CA2504325A1 - Winch and bunks for transporting logs and the like - Google Patents
Winch and bunks for transporting logs and the like Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2504325A1 CA2504325A1 CA 2504325 CA2504325A CA2504325A1 CA 2504325 A1 CA2504325 A1 CA 2504325A1 CA 2504325 CA2504325 CA 2504325 CA 2504325 A CA2504325 A CA 2504325A CA 2504325 A1 CA2504325 A1 CA 2504325A1
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- Prior art keywords
- winch
- insert
- face
- aperture
- head
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/40—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load supporting elements
- B60P3/41—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load supporting elements for log transport
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P7/00—Securing or covering of load on vehicles
- B60P7/06—Securing of load
- B60P7/08—Securing to the vehicle floor or sides
- B60P7/0823—Straps; Tighteners
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
Abstract
A beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk includes a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame.
The beam is adapted at each end thereof for attachment of a vertical stake. A winch is operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame. A winch mount mechanism is operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam, and is further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam.
The beam is adapted at each end thereof for attachment of a vertical stake. A winch is operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame. A winch mount mechanism is operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam, and is further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam.
Description
WINCH AND BUNKS FOR TRANSPORTING LOGS AND THE LIKE
This invention is in the field of transport vehicles such as trucks and trailers, and in particular bunks and winches for mounting on vehicle frames to carry logs and the like.
BACKGROUND
Vehic;lee used for transporting logs typically include a plurality of bunks attached to the vehicle frame. Such bunks comprise a horizontal beam fined transverse to the vehicle 1o frame, and vertical stakes extending up from each end of the beam. United States Patent Numbers 3,977,717 to Hassell, 4,269,051 to Skirvin et al., 4,375,893 to Curtis, and 6,299,395 to Eriksson generally illustrate such bunks.
In the bunks of Skirvin et al, and Hassell the vertical stakes are pivotally attached to the IS ends of the beam, while the Eriksson apparatus appears to illustrate the stakes engaged in vertically oriented pockets at the beam ends. The logs rest on the horizontal beam and are prevented from rolling off the beam by the stakes. Typically a cable or strap is passed over the loaded logs and tightened with a winch attached to the front or rear face of one or both ends of the horizontal beam of the bunk.
Logs Fine transported in varying lengths. Logs destined for plywood often are about eight feet long, while logs destined for lumber typically are about 16 feet long, and logs destined for pulp can come in many different lengths. To accommodate these varied lengths of logs with the same vehicle the bunks are typically releasably fastened along the length of the vehicle frame such that the location of each bunk can be adjusted. Clamps may be used to releasably fasten the bunks to the vehicle frame, or other mechanisms employed such as that disclosed in the device of Eriksson.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a log bunk and winch that overcomes problems in the prior art. In the prior art, winches are fined to either the front face or the rear face of the horizontal beam. Where log lengths vary somewhat, as is especially the case with logs such as those for pulp where lengths are substantially random, it may be that the tethers attached to the winches cannot be properly located to best secure the load.
Also various types of log toading machines are used for loading logs on the !og bunks, and depending on the type used it can be preferred to have the winches located between a pair o~f tog bunks being loaded, or on outside faces of the pair, or in some cases it would be best to remove them altogether and re-install them when the logs have been loaded.
In Borne cases when switching from one type of log, or type of log loading machine, the operator will even remove the log bunks and reverse them so that the winch is on the opposite side as preferred for the new conditions. The present invention provides conveniently attainable additional winch and tether locations along the length of the vehicle frame such that a proper location may be more readily achieved, and allows the winch to be completely removed if that is advantageous.
The present invention provides, in a first embodiment, a beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk. The apparatus comprises a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially 2s horizontally and laterally with respect to the vehicle frame. The beam is adapted on at least one end thereof for attachment of a substantially vertical stake. A
winch is operati~.ve to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the be:3rn is attached to the vehicle frame. A winch mount mechanism is operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam, and further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam.
