CA2288575A1 - Block splitting device - Google Patents
Block splitting device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2288575A1 CA2288575A1 CA 2288575 CA2288575A CA2288575A1 CA 2288575 A1 CA2288575 A1 CA 2288575A1 CA 2288575 CA2288575 CA 2288575 CA 2288575 A CA2288575 A CA 2288575A CA 2288575 A1 CA2288575 A1 CA 2288575A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- block
- carrier
- block table
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28D—WORKING STONE OR STONE-LIKE MATERIALS
- B28D1/00—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor
- B28D1/22—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising
- B28D1/222—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising by pressing, e.g. presses
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is an apparatus for splitting blocks comprising a frame, a vertically movable lower blade carrier, an upper blade, and a pressure generating mechanism. Two fixed yokes are positioned at opposing ends of the lower blade carrier and carry the lower blade carrier along two threaded rods.
The two threaded rods are linked so that their rotation is synchronized, The pressure mechanism causes the upper blade to generate pressure on the block between the upper and lower blades.
The two threaded rods are linked so that their rotation is synchronized, The pressure mechanism causes the upper blade to generate pressure on the block between the upper and lower blades.
Description
BLOCK SPLITTING DEVICE
CROSS-REFERBNGE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to as apparatus for splitting masonry blocks, such as those commonly used in construction.
Blocks may be used to construct walls. Such walls typically serve as landscape retaining walls or structural walls in buildings. Often, blocks must be cut to the proper size during construction. : Sometimes, a builder or installer will be able to plan for custom-sized mamtffactured concrete blocks and have them pre-ordered to fit. However, this is not always possible. While the maauihctiuas that pmduco blocks have the necessary equipmem for cutting the blocks down to size, it is not always comronient for the installer to wait for blocks that are being processed at the maaufscturiag facility. Thus, an apparatus that will allow an installer to customize blocks on-situ offers great utility.
While prior art products have attempted to meet this need, they have all had associated disadvantages. For example, a sputter produced by Park Industries weighs close to 400 pounds. Thus, it is cumbersome and di~cult to move around the job site, requiting several people to maneuver it into position This device also uses a hydraulic cylinder to lift a block into place. After some use, the hydraulic seals start to look and the device requires a relatively high degree of maintenance. Thus, there is a need for a lightweight and easy-to-maintain block splitting device. Additionally, in operation, the height setting must be readjusted behweea splits. The need to lower and raise the frame between each use decreases the user's productivity and causes additional wear on the device. Thus, there is a need for a durable block splitting device that will allow the user to split tmmerous blocks in quick succession without repositioning the setting of the device between each block.
Another device is produced by Probst, a G~maa company. While it is a lightweight unit that can be easily moved around a job site, it is di~cult to use.
The height of the lower frame is adjusted by two cranks on either side of the frame.
If the user does not turn the croaks on both the sides at exactly the same rate, the frame bas a tendency to bind. Thus, there is a need for a splitting device that adjusts height settings smoothly and evenly.
An additional disadvantage of the prior art products is that the cutting blades are generally di~cult or expensive to replace. Because the blades are a primary wear item, it is desirable to have ~ blade that is durable and easily, quickly, and relatively inexpensively replaced.
BRIEF SLIN1~IARY OF THE IZ~1VEN'1ZON
The pnosent invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a block splitting device which is easily maneuverable around a construction site, easily adjusted to accommodate different sized products to be split, durable, and inacpeasive and simple to use sad maintain. It can be used with any type of block or stone material such as natural stone, concrete block, masonry block or brick, cement block, or the like.
The presatt imretttion consists essentially of a frame, a movable lower blade carrier and a splitting mechanism. The lower blade carrier supports a block table and both move vertically toward the splitting mechanism. The splitting mechanism includes an upper blade sad a handle assembly. The block table and lower blade carrier are raise without tilting by two threaded rods linked by a roller chain The block is split whd~ the handle assembly is turned, applying pressure oa the block generated by a slight movement of the upper blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWll~tGS
The present ikon will be further explained with reference to the atta~chWfigutea, wherein like sttucdirea are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block splitting device embodying the present ipvmtion.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the block splitting device before the block table is raised.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the block splitting device with the block table raised.
FIG. 4 is a exoss-sectional view of the block splitting device taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the block splitting device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of tho cam of the upper blade carrier.
