US3791427A

US3791427A - Apparatus for simulating barn wood

Info

Publication number: US3791427A
Application number: US00310933A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Haynes
Original assignee: HAYNES BROS Inc
Current assignee: PH CHADBOURNE & Co
Priority date: 1972-11-30
Filing date: 1972-11-30
Publication date: 1974-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 1991-02-12

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for imparting random elongate furrows to the surfaces of wooden panels so as to simulate weathered barn wood. The apparatus comprises means for supporting the panels, a tool carrier member adjacent to and movable with respect to the supporting means, a plurality of resilient spikes mounted on said carrier member and extending toward the supporting means for engagement with the surface of the wooden panel, and a power actuated means for effecting relative movement between the member and the panel. The spikes are loosely carried in apertures of the carrier member such that they can undergo limited swiveling movement with respect thereto. As the spikes engage the surface of the panel, they forcibly dig into the same and simultaneously undergo random limited swiveling movement, thus creating unique, non-parallel furrows therein. The method of the invention comprises engaging the surface of the panel by the spikes carried on the carrier member with respect to the panel, such that the spikes forcibly dig into the surface and undergo a random swiveling movement to thereby cut a series of age-simulating furrows therein.

Description

United States Patent n91 Haynes 1 Feb. 12, 1974 [76] inventor: Lincoln W. Haynes, c/o Haynes Bros. lnc., Wilmington, Vt.

[22] Filed: Nov. 30, 1972 [211 App]. No.: 310,933

[52] U.S. Cl 144/2 R, 144/120, 144/309 A,

144/320, 144/328 [51] Int. Cl. B270 9/00 [58] Field of Search144/2 R, 3 N, 120, 121, 309 A,

Mallett 144/120 UK Primary ExaminerAndrew R. Juhasz Assistant Examiner-W. DpBray Attorney, Agent, or Firm-H. Gibner Lehmann; K. Gibner Lehmann [57] ABSTRACT A method of and apparatus for imparting random elongate furrows to the surfaces of wooden panels so as to simulate weathered barn wood. The apparatus comprises means for supporting the panels, a tool carrier member adjacent to and movable with respect to the supporting means, a plurality of resilient spikes mounted on said carrier member and extending toward the supporting means for engagement with the surface of the wooden panel, and a power actuated means for effecting relative movement between the member and the panel. The spikes are loosely carried in apertures of the carrier member such that they can undergo limited swiveling movement with respect thereto. As the spikes engage the surface of the panel, they forcibly dig into the same and simultaneously undergo random limited swiveling movement, thus creating unique, non-parallel furrows therein. The method of the invention comprises engaging the surface of the panel by the spikes carried on the carrier member with respect to the panel, such that the spikes forcibly dig into the surface and undergo a random swiveling movement to thereby cut a series of age-simulating furrows therein.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING BARN WOOD BACKGROUND This invention relates to method and means for gouging or furrowing relatively smooth surfaces of wooden panels, to thereby create a weathered or aged appearance thereof so as to simulate weather beaten barn wood.

I-Ieretofore, various devices have been employed for accomplishing this result. In many cases, a circulating drum or cylinder having coarse sand or grit bonded to its surface was passed over the wooden panel, the coarseness of the grit determining the roughness of the resulting grooves or furrows. In several instances, a power driven rotating cylinder having a smooth surface was employed to guide a sanding belt over the wood surface, the belt being arranged to engage the surface at a relatively small area thereof adjacent the drum. Still other arrangements have employed a series of fixed knives parallel to one another ora series of diskshaped rotating blades the knives or blades engaging the surface of the wood and scratching parallel grooves therein.

While several of the above arrangements operated satisfactorily, there were a number of distinct disadvantages which were apparent. First, where fixed knives or rotating blades were employed, the resulting grooves or furrows were generally parallel to one another, and the desired effect of creating a weathered or aged appearance was not achieved, due to the symmetry and uniformity of the grooves. Second, in cases where coarse sand belts or grit-coated drums were used, the resulting wood surface was either too smooth, or it sufi'ered from an excessive number of torn fibers, wherein the desired aged appearance was again not obtained. In addition, the grit which was bonded to the drum was prone to become worn or separated therefrom, thus diminishing the effectiveness of the device.

SUMMARY The above drawbacks and disadvantages of prior wood-furrowing devices are obviated by the present invention, which has for an object the provision of a novel method and apparatus for imparting random elongate'indentations or furrows in the plane surfaces of wooden panels, the apparatus being extremely simple in construction, and effective and reliable in operation. A related object is the provision of a farrowing device as above characterized, which imparts a unique, realistic and pleasing surface configuration to a wooden panel, the configuration being truly representative of the appearance of wood which has been aged and weathered, commonly referred to as barn wood. Another object of the invention is the provision of an especially simple and effective novel-method for furrowing the plane surface of a wooden panel to thereby impart an aged or weathered appearance thereto.

