GB2540561A

GB2540561A - A splitting device

Info

Publication number: GB2540561A
Application number: GB1512816.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Burrow Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-07-18
Filing date: 2015-07-18
Publication date: 2017-01-25
Also published as: GB201512816D0

Abstract

A piece of timber may be gripped using a length of chain 10 attached to a resilient member such as an elastic cord 2. A connecting member or catch 3, which may be an S hook may be used to engage with any of the links in the chain using open end (Fig 2, 33), depending on the diameter of the piece of wood that is being held. A handle (Fig 2, 31) may be directly attached to the S hook (Fig 2, 33). Alternative connecting means using a different releasable connector (Fig 5, 36) and (Fig 6) may be used to connect with a link in the chain. The device may grip one or more logs and may be used when splitting wood for kindling or general chopping with an axe.

Description

A SPLITTING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a splitting device, in particular a device for splitting wood; more particularly but not exclusively a device for aiding in the splitting of logs into kindling.

BapKareund

When splitting logs almost with every split the log splits in half and both parts fall off the block and on to the floor. A user splitting logs then has to pick up the half-log and place it back on the block and split again for it to split in half and fajl to the floor again.

If a log had to be split down in multiple smaller logs, for example 12 smaller logs, the user would end up bending down and picking the logs up and putting them back on to the block 8 times.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

German patent application DE 102 012 017 993 (DIER GEORG et al) discloses a device that has a chain that includes a link A and a link B that are connected by a elastic center portion and a bent-type hook, respectively. The elastic center portion is protected. The bent-type hook Is attached by an eyelet to each link of the chain. The bent-type hook is coupled with a catch element. The link A and link B of the chains are repaired by a repair element.

United States patent application US 5 173 998 (MACKENZIE) discloses in combination, a first chain having a gripping link, and a hook for attachment to the first chain and for attachment to a second chain or like member, the hook comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; the second end having attachment means for attaching the hook to the second chain or like member; the first end including a slot for receiving a link of the first chain adjacent the gripping link, the slot defining a plane; and the attachment means lying outside the plane of the slot, whereby depending upon the side of the hook the gripping link abuts against, the distance from the attachment means to a given point on the first chain may be a first distance or a second distance.

United States patent application US 4 505 465 (MCCRARY) discloses a wood splitter’s aid tool comprising: (a) an elongated, elastically stretchable, flexible member adapted to encircle a length of firewood to be split with an axe, said elongated member comprising a stretchable elastic cord element connected serially with a length of a chain; (b) said elastic cord element having a fastener element on one end adapted to releasably engage said chain at a selected point, of a plurality of such points, along the length of said chain intermediate the ends thereof, so that said elongated member under elastic tension may tightly encircle the length of firewood yet have further elastic yieldability in said elastic cord element of said elongated member; and (c) a flexible tubular sheath of non-slip material lengthwise through which at least a portion of the length of said stretchable elastic cord element extends protected, said flexible tubular sheath adapted to be pressed by tension in the elongated member against the side of the firewood being split so as to reduce a tendency of the encircling elongated member to slide down the firewood.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a splitting device comprising: a longitudinally inflexible member, said member providing a plurality of catchment points at one end; a longitudinally elastic section; and a handle at the other end; wherein the handle comprises a catch for the catchment points.

Advantageously therefore the catchment points are not liable to longitudinal movements, and remain stable and secure whatever tension the section provides for the catchment.

In some embodiments the handle and member are distal with respect to the section such that the catchment points are available to the catch. In other embodiments the handle and member are proximate with respect to the section or dispersed through the section.

In this way the device may be arranged in use around the circumference of a circular structure, namely a log or bundling of wood. The device then describes a longitudinal axis which is circularly arranged in use.

The handle comprises a handgrip extending outwardly from the catch, which handgrip may be configured for comfortable handling, for example comprising wood, rubber or a resiliently deformable durable coating; and which may be shaped for a hand.

In an embodiment the catch comprises a male part, corresponding with a female part comprising or on the catchment points. The catchment points may allow multiple axes or orientations or angles of catchment, so as to permit flexibility in use, and accommodate local and global irregularities.

In order to make the catchment the handle is rearranged along a catchment axis, which catchment axis is arranged at an angle to the device's longitudinal axis. The catchment axis is provided with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that the elasticity pulls the catchment tighter, but as arranged at an angle there is allowed relatively free movement along the catchment axis.

The handle and catch may be connected to the section through an articulated joint which joint allows rearrangement of at least part of the handle with respect to the axis.

This rearrangement allows a user to rearrange the handgrip extension plane and consequently the catch part with reference to the catchment point. In consequence the parts are rendered capable of breaking the catchment.

Accordingly in some embodiments the catchment is effective substantially along the axis of the section, member and device, wherein the section is configured to elastically pull against the catchment and maintain it in place until the handgrip is moved, the parts de-aligned from the axis, and the catchment broken.

In order to advantageously allow ease in displacement of at least one of the catchment from the axis, at least one of the parts is configured with a fixed deviation from the axis, such that minimal movement is required at or in relation to said part so as to displace the catch part from the axis.

Typically this deviation may be envisaged to be advantageously present with reference to or fixed in relation to the handgrip. In this way in use the handgrip may be minimally displaced and the catchment will detach.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device in use;

Figure 2 shows a detail view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a top view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 4 show sketch views of details of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a detail view of a second embodiment of the device in use;

And

Figure 6 shows a detail view of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 5. Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a first embodiment comprising a steel chain link member 1, wherein the links in the chain provide catchment points 10, and consequently a plurality of equal, repeated or exchangeable catchment points.

