Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6289955
-
Patent Number
6,289,955
-
Date Filed
Friday, September 15, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 18, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 144 1931
- 144 1954
- 144 1955
- 144 366
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
An adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus is provided having a pair of linearly elongated, telescoping cylindrical base members forming a V-shaped base diverging outwardly from an apex, a bracket base member, a linearly elongated, vertically extending handle support post, a linearly elongated, telescoping handle mounted above the apex and on a vertically extending handle support post, and a wedge vertically affixed to the handle.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 469,345 filed on Feb. 18, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to wood splitting devices and, more particularly, to an adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Firewood from cut trees is used in fires all over the world on a daily basis. Whether the fire is for heating, lighting, general ambience or the like in a home or at a campsite, the wood must be cut and split for the fire. A common method of splitting the wood in the past has been with the use of a maul and a wedge or an ax. While this method has worked, it is not very accurate and can be tiring and dangerous for the user. Recent methods include the use of the hydraulic wood splitter powered by a gasoline engine. These however are noisy, consume natural resources and pollute the environment. Also, and perhaps most important, these hydraulic wood splitters are costly even to rent and are not available in all areas of the world.
Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which firewood can be split in a safe and easy manner with minimal impact on the environment. The development of the adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose a wood splitter mounted on a trailer or truck bed: U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,404 issued in the name of Kraemer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,960 issued in the name of McCauley; U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,712 issued in the name of Hudson et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,111 issued in the name of Corey.
The following patents describe the design and function of a wood splitting maul: U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,097 issued in the name of Maine; U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,917 issued in the name of Maine; and U.S. Pat. No. D 378,656 issued in the name of Maine.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,519 issued in the name of Forbes et al. discloses a wood splitting machine with a carriage and blade assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,537 issued in the name of Balkus describes an apparatus for splitting logs with a fulcrum pin.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device which allows wood logs to be split into firewood using human strength alone with minimal impact on the environment in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a human powered log splitter which splits logs into usable firewood and which utilizes a fulcrum and lever to magnify human strength.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which utilizes a fulcrum and lever system for providing cutting strength, great exercise for the user, conservation of natural resources, completely quiet operation, and no reliance on external power sources.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a splitting wedge being adjustable for log width, can be sharpened by the user and replaced should it become damaged.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device having an extendable handle which allows for ease of storage and portability.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus is provided to aid in the splitting of firewood. A pair telescoping cylindrical base members forming a V-shaped base provide a retractable device being easily transportable. Each of the pair of base members includes an inner member telescoping inside an outer member.
Each of the base members are held into their desired position via a spring-loaded pin assembly.
A base platform, welded to an upper surface of the outer members of the base members above a handle support post, serves as a platform upon which an end of a log can be supported.
The inner members include a handle guide support platform serving as a firm base upon which a handle guide track member can be supported.
The support platform is of a generally rectangular shape formed of flattened steel, tapering in a direction towards an apex so as to be fittingly welded to the inner members.
Mounted above the apex and on opposing vertical internal sidewalls of the outer members is a vertically extending handle support post.
The handle support post is constructed of steel and has a handle receiving slot formed as a recess along an upper surface thereof for receiving an outer member of a handle.
To provide structural stability, a hollow, rectangular bracket base member constructed of steel is mounted perpendicularly at the apex of the base members.
To provide structural stability to the handle support post, a pair of L-shaped support post brackets are welded to the bracket base member and the handle support post.
The adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus is actuated by a linearly elongated, telescoping handle being movable between a raised position and a lower position. The telescoping handle is held into a desired position via a spring-loaded pin assembly.
For providing a fulcrum whereupon a lever mechanism is established, an end of the handle is received by a handle receiving slot of the handle support post. The end of the handle is securely held in the receiving slot via a fulcrum pin.
The handle is further defined as having a handle grip at an end opposite the fulcrum pin. The handle grip is defined as having a plurality of finger-gripping channels to allow a user to obtain a firm and comfortable grasp of the handle.
A handle guide track member, of an arcuate configuration and having a base from which a pair of elongated track arms extend vertically therefrom, is located perpendicularly at a posterior end of an outer member of the handle and below the pin assembly. The handle guide track member is designed and configured so as to slidably receive the handle therein. Each of the track arms having linearly elongated slots formed therein for slidably receiving a guide pin.
To prevent lateral spreading of the track arms, a stabilizing bolt is inserted through apertures above the elongated slots through the track arms.