While the above~identified drawings set forth one preferred embodime~, other embodiments of the present imrention are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments of the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications sad embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this inve~ion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in FIG. 1, block splitting dcvicx 10 embodying the present iron includes base member 12, lower blade carrier 14, block table 16, frame 18, which houses upper blade carrier 20 (not visible in FIG. 1), handle assembly comprising handle attachment 24 and handle 26, and creak 28. Frame 18 further includes front rod housing 30 and rear rod housing 32. Hasp 12 includes a pair of wheels 34, preferably with rubber tires, and handle receiving member 36. Lower blade carrier 14 also includes table mourns 38 and compression spriqgs 40, on which block table 16 is mounted. Lower blade carrier 14 carries lower blade 42.
Frame 18 encloses the mechanisms for moving block table 16 and upper blade carrier (not visible in FIG. 1). Crank 28 is used for moving block table 16 up and down.
Frame 18 also includes handle backstop 46.
In operation, a user slides masonry block 48 onto block table 16, which is initially held slightly above the cutting surface of lower blade 42 by springs 40 (see FIG. 2). This features allows block 48 to be slid onto block table 16 without obstruction by lawet blade 42. The user then lifts handle assembly 22 to raise upper blade carrier 20, which carries upper blade 44, to position upper blade 44 for cutting (this step can also be performed prior to loading block table 16 with block 48).
When handle assembly 22 reaches handle backstop 46, upper cutting blade 44 is in a raised position. Backstop 46 prevents handle assembly 22 from being moved so far that handle assembly 22 contacts crank 28, thereby prevecaing possible damage to crank 28.
With handle assembly ZZ in the upcxght position, the user turns crank 28 to lift block table 16. Block table 16 ascends along with lower blade carrier 14, which slides up along front and rear rod housings 30 and 32 of upper frame 18 until the upper surface of block 48 nearly contacts upper blade 44 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
Both ends of lower blade cattier 14 ascend evenly and uniformly without tilting or bindia$. The user than lowers handle asaembly 22 to lower upper blade carrier and upper blade 44. The downward force ofupper blade 44, along with the weight of block 48, causes compression of springs 40, resulting in contact betmeen lower blade 42 and the bottom surface of block 48 (lower blade 42 projects through slot 50 is block table 16, as seen is FIGS. 1, 4 and 5).
Upper blade 44 is aligned in a vertical plane with lower blade 42.
As handle assembly 22 is pulled down, upper blade 44 only moves down a fraction of an inch, and block 48 is split along the plane de5ned by the cutting edge of upper blade 44 and the cutting edge of lower blade 42.
FIG. 2 shows a side elavational view of block splitting device 10 befort block table 16 is raised. It shows base 12 with handle-receiving member and rubber tire wheols 34. Lower blade carrier 14 further includes lower blade retainers 52 and U-shaped end sections 54. End sections 54 of lower blade carrier 14 include threaded yoke members 56.
Frame 18 includes front rod housing 30, rear rod housing 32, upper housing 58, and cover 60. Prod rod housing 30 includes front threaded rod 62 sad two sits 64 which expose rod 62. Rest rod housing 32 includes rear threaded rod 66 sad two slits 64 which acpose rod 66. Upper housing 58 iacludea cam 68, upper 5 blade carrier 20, roller chain 70, and handle attachment 24. Upper blade carrier 20 includes upper blade 44, upper blade retainers 74, and blade leveling studs 76.
Rubber tire wheels 34 are provided on base i2 to allow block splitting device 10 to be easily moved as seeded. Extension 78 on the rear of base 12 provides stability when sputter 10 is in use and prevents the device from tipping over from the force used to turn handle assembly 22. Handle-receiving member is positioned on base 12 opposite wheels 34. Block sputter 10 is maneuvered by mounting handle 64 on handle receiving number 36. The user uses handle 26 to tip block splitter 10 up onto wheels 34 by lifting the front and of block sputter 10.
The user can then maneuver block spJitter 10 as ha or she would move a wheelbarrow, for example.
One or more table mounts 38 are attached to the lower blade cattier 14. A compression spring 40 is placed behween each table mount 38 and block table 16, along spring stabilizer rod 80, which is effaced to block table 16 at upper end 81A, exta~ds through a hole in respective table mount 38, and has at its lower end 24 head 81B. (FIGS. 2 and 3). Iowa blade 42 sits in lower blade carrier 14 and is held in place by one or more lower blade retainers 52. U-shaped end sections 54 extend from both aides of lower blade carrier 14 and receive rod housings 30 and 32 of frame 18. lend sections 54 slide up and down along rod housings 30 and 32.
Each end section 54 further includes a threaded yoke member 56, which receives one of threaded rods 62 or 66. Yoke members 56 extend through rod housings 30 and 32 of frame 18 via slits 64, and yoke members 56 move vertically within rod housings sad 32 along the length of slits 64.