The above objects are accomplished by a furrowing apparatus comprising meansfor supporting the panel to be treated, a tool carrier member adjacent the supporting means and loosely carrying a plurality of resilient spikes extending toward and engageable with the surface of the wooden panel, and power actuated means for effecting relative movement between the member and the panel such that the spikes simultaneously undergo random swiveling movement as they forcibly dig into the wood surface to thereby create furrows therein which truly simulate weathered barn wood.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings, illustrating several embodiments of the invention:

FIG. I is a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for modifying or furrowing the surface configura-.

tion of a wooden panel as provided by the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken at to the section of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a vertical section of a wooden panel prior to being treated by the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a vertical section of the wooden panel of FIG. 5 after passing through the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a modified apparatus, constituting another embodiment of the invention.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with the present invention there is illustrated an apparatus for imparting random elongate indentations in the surface of a wooden panel 10, the apparatus being generally designated by the numeral 12. The device comprises a plurality of support rollers 14 disposed below and constituting support-means for the panel, and in addition two feed rollers 16 above the panel and adapted to drivingly engage the upper surface thereof. The

rollers

14 and 16 are preferably of the same type, having a rubber facing thereon, and are preferably all simultaneously driven in such directions as to advance the panel in the same direction, toward the right in FIG. 1.

By the present invention there is further provided a tool carrier member 18 disposed above the supporting rollers 14. The tool carrier member 18 has a planar configuration and comprises a plurality of apertures 20 each adapted to receive a resilient spike 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The spikes are preferably constituted of spring steel and extend in a generally parallel direction toward the wooden panel 10 and support rollers 14. As best illustrated in'FIG. 3, the spikes 22 are of slightly smaller girth than the size of the apertures 20 and thus fit rather loosely therein, so as to be able to undergo limited swiveling or canting movement as in FIG. 4 with respect to the tool carrier member 18. Each spike comprises an elongate bodyportion 24 having a pointed end portion 26, and a resilient head portion 28 of sufficient size to prevent the spikes from falling through the apertures 20. In accordance with the present invention, the head portions 28 of the spikes 20 are resilient so as to permit a limited flexing movement of the body with respect thereto.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention can now be readily understood by referring to FIGS. 1 and 4. In FIG. 1 it is to be noted that there is fastened to the tool carrier member 18 a buttress plate 30 which is secured thereto by means of screws and is disposed slightly above the heads 28 of the spikes to thereby restrain the latter frorn movement in an upward direction. Assuming the wooden panel 10 in FIG. 5 has been fed past the extreme left-

hand driver rollers

14 and 16 in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the panel will thereafter become engaged by the spikes 22. As best illustrated in FIG. 4 the loose fit between the apertures 20 and the spikes 22 enables the latter to undergo limited random canting or swiveling movement with respect to the tool carrier member 18, as they forcibly engage the wooden surface. Itis to be noted that the tendency for the spikes to move vertically is greatly reduced by the fact that a substantial binding occurs between each spike and its respective aperture as the spike is swiveled. In addition, the spike is sufficiently resilient so as to undergo limited bending such that, being constituted of spring steel, a very small portion of the component of the force acting on the spike is directed upward. The spikes 22 are thus caused to forcibly dig into the surface of the panel as the latter is forced past the tool carrier member, thereby creating a series of furrows or indentations in the surface thereof as illustrated in FIG. 6. The above arrangement has several distinct advantages. First, it provides an extremely desirable surface appearance to the panel. Each of the spikes swivels side to side as it engages different degrees of fiber toughness, and the effect realized is a random series of furrows which are generally not parallel to one another, and which very closely simulate the appearance of aged or weathered barn wood. Second, the time required to process the wood is very small, being on the same order as cutting tree trunks into uniform panels or boards. In addition, replacement of a spike can be easily effected in the event that it becomes bent or otherwise damaged.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 7. The device comprises a table 32 which is supported by free-turning rollers 34. The table includes a rack 36 which is engaged by a gear 38 power driven in the direction indicated by an electric motor (not shown). The table 32 further comprises an end plate 40 adapted to engage the end of the panel 10. The spikes 22 are loosely carried in the tool carrier member 18 in the same manner as discussed in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In addition, there is provided anadjustment means for effecting advancing movement of the tool carrier member and spikes toward the panel 10, this means comprising adjustment screws 42 and nuts 44 mounted to a framework 46 which is rigid with respect to the bearings (not shown) mounting the rollers 34 and gear 38. By such an arrangement, an adjustment in the depth of the grooves made in the panel surface can be effected merely by advancing the screws 42 to give the desired result. The operation of this embodiment is analogous to that of FIGS. l-4, as can be readily seen, the only difference being in the-manner in which the panel is driven.

