NZ197182A - Swing mounting for chain saw - Google Patents

Description

197182 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL NO. 19 7182 DATED: 25 MAY 19 81 MOUNTING MEANS I, GRAHAM GEORGE TREMBATH a British subject and New Zealand citizen of 57 Puke Road, Paeroa, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following \ statement: • 197182 This invention relates to a mounting means and more particularly to a mounting means for mounting a saw, specifically a chainsaw in a swing saw style operative condition. . in the past, chainsaws have been used for cutting timber and the like in a "freestyle" manner; that is, the operator holding the chainsaw in two hands and cutting timber wedged, supported or held by some means. Serious problems arise, especially when cutting small pieces of .timber (for example when cutting firewood) for the operator to hold the piece of timber and also operate the chainsaw satisfactorily. Invariably, the operator tends to operate the chainsaw with the timber supported on the ground holding the timber with one foot, or wedged against some structure . this results in a substantially difficult operation not only physically but also to avoid blunting of the chain teeth by contact with the ground. Additionally, in some cases the action is dangerous especially should the saw kick-back and the chain rake the legs of other adjacent parts . of the body of the operator.

It is an object of this invention to come some way in overcoming the abovementioned problems or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent . from the following description.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a swing mounting for a chainsaw including a base mountable to a support, a saw cage pivotally mounted relative " " . 197182 to said base and engageable with the chainsaw whereby a blade thereof extends across a line of a timber support, an actuating handle extending outwardly on a common side of said mounting to said blade, the arrangement enabling an 5. operator to grip the handle and swing the blade relative to the line of the timber support to bring the blade into and out of a cutting position for timber mounted on said timber support.

Other aspects of this invention which should be ^'considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description. Modifications are envisaged and may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

One preferred form of the invention will now be des- . cribed with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, substantially diagrammatically, a swing saw mounting for a chainsaw according to the preferred embodiment.

Figure 1; shows the chainsaw mounting in substantially perspective view with a chain guard and . throttle assembly incomplete.

Figure 2: shows the apparatus of Figure 1 inside elevation showing the complete unit with a chainsaw shown in broken lines.

Figure 3: shows the throttle actuator assembly in . enlarged view mounted upon a grip of a chainsaw adjacent a throttle trigger.

With reference to the drawings, the chainsaw mounting as generally indicated by arrow 1 is provided in suitable . , 197182 dirable and robust materials, for example, mild steel and/or tube and similar materials, the chainsaw mounting 1 includes a base generally indicated by arrow 2 which in this preferred form of the invention is provided by way of a substantially 5. transverse bar 3 which includes a timber support as generally indicated by arrow 4 provided by way of parallely forwardly extending bars 5 upon which a tray 6 in this form of the invention is adapted to be engaged and be slideable forwardly and rearwardly on the bars 5. In this form of the invention, the tray 6 is provided with a stop 7 which facilitates the mounting of timber upon the tray 6, the stop 7 providing for secure mounting of the timber on the tray 6 whilst cutting operations are in progress.

Clamping means as generally indicated by arrow 8 are provided to extend substantially downwarlly from the transverse bar 3 and in this preferred form, a portion of the bars 5. The clamping means 8 facilitate clamping of the apparatus 1 onto a suitable support, for example a trailer side or tailgate, fence rail and the like, at a convenient working height.

. It will be seen that the timber support 6 in this form of the invention is positioned adjacent one side of the base 2. Adjacent the other side of the base 2, preferably on or adjacent a rearwardly curved opposite side portion 3a to the 25 timber support 6, is positioned a pivotal mounting as generally indicated by arrow 10.

In this preferred form of the invention, the pivotal mounting 9 is associated with an upstand 11 (see particularly Figure 2) the upstand 11 being preferably formed in this 197182 form of the invention to extend substantially upwardly from the side portion 3a a predetermined distance, about which a pivotable sleeve 12 is engaged. In this form of the invention, preferably internal dimensions of the pivotable sleeve 12 are substantially corresponding plus a working tolerance with outer peripheral dimensions of the upstand 11 so that the sleeve 12 can pivot about the upstand 11 on a substantially vertical axis. The pivot height 9 is adjustable relative to the base 3 and more particularly, to the timber support 6 by a coaxial sliding of the sleeve 12 relative to' the upstand 11. An annular spacer 13 is provided to position between a lower end 14 of the sleeve 12 and the end portion 3a. The spacer 13 in this form of the invention is provided of a predetermined length which may be engaged either in the position as shown in Figures 1 and 2 or may be engaged inverted to position outwardly extending fin portions 15 to bear against the end 14 of the sleeve 12 and space the pivot 9 even higher than is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Dispensing of the spacer 13 altogether enables the end 14 of the sleeve 12 to impinge and rotate against the adjacent surface of the side portion 3a.