Upper housing 58 of frame 18 houses the splitting aad cranking mechanisms. Cam 68 is positioned within upper blade carrier 20. Cam 68 is coupled to handle attachment 24 and rotates within upper blade carrier 20 as handle attachment 24 is turned. Roller chain 70 connects front threaded red 62 and rear threaded rod 66, sync)no~~i~ing their rotation. Cover 60 encloses upper housing 58 and its contents and allows dank 28 to communicate with front threaded rod 62.
FIG. 2 shows the position of block table 16 relative to lower blade 42 before block 48 contacts upper blade 44. In this position, the cuttiag edge of lower blade 42 is slightly below the table surfs~ce of block table 16. The mechanisms of the device will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except a section of block table 16 has hem removed, exposiag lower blade 42, to illustrate the configuration of the cutting mechanism. Block table 16 is now raised so that the upper surface of block 48 almost contacts upper blade 44, and upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44 are about to be lowered. ?his lowering is accomplished by the t<u~ning of cam 68 (shown in detail in FIG. 6) via handle assembly 22, which causes upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44 to move downward, putting pressure on block 48. This downward prese~ue causes compression of springs 40 and dowmvard movement of block table 16 so that lower blade 42 contacts the bottom surface of block 48 as blade 42 extends through slot 50 of block table 16. This pressure also causes head 81B
of each stabilizer rod 80 to extend beyond and below its respective table mount 38, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additional pressure, exerted by manual maaipulatioa of cam 68 through handle assombly 22, urges upper blade 44 and lower blade 42 together, causing block 48 to split along the plane defined by the cutting edges of blades 42 and 44.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of block splitting device 10 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and shows plane A-A along which block 48 splits.
Lower blade 42 and upper blade 44 are preferably formed from pieces of heat treated or hardened steel. In a preferred embodiment, blades 42 and 44 bout square-shaped cross-sections (see FIGS. 4 and 5). With this configuration, they easily fit into v-shaped troughs 82 and 84 defined in lower and upper blade carriers 14 and 20, respectively, Each ninety-degree corner of blades 42 and 44 is sharpened, so that when an aige becomes dull, the blade can be simply flipped 90° or 180° to reveal a new edge. Thus, each blade has four cutting surfaces that can be used before the blade must be replaced. Wha~ replacement becomes necessary, the task requires only a few s'smple steps using common tools. The user first removes blade retainers 52 or 74. In a preferred embodiment, the user can simply unbolt and unscrew retainers 52 or 74. Thaw the user removes the old blade, puts a now blade in the trough (or rotates the old blade to present a new cutting edge), and replaces the blade retainers. It is obvious to users skilled is the art that other cross-sectional shapes may be used for the blades and corresponding troughs.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of block splittia8 device 10.
Front threaded rod 62 and rear threaded rod 66 are disposed is front rod housing 30 and rear rod housing 3Z, respectively. Front threaded rod 62 and rear threaded rod 66 are both screwed into their respective threaded yoke members 56. Yoke members 56 ride up and down threaded rods 62 and b6 as threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate. Yoke membars 56 are fixed within notches 86 of U-shaped end sections of louver blade carrier 14. Roper chain 70 connects front threaded rod 62 and rear threadal rod 66 so that the rods 62 and, 66 rotate at tho same rate. Thus, whey front and rear threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate, yoke members 56 ride up and down along screws 62 and 66 uniformly, thereby lifting and lowering lower blade carrier smoothly and without tilting or binding. Fbrthermore, since lower blade carrier 14 supports block table 16, as threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate, block table 16 moves up and down.
Upper blade carrier 20 also houses a mller bearing 88 adjacent cam 68. Upper blade 44 is held in upper blade carrier 20 by upper blade rctaiaers 74.
Additional roller bearings 90 are placed on cam abaft 108 of cam 68, oa both sides of upper blade carrier 20. Upper blade carrier 20 also carries blade leveling studs 76. This upper blade carrier assembly is housed in upper housing 58 of frame 18.
A flange bushing 92, thrust washer 94, rod bearing block 96, and sprocket 98 or 99 are placed oa each of frost and rear threaded rods 62 and 66.
Rod bearing blocks 96 help to provide stability to respective threaded rods 62 or 66 by )moping the threaded rode straight sad centered as they rotate. Sprockets 98 and 99 are coupled to their respective threaded ends 62 and 66 by roll pins 100.
An endless roller chain 70 Qactenda between sprocket 98 on threaded and 62 and sprocket 99 on threaded rod 66. A cover 60 is placed over upper housing 58, and crank 28 is attached to front threaded rod 62. Handle attachment 24 couples to cam shaft 108 of cam 68, and handle 26 is retnovably attached to beadle attachment 24.