The present invention provides, in a second embodiment, a beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk. The apparatus comprises a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame. The beam is adapted at each end thereof for attachment of a vertical stake. A winch aperture is defined by the beam to adfaa~nt to one end of the beam. The winch aperture has a non-circular cross-section and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extends from a first upright face of the beam through to an opposite second upright face of the beam. A winch insert has a head attached to one end and is adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam. The winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented. A winch sleeve is configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to the winch insert is prevented, and a Iock is operative to lock the winch sleeve and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert abuts the first face of the beam and such that an end of the winch sleeve abuts the second face of the begun. A winch is attached to the winch sleeve.
The present invention provides, in a third embodiment, a log bunk and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame. The apparatus comprises a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame. A stake extends upward from each end of the beam. A winch is operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame. A winch mount mechanism is operative to reteasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam and inward from an adjacent stake, and is further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam and inward from the adjacent stake.
By mounting the winch forward or rearward of the beam, the tethers holding the logs down onto the beams can be quickly located in whichever location is more desirable for the particular length of logs being hauled. Instead of loosening the beam on the vehicle frame: and sliding it to a desired location to locate the winch fixed thereto properly, the to winch can be moved either forward or rearward of the beam to provide an added range of locations for the tether and winch. The adjustment in location can be made after the logs are loaded, a particular advantage when hauling odd lengths of logs, and it may be found only after loading that the tether and winch should be relocated.
Various log loading machines can be readily accommodated as well by placing the winch on thc: best location, or by removing same altogether during loading, DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
2o While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of one embodiment of beams of the invention mounted on a trailer frame;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one beam of Fig. 1 showing the winch mount mechanism;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another beam of Fig. 1 showing the winch mounted rearward of the beam;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another beam of Fig. 1 showing the winch mounted forward of the beam.
1o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1 - 4 schematically illustrate a bcam and winch apparatus 1 for attachment to a vehicle frame 3 to form a log bunk. The apparatus 1 comprises a beam 5 adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame 3 such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally with respect to the vehicle frame 3. The illustrated beam 5 comprises an angle iron 7 welded to the bottom of the beam 5 and clamp plates 9 that clamp the beam 5 to the vehicle frame 3 in a substantially conventional manner such that the beam can be located in a desired location along the length of the vehicle frame 3. Other attachment mechanisms are known in the art and could be used with satisfactory effect.
The illustrated beam 5 is adapted at each outer end thereof for attachment of a substantially vertical stake 11 to form a log bunk. In the illustrated embodiment a pocket 13 is attached at each outer end of the beam 5 and the vertical stake 11 is inserted into the pocket: 13. Alternatively the stake 11 could be attached by other means as are known in the art.
Similarly, the beam could be attached as a cantilever welded to the vehicle fame 3 and extending outward, one such beam welded to each side of the vehicle frame, and another section welded between the two side-by-side portions of the vehicle frame.
Fig. 5 illustrates a further alternate embodiment of the winch and beam apparatus 101 wherein the beam 105 extends through holes in the frame 103.
A winch 17 is operative to engage and tighten a tether, such as the strap 19 illustrated in Fig. 3, to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam 5 when the beam 5 is attached to the vehicle frame 3 as illustrated in Fig. 1.
A winch mount mechanism 30 is operative to releasably attach the winch 17 to an outer i 0 portion of the beam 5 such that the winch 17 is located forward of the beam 5 as illustrated by winch 17F in Fig. 1, and is further operative to releasably attach the winch 17 to the beam 5 such that the winch 17 is located rearward of the beam 5 as illustrated by winch 17R in Fig. 1.
