CA2159743C - Grapple for use on skidder - Google Patents
Grapple for use on skidderInfo
- Publication number
- CA2159743C CA2159743C CA 2159743 CA2159743A CA2159743C CA 2159743 C CA2159743 C CA 2159743C CA 2159743 CA2159743 CA 2159743 CA 2159743 A CA2159743 A CA 2159743A CA 2159743 C CA2159743 C CA 2159743C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- grapple
- tongs
- prong
- tong
- figures
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
- B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
- B66C1/42—Gripping members engaging only the external or internal surfaces of the articles
- B66C1/58—Gripping members engaging only the external or internal surfaces of the articles and deforming the articles, e.g. by using gripping members such as tongs or grapples
- B66C1/585—Log grapples
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
A grapple tong 20, comprising an elongate member for connection to a grapple head 30.1 at one end and terminating in a prong 20.3 at the other end, is provided with a secondary prong 20.4 thereon. The secondary prong 20.4 is offset from the prong 20.3. A grapple 30 which comprises a pair of the tongs 20 mounted in opposed relationship for movement toward and away from one another, is also provided.
Description
-GRAPPLE FOR ~SE ON .~ K~
FIELD OF THE lNv~NllON
This invention relates to a grapple for a skidder used in the logging industry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INV~N110N
Skidders are used in the logging industry for transporting or sorting logs by pulling them along the ground. This is achieved by a grapple on the skidder which comprises a pair of opposed tongs which grips the log or logs for pulling along the ground. The tongs are pivotally mounted members which are hydraulically or cable operated for moving towards and away from one another in order to effect the gripping action. The grapple is located at the end of a boom which can be raised or lowered by hydraulic or cable means.
The grapple skidders are used to transport a bundle of logs in which case the grapple is used to clamp all the logs between the tongs, or it is used in applications where single or smaller diameter logs are transported. A problem which arises in the latter type of application is that the tongs of some grapples do not come close enough together when closed in order to effectively grip a log. A further problem which arises is that grapples which are designed for gripping a bunch of logs, referred to as bunching grapples, have a relatively long opening and closing time making them very time con~uming to open and close for a single log or broken tree.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to alleviate the above difficulties.
.
_ - 2 -SUMMARY OF THE I~v~NllON
According to the invention there is provided a grapple comprising a pair of opposed tongs which are moveable toward or away from one another, each tong terminating in a grapple prong for gripping objects between the grapple prongs, wherein each tong is provided with a secondary prong thereon, which secondary prong i8 offset from the grapple prong.
Also according to the invention there i8 provided a grapple tong comprising an elongate member for connection to a grapple head at one end and terminating in a grapple prong at the other end, wherein the tong i~
provided with a secondary prong thereon, which secondary prong is offæet from the grapple prong.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure lA is a three-dimensional view of a pair of tongs according to the invention, shown in dis~embled condition;
Figures lB to lD, reæpectively, show side views of the tongs of Figure lA assembled in a grapple, with the tongæ in a fully open position, a semi-closed position, for gripping a bundle of log~, and a clo~ed position for gripping a single log.
Figures 2A to 2D are views similar to Figure~
lA to lD, but showing tongs of different design.
Figures 3 to 6 are three-dimensional views showing further tongs of different design but incorporating the feature of the invention.
~) 15Cl 7~3 Figures 7A to 7D are views similar to Figures lA to lD, but showing tongs of different design.
Figures 8A and 8B are side views, respectively, showing a pair of tongs of different design, but incorporating the feature of the invention.
Figure 9 is a side view of a pair of tongs of a further design incorporating the feature of the invention.
Figure 10 i8 a three-dimensional view of a pair of tongs of yet a further design but incorporating the feature of the invention.
Figures llA to llD and 12A to 12D, respectively, are views similar to Figures lA to lD but showing tongs of a different design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure lA, reference numeral 20 indicates a pair of tongs or tines which are adapted for assembly in opposed relationship in a grapple 30, a~
shown in Figures lB to lD.
The grapple 30 comprises a head 30.1 to which the tongs 20 are pivotally connected through connection openings 20.1 at their upper ends. Each tong 20 is powered by a hydraulic cylinder 30.2 which is connected between the grapple head 30.1 and a connection opening 20.2 on the tong 20, for moving the tongs 20 towards and away from one another. In use, the grapple head 30.1 is pivotally connected, through a connection 30.3, to the boom of a skidder (not shown).
~ 15q~`3 _ - 4 -Each tong 20 comprises an elongate curved member with the connection opening 20.1 at its upper end and a prong 20.3 at its lower end. Each tong 20 is further provide with a projection or secondary prong 20.4 on its outer side.
