GB2600489A

GB2600489A - Saw and methods

Info

Publication number: GB2600489A
Application number: GB2017399.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hall James
Original assignee: HALLCLIP Ltd
Current assignee: HALLCLIP Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-03
Filing date: 2020-11-03
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-03
Also published as: GB202017399D0; GB2600489B

Abstract

A saw having a sheath 100 having a head end and a tail end, the sheath defining a slot extending from the head end towards the tail end; a sawblade 200 with a first sawblade end located in the slot and a second sawblade end located outside the slot, a toothed edge extending from the second sawblade end towards the first sawblade end; an extender 300 having a first extender end located in the slot and coupled to the first sawblade end, and a second extender end securable to the sheath; wherein the extender and the sawblade are slidably removable from the slot, and the extender is detachable from the sawblade when removed from the slot. Aperture 124 may be provided in the sheath, and aperture 322 provided in the extender, to enable a bolt, or similar to be inserted to secure the extender to the sheath, in use. Also, a method of assembling the saw, and a method of using a saw. The sawblade is insertable under a roof tile/slate to cut a nail which holds the tile/slate down to a baton or joist.

Description

SAW AND METHODS

FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates in general to a saw, a method of assembling a saw, and a method of using a saw.

BACKGROUND

[2] A saw is a known tool usable to cut material. An example of a conventional saw includes a sawblade that is subjected to a reciprocating motion of alternating push strokes and pull strokes such that a toothed edge of the sawblade engages and so cuts into another object.

[3] For certain applications, it may be necessary to have a saw which can reach into a limited space. Although the sawblade may be thin enough to fit into such a limited space, other parts of the saw may be significantly thicker and hence may prevent insertion of the sawblade. For example, a hacksaw may be provided with a hacksaw blade which is thin but held at either end by a frame of considerable bulk. Accordingly, the hacksaw does not allow for either end of the sawblade to be inserted into a limited space unless the frame, which is needed for rigidity of the sawblade, also fits into said space.

[4] It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative saw and alternative methods relating to a saw.

SUMMARY

[5] According to the present disclosure there is provided a saw, a method of assembling a saw and a method of using a saw as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[6] According to an example, there is provided a saw comprising: a sheath having a head end and a tail end, the sheath defining: a slot extending from the head end towards the tail end; a sawblade comprising: a first sawblade end located in the slot and a second sawblade end located outside the slot, a toothed edge extending from the second sawblade end towards the first sawblade end; an extender comprising: a first extender end located in the slot and coupled to the first sawblade end to prevent separation of the extender and the sawblade in the slot, and a second extender end securable to the sheath; wherein the extender and the sawblade are slidably removable from the slot, and the extender is detachable from the sawblade when removed from the slot by urging the first extender end in a direction perpendicular to the toothed edge.

[7] According to some examples, the sheath defines a first sheath aperture and, optionally, a second sheath aperture. The first sheath aperture and the second sheath aperture extend through a face of the sheath at the tail end of the sheath. The second extender end of the extender defines a first extender aperture and, optionally, a second extender aperture. The first extender aperture is aligned with the first sheath aperture of the sheath and, where provided, the second extender aperture is aligned with the second sheath aperture of the sheath. A first fastening member is received by the first sheath aperture and the first extender aperture to fasten the extender relative to the sheath. Where provided, a second fastening member is received by the second sheath aperture and the second extender aperture to fasten the extender relative to the sheath.

[8] According to some examples, the sawblade defines a first sawblade face and a second sawblade face, and the first fastening member and, where provided, the second fastening member abut against the second sawblade face and press the first sawblade face against the sheath.

[9] According to some examples, the saw comprises a handle attached to the tail end of the sheath. The handle comprises a mating portion, wherein the mating portion defines a first mating aperture and, optionally, a second mating aperture. The first mating aperture is aligned with the first extender aperture and the first sheath aperture. Where provided, the second mating aperture is aligned with the second extender aperture and the second sheath aperture. The first fastening member extends through the first mating aperture, the first extender aperture and the first sheath aperture. Where provided, the second fastening member extends through the second mating aperture, the second extender aperture and the second sheath aperture.

[10] According to some examples, the mating portion comprises: a main part engaging the sheath, and a pair of sidewalls extending from the main part, wherein a first sidewall of the pair engages a first side of the sheath, and a second sidewall of the pair engages a second side of the sheath. The handle and the sheath are separable by removing the fastening members and moving the handle in a direction perpendicular to and away from the face of the sheath.

[11] According to some examples, the handle comprises a handle portion and a riser, wherein the handle portion is spaced from the sheath by the riser in a direction perpendicular to the face of the sheath.

[12] According to some examples, the first extender end and the first sawblade end are configured to couple by means of a tab and a corresponding blank, the tab provided on the first extender end or the first sawblade end, and the blank in the other of the first extender end and the first sawblade end; wherein the tab comprises an enlarged portion extending from a neck portion and the blank comprises a neck region and an enlarged region, and the enlarged portion of the tab is located in the enlarged region of the blank, and the neck portion of the tab located in the neck region of the blank.