IS The vvinch mount mechanism 30 is configured such that when the winch 17 is located forward of the beam 5 as illustrated in Fig. 4, a rear face 21 of the beam is substantially unobstructed. Similarly when the winch 17 is located rearward of the beam S
the front face of the beam 5 is substantially unobstructed. When hauling Iogs, tethers such as ropes, straps and the like are frequently drawn over the loaded logs, and the unobstructed 2o faces of the beam opposite the winch is advantageous in reducing the occurrence of the tethers catching and requiring attention to free them.
1n the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in Fig. 2, the winch mount mechanism 30 comprises a winch aperture 32 defined by the beam 5 adjacent to an end of the beam, and 25 oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam 5 and extending from a first face of the beam through to an opposite second face of the beam 5. A winch insert 34 has a head 36 attached to one end and extends through the winch aperture 32 from the first face of the beam, either the front or rear face, beyond the second face, the other of the front or rear face. The winch insert 34 is adapted to engage the winch aperture 32 such that rotation of the winch insert 34 in the winch aperture 32 is prevented. In the illustrates embodiment a winch aperture 32 is provided at each end of the beam 5 so that a winch 17 can be mounted at either end, or both ends, if desired.
In the illustrated embodiment the winch aperture 32 has a non-circular cross-section, illustrated as a substantially square cross-section, and the winch insert 34 also has a square cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture 32 such that the winch insert 34 can slide into the winch aperture 32 and be prevented from rotating.
The square to cross-section is economical to make, and readily available, although other cross-sectional shapes such as rectangular, hexagonal, oval or the like would provide the required function.
A lock 40 is operative to lock the winch 17 and winch insert 34 together such that the head 36 of the winch insert 34 is maintained abutting the first face of the beam 5, and such that rotation of the winch 17 with respect to the winch insert 34 is prevented.
In the illustrated embodiment the winch 17 is attached to a winch sleeve 42 configured to slide over the winch insert 34 and engage the outer surface of the winch insert 34 such 2o that rotation of the winch sleeve 42 with respect to the winch insert 34 is prevented. The lock 40 comprises a pin 44 inserted through corresponding holes in the winch sleeve 42 and winch insert 34. The holes 46 are located such that, when aligned with the pin 44 inserted, the end of the winch sleeve 42 abuts the second face of the beam 5 and the head 36 of the winch insert 34 abuts the first face of the beam 5. A slight mis-alignment of the holes 46 could be designed in such that a tapered pin inserted in the holes and driven in would exert a significant tightening force forcing the winch insert 34 and winch sleeve 42 against the beam 5. Bolts and like known fasteners could be used to provide the lock 40 as well.
_ Page 9 _ The head 36 .of the winch insert 34 is substantially flat so that the face of the beam is unobstructed when the head 36 of the winch insert 34 is abutting the face. The illustrated winch insert 34 comprises a hollow tube, and the head 36 comprises a flange 48 extending outward from a head end of the tube such that the tube is open at the head end thereof. Thus dirt or like debris can be readily removed from the open tube of the winch insert 34, and also from the winch sleeve 42 which is also open at both ends.
Thus the winch 17 can be attached to the front of the beam, as in winch 17F to beam 5C, to as seen in Figs. 1 and 4, or to the rear of the beam, as in winch 17R to beam 5A, as seen in Figs. 1 and 3. Figs_ 1 and 2 illustrate the attachment of the winch 17 to the beam 5B.
By mounting the winch forward or rearward of the beam, the straps 19 can be quickly located in whichever location is more desirable for the particular length of logs being hauled. Instead of unclamping the beam 5 by loosening the clamp plates 9 and sliding the beam 5 forward or rearward, the winch can be moved to provide an added range of locations for the strap 19. Further this adjustment in location can be made after the logs are loaded, while such an adjustment of the beam 5 with respect to the vehicle frame 3 is not possible once the logs are loaded.
2o Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the beam and winch apparatus 201 wherein the beam 205 includes upwardly bent outer portions 206 and the winch aperture 232 is defined by a bracket 233 located under the outer portion 206.