With particular reference to Figure 2, spaced apart annular gooves 16 are provided about the upstand 11 in such a position that a screw-in down holding member 17 may engage therein to down hold the sleeve 12 against upward forces attempting to raise the pivot 9 yet enable pivoting of the sleeve 12 of a vertical axis and therefore, the pivot 9 relative to the base 3. 197182 An upper end 12a of the sleeve 12 provides a substantially transverse housing 18 of substantially round cfoss section which houses "an axle 19 of the chainsaw cage 10 such that the axle 19 is readily pivotable within the housing 18.

The chainsaw holding means in this form of the invention, preferably includes a main frame member 20 having a lower end portion 21 mounting a chainsaw blade clamp generally indicated by arrow 22 as shown in Figure 2, the clamp 22 clamps a butt end of a chainsaw blade B bar clamping pads 2 3 so as to leave sufficient space adjacent the clamp pads 23 that a chain passing on either side of the blade B bar may pass between the adjacent portions of the clamp 22 freely yet the blade B bar is securely engaged within the clamp 22 a? d with the lower end portion 21.

In this form of the invention, preferably the clamp 22 is operable by bolts 24 extending between a clamp bar 25, the space through which the portions of the chain passes being provided between the pads 23 and bolds 24.

It will thus be appreciated that the chainsaw can be mounted substantially as is shown in Figure 2 with the motor portion thereof extending rearwardly of the apparatus with the chainsaw blade extending rearwardly of the apparatus with the chainsaw blade extending forwardly of the apparatus 1 and to one side of the timber support.

The main frame member 20 is connected with the swing ivot 9 and the pivot axle 19 via bracket portion 26 which sitions the clamp 22 sufficiently out of register with the 197182 pivot 9 so that the cage 10 and chainsaw assembly, when mounted, is approximately balanced on the pivot 19 for swinging on a substantially horizontal axis within the housing 18.

. An upper portion 27 of the main frame member 20 is provided with an actuating.lever 28. In this.form of the invention, the actuating lever 28 extends forwardly of the apparatus 1 to position a grip portion 29 substantially remote and forwardly of remaining portions of the chainsaw cage 10 10. and in this form of the invention, preferably spaced above but nevertheless, adjacent to an outer portion 30 (see Figure 2) of the chainsaw blade B.

A throttle connection 31 is provided to the chainsaw (see Figure 2). The throttle connection 31 being provided 15. by an elongate linkage 32 coupled at a distal end 33 thereof with a throttle lever 34 which is preferably spring biased by a speing 35 to rest position, a butt end 36 of the linkage 32 is coupled with a throttle actuating means 37 which is particularly described with reference to Figure 3. 20. The throttle actuating means 37 in this form of the invention preferably is provided to include a substantially inverted U-shaped portion 38 positionable over a grip 30 of the chainsaw substantially adjacent a trigger 40 thereof. The U-shaped portion preferably positions arms 41 thereof to 25. either side of the grip 39 substantially adjacent the trigger 40 and mounts a throttle control bar 42 therebetween, forwardly of the trigger 40. The throttle control bar 42 197182 is mounted in one pair of a number of aligning apertures 43 provided in the arms 41 depending on the actual chainsaw with which the throttle actuating means 37 is engaged. An outward base of the U-shape is provided with an integrally 5. formed lever 44 extending medially upwardly therefrom, having an aperture 45 within which the distal end 36 of the linkage 32 engages.

Usually, chainsaws have some enlargement 46 substantially adjacent the trigger 40 on the grip 39 and 10. the base of the U-shaped portions behind the enlargement and provides a fulcrum upon actuation of the throttle assembly, causing the lever 44 to be pulled forwardly and thus the throttle control bar 42 to be pressed rearwardly against the trigger 40 to open the throttle of the chainsaw and 15. thus enable control of the speed of the chainsaw.

In the event that no enlargement 46 is found on the chainsaw, it is envisaged that a hose clamp or similar enlargement can be provided against which the rocker 37 engages and co-act.

. It will thus be seen that upon actuation of the throttle lever 34, the operation of the chainsaw can be controlled.

In this preferred form of the invention, and preferably, a chain guard as generally indicated by arrow 50 is provided to cover an outer end portion of the chain yet still enable 25. operative portions of the chain to cut timber.

The chain guard 50 in this form of the invention, preferably provides a cap portion 51 which mounts about front and side portions of the chain and engaging via a 197182 fixing means 52 provided through, an aperture in the cap portion 51 and in the distal end of the chainsaw blade bar.

The cap portion 51 preferably provides a sleeve portion 53 adjacent an upper portion thereof which mounts in this 5. form of the invention, an elongate bar 54 which extends rearwardly from the cap portion 51 to engage with the cage 10 and.preferably about the upper bolt 24 of the clamping means 22.

It will be appreciated that the bar 54 is provided of a 10. dimension that substantially matches or is slightly smaller than the cutting curf dimension of the chainsaw blade so that the bar 54 can pass through the saw cut created by the chain in use.