[13] According to some examples, the extender comprises the tab and the sawblade comprises the blank.

[14] According to some examples, the sawblade is provided as a double-edged sawblade comprising a first toothed edge and a second toothed edge, the first toothed edge and the second toothed edge extending between the first sawblade end and the second sawblade end of the sawblade; and wherein the sawblade defines a cutting direction and a return direction, and the first toothed edge and the second toothed edge are configured to cut when displaced in the cutting direction.

[15] According to some examples, the extender has a substantially uniform thickness.

[16] According to some examples, the sawblade has a substantially uniform thickness.

[17] According to some examples, a thickness of the extender and a thickness of the sawblade are substantially equal.

[18] According to some examples, the head end of the sheath has a thickness of at most 5 millimetres and, more preferably, a thickness of at most 3.5 millimetres.

[19] According to an example, there is provided a method of assembling a saw, the method comprising: providing a sawblade comprising a first sawblade end and a second sawblade end, the first sawblade end and the second sawblade end delimiting a lengthwise extent of the sawblade; providing an extender; coupling the first sawblade end and a first extender end of the extender to restrict movement of the extender in a direction parallel to the lengthwise extent of the sawblade, thereby arranging the sawblade and the extender in a coupled configuration; providing a sheath comprising a head end, tail end and a slot extending from the head end towards the tail end; inserting the sawblade and the extender in the coupled configuration into the slot of the sheath, wherein the sawblade and the extender have profiles corresponding to the slot.

[20] According to an example, there is provided a method of using a saw. The method comprises providing a saw as described above; identifying a target area for a replacement slate on a slated roof; inserting the saw into the target area; using the saw to cut a nail extending into the target area, the nail extending from a baton carrying adjacent slates; removing the saw from the target area; inserting a replacement slate into the target area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[21] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevated view of a saw according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a partially broken-away view of the saw of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partially broken-away view of a sheath of the saw of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sheath of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a sawblade of the saw of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a extender of the saw of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a handle for attachment to the sheath of Figure 3; Figure 8 illustrates a method of assembling a saw according to the present disclosure; Figure 9 is an elevated view of the sawblade of Figure 5 and the extender of the saw of Figure 6 in a separated configuration; Figure 10 is an elevated view of the sawblade and the extender of Figure 9 in a coupled configuration; Figure 11 illustrates a method of replacing a roofing slate comprising the method of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a slated roof with a roofing slate missing therefrom; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the slated roof of Figure 12 with a replacement slate being fitted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[22] The present disclosure relates to a tool and more particularly to a saw. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a method of assembling the saw and a method of using the saw.

[23] Figures 1 and 2 show an exemplary saw 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a plan view of the saw 10, while Figure 2 is a partially broken-away view. The saw 10 is provided as a handsaw, i.e. a saw for manual operation.

[24] The saw 10 comprises a sheath 100 (or 'main body'), a sawblade 200 and an extender 300 (or 'extension member'). The sheath 100 is illustrated partially broken-away in Figure 2, thereby revealing parts of the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 which are obstructed in Figure 1. According to the present example, the sheath 100, the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 are each flat.

[25] The sheath 100 provides a housing or sleeve in which the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 are disposed. The sawblade 200 extends from the sheath 100 and may be utilised for sawing. The sawblade 200 is coupled to the extender 300 to prevent the sawblade 200 from moving relative to the extender 300. The sheath 100 is utilisable for handling the saw 10, since the sheath 100 covers part of the sawblade 200. A user may therefore manually operate the saw 10 by gripping the sheath 100 which protects from gripping the sawblade 200.

[26] Figures 3 and 4 show the sheath 100. Figure 3 is a partially broken-away view of the sheath 100, while Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sheath 100. The sheath 100 comprises a head end 102 (or 'first end') and a tail end 104 (or 'second end'). The head end 102 and the tail end 104 are opposite ends, i.e. delimit an extent of the sheath 100 in a particular direction. According to the present example, the sheath 100 has an elongate shape wherein a lengthwise extent is bounded by the head end 102 and the tail end 104.

[27] The sheath 100 comprises a pair of sides 105. The sides 105 delimit a width (or 'sidewise extent') of the sheath 100. According to the present example, the sides 105 are substantially straight and substantially parallel.

[28] The sheath 100 comprises an upper face 106 and a lower face 108. The upper face 106 and the lower face 108 delimit a thickness of the sheath 100. According to the present example, the upper face 106 and the lower face 108 are substantially flat and substantially parallel. Thus, the sheath 100 has generally uniform thickness.

[29] The sheath 100 defines a slot 110. The slot 110 extends from the head end 102 of the sheath 100 towards the tail end 104 of the sheath 100. That is, the slot 110 terminates in a first slot opening 112 defined in the head end 102 of the sheath 100. According to the present example, the slot 110 extends all the way to the tail end 104. Accordingly, the slot 110 terminates in a second slot opening 114 defined in the tail end 104 of the sheath 110.