The length of the winch insert 34 and winch sleeve 42 could be increased to provide a larger variation in winch location, provided corresponding increases are made to the strength of the insert and sleeve by providing tubes with thicker walls, or like strengthening measure are taken as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact conswction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
This invention is in the field of transport vehicles such as trucks and trailers, and in particular bunks and winches for mounting on vehicle frames to carry logs and the like.
BACKGROUND
Vehic;lee used for transporting logs typically include a plurality of bunks attached to the vehicle frame. Such bunks comprise a horizontal beam fined transverse to the vehicle 1o frame, and vertical stakes extending up from each end of the beam. United States Patent Numbers 3,977,717 to Hassell, 4,269,051 to Skirvin et al., 4,375,893 to Curtis, and 6,299,395 to Eriksson generally illustrate such bunks.
In the bunks of Skirvin et al, and Hassell the vertical stakes are pivotally attached to the IS ends of the beam, while the Eriksson apparatus appears to illustrate the stakes engaged in vertically oriented pockets at the beam ends. The logs rest on the horizontal beam and are prevented from rolling off the beam by the stakes. Typically a cable or strap is passed over the loaded logs and tightened with a winch attached to the front or rear face of one or both ends of the horizontal beam of the bunk.
Logs Fine transported in varying lengths. Logs destined for plywood often are about eight feet long, while logs destined for lumber typically are about 16 feet long, and logs destined for pulp can come in many different lengths. To accommodate these varied lengths of logs with the same vehicle the bunks are typically releasably fastened along the length of the vehicle frame such that the location of each bunk can be adjusted. Clamps may be used to releasably fasten the bunks to the vehicle frame, or other mechanisms employed such as that disclosed in the device of Eriksson.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a log bunk and winch that overcomes problems in the prior art. In the prior art, winches are fined to either the front face or the rear face of the horizontal beam. Where log lengths vary somewhat, as is especially the case with logs such as those for pulp where lengths are substantially random, it may be that the tethers attached to the winches cannot be properly located to best secure the load.
Also various types of log toading machines are used for loading logs on the !og bunks, and depending on the type used it can be preferred to have the winches located between a pair o~f tog bunks being loaded, or on outside faces of the pair, or in some cases it would be best to remove them altogether and re-install them when the logs have been loaded.
In Borne cases when switching from one type of log, or type of log loading machine, the operator will even remove the log bunks and reverse them so that the winch is on the opposite side as preferred for the new conditions. The present invention provides conveniently attainable additional winch and tether locations along the length of the vehicle frame such that a proper location may be more readily achieved, and allows the winch to be completely removed if that is advantageous.
The present invention provides, in a first embodiment, a beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk. The apparatus comprises a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially 2s horizontally and laterally with respect to the vehicle frame. The beam is adapted on at least one end thereof for attachment of a substantially vertical stake. A
winch is operati~.ve to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the be:3rn is attached to the vehicle frame. A winch mount mechanism is operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam, and further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam.
The present invention provides, in a second embodiment, a beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk. The apparatus comprises a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame. The beam is adapted at each end thereof for attachment of a vertical stake. A winch aperture is defined by the beam to adfaa~nt to one end of the beam. The winch aperture has a non-circular cross-section and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extends from a first upright face of the beam through to an opposite second upright face of the beam. A winch insert has a head attached to one end and is adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam. The winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented. A winch sleeve is configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to the winch insert is prevented, and a Iock is operative to lock the winch sleeve and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert abuts the first face of the beam and such that an end of the winch sleeve abuts the second face of the begun. A winch is attached to the winch sleeve.
The present invention provides, in a third embodiment, a log bunk and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame. The apparatus comprises a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame. A stake extends upward from each end of the beam. A winch is operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame. A winch mount mechanism is operative to reteasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam and inward from an adjacent stake, and is further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam and inward from the adjacent stake.