A wedge is disclosed being generally triangular in cross-section having a downwardly directed, sharpened cutting edge.
An L-shaped arm is welded perpendicularly along an upper surface of the wedge allowing for the lateral selective adjustment of the wedge. The L-shaped arm cooperates with a plurality of holes linearly aligned along a length of the outer member of the handle.
A track assembly comprising a linearly elongated channel and a brace is disclosed in order to securely hold a log in place once positioned on the base platform and to facilitate lateral movement by the brace along the base platform.
In order to prevent inadvertent movement by the present invention during operation, a plurality of friction pads are mounted to a lower surface of corners of the bracket base member, the outer members of the base members, and the inner members of the base members.
The use of the present invention allows wood logs to be split into firewood using human strength alone with minimal impact on the environment in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of an adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a side elevational view of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment shown with a handle in a raised position;
FIG. 3
is a top plan view thereof; and
FIG. 4
is a side elevational view of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment shown with a handle in a lower position;
FIG. 5
a
is a top plan view of the track assembly;
FIG. 5
b
is a front end elevational view of the receiving slot;
FIG. 5
c
is a front end elevational view of the brace; and
FIG. 5
d
is side elevational view shown depicting the forward and backward tilting action of the brace.
FIG. 6
is a side elevational view of the wedge.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
1. Detailed Description of the Figures
Referring now to
FIGS. 1-4
, an adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus
10
is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a pair of linearly elongated, telescoping cylindrical base members
20
forming a V-shaped base, a bracket base member
50
, a linearly elongated, vertically extending handle support post
35
, a linearly elongated, telescoping handle
60
, and a wedge
90
.
Each of the pair of base members
20
is of a generally rectangular configuration and includes an inner member
22
a,
22
b
telescoping inside an outer member
26
a,
26
b
for providing a retractable device being easily transportable.
The base members
20
diverge outwardly from an apex
30
so as to form a V-shaped base. Each of the inner members
22
a,
22
b
having an anterior end
23
a,
23
b
opposite a posterior end
24
a,
24
b,
respectively.
Each of the outer members
26
a,
26
b
having an anterior end
27
a,
27
b
opposite a posterior end
28
a,
28
b,
respectively.
The anterior end
23
a,
23
b
of each of the inner members
22
a,
22
b
telescopes inside the posterior end
28
a,
28
b
of each of the outer members
26
a,
26
b,
respectively.
Once a desired length of each of the base members
20
has been provided, each inner member
22
a,
22
b
and outer member
26
a,
26
b
can be held into their desired position via a spring-loaded pin assembly
53
. The pin assembly
53
is designed so as to cooperate with a plurality of holes
57
aligned along a length at the anterior end
23
a,
23
b
of a vertical sidewall of the inner member
22
a,
22
b.
The spring-loaded pin assembly
53
includes a spring-loaded pin
54
, of a linearly elongated configuration, being located at an end of the outer member
26
a,
26
b
which extends through a hole
55
in the outer member
26
a,
26
b
positioned laterally, and capable of lateral movement via a spring-loaded pin handle
56
.
The inner member
22
a,
22
b,
the outer member
26
a,
26
b
and the spring-loaded pin
54
are configured such that, when the spring-loaded pin
54
is in a resting position, the inner member
22
a,
22
b
and outer member
26
a,
26
b
are locked into position by mechanical interference between the spring-loaded pin
54
extending through a hole
55
in the outer member
26
a,
26
b
through a hole
57
in the inner member
22
a,
22
b.
Retraction of the spring-loaded pin
54
removes the mechanical interference, thus permitting the inner member
22
a,
22
b
to be extended away from or retracted into the outer member
26
a,
26
b.
As such, the length of each of the base members
20
are mechanically adjustable, thereby providing various linear lengths and allowing for ease of transportation of the device. It is envisioned that each base member
20
would be capable of extending a length of approximately 72 inches.
An upper surface of a base platform
30
serves as a platform upon which an end of a log can be supported. The base platform
30
is formed of flattened steel of a generally rectangular configuration, tapering in a direction towards the apex
30
. The base platform
30
is welded to an upper surface of the outer members
26
a,
26
b
of the base members
20
above a handle support post
35
(as will be described in greater detail below) and extending to the posterior end
28
a,
28
b
of the outer members
26
a,
26
b.
The inner members
22
a,
22
b
include a handle guide support platform
29
serving as a firm base upon which a handle guide track member (as will be described in greater detail below) can be supported.