[30] The sheath 100 comprises a first securing portion 120. The first securing portion 120 is configured for securing the extender 300 to the sheath 100. According to the present example, the first securing portion 120 comprises an upper aperture 122 (or 'upper face aperture' or 'first sheath aperture') defined in the upper face 106 and a lower aperture 124 (or 'lower face aperture') defined in the lower face 108. The upper aperture 122 and the lower aperture 124 are aligned such that a suitable mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, may be inserted. In use, the sawblade 200 may be secured to the sheath 100 by means of a bolt and a nut.

[31] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the sawblade 200. The sawblade 200 comprises a first sawblade end 202 and a second sawblade end. When the saw 10 is assembled, such as in Figures 1 and 2, the first sawblade end 202 is concealed within the sheath 100, while the second sawblade end 204 is exposed and may be utilised for sawing.

[32] The first sawblade end 202 and the second sawblade end 204 are opposite ends in that an extent of the sawblade 200 in a particular direction is bounded by the first sawblade end 202 and the second sawblade end 204. According to the present example, the sawblade 200 has an elongate shape wherein a lengthwise extent is bounded by the first sawblade end 202 and the second sawblade end 204.

[33] The sawblade 200 has a profile which substantially corresponds to the slot 110 defined by the sheath 100. That is to say, a cross-section of the sawblade 200 along a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise extent of the sawblade 200 substantially corresponds to the cross-section of the slot 110. In other words, the slot 110 has a width substantially corresponding to the width of the sawblade 200, and a height substantially corresponding to a thickness of the sawblade 200.

[34] The sawblade 200 is provided as a double-edged sawblade comprising a pair of toothed edges 205 for sawing. A toothed edge 205 is provided on each side of the sawblade 200, thus delimiting the width of the sawblade 200. Each toothed edge 205 extends between the first sawblade end 202 and the second sawblade end 204. According to the present example, the toothed edges 205 are straight.

[35] The sawblade 200 defines a cutting direction. The cutting direction corresponds to the direction in which the sawblade 200 is displaced in order to saw. The sawblade 200 also defines a return direction. The return direction is the opposite direction of the cutting direction. According to the present example, the two toothed edges 205 define the same cutting direction and the same return direction. More particularly, the cutting direction corresponds to a push stroke and the return direction corresponds to a pull stroke.

[36] The sawblade 200 comprises an upper sawblade face 206 (or 'first sawblade face') and a lower face 208 (or 'lower sawblade face'). The upper sawblade face 206 and the lower sawblade face 208 delimit the thickness of the sawblade 200. According to the present example, the sawblade 200 has generally uniform thickness. Suitably, the upper sawblade face 206 and the lower sawblade face 208 are generally flat.

[37] The sawblade 200 comprises a blank 210. The blank 210 is a space or cavity formed in the sawblade 200 which is configured to receive a corresponding tab of the extender 300 in order to thereby couple the sawblade 200 and the extender 300. More particularly, this provides a tab-and-blank coupling by means of which the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 may be coupled akin to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle [38] The blank 210 is formed closer to the first sawblade end 202 of the sawblade 200 than to the second sawblade end 204 of the sawblade 200. According to the present example, the blank 210 is formed at the first sawblade end 202 of the sawblade 200.

[39] The blank 210 comprises a neck region 212 and an enlarged region 214. The neck region 212 is a generally straight section of the blank 210 which, according to the present example, terminates at the first sawblade end 202 to define an open-ended passage. The enlarged region 214 is larger than the neck region 212. According to the present example, the enlarged region 214 is generally circular with a diameter that exceeds the width of the neck region 212. The enlarged region 214 is provided closer to the second sawblade end 204 than the neck region 212.

[40] The blank 210 extends from the upper sawblade face 206 to the lower sawblade face 208, i.e. through the whole thickness of the sawblade 200.

[41] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the extender 300 (or 'extension piece' or 'shaft'). The extender 300 is securable to the sheath 100. Wien so secured, movement of the extender 300 within the slot 110 is inhibited. According to the present example, the extender 300 is mechanically securable to the sheath 100, for example by means of a mechanical fastener or fastening member. Moreover, the extender 300 is detachably securable to the sheath 100, and so can be detached from the sheath 100.

[42] The extender 300 comprises a first extender end 302 and a second extender end 304. The first extender end 302 and the second extender end 304 are opposite ends in that an extent of the extender 300 in a particular direction is bounded by the first extender end 302 and the second extender end 304. According to the present example, the extender 300 has an elongate shape wherein a lengthwise extent is bounded by the first extender end 302 and the second extender end 304.

[43] The extender 300 comprises a pair of extender sides 305. According to the present example, the extender sides 305 delimit a width (or 'sidewise extent') of the extender 300.