By mounting the winch forward or rearward of the beam, the tethers holding the logs down onto the beams can be quickly located in whichever location is more desirable for the particular length of logs being hauled. Instead of loosening the beam on the vehicle frame: and sliding it to a desired location to locate the winch fixed thereto properly, the to winch can be moved either forward or rearward of the beam to provide an added range of locations for the tether and winch. The adjustment in location can be made after the logs are loaded, a particular advantage when hauling odd lengths of logs, and it may be found only after loading that the tether and winch should be relocated.
Various log loading machines can be readily accommodated as well by placing the winch on thc: best location, or by removing same altogether during loading, DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
2o While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of one embodiment of beams of the invention mounted on a trailer frame;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one beam of Fig. 1 showing the winch mount mechanism;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another beam of Fig. 1 showing the winch mounted rearward of the beam;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another beam of Fig. 1 showing the winch mounted forward of the beam.
1o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1 - 4 schematically illustrate a bcam and winch apparatus 1 for attachment to a vehicle frame 3 to form a log bunk. The apparatus 1 comprises a beam 5 adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame 3 such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally with respect to the vehicle frame 3. The illustrated beam 5 comprises an angle iron 7 welded to the bottom of the beam 5 and clamp plates 9 that clamp the beam 5 to the vehicle frame 3 in a substantially conventional manner such that the beam can be located in a desired location along the length of the vehicle frame 3. Other attachment mechanisms are known in the art and could be used with satisfactory effect.
The illustrated beam 5 is adapted at each outer end thereof for attachment of a substantially vertical stake 11 to form a log bunk. In the illustrated embodiment a pocket 13 is attached at each outer end of the beam 5 and the vertical stake 11 is inserted into the pocket: 13. Alternatively the stake 11 could be attached by other means as are known in the art.
Similarly, the beam could be attached as a cantilever welded to the vehicle fame 3 and extending outward, one such beam welded to each side of the vehicle frame, and another section welded between the two side-by-side portions of the vehicle frame.
Fig. 5 illustrates a further alternate embodiment of the winch and beam apparatus 101 wherein the beam 105 extends through holes in the frame 103.
A winch 17 is operative to engage and tighten a tether, such as the strap 19 illustrated in Fig. 3, to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam 5 when the beam 5 is attached to the vehicle frame 3 as illustrated in Fig. 1.
A winch mount mechanism 30 is operative to releasably attach the winch 17 to an outer i 0 portion of the beam 5 such that the winch 17 is located forward of the beam 5 as illustrated by winch 17F in Fig. 1, and is further operative to releasably attach the winch 17 to the beam 5 such that the winch 17 is located rearward of the beam 5 as illustrated by winch 17R in Fig. 1.
IS The vvinch mount mechanism 30 is configured such that when the winch 17 is located forward of the beam 5 as illustrated in Fig. 4, a rear face 21 of the beam is substantially unobstructed. Similarly when the winch 17 is located rearward of the beam S
the front face of the beam 5 is substantially unobstructed. When hauling Iogs, tethers such as ropes, straps and the like are frequently drawn over the loaded logs, and the unobstructed 2o faces of the beam opposite the winch is advantageous in reducing the occurrence of the tethers catching and requiring attention to free them.
1n the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in Fig. 2, the winch mount mechanism 30 comprises a winch aperture 32 defined by the beam 5 adjacent to an end of the beam, and 25 oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam 5 and extending from a first face of the beam through to an opposite second face of the beam 5. A winch insert 34 has a head 36 attached to one end and extends through the winch aperture 32 from the first face of the beam, either the front or rear face, beyond the second face, the other of the front or rear face. The winch insert 34 is adapted to engage the winch aperture 32 such that rotation of the winch insert 34 in the winch aperture 32 is prevented. In the illustrates embodiment a winch aperture 32 is provided at each end of the beam 5 so that a winch 17 can be mounted at either end, or both ends, if desired.