In use, an operator slides a block 48 to be cut oho black table 16.
The user lifts handle assembly 22 to raise upper blade carrier 20, and thereby raise upper blade 44, to position it for cutting. The operator then turns crank 28 to lift block table 16, and thereby lift block 48. In a preferred embodiment, a square-shaped hole 102 in crank 28 mates with a squared tip 104 of front threaded rod (see FIG. 5). Thus, when creak 28 is turned, front threaded rod 62 and its respective sprocket 98 also turn Roller chain 70 connecting sprocket 98 on threaded rod 62 to sprocket 99 on threaded rod 66 causes rear threaded rod 66 to turn at the same rate as front threaded rod 62. As threaded rode 62 and 66 rotate together, they cause both ends of lower blade carrier 14, and thus block table 16, to move up sad down uniformly (via yoke members 56 connected to lower blade carrier 14) without tilting.
The operator turns creak 28 so as to move block table 16 up so that upper blade 44 nearly contacts the upper surface of block 48. The operator then lowers handle assembly 22, turning cam 68. Cam 68 causes upper blade carrier 20, and thus upper blade 44, to move downward. Once block 48 is split along plane A-A defined by the cutting edge of upper blade 44 and the cutting edge of lower blade 42, the operator returns handle assembly 22 to the upright position, raising upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44. Then the operator may remove the pieces of now-split block 48 and insert another block for splitting. The operator splits the new block by simply pulling down on handle assembly ZZ. The present invention allows a user to split numerous blocks of the same height in quirk succession because the operator does not need to adjust the height of block table 16 between each block.
To work with different sized blocks, the operator can adjust the position of block table 16. The operator turns crank 28 to lower or raise block table 16. Block table 15 descends and ascends without tilting or binding as the synchronic rotation of threaded rods 62 and 66 causes threaded yoke members 56 to move uniformly downward or upward.
FIG. 6 .is a perspective view of cam 68 of upper blade carrier 20, illustrating the offset nature of tho cam. Cam 68 comprises cam body 105 and cam shaft 108.
In inclusion, the present imremioa provides a lightweight, effective, durable, economical and easy to use block. splitting device. While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with a specific embodiment, it should be clearly undeurstood that those descriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the imrention. Workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form sad detail without departing from the spirit sad scope of the invention. For instance, while a manually 25. operative block aplitter is disclosed, it is understood that other force application arrangements (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, motorized, etc.) would since.
CROSS-REFERBNGE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to as apparatus for splitting masonry blocks, such as those commonly used in construction.
Blocks may be used to construct walls. Such walls typically serve as landscape retaining walls or structural walls in buildings. Often, blocks must be cut to the proper size during construction. : Sometimes, a builder or installer will be able to plan for custom-sized mamtffactured concrete blocks and have them pre-ordered to fit. However, this is not always possible. While the maauihctiuas that pmduco blocks have the necessary equipmem for cutting the blocks down to size, it is not always comronient for the installer to wait for blocks that are being processed at the maaufscturiag facility. Thus, an apparatus that will allow an installer to customize blocks on-situ offers great utility.
While prior art products have attempted to meet this need, they have all had associated disadvantages. For example, a sputter produced by Park Industries weighs close to 400 pounds. Thus, it is cumbersome and di~cult to move around the job site, requiting several people to maneuver it into position This device also uses a hydraulic cylinder to lift a block into place. After some use, the hydraulic seals start to look and the device requires a relatively high degree of maintenance. Thus, there is a need for a lightweight and easy-to-maintain block splitting device. Additionally, in operation, the height setting must be readjusted behweea splits. The need to lower and raise the frame between each use decreases the user's productivity and causes additional wear on the device. Thus, there is a need for a durable block splitting device that will allow the user to split tmmerous blocks in quick succession without repositioning the setting of the device between each block.
Another device is produced by Probst, a G~maa company. While it is a lightweight unit that can be easily moved around a job site, it is di~cult to use.
The height of the lower frame is adjusted by two cranks on either side of the frame.
If the user does not turn the croaks on both the sides at exactly the same rate, the frame bas a tendency to bind. Thus, there is a need for a splitting device that adjusts height settings smoothly and evenly.
An additional disadvantage of the prior art products is that the cutting blades are generally di~cult or expensive to replace. Because the blades are a primary wear item, it is desirable to have ~ blade that is durable and easily, quickly, and relatively inexpensively replaced.
BRIEF SLIN1~IARY OF THE IZ~1VEN'1ZON
The pnosent invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a block splitting device which is easily maneuverable around a construction site, easily adjusted to accommodate different sized products to be split, durable, and inacpeasive and simple to use sad maintain. It can be used with any type of block or stone material such as natural stone, concrete block, masonry block or brick, cement block, or the like.