[44] The extender 300 comprises an upper extender face 306 and a lower extender face 308. The upper extender face 306 and the lower extender face 308 delimit a thickness of the extender 300. According to the present example, the extender 300 has generally uniform thickness. Suitably, the upper extender face 306 and the lower extender face 308 are generally flat.

[45] The extender 300 has a profile which substantially corresponds to the slot 110 defined by the sheath 100. That is to say, a cross-section of the extender 300 substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the slot 110. In other words, the slot 110 has a width substantially corresponding to the width of the extender 300, and a height substantially corresponding to a thickness of the extender 300.

[46] The extender 300 comprises a tab 310. The tab 310 is configured to be received by the blank 210 of the sawblade 200 in order to thereby couple the extender 300 and the sawblade 200. Accordingly, the tab 310 and the blank 210 have complementary shapes.

[47] The tab 310 is formed at the first extender end 302 of the extender 300 and extends along a lengthwise direction of the extender 300, i.e. along the lengthwise extent of the extender 300.

[48] The tab 310 comprises a neck portion 312 and an enlarged region 314. The neck portion 312 is a generally straight section of the tab 210. The enlarged portion 314 is larger than the neck portion 312. According to the present example, the enlarged portion 314 is generally disk-shaped with a diameter that exceeds the width of the neck portion 312.

[49] The enlarged portion 314 extends from the neck portion 312 and is farther spaced from the second extender end 304 than the neck portion 312.

[50] The extender 300 comprises a second securing portion 320. The second securing portion 320 is configured for securing the extender 300 to the sheath 100. According to the present example, the second securing portion 320 comprises an extender aperture 322 extending through the extender 300. The extender aperture 322 extends from the upper extender face 306 to the lower extender face 308, i.e. all the way through the extender 300. In use, the first securing portion 120 of the sheath 100 and the second securing portion 320 of the extender 300 are aligned and the sheath 100 and the extender 300 coupled together by means of the securing portions 120, 320. More particularly, the upper aperture 122 and the lower aperture 124 are aligned with the extender aperture 322 and a suitable mechanical fastener inserted.

[51] Figure 7 shows a handle 400 for attachment to the sheath 100. The handle 400 comprises a mating portion 420 (or 'first portion), a handle portion 440 (or 'second portion'), and a riser 460 (or 'third portion).

[52] The handle portion 440 is for manual engagement by a person. Suitably the handle portion 440 is shaped ergonomically, e.g. cylindrically.

[53] The mating portion 420 is configured to attach to the sheath 100. More particularly, the mating portion 420 is configured to attach to the tail end 104 of the sheath 100. According to the present example, the mating portion 420 attaches to the sheath 100 using a pair of mating apertures 422. That is to say, the mating portion 420 comprises a first mating aperture 422 and a second mating aperture 422. The first mating aperture 422 is aligned with a first extender aperture 322 and a first sheath aperture 122. A first mechanical fastener 525 (or 'first fastening member') extends through the first mating aperture 422, the first extender aperture 322 and the first sheath aperture 122. Similarly, the second mating aperture 422 is aligned with a second extender aperture 322 and a second sheath aperture 122. A second mechanical fastener 522 (or 'second fastening member') extends through the second mating aperture 422, the second extender aperture 322 and the second sheath aperture 122. According to the present example, the first mechanical fastener and the second mechanical fastener are provided as a combination of a bolt and a wingnut.

[54] The mating portion 420 comprises a main part 424 and a pair of sidewalls 426 (or 'side portions'). The main part 424 is configured to engage the upper face 106 or the lower face 108 of the sheath 100. In Figure 7, the main part 424 is shown to engage the upper face 106 of the sheath 100.

[55] The sidewalls 426 extend from the main part 424. More particularly, a sidewall 426 extends on each side of the main part 441. The sidewalls 426 are configured to engage the sides 105 of the sheath 100. In combination, the main part 424 and the sidewalls 426 define a channel 427 (or 'recess') configured to receive the sheath 100. According to the present example, the channel 427 opens in a direction away from the handle portion 440.

[56] The handle 400 and the sheath 100 are separable by removing the fasteners 422 and removing the handle 400 from the sheath 100. The handle 400 is removable in a direction perpendicular to the face 106, 108 of the sheath 100.

[57] The riser portion 460 extends between the handle portion 440 and the mating portion 420. The riser portion 460 is configured to spatially separate the handle portion 440 from the mating portion 420. In use, the riser portion 460 spatially separates the handle portion 440 from an underlying roof to improve ease of use and reduce risk of injury by providing a clearance space between the handle portion 440 and the underlying roof. The riser portion 460 spaces the handle portion 440 and the sheath100 in a direction perpendicular to the face 106, 108 of the sheath 100.

[58] Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a method of assembling the saw 10. Figure 8 illustrates the method of assembling. Figure 9 shows the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 in an uncoupled configuration. Figure 10 shows the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 in a coupled configuration.

[59] The method comprises a step S100 of providing the sawblade 200 and a step S120 of providing the extender 300. The sawblade 200 and the extender 300 are provided separately, i.e. in an uncoupled configuration.

