cutting tool to rest against as the cut is made. The rail 64 can be made to varying sizes and specifications depending on the intended application. Further, it should be apparent that the rail 64 could be manufactured to be removable from the guide plate 52 such that rails 64 of differing sizes or rails 64 designed specifically for different tools can be attached to the guide plate 52.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an optional foot 66 affixed to the bottom of the control plate 36. The foot 66 could also be used on the bottom of the guide plate 52 to provide additional surface friction to aid in preventing the cutting guide from slipping on the surface.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 another embodiment of the present invention is shown. A control plate 68 substantially similar to the control plate 20 shown in FIG. 1 and the control plate 36 shown in FIG. 3 is provided. Affixed along the side of the control plate 68 is a first support 70 that extends essentially perpendicularly from the control plate 68. The first support plate 70 is manufactured from semi-rigid or rigid material such that it is stable and does not bend or deform. A conventional hinge 72 is affixed at the top edge of the first support 70 and is affixed to a second support 74 such that the second support 74 can rotate from the first support 70. Extending from the end of the second support 74 is a rail 76 that is substantially perpendicular to the second support 74. The rail 76 provides a surface against which a cutting tool is placed in order to provide a stable, continuous cutting guide. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the dimensions of the first support 70, the second support 74, and the rail 76 can be altered to varying sizes depending on the desired application of the cutting guide. The second support 74 and the rail 76 are movably attached to the first support 70 by a hinge 72 such that the rail 76 can be rotated into perpendicular alignment with the control plate 68. Thus, the rail 76 provides a stable surface along which a cutting tool can be moved such that a linear cut is made. Although not shown, an optional spacer bar can be affixed to the control plate 68 to accommodate varying sizes of cutting tools, and move the cut a set distance from the first support 70.

[0047] In order to secure the cutting guide to the surface and protect against slipping, a beam 78 is affixed to the first support 70 and extends to a suction cup apparatus 80. The suction cup apparatus 80 is a conventional suction cup apparatus 80 with a switch 82 to engage suction. The suction cup apparatus 80 is configured to provide suction against the surface upon which the cutting guide is placed. Although not shown, an alignment rod 32 (as shown in FIG. 1) can be affixed to the ends of the control plate 68 in order to provide guidance on where to align the cutting guide with respect to the desired cut. Additionally, an optional foot 86 can be affixed to the underside of the control plate 68 (best shown in FIG. 5). The foot 86 and the suction cup apparatus 80 would assist in securing the cutting guide to the surface while cutting to minimize the risk of slipping.

[0048] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.