In the illustrated embodiment the winch aperture 32 has a non-circular cross-section, illustrated as a substantially square cross-section, and the winch insert 34 also has a square cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture 32 such that the winch insert 34 can slide into the winch aperture 32 and be prevented from rotating.
The square to cross-section is economical to make, and readily available, although other cross-sectional shapes such as rectangular, hexagonal, oval or the like would provide the required function.
A lock 40 is operative to lock the winch 17 and winch insert 34 together such that the head 36 of the winch insert 34 is maintained abutting the first face of the beam 5, and such that rotation of the winch 17 with respect to the winch insert 34 is prevented.
In the illustrated embodiment the winch 17 is attached to a winch sleeve 42 configured to slide over the winch insert 34 and engage the outer surface of the winch insert 34 such 2o that rotation of the winch sleeve 42 with respect to the winch insert 34 is prevented. The lock 40 comprises a pin 44 inserted through corresponding holes in the winch sleeve 42 and winch insert 34. The holes 46 are located such that, when aligned with the pin 44 inserted, the end of the winch sleeve 42 abuts the second face of the beam 5 and the head 36 of the winch insert 34 abuts the first face of the beam 5. A slight mis-alignment of the holes 46 could be designed in such that a tapered pin inserted in the holes and driven in would exert a significant tightening force forcing the winch insert 34 and winch sleeve 42 against the beam 5. Bolts and like known fasteners could be used to provide the lock 40 as well.
_ Page 9 _ The head 36 .of the winch insert 34 is substantially flat so that the face of the beam is unobstructed when the head 36 of the winch insert 34 is abutting the face. The illustrated winch insert 34 comprises a hollow tube, and the head 36 comprises a flange 48 extending outward from a head end of the tube such that the tube is open at the head end thereof. Thus dirt or like debris can be readily removed from the open tube of the winch insert 34, and also from the winch sleeve 42 which is also open at both ends.
Thus the winch 17 can be attached to the front of the beam, as in winch 17F to beam 5C, to as seen in Figs. 1 and 4, or to the rear of the beam, as in winch 17R to beam 5A, as seen in Figs. 1 and 3. Figs_ 1 and 2 illustrate the attachment of the winch 17 to the beam 5B.
By mounting the winch forward or rearward of the beam, the straps 19 can be quickly located in whichever location is more desirable for the particular length of logs being hauled. Instead of unclamping the beam 5 by loosening the clamp plates 9 and sliding the beam 5 forward or rearward, the winch can be moved to provide an added range of locations for the strap 19. Further this adjustment in location can be made after the logs are loaded, while such an adjustment of the beam 5 with respect to the vehicle frame 3 is not possible once the logs are loaded.
2o Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the beam and winch apparatus 201 wherein the beam 205 includes upwardly bent outer portions 206 and the winch aperture 232 is defined by a bracket 233 located under the outer portion 206.
The length of the winch insert 34 and winch sleeve 42 could be increased to provide a larger variation in winch location, provided corresponding increases are made to the strength of the insert and sleeve by providing tubes with thicker walls, or like strengthening measure are taken as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact conswction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (24)
1. ~A beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk, the apparatus comprising:
a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally with respect to the vehicle frame, the beam adapted on at least one outer end thereof for attachment of a substantially vertical stake;
a winch operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame;
a winch mount mechanism operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam, and further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam.
a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally with respect to the vehicle frame, the beam adapted on at least one outer end thereof for attachment of a substantially vertical stake;
a winch operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame;
a winch mount mechanism operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam, and further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beam.
2. ~The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the winch mount mechanism is configured such that when the winch is located forward of the beam, a rear face of the beam is substantially unobstructed, and when the winch is located rearward of the beam, a front face of the beam is substantially unobstructed.