As shown in Figure lD, the projections 20.4 are arranged to cooperate with one another when the tongs 20 are brought together in order to grip a single log between the projections 20.4.
The projections 20.4 can be provided on various design of logging grapple tongs, as shown in Figures 2 to 12, where parts corresponding with those in Figures lA to lD have been given like reference numerals. The tongs 20 shown in Figures lA and 2A are example~ of tongs which are cast, whereas those shown in Figures 4 to 12 are mainly examples of welded frame construction. The cast grapples 30 of Figures 1 and 2, referred to as sorting grapples, are designed to pick up a single log and move it to a position near a ~econd log and so on until a number of logs have been collected to fill the grapple 30.
It will be apparent that the projections 20.4 can be provided in various sizes to suit various grapple sizes, yet preferably arranged to overlap to close to a three inch opening.
In use, log bundles or larger diameter logs will be gripped between the upper curved parts of the tongs 20 in the usual manner, whereas single or smaller diameter logs can be gripped between the projections 20.4.
The purpose of the added projections or secondary prongs or tongs 20.4 is to speed up the handling of stray or single logs, which is especially useful in bunching grapples that are time consuming to open and close for one log or broken tree.
The skidder engine will not have to be operated at full revolutions to provide the hydraulics with speed because the tongs 20 will only need to be opened a small distance. On the cast sorting tongs 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the added tongs 20.4 will also increase the strength of the tong 20 at the point of stress where breakage tends to occur.
It is an advantagé of the present invention that it will improve the ability to clean up a forest and therefore result in less waste management and reduce operator stress.
FIELD OF THE lNv~NllON
This invention relates to a grapple for a skidder used in the logging industry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INV~N110N
Skidders are used in the logging industry for transporting or sorting logs by pulling them along the ground. This is achieved by a grapple on the skidder which comprises a pair of opposed tongs which grips the log or logs for pulling along the ground. The tongs are pivotally mounted members which are hydraulically or cable operated for moving towards and away from one another in order to effect the gripping action. The grapple is located at the end of a boom which can be raised or lowered by hydraulic or cable means.
The grapple skidders are used to transport a bundle of logs in which case the grapple is used to clamp all the logs between the tongs, or it is used in applications where single or smaller diameter logs are transported. A problem which arises in the latter type of application is that the tongs of some grapples do not come close enough together when closed in order to effectively grip a log. A further problem which arises is that grapples which are designed for gripping a bunch of logs, referred to as bunching grapples, have a relatively long opening and closing time making them very time con~uming to open and close for a single log or broken tree.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to alleviate the above difficulties.
.
_ - 2 -SUMMARY OF THE I~v~NllON
According to the invention there is provided a grapple comprising a pair of opposed tongs which are moveable toward or away from one another, each tong terminating in a grapple prong for gripping objects between the grapple prongs, wherein each tong is provided with a secondary prong thereon, which secondary prong i8 offset from the grapple prong.
Also according to the invention there i8 provided a grapple tong comprising an elongate member for connection to a grapple head at one end and terminating in a grapple prong at the other end, wherein the tong i~
provided with a secondary prong thereon, which secondary prong is offæet from the grapple prong.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure lA is a three-dimensional view of a pair of tongs according to the invention, shown in dis~embled condition;
Figures lB to lD, reæpectively, show side views of the tongs of Figure lA assembled in a grapple, with the tongæ in a fully open position, a semi-closed position, for gripping a bundle of log~, and a clo~ed position for gripping a single log.
Figures 2A to 2D are views similar to Figure~
lA to lD, but showing tongs of different design.
Figures 3 to 6 are three-dimensional views showing further tongs of different design but incorporating the feature of the invention.
~) 15Cl 7~3 Figures 7A to 7D are views similar to Figures lA to lD, but showing tongs of different design.
Figures 8A and 8B are side views, respectively, showing a pair of tongs of different design, but incorporating the feature of the invention.
Figure 9 is a side view of a pair of tongs of a further design incorporating the feature of the invention.
Figure 10 i8 a three-dimensional view of a pair of tongs of yet a further design but incorporating the feature of the invention.
Figures llA to llD and 12A to 12D, respectively, are views similar to Figures lA to lD but showing tongs of a different design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure lA, reference numeral 20 indicates a pair of tongs or tines which are adapted for assembly in opposed relationship in a grapple 30, a~
shown in Figures lB to lD.