In use, it will be appreciated that timber is placed 15. upon the timber support 4 and against the fence 7 with the chainsaw in a substantially elevated position. The chainsaw throttle is then opened and the operator pulls the actuating lever 2 8 downwardly whilst holding the timber with the other hand to bring the chainsaw blade into contact 20. with the timber and cut same in a substantially swing saw style operation. Owing to the displacement of the cage 10 and pivot mounting 9 to one side of the apparatus 1, it will be appreciated that the blade B will pass alongside the adjacent end of the timber support 4. In this form of the 25. invention, a stop means 60 is provided on the sleeve 12 so as to prevent any undue dropping of the blade B past a full cut position. The stop 60 co-acts with the bracket portion 26. 197182 Should cuts other than square cuts be required, it is appreciated that the annular disposition of the chainsaw blade relative to the timber support 6 can be altered by merely pulling on the actuating lever 2 8 and pivoting the 5. sleeve 12 relative to the upstand 11. Further convenient starting of the chainsaw can be provided by pivoting the cage 10 through approximately 180 degrees so that the motor portion of the chainsaw faces the operator, once the chainsaw is started it will be appreciated that apparatus 1 can be 10. returned to the blade forward operative position for use.

In further forms of the invention, the throttle assembly and clamping means for the chainsaw can be alternatively arranged. The arrangement disclosed as a preferred embodiment is a substantially universal attachment for most 15. if not all chainsaw styles in major usage. Where the apparatus of the invention is directed to one particular brand of chainsaw, it is appreciated that alternative mounting for the chainsaw and alternative throttling arrangements for the chainsaw are provided. 20. The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. An alternative embodiment is provided whereby the pivot between the upstand 11 and sleeve 12 is dispensed with as well as the height adjustment and adjustable position of timber support. This form of the 25. invention is more particularly suited to smaller chainsaws and possible home usage where the versatility of the apparatus described with reference to the drawings is not warranted or necessary. 197182 - ii - Thus by this invention thereis provided a swing saw mounting for a chainsaw. l?7\8Z

Claims (17)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A swing mounting for a chainsaw including a mountable base means, a timber support, a saw cage pivotally mounted relative to said base and engageable with the chainsaw to mount a blade thereof extending to one side of said cage and over a plane of the timber support, an actuating handle extending to a blade side of said cage whereby an operator can grip the handle and swing the blade relative to the timber support to bring the blade into and out of a cutting position for timber positioned by said timber support.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cage is positioned substantially adjacent and to one side of the timber support and whereby said cage is swingable in a substantially upright plane relative to remaining portions of said mounting.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cage is pivotable relative to said base means in a substantially horizontal plane.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the cage is mounted on an upstand provided on said base means and to a pivotal sleeve positioned about the upstand.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cage is adjustable in height relative to the timber support, holding means being provided to maintain a predetermined relationship between said timber support and said cage. J97J SZ. -13-

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the height of the cage is adjustable by the provision of at least one spacer member engageable between adjacent movable portions of the mounting for said cage.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the spacer member is provided as an annular sleeve adapted to engaged about the upstand and between adjacent portions of the sleeve and the base means.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the timber support is movable relative to said base, * - l,

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the chainsaw is mountable in the cage via an adjustable clamping means which clamps a portion of a chain bar of said blade between spaced apart portions of chain passing about said chain bar.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the clamping means provides clamping pads which contact opposite side portions of the chain bar, the clamping means providing chain passageways for the passage of the chain through the clamping means.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding % claims wherein a chain guard is provided for positioning adjacent an outer end portion of the blade said guard extending at least part way along an upper portion of the blade.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the chain includes an elongate bar positionable relative to aid blade to extend along spaced from the upper portion 197 182 -14- of at least a part of the blade, said bar being of a dimension slightly less than a cutting curf dimension of the chain.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the chain guard can extend between a distal cap portion mountable about a distal end of the blade and a portion of the cage.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a throttle actuating means is provided to actuate a throttle of the chainsaw, the throttle actuating means coupled Vith a control adjacent the handle, a linkage positioned between the throttle actuating means and the handle, said throttle actuating means adapted to mount about a chainsaw grip adjacent a trigger thereof and provides a fulcrum about which the throttle:'actuating means rocks under actuation to bring an acting portion adjacent said trigger adjustably into and out of operation with the trigger to control operation of the chainsaw.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the throttle actuating means is provided as a rocker member and includes a generally inverted U-shaped portion, a base of the U providing a fulcrum against the chainsaw grip portion a bar positioned between spaced apart distal ends of the U-shape providing a trigger actuating portion adapted for contracting said chainsaw trigger /v v;-. and an outward projection from a base of the U-shap^d^^>v portion forming a lever with which the linkage is 197182 -15- connected.

16. Apparatus as- claimed in claim 14 and 15 wherein the trigger actuating portion is adjustable in its position on the throttle actuating means.

17. Apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. GRAHAM GEORGE TREMBATH BY HIS ATTORNEYS BALDWIN, SON & CAREY