[60] The method further comprises a step 3140 of coupling the first sawblade end 202 of the sawblade 200 and the first extender end 302 of the extender 300. By coupling the first sawblade end 202 and the first extender end 302, movement of the extender 300 relative to the lengthwise extent of the sawblade 200 is restricted. This provides the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 in a coupled configuration. Figures 9 and 10 show the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 in the uncoupled configuration and in the coupled configuration, respectively.

[61] More particularly, in the uncoupled configuration the tab 310 of the extender 300 is separated from the blank 210 of the sawblade 200. In the coupled configuration, the tab 310 is located in the blank 210.

[62] The method further comprises a step 3160 of providing the sheath 100.

[63] The method further comprises a step S180 of inserting the sawblade 200 and the extender 300, in the coupled configuration, into the slot 110 of the sheath 100. The sawblade 200 and the extender 300 have profiles corresponding to the slot 110. That is to say, a cross-section of the sawblade 200 along a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise extent of the sawblade 200 is substantially complementary to a cross-section of the slot 110 along a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise extent of the sheath 100. Similarly, a cross-section of the extender 300 along a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise extent of the extender 300 is substantially complementary to the cross-section of the slot 110 along a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise extent of the sheath 100.

[64] The extender 300 is suitably fastened to the sheath 100 and/or the handle 400, for example by means of a fastening member. By securing the extender 300, the sawblade 200 is also secured since the extender 300 and the sawblade 200 are coupled together.

[65] Upon removal of the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 from the sheath 100, the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 may be returned to the uncoupled configuration. In particular, the extender 300 is urged in a direction perpendicular to the sawblade face 206, 208 to remove the tab 310 from the blank 210. More generally, the extender 300 is urged in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise extent of the sawblade 200. This may be, for example, a direction perpendicular to the sawblade face 206, 208; a direction perpendicular to the sawblade edge 205; a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction defined by the sawblade edge 205; or a direction perpendicular to the return direction defined by the sawblade edge 205.

[66] Figures 11, 12 and 13 illustrate a method of carrying out roofing work. Figure 11 illustrates the method of carrying out roofing work and, more particularly, replacing a roofing slate. Figures 12 and 13 show a section of a roof 1000 provided with roofing slates 1100.

[67] Roofing slates or 'slates' are known to cover pitched roofs to provide weather proofing. The term 'slate' is used to refer to any natural or synthetic slate or tile used as roof coverings. Conventionally, when covering a new roof or completely replacing an existing roof covering, each slate is drilled with two holes and held in place by driving nails through the holes into a support structure of a roof. A known installation technique utilises roof batons as the support structure. Each slate is nailed to a roof baton with the nails securing said slate concealed underneath a pair of upper slates. In use, the slates are prone to damage and may require replacement. It is known to use a tool referred to as a 'slate ripper' or simply 'ripper' in such a case. The ripper can be inserted in a target area, i.e. a space vacated by the broken slate, and rip the nails that previously held the broken slate by means of a hooked portion of the ripper. Without removing these nails, it would not be possible to slide a replacement slate into the position vacated by the broken slate. However, the action of the ripper may cause further damage to the roof and especially to adjacent slates.

[68] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using the saw 10 as described above with an application to roofing work. This method provides an alternative for removing nails from a baton of a slated roof.

[69] The method comprises a step 3200 of providing the saw 10 as described above.

[70] The method further comprises a step 3210 of identifying a target area 1101. The target area 1101 is a space vacated by a broken slate 1100.

[71] The method further comprises a step 3220 of inserting the saw 10 into the target area 1101. A roof baton 1200 is located in the target area 1101. Adjacent slates 1100 are secured to the roof baton 1200.

[72] The method further comprises a step 3230 of cutting a nail 1201 extending from the baton 1200. As shown in Figure 12, a pair of nails 1201 extends from the underlying baton 1200 into the target area 1101. Once cut, a portion of the nail 1201 or nails 1201 remains in the baton 1200 and another portion of the nail, i.e. the portion sawed off, can be removed or may drop into an underlying roof structure.

[73] The method further comprises a step 3240 of removing the saw 10 from the target area 1101.

[74] The method further comprises a step 3250 of inserting a replacement slate 1102 into the slate space. With reference to Figure 13, the replacement slate is fitted by means of a conventional tool, such as a slate ripper. The replacement slate 1102 may be secured in the target area 1101 using any suitable means.

[75] The saw 10 may be manufactured industrially. Any suitable process of fabrication may be utilised. The sheath 100, the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 are manufactured as separate components.

[76] The sheath 100 is manufacturable by folding a sheet of suitable material. The sheet is chosen to have a suitable thickness such that the head end 102 of the sheath 100 has a thickness of at most 5 millimetres. Preferably the sheath 100 has a thickness of at most 4 millimetres. More preferably, the sheath 100 has a thickness of at most 3 millimetres.