3. ~The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the winch mount mechanism comprises:
a winch aperture defined by the beam adjacent to an end of the beam, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first face of the beam through to an opposite second face of the beam;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam, wherein the winch insert is adapted to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert is maintained abutting the first face of the beam, and such that rotation of the winch with respect to the winch insert is prevented.
a winch aperture defined by the beam adjacent to an end of the beam, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first face of the beam through to an opposite second face of the beam;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam, wherein the winch insert is adapted to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert is maintained abutting the first face of the beam, and such that rotation of the winch with respect to the winch insert is prevented.
4. ~The apparatus of Claim 3 wherein the winch aperture has a non-circular cross-section and the winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented.
5. ~The apparatus of any one of Claims 3 and 4 wherein the winch is attached to a winch sleeve configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to the winch insert is prevented, and wherein the lock is operative to maintain an end of the winch sleeve abutting the second face of the beam.
6. ~The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein the lock comprises a pin inserted through corresponding holes in the winch sleeve and winch insert.
7. ~The apparatus of any one of Claims 3 - 6 wherein the head of the winch insert is substantially flat such that the first face of the beam is substantially unobstructed when the head of the winch insert is abutting the first face of the beam.
8. ~The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the winch mount mechanism comprises:
a winch aperture defined by a bracket under an outer end of the beam, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first face of the bracket through to an opposite second face of the bracket;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the bracket beyond the second face of the bracket, wherein the winch insect is adapted to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert is maintained abutting the first face of the bracket, and such that rotation of the winch with respect to the winch insert is prevented.
a winch aperture defined by a bracket under an outer end of the beam, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first face of the bracket through to an opposite second face of the bracket;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the bracket beyond the second face of the bracket, wherein the winch insect is adapted to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert is maintained abutting the first face of the bracket, and such that rotation of the winch with respect to the winch insert is prevented.
9. ~The apparatus of Claim 8 wherein the winch aperture has a non-circular cross-section and the winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented
10. ~The apparatus of any one of Claims 8 and 9 wherein the winch is attached to a winch sleeve configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to the winch insert is prevented, and wherein the lock is operative to maintain an end of the winch sleeve abutting the second face of the bracket.
11. ~The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein the lock comprises a pin inserted through corresponding holes in the winch sleeve and winch insert.
12. ~The apparatus of any one of Claims 8 - 11 wherein the head of the winch insert is substantially flat such that the first face of the bracket is substantially unobstructed when the head of the winch insert is abutting the first face of the bracket.
13. ~The apparatus of any one of Claims 8 - 12 wherein the winch insert comprises a hollow tube, and wherein the head comprises a flange extending outward from a head end of the tube such that the tube is open at the head end thereof.
14. ~A beam and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame to form a log bunk, the apparatus comprising:
a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame, the beam adapted at each end thereof for attachment of a vertical stake;
a winch aperture defined by the beam adjacent to one end of the beam, the winch~
aperture having a non-circular cross-section and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first upright face of the beam through to an opposite second upright face of the beam;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam, wherein the winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a winch sleeve configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to~
the winch insert is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch sleeve and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert abuts the first face of the beam and such that an end of~
the winch sleeve abuts the second face of the beam; and a winch attached to the winch sleeve.
a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame, the beam adapted at each end thereof for attachment of a vertical stake;
a winch aperture defined by the beam adjacent to one end of the beam, the winch~
aperture having a non-circular cross-section and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first upright face of the beam through to an opposite second upright face of the beam;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam, wherein the winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a winch sleeve configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to~
the winch insert is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch sleeve and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert abuts the first face of the beam and such that an end of~
the winch sleeve abuts the second face of the beam; and a winch attached to the winch sleeve.
15. The apparatus of Claim 14 wherein the head of the winch insert is substantially flat such that the first face of the beam is substantially unobstructed when the head of the winch insert abuts the first face of the beam.
16. The apparatus of any one of Claims 14 and 15 wherein the winch insert comprises a hollow tube, and wherein the head comprises a flange extending outward from a head end of the tube such that the tube is open at the head end thereof.
