Adjustable Cleat

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method and system for providing workpiece positioning for power tools, such as miter saws. The apparatus includes an adjustable positioning device such as a threaded rod. A retention member is connected to the adjustable positioning device. The retention member is capable of pivotally obtaining an extended orientation and a retracted orientation to alternatively contact a workpiece disposed on the power tool deck and to retract into an unobtrusive storage orientation. The apparatus of the present invention allows for proper positioning while permitting ease of use and storage.

1 . An apparatus for providing workpiece positioning, comprising: 
 an adjustable retention member, for providing workpiece positioning; and    a securing mechanism connected to the retention member, for securing the retention member in a desired orientation;    wherein the retention member is capable of capable of pivotally obtaining an extended orientation and a retracted orientation.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the retention member further includes a friction lock for locking the adjustable retention member in a desired position.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus for providing workpiece positioning, comprising: 
 an adjustable positioning device;    a retention member connected to the adjustable positioning device, for providing workpiece positioning; and    a securing mechanism connected to the retention member, for securing the retention member in a desired orientation;    wherein the retention member is capable of capable of pivotally obtaining an extended orientation and a retracted orientation.    
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising a deck housing the adjustable positioning device, the retention member and the securing mechanism, said deck housing for supporting a workpiece, wherein the retention member is capable of pivotally extending exterior to the deck and retracting into the deck.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein an adjustable positioning device is a threaded rod.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the retention member includes an aperture with segmented threads for pivotally engaging the threaded rod.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the securing mechanism is a pair of spring biased tabs.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the securing mechanism is a pair of generally opposing deformable tabs.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the securing mechanism is a pair of pivotal tabs.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the apparatus is integrated with a power tool.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for providing retractable workpiece positioning, comprising: 
 a housing including a recess therein;    an adjustable positioning device disposed generally in the housing recess;    a retention member adjustably connected to the adjustable positioning devices said retention member being configured to pivotally obtain an extended orientation and a retracted orientation for providing workpiece positioning; and    a securing mechanism connected to the retention member, for securing the retention member in at least one of the extended orientation and the retracted orientation;    wherein the retention member is capable of pivotally extending exterior to the housing and retracting into said housing recess.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising an attachment device connected to the housing for attaching the apparatus to a deck.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the adjustable positioning device is a threaded rod.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the retention member includes an aperture with segmented threads for engaging the threaded rod.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the securing mechanism is a pair of spring biased tabs.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the securing mechanism is a pair of generally opposing deformable tabs.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the securing mechanism is a pair of pivotal tabs.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the housing is included in a work deck.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the apparatus is integrated with a power tool.  
   
   
       20 . An apparatus for workpiece positioning, comprising: 
 means for adjustable positioning;    means for retaining pivotally connected to the positioning means, for retaining a workpiece in a desired position; and    means for securing the retaining means connected to the retaining means, the securing means being capable of securing the retaining means;    wherein the retaining means is capable of obtaining an extended orientation and a retracted orientation.    
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the adjustable positioning means is a threaded rod.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the retaining means is adjustably connected to the adjustable positioning means.  
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the retaining means is a cleat.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the securing means is a pair of spring biased tabs.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the securing means is a pair of deformable tabs.  
   
   
       26 . A method for providing unobtrusive workpiece positioning, comprising: 
 positioning workpiece on a power tool deck;    orientating a retention member pivotally into an extended orientation, suitable for contacting the workpiece;    adjusting the retention member to the desired position; and    retracting the retention member below the power tool deck work surface if desired by a user.