[77] The sawblade 200 is manufacturable by punching the blank 210 into a sawblade manufactured using a known fabrication process. The sawblade 200 has a thickness which is less than the thickness of the head end 102 of the sheath 100.

[78] The extender 300 is manufacturable as a sheet of suitable material and stamping an end thereof in order to define the tab 310.

[79] The sheath 100, the sawblade 200 and the extender 300 may be fabricated using any suitable material, such as metal or metal alloy, and particularly steel or aluminium. Moreover, multiple materials may be used. For example, the sawblade 200 may be made from steel. The sheath 100 may be made from aluminium.

[80] The handle 400 is manufacturable using any suitable process. According to the present example, the handle 400 is manufactured from plastics and, in particular, injection moulded.

[81] The saw is configurable between an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, the sawblade extends from the sheath and is prevented from separating from the extender. The extender, in turn, is securable to the sheath in order to prevent the extender from separating from the sheath. This may be preferable to known means of securing the sawblade, for example by directly bolting the sawblade to the sheath, as such means would increase the thickness of the saw where the sawblade is located. A saw according to the present disclosure may therefore have a thinner profile than such conventional saws since the sawblade need not be fastened to the sheath. In the disassembled configuration the sawblade and the extender are removed from the sheath. When so removed, the sawblade is readily detachable from the extender in order to, for example, replace the sawblade. Accordingly, the saw allows for straightforward replacement of the sawblade.

[82] The extender is secured to the sheath by means of one or multiple fastening members. Conveniently the extender and the sheath are secured at the tail end of the sheath such that the fastening member is spaced from head end of the sheath and, hence, does not affect the thickness of the head end. By fastening the extender and the sheath using multiple fastening members, relative motion of the extender and the sheath may be reduced. In use, this may reduce 'wobble' of the sawblade and the extender relative to the sheath when sawing. Particularly where the handle is made from a relatively soft material, e.g. plastic, multiple fastening members may allow secure fastening of handle and sheath.

[83] By urging the sawblade against the sheath, relative motion of the sawblade and the sheath may be inhibited.

[84] By fastening the handle to the sheath using multiple fastening members, relative motion of the handle and the sheath and/or the handle and the sawblade may be reduced.

[85] Providing the mating portion with side portions that engage both sides of the sheath may reduce relative motion of the handle and the sheath.

[86] Spacing the handle portion from the sheath may increase safety and ease of use.

[87] Utilising a tab-and-blank coupling, the sawblade and the extender may be coupled without adding additional thickness where the sawblade and the extender are coupled. In particular, it is not necessary to arrange the sawblade and extender side-by-side, i.e. in an overlapping arrangement, or utilise a fastening member extending through the sawblade and the extender. Moreover, the tab-and-blank coupling may provide for improved coupling and decoupling of the sawblade and the extender since the tab is located in the blank for coupling, and the tab is removed from the blank for decoupling.

[88] A sawblade having a blank may be particularly convenient to manufacture, for example by punching the blank into the sawblade. Some known examples of sawblades may thus be provided with blanks, such that the known examples of sawblades would be utilisable with the saw. Correspondingly, the tab is therefore formed on the extender.

[89] Providing the sawblade with blanks on both ends may be preferable, such that the sawblade can attached to the extender at either end. Thus a portion of the toothed edge located inside the sheath when attached at one blank may be utilised when attached with the other blank.

[90] The toothed edges of the double-edged sawblade are provided symmetrically such that either toothed edge may be used to cut when displacing the sawblade in the cutting direction. For example, the sawblade may be displaced in the cutting direction on the push stroke. Alternatively, the sawblade may be displaced in the cutting direction on the return stroke. Conveniently, by symmetrically arranging the toothed edges the cutting direction remains unchanged irrespective of whether the first toothed edge or the second toothed edge is utilised.

[91] The sawblade is secured in the slot by means of the extender. By providing the sawblade and the extender such that the thickness of the extender and the thickness of the sawblade are substantially equal, the slot may better retain the extender and the sawblade and a more compact saw may be provided.

[92] Utilising the saw for removing nails extending from roof batons may reduce the risk of damaging adjacent roofing slates or other structures of the roof.

[93] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, for purposes of illustration the extender aperture 322 is shown as having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the upper aperture 122 and the lower aperture 124 of the sheath 100. According to other examples, the extender aperture 322, the upper aperture 122 and the lower aperture 124 may have substantially identical sizes. According to further examples, the upper aperture 122 or the lower aperture 124 may have a size substantially corresponding to the size of the extender aperture 322.

[94] According to the example described above, the head end 102 of the sheath 100 has a thickness of at most 5 millimetres. According to other examples, the head end 102 may have a thickness of at most 4.5, 4, 3.5 or 3 millimetres. For example, the head end 102 may have a thickness between 3 and 5 millimetres.

