US Patent: 7,044,039
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| Radial arm saw safety top
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Patentee:
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| Michael S. Powell (exact or similar names) - Boca Raton, FL |
| USPTO Classifications: |
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144/251.1, 144/252.1, 451/451, 451/456, 83/100, 83/459, 83/468.1, 83/471.2, 83/478, 83/485, 83/520, 83/522.15, 83/544, 83/545
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Patent Dates:
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| Applied: |
Aug. 31, 2004 |
| Granted: |
May 16, 2006 |
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Jeff Joslin
Appeals Court decision in Powell v. Home Depot
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Description: |
| This safety device was developed by the inventor under contract to Home Depot, because numerous Home Depot employees had been injured by the radial arm saws used to cut up lumber and plywood for their customers. Powell's "Safe Hands" product was developed, a patent was applied for, it was demonstrated to Home Deport executives, and units were purchased, at $2000 each, for eight stores, with a promise to purchase units for all its stores if the trial proved successful. The trial was successful and Home Depot offered $1200 per unit to equip each of its other stores. Powell rejected this price as below his cost of production. Home Depot then contracted with another company, Industrialplex, Inc., to copy the Safe Hands product, and Home Depot's remaining stores were equipped with Industrialplex's copy, purchased for $1295 each.After this patent was granted, Powell filed suit against Home Depot and Industrialplex for infringement, pointing out that the original Safe Hands units had been marked "Pat. Pend." A jury found that "Home Depot literally and willfully infringed Mr. Powell's patent". Because of the willful infringement and bad faith litigation, Powell was awarded enhanced damages and attorney fees. Home Depot appealed and lost. The total damages plus fees and interest amounted to just under $24 million. |
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