The presatt imretttion consists essentially of a frame, a movable lower blade carrier and a splitting mechanism. The lower blade carrier supports a block table and both move vertically toward the splitting mechanism. The splitting mechanism includes an upper blade sad a handle assembly. The block table and lower blade carrier are raise without tilting by two threaded rods linked by a roller chain The block is split whd~ the handle assembly is turned, applying pressure oa the block generated by a slight movement of the upper blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWll~tGS
The present ikon will be further explained with reference to the atta~chWfigutea, wherein like sttucdirea are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block splitting device embodying the present ipvmtion.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the block splitting device before the block table is raised.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the block splitting device with the block table raised.
FIG. 4 is a exoss-sectional view of the block splitting device taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the block splitting device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of tho cam of the upper blade carrier.
While the above~identified drawings set forth one preferred embodime~, other embodiments of the present imrention are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments of the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications sad embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this inve~ion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in FIG. 1, block splitting dcvicx 10 embodying the present iron includes base member 12, lower blade carrier 14, block table 16, frame 18, which houses upper blade carrier 20 (not visible in FIG. 1), handle assembly comprising handle attachment 24 and handle 26, and creak 28. Frame 18 further includes front rod housing 30 and rear rod housing 32. Hasp 12 includes a pair of wheels 34, preferably with rubber tires, and handle receiving member 36. Lower blade carrier 14 also includes table mourns 38 and compression spriqgs 40, on which block table 16 is mounted. Lower blade carrier 14 carries lower blade 42.
Frame 18 encloses the mechanisms for moving block table 16 and upper blade carrier (not visible in FIG. 1). Crank 28 is used for moving block table 16 up and down.
Frame 18 also includes handle backstop 46.
In operation, a user slides masonry block 48 onto block table 16, which is initially held slightly above the cutting surface of lower blade 42 by springs 40 (see FIG. 2). This features allows block 48 to be slid onto block table 16 without obstruction by lawet blade 42. The user then lifts handle assembly 22 to raise upper blade carrier 20, which carries upper blade 44, to position upper blade 44 for cutting (this step can also be performed prior to loading block table 16 with block 48).
When handle assembly 22 reaches handle backstop 46, upper cutting blade 44 is in a raised position. Backstop 46 prevents handle assembly 22 from being moved so far that handle assembly 22 contacts crank 28, thereby prevecaing possible damage to crank 28.
With handle assembly ZZ in the upcxght position, the user turns crank 28 to lift block table 16. Block table 16 ascends along with lower blade carrier 14, which slides up along front and rear rod housings 30 and 32 of upper frame 18 until the upper surface of block 48 nearly contacts upper blade 44 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
Both ends of lower blade cattier 14 ascend evenly and uniformly without tilting or bindia$. The user than lowers handle asaembly 22 to lower upper blade carrier and upper blade 44. The downward force ofupper blade 44, along with the weight of block 48, causes compression of springs 40, resulting in contact betmeen lower blade 42 and the bottom surface of block 48 (lower blade 42 projects through slot 50 is block table 16, as seen is FIGS. 1, 4 and 5).
Upper blade 44 is aligned in a vertical plane with lower blade 42.
As handle assembly 22 is pulled down, upper blade 44 only moves down a fraction of an inch, and block 48 is split along the plane de5ned by the cutting edge of upper blade 44 and the cutting edge of lower blade 42.
FIG. 2 shows a side elavational view of block splitting device 10 befort block table 16 is raised. It shows base 12 with handle-receiving member and rubber tire wheols 34. Lower blade carrier 14 further includes lower blade retainers 52 and U-shaped end sections 54. End sections 54 of lower blade carrier 14 include threaded yoke members 56.
Frame 18 includes front rod housing 30, rear rod housing 32, upper housing 58, and cover 60. Prod rod housing 30 includes front threaded rod 62 sad two sits 64 which expose rod 62. Rest rod housing 32 includes rear threaded rod 66 sad two slits 64 which acpose rod 66. Upper housing 58 iacludea cam 68, upper 5 blade carrier 20, roller chain 70, and handle attachment 24. Upper blade carrier 20 includes upper blade 44, upper blade retainers 74, and blade leveling studs 76.
Rubber tire wheels 34 are provided on base i2 to allow block splitting device 10 to be easily moved as seeded. Extension 78 on the rear of base 12 provides stability when sputter 10 is in use and prevents the device from tipping over from the force used to turn handle assembly 22. Handle-receiving member is positioned on base 12 opposite wheels 34. Block sputter 10 is maneuvered by mounting handle 64 on handle receiving number 36. The user uses handle 26 to tip block splitter 10 up onto wheels 34 by lifting the front and of block sputter 10.
The user can then maneuver block spJitter 10 as ha or she would move a wheelbarrow, for example.
One or more table mounts 38 are attached to the lower blade cattier 14. A compression spring 40 is placed behween each table mount 38 and block table 16, along spring stabilizer rod 80, which is effaced to block table 16 at upper end 81A, exta~ds through a hole in respective table mount 38, and has at its lower end 24 head 81B. (FIGS. 2 and 3). Iowa blade 42 sits in lower blade carrier 14 and is held in place by one or more lower blade retainers 52. U-shaped end sections 54 extend from both aides of lower blade carrier 14 and receive rod housings 30 and 32 of frame 18. lend sections 54 slide up and down along rod housings 30 and 32.
Each end section 54 further includes a threaded yoke member 56, which receives one of threaded rods 62 or 66. Yoke members 56 extend through rod housings 30 and 32 of frame 18 via slits 64, and yoke members 56 move vertically within rod housings sad 32 along the length of slits 64.
Upper housing 58 of frame 18 houses the splitting aad cranking mechanisms. Cam 68 is positioned within upper blade carrier 20. Cam 68 is coupled to handle attachment 24 and rotates within upper blade carrier 20 as handle attachment 24 is turned. Roller chain 70 connects front threaded red 62 and rear threaded rod 66, sync)no~~i~ing their rotation. Cover 60 encloses upper housing 58 and its contents and allows dank 28 to communicate with front threaded rod 62.
FIG. 2 shows the position of block table 16 relative to lower blade 42 before block 48 contacts upper blade 44. In this position, the cuttiag edge of lower blade 42 is slightly below the table surfs~ce of block table 16. The mechanisms of the device will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except a section of block table 16 has hem removed, exposiag lower blade 42, to illustrate the configuration of the cutting mechanism. Block table 16 is now raised so that the upper surface of block 48 almost contacts upper blade 44, and upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44 are about to be lowered. ?his lowering is accomplished by the t<u~ning of cam 68 (shown in detail in FIG. 6) via handle assembly 22, which causes upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44 to move downward, putting pressure on block 48. This downward prese~ue causes compression of springs 40 and dowmvard movement of block table 16 so that lower blade 42 contacts the bottom surface of block 48 as blade 42 extends through slot 50 of block table 16. This pressure also causes head 81B
of each stabilizer rod 80 to extend beyond and below its respective table mount 38, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additional pressure, exerted by manual maaipulatioa of cam 68 through handle assombly 22, urges upper blade 44 and lower blade 42 together, causing block 48 to split along the plane defined by the cutting edges of blades 42 and 44.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of block splitting device 10 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and shows plane A-A along which block 48 splits.
Lower blade 42 and upper blade 44 are preferably formed from pieces of heat treated or hardened steel. In a preferred embodiment, blades 42 and 44 bout square-shaped cross-sections (see FIGS. 4 and 5). With this configuration, they easily fit into v-shaped troughs 82 and 84 defined in lower and upper blade carriers 14 and 20, respectively, Each ninety-degree corner of blades 42 and 44 is sharpened, so that when an aige becomes dull, the blade can be simply flipped 90° or 180° to reveal a new edge. Thus, each blade has four cutting surfaces that can be used before the blade must be replaced. Wha~ replacement becomes necessary, the task requires only a few s'smple steps using common tools. The user first removes blade retainers 52 or 74. In a preferred embodiment, the user can simply unbolt and unscrew retainers 52 or 74. Thaw the user removes the old blade, puts a now blade in the trough (or rotates the old blade to present a new cutting edge), and replaces the blade retainers. It is obvious to users skilled is the art that other cross-sectional shapes may be used for the blades and corresponding troughs.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of block splittia8 device 10.
Front threaded rod 62 and rear threaded rod 66 are disposed is front rod housing 30 and rear rod housing 3Z, respectively. Front threaded rod 62 and rear threaded rod 66 are both screwed into their respective threaded yoke members 56. Yoke members 56 ride up and down threaded rods 62 and b6 as threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate. Yoke membars 56 are fixed within notches 86 of U-shaped end sections of louver blade carrier 14. Roper chain 70 connects front threaded rod 62 and rear threadal rod 66 so that the rods 62 and, 66 rotate at tho same rate. Thus, whey front and rear threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate, yoke members 56 ride up and down along screws 62 and 66 uniformly, thereby lifting and lowering lower blade carrier smoothly and without tilting or binding. Fbrthermore, since lower blade carrier 14 supports block table 16, as threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate, block table 16 moves up and down.