Each catchment point constitutes a plurality of catchment axes or points, wherein the catch may be caught to each chain link as required, with prior and subsequent links enabled to alter orientation and consequently local and global shapes of subordinate object are accommodatable, and great flexibility in use is possible.

The catchment points are for catchment of a catch 3 extending from the wooden handle 31, which catch and handle are arranged at one end of the chain link member so as to allow catching to the member at the catchment points. The catchment points allow rotation of the catch therein or thereon. The catch comprises a S-shape, with a substantially closed lower segment comprising connection to the section and an open upper segment providing an entrance for the catchment point

Prior to the catch and handle from the member there is comprised an elastic section 2, which section extends longitudinally so as to elongate the distance between the handle and catch and the catchment points and member. This consequently configures a tension at the catchment point, so as to maintain the device in position and allow it to describe a tightened grip around an object or series of objects, which object may comprise a .log, or series thereof. If making kindling with already split logs place 3*5 logs on to chopping block, wherein the device may be wrapped around logs and attached so as to split logs down to kindling using a splitting axe or maul. The device is advantageously perfectly enabled to grip around a log, and allow it to be split and the log to become an assemblage of split sections, allowing for this movement in the object and maintaining the grip tight.

The grip is subject to movement as required and the degree of tension may be adjusted by changing catchment point.

The device is thereby ideal for use in wood splitting and kindling making.

Furthermore the member allows a plurality of multi-directional movements, always remaining inflexible longitudinally; thereby ensuring that the object’s movement is not hampered.

The handle comprises a wooden handgrip around a central steel portion 32 welded to or cast with and disposed at an angle to the catch, such that the displacement of the catch is facilitated and requires minimal movement This is advantageous because the user is enabled to dislocate the device from the object quickly and efficiently. This in turn allows the user to efficiently use the device repeatedly and sequentially on a plurality of objects.

The handle is arranged on an axis continuing from the catch; wherein the catch comprises an arcuate part 33, which part defines a curved catch, discontinuous to one side as an entrance arc comprising the entrance of the catchment point, and continuous to the opposing side a member end, which end comprises the connection with the section. The connection is comprised by a hoop, which hoop may be elastic or inelastic, and in the first embodiment comprises a metal gate 21.

The section comprises two elongate parallel elastic bands 20,22 which allow flexibility to accommodate subordinate surfaces.

The entrance arc describes an arc of approximately 270 degrees, wherein the handle is arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis at approximately 45 degrees deviation.

The catch is comprised by an S-hook which hook is welded together on a lowermost portion to close that portion and constitute a connection to the member, with the uppermost portion open and comprising the entrance arc, with a handgrip extending outwards at approximately 45 degrees from the S<hook uppermost portion, and an axis of entrance. In this way rotation is allowed between the catch/handle and section, and rotation is further allowed with respect to the catchment points about the catchment axis.

To use the device the user puts the log to be split on to a chopping block then the device is wrapped around the log and the handle is then pulled towards the chain so as to create slight tension on the rubber band and the S-hook is dipped into a suitable link in the chain so when the user lets go of both parts the device the device stays in place wrapped around the log with slight tension in the section. The log can then be split to the required size logs. Once done the handle can be carefully undipped by tilting the handle about the catchment axis to release the s-hook and releasing the split logs.

The device thereby works by holding the log together as the user strikes and splits the log with a splitting axe. It lets the user split the log up in to smaller logs without all the bending down to pick up the logs to put back on the splitting block to be split again and so on. This is because the device keeps the logs together on the chopping block saving the user time and effort.

After the log has been spilt to the required size logs the user can then move them as one to the log pile, then the device can be removed releasing the logs once again, saving the user time and effort as there is no more picking up each individual log. In order to facilitate moving the split logs the handle will not detach the device, wherein the axis of catchment is deviated from the axis of longitude, and both differ from vertical, such that the user may effectively carry split logs within the device until detachment is required.

The device is fully adjustable to suit small to large logs as it dips in to any link of the chain. Another use for the device is for making kindling, it works in the same way except more splitting is required to make the logs in to the correct size for kindling.

The handle is designed in such a way that it can be pulled around the log and then the catch hook dipped in to the chain links very quickly and easily, wherein the handle and member are corresponding in size. Once dipped in and the log is being split the catch is designed in such a way that it won’t undo or jump out of the chain then the log is being split, this due to the angle the catch and handle are connected to the rest of the device.

In addition advantageously the device according to will not become disconnected from the catchment if the axe hits the handle down as the catch is configured to only come undone when the handle is rotated about the catchment axis.

Pulling the handle up will unhook the s-hook and release the split logs in one easy movement

The angle of the handle is arranged such that at the device is easy to dip on and release but will otherwise stay on and not undip as the log is split.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations; with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A splitting device comprising: a longitudinally inflexible member, said member providing a plurality of catchment points at one end; a longitudinally elastic section; and a handle at the other end; wherein the handle comprises a catch for the catchment points.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the member comprises a linked chain.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the catchment points comprise links in the chain.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the device describes a longitudinal axis and the catch is active along a catchment axis; wherein the catchment axis is at an angle of 30 to 120 degrees to the longitudinal axis.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the angle is 45 degrees.

6. A device according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the handle extends along the catchment axis.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the handle extends from the catch.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the elastic section is proximate the handle.

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7 wherein the elastic section is comprised in the member.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the catch comprises an arcuate or progressive catchment face.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the catch comes undone when foe handle is rotated about a catchment axis, which axis is deviated from foe longitudinal axis.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the catch comprises an S-hook.

13. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the catch comprises an articulated joint which joint allows rearrangement of at least part of the handle with respect to the catch.

14. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 to 3.

15. A device substantially as described herein with reference to figure 5,