Table saw insert with lock-down mechanism

Abstract

Inserts for table saws are disclosed. The table inserts are equipped with a toolless locking mechanism that mechanically holds the insert in place and which allows for the installation and removal of the insert without the use of tools. The locking mechanism is easy to lock and unlock and yet robust enough to hold a zero-clearance insert in place.

1 . A table saw comprising:
 a table;   a blade configured to extend at least partially above the table when cutting; and   an insert with a lock-down lever pivotable by hand;   where the lock-down lever is configured to hold the insert in place against an upward force.   
     
     
         2 . The table saw of  claim 1 , where the table includes a ledge, and where the lock-down lever includes an arm positionable under the ledge. 
     
     
         3 . The table saw of  claim 1 , where the insert has an upper surface with a recessed area configured to facilitate a user contacting the lever. 
     
     
         4 . The table saw of  claim 1 , where the table includes a ledge, where the lock-down lever includes an arm positionable under the ledge, where the lock-down lever is pivotable about an axis, where the insert has a front, where the arm includes a contact area positioned below the axis, and where the contact area is vertically in line with the axis or between the axis and the front of the insert. 
     
     
         5 . The table saw of  claim 1 , where the table includes two ledges, and where the lock-down lever includes two arms, each arm positionable under one of the two ledges. 
     
     
         6 . The table saw of  claim 1 , where the insert includes a front, and where the lock-down lever is shaped to fit around the front of the insert. 
     
     
         7 . The table saw of  claim 1 , where the lock-down lever connects to the insert at two points. 
     
     
         8 . A table saw insert comprising a body having a substantially flat upper surface, a lower surface, and a front end; and a lever pivotally connected to the body. 
     
     
         9 . The table saw of  claim 8 , where the lever is pivotally connected to the front end. 
     
     
         10 . The table saw of  claim 9 , where the lever is pivotally connected to the front end at two points. 
     
     
         11 . The table saw of  claim 8 , where the lever includes arms extending below the lower surface. 
     
     
         12 . The table saw of  claim 8 , where the lever is shaped to fit around the front end of the body. 
     
     
         13 . A table saw comprising:
 a table;   a blade configured to extend at least partially above the table when cutting; and   an insert with a mechanical lock-down;   where the insert is configured to be installed and removed by hand without tools; and   where the mechanical lock-down is configured so that when the insert is installed in the saw the mechanical lock-down can be moved by hand without tools between an engaged condition and a non-engaged condition;   where the mechanical lock-down prevents the insert from being removed by an inelastic interaction of parts when in the engaged condition; and   where the mechanical lock-down does not prevent the insert from being removed when in the non-engaged condition.   
     
     
         14 . The table saw of  claim 13 , where the table includes a ledge, and where the inelastic interaction of parts includes an arm configured to abut the ledge.