17. A log bunk and winch apparatus for attachment to a vehicle frame, the apparatus comprising:
a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented~
substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame;
a stake extending upward from each end of the beam;
a winch operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame;
a winch mount mechanism operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam and inward from an adjacent stake, and further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beg and inward from the adjacent stake.
a beam adapted for attachment to the vehicle frame such that the beam is oriented~
substantially horizontally and laterally across the vehicle frame;
a stake extending upward from each end of the beam;
a winch operative to engage and tighten a tether to maintain a plurality of logs on the beam when the beam is attached to the vehicle frame;
a winch mount mechanism operative to releasably attach the winch to an outer portion of the beam such that the winch is located forward of the beam and inward from an adjacent stake, and further operative to releasably attach the winch to the beam such that the winch is located rearward of the beg and inward from the adjacent stake.
18. The apparatus of Claim 17 wherein the winch mount mechanism is configured such that when the winch is located forward of the beam, a rear face of the beam is substantially unobstructed, and when the winch is located rearward of the beam, a front face of the beam is substantially unobstructed.
19. The apparatus of Claim 17 wherein the winch mount mechanism comprises:
a winch aperture defined by the beam adjacent to one end of the beam, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first face of the beam through to an opposite second face of the beam;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam, wherein the winch insert is adapted to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert is maintained abutting the first face of the beam, and such that rotation of the winch with respect to the winch insert is prevented.
a winch aperture defined by the beam adjacent to one end of the beam, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam and extending from a first face of the beam through to an opposite second face of the beam;
a winch insert having a head attached to one end and adapted to extend through the winch aperture from the first face of the beam beyond the second face of the beam, wherein the winch insert is adapted to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented;
a lock operative to lock the winch and winch insert together such that the head of the winch insert is maintained abutting the first face of the beam, and such that rotation of the winch with respect to the winch insert is prevented.
20. The apparatus of Claim 19 wherein the winch aperture has a non-circular cross-section and the winch insert has a cross-section configured to engage the winch aperture such that rotation of the winch insert in the winch aperture is prevented.
21. The apparatus of any one of Claims 19 and 20 wherein the winch is attached to a winch sleeve configured to slide over the winch insert and engage the outer surface of the winch insert such that rotation of the winch sleeve with respect to the winch insert is prevented, and wherein the lock is operative to maintain an end of the winch sleeve abutting the second face of the beam.
22. The apparatus of Claim 21 wherein the lock comprises a pin inserted through corresponding holes in the winch sleeve and winch insert.
23. The apparatus of any one of Claims 19 - 22 wherein the head of the winch insert is substantially flat such that the first face of the beam is substantially unobstructed when the head of the winch insert is abutting the first face of the beam.
24. The apparatus of any one of Claims 19 - 23 wherein the winch insert comprises a hollow tube, and wherein the head comprises a flange extending outward from a head end of the tube such that the tube is open at the head end thereof.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2504325 CA2504325A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-04-15 | Winch and bunks for transporting logs and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2504325 CA2504325A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-04-15 | Winch and bunks for transporting logs and the like |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2504325A1 true CA2504325A1 (en) | 2006-10-15 |
Family
ID=37114132
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2504325 Abandoned CA2504325A1 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2005-04-15 | Winch and bunks for transporting logs and the like |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2504325A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2738040A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-06-04 | RESSENIG-Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft m.b.H. | Stanchion device |
| CN112208639A (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2021-01-12 | 深圳中集专用车有限公司 | Transport vehicle and frame thereof |
-
2005
- 2005-04-15 CA CA 2504325 patent/CA2504325A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2738040A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-06-04 | RESSENIG-Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft m.b.H. | Stanchion device |
| CN112208639A (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2021-01-12 | 深圳中集专用车有限公司 | Transport vehicle and frame thereof |
| CN112208639B (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2024-02-09 | 东莞中集专用车有限公司 | Transport vehicle and frame thereof |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |