IE49725B1 - Saw horse - Google Patents

Abstract

A saw horse for supporting a log or other workpiece during sawing comprises a pair of spaced X-shaped frames (5, 6) which provide rests for the workpiece. Between the rests (5, 6) are toothed jaws (21) which are biassed by a spring (23) towards a closed position and may be moved to an open position by means of a foot-operated lever mechanism (25, 26). The rests (5, 6) may be movable adjacent each other for storage or transportation, and the saw horse may be provided with stabilizing legs.

Description

This invention relates to a saw horse such as may he used for supporting a workpiece, for example a log, during sawing thereof.

Heretofore logs and the like have generally been sawn either in situ on the ground or supported hy trestles or the like. However such arrangements are not entirely satisfactory, particularly if accurate sawing of the workpiece is required. Furthermore, particularly if the workpiece is sawn on the ground damage to the saw may readily occur. The workpiece may move during sawing, which can he a source of danger to the saw operator and/or of damage to the saw. Securing of 'the workpiece prior to sawing is a tedious and time consuming operation and is consequently often dispensed with altogether or performed only perfunctorily. It is an object of the present invention to provide means whereby a log or the like workpiece may he supported in a safe and secure manner, and whereby the operation of such means is quick, simple and effective thereby reducing the risk of operator injury or saw damage.

The invention provides a saw horse on which a workpiece may be supported, comprising two spaced rests, jaws located between said rests for engaging a workpiece supported thereon, at least one of said jaws being movable between a jaws open and a jaws closed position, spring means biassing said movable jaw or jaws towards said closed position and a - 2 lever mechanism adapted upon operation to move said jaw or jaws towards said open position against the force of said spring means.

Saeh rest nay comprise a frame of Z formation provid a pair of downwardly diverging legs and an upwardly diverging pair of arms defining a T-shaped support for said workpiece. The upper ends of each pair of legs may be joined by means of a respective strut secured thereto, and said struts may be rigidly interconnected by a brace member.

The jaws may be supported by said brace member to move simultaneously and each may comprise a beam pivotally connected to a flange of said brace member, said flange extending generally upwardly and transversely of the axis of said brace member. Preferably said jaws have tooth formations thereon.

The saw horse may comprise operating means adapted to secure said reets in said spaced disposition in an operative mode of said saw horse and in a proximate disposition in an inoperative mode thereof. Sy this means the saw horse may be conveniently transported or stored in the inoperative mode. In such case said operating means may comprise a first strut and a eecond strut of shorter length than said first strut, each of which is adapted to engage said rests. Preferably said struts engage sockets provided on end members of said saw horse, an end member being provided on each - 3 rest. The struts may be arms of an l-shaped member which is pivotally secured to one of said end members.

The saw horse may comprise at least one stabilizing leg which may be detachably secured to the saw horse or may be secured thereto and of telescopic construction.

Embodiments of saw horse in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment, Figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of Figure 1, showing the jaws in the closed position, Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the jaws in the open position, Figure 4 is a perspective view from one side showing a second embodiment in its operative mode, Figure 5 is a perspective view from the other side of the embodiment of Figure 4 in its storage mode, Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 showing the orientation of the L-shaped member with respect to the socket, in the operative mode, and Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 showing the orientation of the l-shaped member with respect to the socket, in the storage mode.

Eeferring now to Figures 1 to 3 the saw horse 48725 - 4 comprises a pair of x-shaped members, the lower part of each of which constitutes a pair of diverging legs 5,5 and the upper part of each of which forms a V-shaped rest provided by arms 6,6. The upper ends of each pair of legs 5,5 are joined by a horizontal reinforcing strut 8, and both struts 8 are rigidly connected together by a brace member 14. Opposite legs, one in each of the pair of legs, are joined by base members 9.9.

A log to be cut (not shown) is placed so that it is supported by the two rests. To hold the log in position during sawing, there is provided a pair of jaws 21 which engage.the log. The jaws 21 are supported on the tubular member 14 and are located between the x-shaped members. Operation of the jaws 21 will be described in more detail below.

In order that the saw horse can hold long lengths of wood and in order that vigorous sawing can take place, the saw horse is further provided with two stabilizing legs 15. Each stabilising leg 15 comprises a length of tubular steel, one end of which is adapted to mate with one end of tubular member 14, and the other end of which rests on the ground. The stabilizing lege 15 are detachable to facilitate transport and storage of the saw horse.

Referring in more detail to the operation of - 5 the jaws 21, a flange 20 is provided rigidly fixed to the top of tubular member 14, transversely to the axis of tubular member 14. Bach jaw 21 comprises a metal beam lying in a plane adjacent the plane of flange 20 and extending in a generally upward direction. Each jaw 21 is pivotally connected at its lower end to flange 20. The opposing edges-of jaws 21 are toothed. Bach jaw 21 has an arm 22 extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom.

Jaws 21 are biassed towards the closed position by means of a extension spring 23 connected between the outer ends of arms 22. Spring 23 is fully compressed (i.e. there is no biassing) when the jaws 21 are fully closed.

A foot-operable lever mechanism is provided to enable jaws 21 to be opened against the spring biassing. The lever mechanism comprises a fulcrum arm 25 extending downwardly from flange 20 and to one side thereof. Fulcrum arm 25 is rigidly fixed to flange 20. A foot operable lever 26 is pivotally connected at one end to the lower end of fulcrum arm 25, this pivotal connection constituting the fulcrum of lever 26. The other end of foot-operable lever 26 is provided with a pedal 27 where the effort may be applied to the lever. Arms 28 are provided- each of which is pivotally connected at one end to the outer end of a jaw arm 22 and at the 9 7 2 5 - 6 other end to lever 26. The common point of pivotal connection to lever 26, situated directly below tubular member 14, constitutes the load point of lever 26. When downward pressure is applied to pedal 27, lever 26 swings downwards about the fixed fulcrum point, the load point thus moving downward. Downward movement of the load point causes jaws 21 to swing open against the spring biassing. This may be appreciated by comparing Figures 2 and 5.

A guide 29 is provided for jaws 21 to ensure that their pivotal movement takes place in one plane. Guide 29 comprises essentially two closely spaced apart parallel guide walls, one on each side of the plane of pivotal movement of jaws 21. Guide 29 is formed from a flat strip of metal bent back on itself to form two such parallel walls. Guide 29 is supported by horizontal guide support member 30 (see Figure l), extending from the junction of the right hand x-shaped member (as seen in Figure 1).

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the saw horse comprises a pair of x-shaped end members 31 and 31a, the lower part of each of which constitutes a pair . of diverging legs 35,35 and the upper part of each of which constitutes a pair of arms 36,36 to form a V-shaped rest. The lower ends of each pair of legs 35,35 are joined by an inwardly curved reinforcing 9 7 2 5 - 7 strut 37. A stabilizing leg 45 is pivotally connected to each of end members 31 and 31a, between the upper ends of each pair of legs 35,35 by means of a pivot pin 41. Each stabilizing leg 45 has two telescopic sections 45a and 45b, section 45a being slidable within section 45b. located at the end of section 15a is a bolt 42 which passes through slots provided in each side of section 45b. Wing nut on the threaded end of bolt 42 is used to lock section 45a in position in section 45b. Also connected to bolt 42 is one end of a bar 40, the other end of which is pivotally secured to strut 37. Figure 4 shows stabilizing leg 45 in its fully extended position and Figure 5 shows stabilizing leg 45 in its fully contracted position. Strut 37 is curved inwardly to allow the pivot point of bar 40 to lie vertically under pivot pin 41 so as to allow stabilizing leg 45 to assume a vertical position when fully contracted.

Mounted above pivot pin 41 of end member 31 is a pivot pin 46 to which is attached a generally l-shaped member 47. When the saw horse is in the operative mode (Figure 4 and Figure 6), elongate branch 47a of l-shaped member 47 fits into a socket 48. Socket 48 is supported by a brace 62 which is mounted on end member 31a. When the saw horse is in the storage mode (Figure 5 and 7), 9 7 2 5 - 8 branch 47b fits into socket 48. The branch which is fitted into socket 48 is rigidly held in its fitted position by a T-bolt 63.

Mounted about socket 48 ie a workpiece holding 5 mechanism 50» which includes (1) two triangular jaws which grip the workpiece e.g. a log (not shown), (2) a foot operated lever 56 to'open jaws 51, and (3) a spring 53 connected between jaw limbs 51b and biassing jaws 51 into the..closed position. Each jaw 51 is pivoted about a pin 64 supported at one end by brace 62, and at the other end by a lug 65 mounted on socket 48. Spikes 66 are provided on limbs 51a of jaws 51 to grip the log. limbs 51c complete the triangular construction of jaws 51.

Fulcrum arms 67 pivotally support lever 56 at its distal end and are rigidly connected to end member 31a. Connected to load point 68 of lever 56 are two arms 69 which transmit the motion of lever 56 to jaws 51. lever 56 is of telescopic construction similar to that of stabilizing leg 45. Jaws 51 operate within a guide 59 which is secured to end member 31a by a support plate 70.

To give further rigidity to the saw horse in the operative mode, opposite legs 35,35 of end members 31 and 31a are secured to one another by straddle members 71. Each straddle member 71 comprises a link member 72 9 7 2 5 - 9 and a latch member 73. Link member 72 is pivotally attached to end member 31a and latch member 73 is pivotally attached to end member 31. link member 72 and latch member 73 are also pivotally attached to one another. latch member 73 is provided with a slot 74 which engages a pin 75 on link member 72 when straddle member 71 is fully extended so as to lock end members 31 and 31a in spaced apart relationship as shown in Figure 4.

In the operative mode of the saw horse as shown in Figure 4, straddle members 71 are fully extended, branch 47a of l-shaped member 47 is fitted into socket 48 and T-bolt 63 is screwed down to engage with the end of branch 47a. Stabilizing legs 45 are fully extended and secured by wing nuts 44. lever 56 is also fully extended and secured. lever 56 is depressed to open jaws 51· A log is then placed between jaws 51 and rests on the V-shaped rests provided by arms 36,36 of end members 2C 31 and 31a. lever 56 is then released and jaws 51 close about the log under the action of spring 53. Spikes 66 of jaws 51 grip the log so that the log is held rigidly. The desired operation may then be carried out on the log e.g. sawing or drilling.

To convert the saw horse from its operative node to its storage mode, elongate branch 47a is withdrawn - 10 from socket 48, Under the action of the weight of branch 47a, l-shaped member 47 swings through 90° about pivot pin 46 so that branch 47b is now directly opposite socket 48« When end members 31 and 31a are brought into mutual proximity, branch 47b fits into socket 48 and may be locked in the fitted position by T-bolt 63· By this means the saw horse is folded flat for storage or transportation.

It will of course be understood that the above 10 described apparatus, which has been referred to as a saw horse, may of course be used to hold logs so that any other desired operation may be performed on the logs.

It will be further understood that the invention 15 is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations within the scope of the invention are possible.

Claims (5)

1. A saw horse for supporting a workpiece, comprising two spaced rests, jaws located between said rests for engaging a workpiece supported thereon, at least one of said jaws 5 being movable between a jaws open and a jaws closed position, spring means biassing said movable jaw or jaws towards said closed position and a lever mechanism adapted upon operation to move said jaw or jaws towards said open position against the force of said spring means. 10

2. A saw horse according to claim 1 wherein each rest comprises a frame of x-formation providing a pair of downwardly diverging legs and an upwardly diverging pair of arms defining a V-shaped support for said workpiece.

3. A saw horse according to claim 2 wherein the upper 15 ends of each pair of legs are joined by means of a respective strut secured thereto. 4. 9 7 2 5 - 13 horse. 16. A saw horse according to claim 14 wherein the or each stabilizing leg is secured to said saw horse and is of telescopic construction. 4 9 7 2 5 - 12 8. A saw horse according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said jaws have tooth formations thereon. 9. A saw horse according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising operating means adapted to secure said rests in said spaced disposition in an operative mode of said saw horse and in proximate disposition in an inoperative mode thereof. 10. A saw horse according to claim 9 wherein said saw horse Ii in a folded flat configuration in said inoperative mode. 11. A saw horse according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said operating means comprises a first strut and a second strut of. shorter length than said first strut, each cf which struts is adapted to engage said rests. 12. A saw horse according to claim 11 wherein an end member is provided on each rest and said struts are engageable with a socket provided on one of said end members. 13. A saw horse according to claim 12 wherein said struts forri the arms of an l-shaped member which is pivotally secured to the other one cf said end members. 14. A saw horse according to any one of claims 1 to 13 comprising at least one stabilizing leg. 15. A saw horse according to claim 14 wherein the or each stabilizing leg is detachably secured to said saw

4. A saw horse according to claim 3 wherein said struts are rigidly interconnected by a brace member. 5. A saw horse according to claim 4 wherein said jaws 20 are supported by said brace member. 6. A saw horse according to claim 5 wherein said jaws o move simultaneously and each jaw comprises a beam pivotally connected to a flange of said brace member. 7. A saw horee according to claim 6 wherein said 25 flange extends generally upwardly and transversely of the axis of said brace member.

5. 17. A saw horse substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 or Figures 4 to 7 of the accompanying drawings. 48725