The support platform
29
is of a generally rectangular shape formed of flattened steel, tapering in a direction towards the apex
30
so as to be fittingly welded on opposing vertical sidewalls
25
a,
25
b
at the anterior end
23
a,
23
b
of the inner members
22
a,
22
b.
The support platform
29
having a vertical sidewall measurement equal to the vertical internal sidewall measurement of the inner members
22
a,
22
b,
whereby the support platform
29
forming a bridge providing a flat surface extending from inner member
22
a
to inner member
22
b.
Mounted above the apex
30
and on opposing vertical internal sidewalls
21
a,
21
b
at the anterior end
27
a,
27
b
of the outer members
26
a,
26
b
is a vertically extending handle support post
35
.
The handle support post
35
is of a generally rectangular, hollow configuration constructed of steel and having a handle receiving slot
37
formed as a recess along an upper surface thereof for receiving an anterior end
67
of an outer member
64
of a handle
60
(as will be described in greater detail below). It is envisioned that the height of the handle support post
35
measures approximately 16 inches.
To provide structural stability, a linearly elongated, hollow, rectangular bracket base member
50
constructed of steel is disclosed. The bracket base member
50
is mounted perpendicularly at the apex of the V-shaped base members
20
. The bracket base member
50
having a slot
52
formed as a recess along a linearly elongated centerline thereof between a lower surface and an internal vertical sidewall of the bracket base member
50
and running an entire linear length thereof.
The slot
52
is designed and configured so as to fittingly receive the apex
30
of the base members
20
and be welded thereto. The bracket base member
50
may also be bolted or clamped to the apex
30
of the base members
20
; however, welding is the preferred method for permanent attachment. As bolts require holes, this method of attachment will leave surfaces exposed thereby being more susceptible to rust.
To provide structural stability to the handle support post
35
, a pair of L-shaped support post brackets
38
a,
38
b
having an anterior end
33
a,
33
b
opposite a posterior end
34
a,
34
b
are welded to the bracket base member
50
and the handle support post
35
.
The anterior end
33
a,
33
b
of each support post bracket
38
a,
38
b
is welded to a vertical sidewall
36
a,
36
b
respectively of the handle support post
35
.
The posterior end
34
a,
34
b
of each support post bracket
38
a,
38
b
is welded at opposed ends of an upper surface of the bracket base member
50
.
The support post brackets
38
a,
38
b
may also be bolted to the handle support post
35
and the bracket base member
50
; however, welding is the preferred method for permanent attachment. As bolts require holes, this method of attachment will leave surfaces exposed thereby being more susceptible to rust.
The adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus
10
is actuated by a linearly elongated, telescoping handle
60
being movable between a raised position (
FIGS. 1 and 2
) and a lower position (FIG.
4
).
The handle
60
includes an inner member
62
, telescoping within an outer member
64
for providing a user with added leverage-when needed. The handle
60
is positioned with respect to the base members
20
such that the handle
60
bisects the V-shaped angle formed by the base members
20
.
The inner member
62
has an anterior end
66
, opposite a posterior end
68
. The outer member
64
has an anterior end
67
, opposite a posterior end
69
.
The inner member
62
and outer member
64
can be held into their desired position via a spring-loaded pin assembly
70
. The pin assembly
70
is designed so as to cooperate with a plurality of holes
75
aligned along a length at the anterior end
66
of the inner member
62
.
The spring-loaded pin assembly
70
includes a spring-loaded pin
71
, of a linearly elongated configuration, being located at the posterior end
69
of the outer member
64
which extends through a hole
72
in the outer member
64
positioned laterally, and capable of lateral movement via a spring-loaded pin handle
74
.
The inner member
62
, the outer member
64
and the spring-loaded pin
71
are configured such that, when the spring-loaded pin
71
is in a resting position, the inner member
62
and outer member
64
are locked into position by mechanical interference between the spring-loaded pin
71
extending through a hole
72
in the outer member
64
through a hole
75
in the inner member
62
. Retraction of the spring-loaded pin
71
removes the mechanical interference, thus permitting the inner member
62
to be extended away from or retracted into the outer member
64
. As such, the length of the handle
60
is mechanically adjustable and can provide various linear lengths. It is envisioned that the handle
60
would be capable of extending a length of approximately 60 inches.
For providing a fulcrum whereupon a lever mechanism is established, the anterior end
67
of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
is received by a handle receiving slot
37
of the handle support post
35
.