The present invention also embraces the novel method of furrowing the plane surfaces of a wooden panel to thereby impart to the latter the appearance of aged or weathered barn wood. Referring to FIGS. l-4, the method comprises the steps of engaging the panel surface by a plurality of spikes 22 which are loosely carried on a tool carrier member 18, such that the spikes can undergo limited swiveling movement with respect thereto, and simultaneously effecting relative movement between the panel and carrier member in a direction parallel to the plane of the panel surface such that the spikes cut random, non-parallel, elongate furrows in the surface of the panel. Referring to FIG. 7, the method also includes the further step of applying forces to the carrier member and to the wooden panel in directions so as to cause the spikes to forcibly engage the panel surface. The forces are applied through the framework 46 acting on the adjustment screws 42, and through the bearings 33 mounting the rollers 34.

From the above it can be seen that I have provided a novel and improved method and apparatus for furrowing the surface of wooden panels to simulate an aged or weathered, barn wood appearance. I have found that the results obtained through use of this apparatus as described are substantially superior to that obtained through the use of rotary cutter devices and fixed or rotating knife blades. The invention is thus seen to represent a distinct advance and improvement in the technology of wood-working and wood-finishing.

Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for imparting random elongate indentations in the plane surfaces of wooden panels, comprising in combination:

a. means for supporting the wooden panel to be worked on,

b. a tool carrier member disposed adjacent said supporting means,

c. a plurality of resilient spikes adapted to be carried by said carrier member and extending towards said supporting means for engagement with the surface of the wooden panel supported thereby,

d. mounting means on said carrier member and engageable with said spikes for loosely mounting the latter to thereby enable limited swiveling movement thereof with respect to said carrier member, and

e. power actuated means for effecting relative movement between said member and said panel, whereby the spikes when engaging the wooden surface of the panel are caused to forcibly dig into the same thereby creating furrows which simulate weathered barn wood.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1, and further including:

a. means biasing said spikes into forcible engagement with the surface of the wooden panel.

3. The invention asset forth in claim 1, wherein:

a. said tool carrier member has a planar configuration and a plurality of apertures,

b. said spikes being received in said apertures, and

extending in generally parallel directions.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3, wherein:

a. the size of said apertures is slightly greater than the girth of said spikes, whereby a loose fit exists therebetween.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein:

a. said spikes comprise elongate body portions, and

head portions respectively at the ends thereof,

b. said head portions having a size substantially larger than the size of the apertures to thereby prevent the spikes from falling through the latter.

6. The invention as set forth-in claim 5, wherein:

a. said head portions are resilient to enable limited flexing movement of the spike body with respect to the head portion.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein:

a. said spikes cant in response to engagement thereof by the wooden surface, and

b. said carrier causing a binding of the spikes as the latter cant in said apertures.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. said spikes are constituted of spring steel to enable limited flexing movement thereof with respect to said carrier member.

Claims

1. An apparatus for imparting random elongate indentations in the plane surfaces of wooden panels, comprising in combination: a. means for supporting the wooden panel to be worked on, b. a tool carrier member disposed adjacent said supporting means, c. a plurality of resilient spikes adapted to be carried by said carrier member and extending towards said supporting means for engagement with the surface of the wooden panel supported thereby, d. mounting means on said carrier member and engageable with said spikes for loosely mounting the latter to thereby enable limited swiveling movement thereof with respect to said carrier member, and e. power actuated means for effecting relative movement between said member and said panel, whereby the spikes when engaging the wooden surface of the panel are caused to forcibly dig into the same thereby creating furrows which simulate weathered barn wood.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1, and further including: a. means biasing said spikes into forcible engagement with the surface of the wooden panel.

3. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein: a. said tool carrier member has a planar configuration and a plurality of apertures, b. said spikes being received in said apertures, and extending in generally parallel directions.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3, wherein: a. the size of said apertures is slightly greater than the girth of said spikes, whereby a loose fit exists therebetween.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein: a. said spikes comprise elongate body portions, and head portions respectively at the ends thereof, b. said head portions having a size substantially larger than the size of the apertures to thereby prevent the spikes from falling through the latter.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 5, wherein: a. said head portions are resilient to enable limited flexing movement of the spike body with respect to the head portion.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein: a. said spikes cant in response to engagement thereof by the wooden surface, and b. said carrier causing a binding of the spikes as the latter cant in said apertures.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. said spikes are constituted of spring steel to enable limited flexing movement thereof with respect to said carrier member.