[95] According to the example described above, the sheath 100 is provided with the upper aperture 122 on the upper face 106 and the lower aperture 124 on the lower face 108. An aperture 122, 124 is not necessarily provided on both faces 106, 108 of the sheath 100. According to other examples, an aperture 122,124 is provided on a face 106, 108. According to further examples, a plurality of upper apertures 122 (or, alternatively, lower apertures 124) is provided and a single lower aperture 124 (or, alternatively, a single upper aperture 122) is provided.

[96] According to the example described above, the slot 110 extends through the whole sheath 100. That is to say, the slot 110 extends between the first slot opening 112 in the head end 102 of the sheath 100 and the second slot opening 114 in the tail end 104 of the sheath 100. According to other examples, the slot 110 extends part of the way, but not all the way, through the sheath 100. That is to say, the second slot opening 114 may not be provided.

[97] According to the example described above, the sawblade 200 is provided as a doubled-edged sawblade having a pair of toothed edges 205. According to other examples, the sawblade 200 has a pair of side edges 205 where at least one of the side edges 205 is provided as a toothed edge 205, but not necessarily both side edges 205. In other words, the sawblade 200 may be provided as a single-edged sawblade.

[98] According to the example described above, the neck region 212 and the enlarged region 214 of the sawblade 200 extend from the upper sawblade face 206 to the lower sawblade face 208. That is to say, the neck region 212 and the enlarged region 214 extend through the whole thickness of the sawblade 200. According to other examples, the neck region 212 and/or the enlarged region 214 may extend part of the way, but not all the way, between the upper sawblade face 206 and the lower sawblade face 208. For example, a reinforcing rib or other structural feature extend through the neck region 212 and/or the enlarged region 214.

[99] According to the example described above, the cutting direction of the sawblade 200 corresponds to the push stroke of the saw 10 and the return direction corresponds to the pull stroke. According to other examples, the cutting direction of the sawblade 200 corresponds to the pull stroke and the return direction corresponds to the push stroke.

[100] According to the example described above, the extender 300 has substantially uniform thickness. According to other examples, the tab 310 is provided thinner than other parts of the extender 300. For example, the tab 310 may have a thin portion to accommodate a corresponding reinforcing rib formed by the sawblade 200.

[101] According to the example described above, the extender 300 has a profile which substantially corresponds to the slot 110 defined by the sheath 100. According to other examples, the extender 300 has a smaller cross-sectional profile than the slot 110.

[102] According to the example described above, the sawblade 200 is provided with one blank 210 in the first sawblade end 202. According to other examples, the sawblade 200 is provided with a blank 210 in both ends 202,204, i.e. additionally a blank 210 in the second sawblade end 204.

[103] According to the example described above, the tab 310 is provided on the extender 300 and the blank 210 is provided sawblade 200. According to other examples, a tab may be provided on the sawblade and a corresponding blank provided on the extender 300. According to yet further examples, blanks may be provided on both the sawblade and the extender, and a separate connector tab may be provided which is insertable into both the blanks.

[104] According to the example described above, the handle 400 is provided separately from the sheath 100. According to other examples, the handle 400 is formed integrally with the sheath 100. For example, the riser 460 may directly connect the handle portion 440 to the sheath 100, or the handle portion 440 may be directly connected to the sheath 100.

[105] According to the example described above, the handle 400 is secured to the sheath 100 using a pair of apertures. According to other examples, the handle 400 has any number of apertures, such as a single aperture or a plurality of apertures.

[106] According to the example described above, the sidewalls 426 of the handle 400 extend in a direction away from the handle portion 440 (i.e. a downwards direction in Figure 7). According to other examples, the sidewalls 426 may extend in a direction towards the handle portion 440 (i.e. an upwards direction in Figure 7). In other words, the channel 427 may open in downwards direction or an upwards direction, i.e. towards the handle portion 440 or away from the handle portion 440.