Upper blade carrier 20 also houses a mller bearing 88 adjacent cam 68. Upper blade 44 is held in upper blade carrier 20 by upper blade rctaiaers 74.
Additional roller bearings 90 are placed on cam abaft 108 of cam 68, oa both sides of upper blade carrier 20. Upper blade carrier 20 also carries blade leveling studs 76. This upper blade carrier assembly is housed in upper housing 58 of frame 18.
A flange bushing 92, thrust washer 94, rod bearing block 96, and sprocket 98 or 99 are placed oa each of frost and rear threaded rods 62 and 66.
Rod bearing blocks 96 help to provide stability to respective threaded rods 62 or 66 by )moping the threaded rode straight sad centered as they rotate. Sprockets 98 and 99 are coupled to their respective threaded ends 62 and 66 by roll pins 100.
An endless roller chain 70 Qactenda between sprocket 98 on threaded and 62 and sprocket 99 on threaded rod 66. A cover 60 is placed over upper housing 58, and crank 28 is attached to front threaded rod 62. Handle attachment 24 couples to cam shaft 108 of cam 68, and handle 26 is retnovably attached to beadle attachment 24.
In use, an operator slides a block 48 to be cut oho black table 16.
The user lifts handle assembly 22 to raise upper blade carrier 20, and thereby raise upper blade 44, to position it for cutting. The operator then turns crank 28 to lift block table 16, and thereby lift block 48. In a preferred embodiment, a square-shaped hole 102 in crank 28 mates with a squared tip 104 of front threaded rod (see FIG. 5). Thus, when creak 28 is turned, front threaded rod 62 and its respective sprocket 98 also turn Roller chain 70 connecting sprocket 98 on threaded rod 62 to sprocket 99 on threaded rod 66 causes rear threaded rod 66 to turn at the same rate as front threaded rod 62. As threaded rode 62 and 66 rotate together, they cause both ends of lower blade carrier 14, and thus block table 16, to move up sad down uniformly (via yoke members 56 connected to lower blade carrier 14) without tilting.
The operator turns creak 28 so as to move block table 16 up so that upper blade 44 nearly contacts the upper surface of block 48. The operator then lowers handle assembly 22, turning cam 68. Cam 68 causes upper blade carrier 20, and thus upper blade 44, to move downward. Once block 48 is split along plane A-A defined by the cutting edge of upper blade 44 and the cutting edge of lower blade 42, the operator returns handle assembly 22 to the upright position, raising upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44. Then the operator may remove the pieces of now-split block 48 and insert another block for splitting. The operator splits the new block by simply pulling down on handle assembly ZZ. The present invention allows a user to split numerous blocks of the same height in quirk succession because the operator does not need to adjust the height of block table 16 between each block.
To work with different sized blocks, the operator can adjust the position of block table 16. The operator turns crank 28 to lower or raise block table 16. Block table 15 descends and ascends without tilting or binding as the synchronic rotation of threaded rods 62 and 66 causes threaded yoke members 56 to move uniformly downward or upward.
FIG. 6 .is a perspective view of cam 68 of upper blade carrier 20, illustrating the offset nature of tho cam. Cam 68 comprises cam body 105 and cam shaft 108.
In inclusion, the present imremioa provides a lightweight, effective, durable, economical and easy to use block. splitting device. While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with a specific embodiment, it should be clearly undeurstood that those descriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the imrention. Workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form sad detail without departing from the spirit sad scope of the invention. For instance, while a manually 25. operative block aplitter is disclosed, it is understood that other force application arrangements (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, motorized, etc.) would since.
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus for splitting blocks comprising:
a block table;
a lower blade;
a vertically movable lower carrier bearing the block table and the lower blade;
an upper blade; and a vertically movable upper carrier bearing the upper blade,
a block table;
a lower blade;
a vertically movable lower carrier bearing the block table and the lower blade;
an upper blade; and a vertically movable upper carrier bearing the upper blade,
2. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising:
a plurality of table mounts;
a plurality of springs; and a horizontal opening in the block table directly above the lower blade;
wherein the block table is biased relative to the lower carrier so that the upper surface of an unloaded table is slightly higher than the cutting edge of the lower blade.
a plurality of table mounts;
a plurality of springs; and a horizontal opening in the block table directly above the lower blade;
wherein the block table is biased relative to the lower carrier so that the upper surface of an unloaded table is slightly higher than the cutting edge of the lower blade.