For securing the anterior end
67
of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
within the handle receiving slot
37
, an aperture pierces the vertical sidewall
36
a,
36
b
of the handle support post
35
above the support post brackets
38
a,
38
b
for receiving a fulcrum pin
61
which extends through the anterior end
67
of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
. The fulcrum pin
61
is held in place via a cotter pin
63
. It is envisioned that the fulcrum pin
61
can be welded or otherwise permanently mounted to the anterior end
67
of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
.
A plurality of holes
65
, linearly aligned along a length of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
are formed so as to removably receive a wedge
90
(as will be described in greater detail below).
The handle
60
is further defined as having a handle grip
77
at the posterior end
68
of the inner member
62
. The handle grip
77
is defined as having a plurality of finger-gripping channels
78
to allow a user to obtain a firm and comfortable grasp of the handle
60
. It is envisioned that the handle grip
77
is formed of plastic or other material capable of injection molding, and therefore can be formed easily of recycled material.
A handle guide track member
80
located perpendicularly at the posterior end
69
of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
and below the pin assembly
70
is disclosed for slidably receiving the handle
60
therein.
The track member
80
is of an arcuate configuration having a base
82
from which a pair of elongated track arms
84
extend vertically therefrom. Each of the track arms
84
having linearly elongated slots
86
formed therein for slidably receiving a guide pin
88
.
The guide pin
88
extends laterally through the elongated slots
86
of the track arms
84
through the posterior end
69
of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
. The guide pin
88
further having ears
89
formed at ends thereof for preventing removal of the guide pin
88
.
Having a flat lower surface, the base
82
of the track member
80
is removably positioned on an upper surface of the support platform
29
which serves as a firm base upon which the track member
80
can be supported.
To prevent lateral spreading of the track arms
84
, a stabilizing bolt
83
is inserted through apertures above the elongated slots
86
through the track arms
84
.
The handle guide track member
80
being designed and configured so as to allow the handle
60
to slide within the track member
80
in an arcing motion as it is moved between a raised position and a lower position, while simultaneously aiding in the prevention of linear articulative motion by the handle
60
during such motion.
Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a wedge
90
is disclosed being generally triangular in cross-section having a downwardly directed, sharpened cutting edge
92
and lateral surfaces diverging outwardly with increased distance from the cutting edge
92
. The cutting edge
92
of the wedge
90
can be sharpened by a user or replaced should it become damaged.
For being removably inserted within the plurality of holes
65
linearly aligned along a length of the outer member
64
of the handle
60
, an L-shaped arm
94
welded perpendicularly along an upper surface of the wedge
90
is disclosed.
The L-shaped arm
94
of the wedge
90
allows for the lateral selective adjustment of the wedge
90
with respect to the linearly aligned holes
65
so as to ensure the wedge
90
is positioned centrally with respect to an end of a log of wood which has been placed on the base platform
30
before actuating the handle
60
of the present invention.
Referring now to
FIGS. 5
a,
5
b,
5
c,
and
5
d,
in order to securely hold a log in place once positioned on the base platform
30
, a track assembly
100
is disclosed which includes a linearly elongated channel
102
formed along a linearly elongated centerline of the upper surface of the base platform
30
and extending just short a length thereof. The channel
102
having a plurality of teeth
104
formed integral therewith and being aligned at spaced locations along a length thereof. The teeth
104
extend outwardly in a direction towards the apex
30
. The spacing between the teeth
104
define recesses
106
designed and configured so as to receive an arm
112
of a slidably adjustable brace
110
.
The brace
110
is of a generally, rectangular configuration being constructed of steel and having a linearly elongated arm
112
extending from a linearly elongated centerline at an acute angle therefrom.
Once a user positions the arm
112
in a desired recess
106
, mechanical interference between the arm
112
and the recess
106
assures firm engagement of the brace
110
with a log, thereby providing an immobilizing means for holding a log in position on the base platform
30
.
In order to facilitate lateral movement by the brace
110
along the base platform
30
, an adjustable brace receiving slot
120
is formed along opposing inner sidewalls, adjacent to the channel
102
, just below the upper surface of the base platform
30
and runs an entire linear length thereof for guidably receiving a pair of elbows
114
of the adjustable brace
110
. The pair of elbows
114
being separated by the arm
112
of the brace
110
with each elbow
114
formed of an L-shaped appendage on the lower surface of the brace
110
and forming a recess below the lower surface thereof. Each of the elbows
114
is guidably received in a loose fashion along a length of the receiving slot
120
thereby allowing the brace
110
to be slightly tilted forward and backward.