[107] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a saw, a method of assembling a saw and a method of using a saw have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved saw and improved methods. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[108] The saw may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[109] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A saw (10), comprising: a sheath (100) having a head end (102) and a tail end (104), the sheath (100) defining: a slot (110) extending from the head end (102) towards the tail end (104); a sawblade (200) comprising: a first sawblade end (202) located in the slot (110) and a second sawblade end (204) located outside the slot (110), a toothed edge (205) extending from the second sawblade end (204) towards the first sawblade end (202); an extender (300) comprising: a first extender end (302) located in the slot (110) and coupled to the first sawblade end (202) to prevent separation of the extender and the sawblade (200) in the slot (110), and a second extender end (304) securable to the sheath (100); wherein the extender (300) and the sawblade (200) are slidably removable from the slot (110), and the extender (300) is detachable from the sawblade (200) when removed from the slot by urging the first extender end (302) in a direction perpendicular to the toothed edge (205).
2. The saw (10) according to claim 1, wherein a first sheath aperture (122) and a second sheath aperture (122) extend through a face (106, 108) of the sheath (100) at the tail end (104) of the sheath (100); and the second extender end (304) of the extender (300) defines a first extender aperture (322) and a second extender aperture (322); wherein the first extender aperture (322) is aligned with the first sheath aperture (122) of the sheath (100), and wherein the second extender aperture (322) is aligned with the second sheath aperture (122) of the sheath (100); wherein: a first fastening member (522) is received by the first sheath aperture (122) and the first extender aperture (322), and a second fastening member (522) is received by the second sheath aperture (122) and the second extender aperture (322), to fasten the extender (300) relative to the sheath (100).
3. The saw (10) according to claim 2, wherein the sawblade defines a first sawblade face (206) and a second sawblade face (208), and the first fastening member (522) and the second fastening member (522) abut against the second sawblade face (208) and press the first sawblade face (206) against the sheath (100).
4. The saw (10) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a handle (400) attached to the tail end (104) of the sheath (100), the handle (400) comprising a mating portion (420) defining: a first mating aperture (422) and a second mating aperture (422), wherein the first mating aperture (422) is aligned with the first extender aperture (322) and the first sheath aperture (122), and the second mating aperture (422) is aligned with the second extender aperture (322) and the second sheath aperture (122); wherein the first fastening member (522) extends through the first mating aperture (422), the first extender aperture (322) and the first sheath aperture (122), and wherein the second fastening member (522) extends through the second mating aperture (422), the second extender aperture (322) and the second sheath aperture (122).
5. The saw (10) according to claim 4, wherein the mating portion (420) comprises a main part (424) engaging of the sheath (100), and a pair of sidewalls (426) extending from the main part (424), wherein a first sidewall (426) of the pair engages a first side (105) of the sheath (100), and a second sidewall (426) of the pair engages a second side (105) of the sheath (100); wherein the handle (400) and the sheath (100) are separable by removing the fastening members (520) and moving the handle (400) in a direction perpendicular to the face (106, 108) of the sheath (100).
6. The saw (10) according to claim 5, wherein the handle (400) comprises a handle portion (440) and a riser (460), wherein the handle portion (440) is spaced from the sheath (100) by the riser (460) in a direction perpendicular to the face (106, 108) of the sheath (100).
7. The saw (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the first extender end (302) and the first sawblade end (202) are configured to couple by means of a tab (310) and a corresponding blank (210), the tab (310) being provided on the first extender end (302) or the first sawblade end (202), and the blank (210) in the other of the first extender end (302) and the first sawblade end (202); wherein the tab (310) comprises an enlarged portion (314) extending from a neck portion (312) and the blank (210) comprises a neck region (212) and an enlarged region (214), and the enlarged portion (314) of the tab (310) is located in the enlarged region (214) of the blank (200), and the neck portion (312) of the tab is located in the neck region (212) of the blank.
8. The saw (10) according to claim 7, wherein the extender (300) comprises the tab (300), the sawblade (200) comprises the blank (210).
9. The saw (10) according to claim 8, wherein the sawblade (200) comprises another blank (210) in the second sawblade end (204).
10. The saw (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the sawblade (200) is provided as a double-edged sawblade comprising a first toothed edge (205) and a second toothed edge (205), the first toothed edge (205) and the second toothed edge (205) extending between the first sawblade end (202) and the second sawblade end (204) of the sawblade (200); and wherein the sawblade (200) defines a cutting direction and a return direction, and the first toothed edge and the second toothed edge are configured to cut when displaced in the cutting direction.
11. The saw (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the extender (300) has a substantially uniform thickness, and wherein the sawblade (200) has a substantially uniform thickness.
12. The saw (10) according to claim 11, wherein the thickness of the extender (300) and the thickness of the sawblade (200) are substantially equal.
13. The saw (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the head end (102) of the sheath (100) has a thickness of at most 5 millimetres.
14. The saw (10) according to claim 13, wherein the head end (102) of the sheath (100) has a thickness of at most 3.5 millimetres.
15. A method of assembling a saw (10), the method comprising: providing a sawblade (200) comprising a first sawblade end (202) and a second sawblade end (204), the first sawblade end (202) and the second sawblade end (204) delimiting a lengthwise extent of the sawblade (200); providing an extender (300); coupling the first sawblade end (202) and a first extender end of the extender (300) to restrict movement of the extender (300) in a direction parallel to the lengthwise extent of the sawblade (200), thereby arranging the sawblade (200) and the extender (300) in a coupled configuration; providing a sheath (100) comprising a head end (102), a tail end (104) and a slot (110) extending from the head end (102) towards the tail end; inserting the sawblade (200) and the extender (300) in the coupled configuration into the slot (110) of the sheath (100), wherein the sawblade (200) and the extender (300) have profiles corresponding to the slot (110).
16. A method of using a saw, the method comprising: providing a saw according to any one of claims 1 to 14; identifying a target area for a replacement slate on a slated roof; inserting the saw into the target area; using the saw to cut a nail extending into the target area, the nail extending from a baton carrying adjacent slates; removing the saw from the target area; inserting a replacement slate into the target area.