3, The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising:
two fixed yokes positioned at opposing ends of the lower carrier;
a threaded rod vertically disposed is each of the yokes;
a sprocket disposed at the upper end of each threaded rod;
a roller chain engaging the sprockets; and a crank attached to one of the threaded rods, so that both threaded rods will turn uniformly as the crank is turned, thereby raising or lowering the lower cattier.
two fixed yokes positioned at opposing ends of the lower carrier;
a threaded rod vertically disposed is each of the yokes;
a sprocket disposed at the upper end of each threaded rod;
a roller chain engaging the sprockets; and a crank attached to one of the threaded rods, so that both threaded rods will turn uniformly as the crank is turned, thereby raising or lowering the lower cattier.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising:
a cam disposed in the upper carrier; and a handle attached to the cam, so that the upper carrier will rise or lower as the beadle is turned.
a cam disposed in the upper carrier; and a handle attached to the cam, so that the upper carrier will rise or lower as the beadle is turned.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising:
a stationary base; and a stationary frame.
a stationary base; and a stationary frame.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, and further comprising:
a plurality of wheels attached to the base.
a plurality of wheels attached to the base.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the wheels are attached to one end of the base.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, and further comprising:
a handle raving member attached to the end of the base opposite the wheels; and a handle;
so that the handle may be attached to the handle receiving member of the base, thereby allowing a person to roll the apparatus by lining and moving the handle.
a handle raving member attached to the end of the base opposite the wheels; and a handle;
so that the handle may be attached to the handle receiving member of the base, thereby allowing a person to roll the apparatus by lining and moving the handle.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the upper blade and the lower blade comprise an elongated piece of material with a plurality of cutting edges.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the material is hardened steel.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the blade has four cutting edges.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the blade has a generally square-shaped cross-section.
13. A blade far use in as apparatus for splitting blocks comprising an elongated piece of material with a plurality of cutting edges.
14. The blade of claim 13, wherein the material is hardened steel.
15. The blade of claim 13, wherein tho blade has four cutting edges.
16. The blade of claim 15, wherein the blade has a generally square-shaped cross-section.
17. An apparatus for splitting a masonry block comprising:
a block table for supporting a block to be split, the block table having a slot therethrough;
a lower blade aligned under the slot in the block table;
a lower carries supporting the block table and lower blade;
an upper carrier bearing an upper blade aligned over the lower blade;
a carrier movement mechanism for selectively moving the lower and upper carriers together and apart; and a spring relief mechanism which displaces the block table below a portion of the lower blade when the lower sad upper carriers are moved together with a block therebetween.
a block table for supporting a block to be split, the block table having a slot therethrough;
a lower blade aligned under the slot in the block table;
a lower carries supporting the block table and lower blade;
an upper carrier bearing an upper blade aligned over the lower blade;
a carrier movement mechanism for selectively moving the lower and upper carriers together and apart; and a spring relief mechanism which displaces the block table below a portion of the lower blade when the lower sad upper carriers are moved together with a block therebetween.
18. An apparatus for splitting a block comprising:
a frame having a pressure generating mechanism;
first and second threads members positioned within the frame, the first and second threaded members being linked for synchronized rotation;
a first blade carrier member having a first blade, the first blade carrier member being movably coupled to the first and second threaded members; and a second blade within the frame, movably coupled to the pressure generating mechanism.
a frame having a pressure generating mechanism;
first and second threads members positioned within the frame, the first and second threaded members being linked for synchronized rotation;
a first blade carrier member having a first blade, the first blade carrier member being movably coupled to the first and second threaded members; and a second blade within the frame, movably coupled to the pressure generating mechanism.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2288575 CA2288575A1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 1999-11-08 | Block splitting device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2288575 CA2288575A1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 1999-11-08 | Block splitting device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2288575A1 true CA2288575A1 (en) | 2001-05-08 |
Family
ID=4164575
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2288575 Abandoned CA2288575A1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 1999-11-08 | Block splitting device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2288575A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL1028335C2 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-08-21 | Almi Machf B V | Stone cutting device with pair of sliding blades, has distance between blades set using adjustment part connected to bottom blade |
| GB2450744A (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2009-01-07 | Anthony Pugh | Brick cutting device |
| CN107322819A (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2017-11-07 | 武威市津威环境科技有限责任公司 | A kind of crocodile shears |
-
1999
- 1999-11-08 CA CA 2288575 patent/CA2288575A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL1028335C2 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-08-21 | Almi Machf B V | Stone cutting device with pair of sliding blades, has distance between blades set using adjustment part connected to bottom blade |
| GB2450744A (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2009-01-07 | Anthony Pugh | Brick cutting device |
| GB2451728A (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2009-02-11 | Anthony Pugh | Brick cutters |
| CN107322819A (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2017-11-07 | 武威市津威环境科技有限责任公司 | A kind of crocodile shears |
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| FZDE | Dead |