Upon a user tilting the brace
110
backward, the arm
112
is effectively removed from a recess
106
, thereby removing mechanical interference therebetween, and the brace
110
can be slidably moved along a length of the channel
102
until a desired position is provided. Once a position has been provided, the user tilts the brace
110
forward, thereby inserting the arm
112
into a recess
106
where the arm
112
becomes securely locked therein.
In order to prevent inadvertent movement by the present invention during operation, a plurality of friction pads
125
, each of a generally square configuration having a non-skid or textured lower surface for coming into mechanical interference with the ground, is mounted to a lower surface of corners of the bracket base member
50
, a lower surface of the anterior ends
27
a,
27
b
of the outer members
26
a,
26
b
of the base members
20
, and a lower surface of the posterior ends
24
a,
24
b
of the inner members
22
a,
22
b
of the base members
20
.
2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
To use the present invention, a user Next, the user raises the handle
60
from a lower, resting position to an elevated position until the cutting edge
92
of the wedge
90
is clear enough to provide access to positions a log on the base platform
30
with a lower end resting thereon. The brace
110
is laterally adjusted along the channel
102
so as to securely lock the log in position. The user then places the wedge
90
via the L-shaped arm
94
in a desired hole
65
in the outer member
64
of the handle
60
so as to centrally align the wedge
90
with respect to an end of the log. The telescopic handle
60
can then be adjusted by the user for providing adequate leverage for cutting the log.
Next, the user lowers the handle
60
from a lower, resting position to an elevated position until the cutting edge
92
of the wedge
90
rests on the upper end of the log. The user then applies a transverse force on the handle
60
through an arcuate motion as the guide pin
88
in the handle
60
slidably engages the elongated slots
86
of the track arms
84
to a lowered position, thereby splitting the log of wood.
Mechanical advantage is provided via the fulcrum pin
61
, the handle support post
35
, and the elongated handle
60
so as to allow a user to split logs using minimal transverse force.
In the event the log is not split by the time the handle
60
reaches the lowered position, the same operation is repeated with the user having the option of further extending the telescopic handle
60
and/or vertically extending the L-shaped arm
94
so as to provide added leverage. This operation is continued as many times as is necessary until the log has been fully split.
The use of the present invention allows wood logs to be split into firewood using human strength alone with minimal impact on the environment in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient.
Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following claims.
Claims
- 1. An adjustable, portable wood splitting apparatus comprising:a pair of linearly elongated, telescoping cylindrical base members forming a V-shaped base diverging outwardly from an apex; a bracket base member, a linearly elongated, vertically extending handle support post; a linearly elongated, telescoping handle mounted above said apex and on a vertically extending handle support post, said handle positioned with respect to the base members such that the handle bisects the V-shaped angle formed by the base members; and a wedge vertically affixed to said handle.
- 2. The wood splitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of base members is of a generally rectangular configuration and includes an inner member telescoping inside an outer member for providing a retractable device being easily transportable;wherein each said inner member has an anterior end opposite a posterior end, and the anterior end of each of the inner members telescopes inside the posterior end of each of the outer members, respectively.
- 3. The wood splitting apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a spring-loaded pin assembly for holding inner member and outer member into their desired position.
- 4. The wood splitting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper surface of a base platform for serving as a platform upon which an end of a log can be supported.
- 5. The wood splitting apparatus of claim 4, wherein said base platform is formed of flattened steel of a generally rectangular configuration, tapering in a direction towards said apex, said base platform affixed to an upper surface of the outer members of the base members above a handle support post and extending to the posterior end of the outer members.
- 6. The wood splitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handle support post is of a generally rectangular, hollow configuration and having a handle receiving slot formed as a recess along an upper surface thereof for receiving an anterior end of an outer member of a handle.
- 7. The wood splitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein an L-shaped arm of the wedge allows for the lateral selective adjustment of said wedge so as to ensure the wedge is positioned centrally with respect to an end of a log of wood which has been placed on the base platform before actuating said handle.
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Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
881538 |
Bienk |
Mar 1908 |
|
4244407 |
McMullin |
Jan 1981 |
|
5547001 |
Cumming et al. |
Aug 1996 |
|
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
383707 |
Oct 1923 |
DE |