The grapple 30 comprises a head 30.1 to which the tongs 20 are pivotally connected through connection openings 20.1 at their upper ends. Each tong 20 is powered by a hydraulic cylinder 30.2 which is connected between the grapple head 30.1 and a connection opening 20.2 on the tong 20, for moving the tongs 20 towards and away from one another. In use, the grapple head 30.1 is pivotally connected, through a connection 30.3, to the boom of a skidder (not shown).
~ 15q~`3 _ - 4 -Each tong 20 comprises an elongate curved member with the connection opening 20.1 at its upper end and a prong 20.3 at its lower end. Each tong 20 is further provide with a projection or secondary prong 20.4 on its outer side.
As shown in Figure lD, the projections 20.4 are arranged to cooperate with one another when the tongs 20 are brought together in order to grip a single log between the projections 20.4.
The projections 20.4 can be provided on various design of logging grapple tongs, as shown in Figures 2 to 12, where parts corresponding with those in Figures lA to lD have been given like reference numerals. The tongs 20 shown in Figures lA and 2A are example~ of tongs which are cast, whereas those shown in Figures 4 to 12 are mainly examples of welded frame construction. The cast grapples 30 of Figures 1 and 2, referred to as sorting grapples, are designed to pick up a single log and move it to a position near a ~econd log and so on until a number of logs have been collected to fill the grapple 30.
It will be apparent that the projections 20.4 can be provided in various sizes to suit various grapple sizes, yet preferably arranged to overlap to close to a three inch opening.
In use, log bundles or larger diameter logs will be gripped between the upper curved parts of the tongs 20 in the usual manner, whereas single or smaller diameter logs can be gripped between the projections 20.4.
The purpose of the added projections or secondary prongs or tongs 20.4 is to speed up the handling of stray or single logs, which is especially useful in bunching grapples that are time consuming to open and close for one log or broken tree.
The skidder engine will not have to be operated at full revolutions to provide the hydraulics with speed because the tongs 20 will only need to be opened a small distance. On the cast sorting tongs 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the added tongs 20.4 will also increase the strength of the tong 20 at the point of stress where breakage tends to occur.
It is an advantagé of the present invention that it will improve the ability to clean up a forest and therefore result in less waste management and reduce operator stress.
Claims (6)
1. A grapple comprising a pair of opposed tongs which are moveable toward or away from one another, each tong comprising a grapple prong for gripping objects between the grapple prongs, the prongs being generally curved members with an inner side on the inside of the curve and an outer side on the outside of the curve and each prong further having a secondary prong located on the outer side thereof.
2. A grapple according to claim 1, wherein the tongs are hydraulically operated.
3. A grapple according to claim 1, wherein the tongs are cable operated.
4. A grapple tong for connection to a grapple head, comprising a main prong in the form of a generally curved member with an inner side on the inside of the curve and an outer side on the outside of the curve and with a secondary prong located on the outer side of the main prong.
5. A grapple tong according to claim 4, wherein the secondary prong is formed integrally with the main prong.
6. A grapple comprising a pair of tongs according to claim 4 or 5 mounted in opposed relationship with respect to one another.
Priority Applications (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2159743 CA2159743C (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1995-10-03 | Grapple for use on skidder |
| CA002233641A CA2233641A1 (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Grapple for use on skidder |
| RU98108617/28A RU2198130C2 (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Clamshell and clamshell tongs |
| AU68677/96A AU6867796A (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Grapple for use on skidder |
| CN96198564A CN1080243C (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Grapple for use on skidder |
| US09/029,847 US6131978A (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Grapple for use on skidder |
| PCT/CA1996/000603 WO1997012831A1 (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Grapple for use on skidder |
| BR9610744-8A BR9610744A (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-09-09 | Coupling for use with wood-dragging device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2159743 CA2159743C (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1995-10-03 | Grapple for use on skidder |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2159743A1 CA2159743A1 (en) | 1997-04-04 |
| CA2159743C true CA2159743C (en) | 1998-02-24 |
Family
ID=4156700
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2159743 Expired - Fee Related CA2159743C (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1995-10-03 | Grapple for use on skidder |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2159743C (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2198130C2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015417849B2 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2021-11-11 | Volvo Construction Equipment Ab | Grapple |
| RU2744531C1 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2021-03-11 | Сергей Игоревич Корчагин | System for detecting and discarding from scrap metal of solid/liquid/gas-filled objects |
-
1995
- 1995-10-03 CA CA 2159743 patent/CA2159743C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-09-09 RU RU98108617/28A patent/RU2198130C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2198130C2 (en) | 2003-02-10 |
| CA2159743A1 (en) | 1997-04-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |