NZ245744A - Log cutter: logs supported by u-shaped cradle while being cut by chainsaw - Google Patents

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $200.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 245744 Dated: 22 January 1993 HANDLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION We Conifor Consultants Limited, a New Zealand Company of Cnr Hall Road & Tasman Quay, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: ■z■ •J '7 " . •\ ^' ,:,.y ? 5 7 Technical field This invention relates to a handling device and method of operation.

Reference throughout the specification shall be made to the items being handled as being logs, but it should be appreciated that the present 5 invention can apply to other items.

Background Art In the process of logging and thinning forests, a certain amount of wood, generally short length and/or small diameter logs are considered to be waste material. This results from high handling and labour costs 10 through use of present techniques making it commercially unviable to collect and process the smaller logs. Usually this waste material is left on the forest floor or used as firewood, whereas it could be used more profitably as pulp.

In countries such as Chile, that have low labour costs, the smaller logs are 15 cut in the forest/bush to a required length (usually two metres) and bundled for transport to paper mills. This method is not suitable in countries such as New Zealand where labour costs are high.

In an attempt to exploit the waste material in our forests, an initial operation in New Zealand transported small diameter logs, of four metres 20 to six metres in length, to the port site. Individual logs were cut in a manual operation by chainsaws to two metre lengths and then bundled and strapped for shipment. This operation proved to be very labour intensive and therefore uneconomical. It became apparent another method for handling large numbers of small diameter logs was required. 2 24 5 74 4 It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example 5 only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a handling device including a support means for locating a plurality of longitudinal items and a cutting means for cutting the items across the 10 width of the items.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cutting a plurality of longitudinal items characterised by the steps of: a) locating the items within a support means, and 15 b) cutting the items across the width of the items.

The longitudinal items in this specification will be referred to as logs, although it must be appreciated that other material such as natural products, polymers, metals and ceramics in the form of longitudinal sections can be used in this invention.

The support means may come in a variety of forms. In cross-section, the support means may comprise a flat base and substantially vertical sides with an open top portion. In one embodiment the support means may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and comprise a log support structure with a rounded baseal portion, substantially vertical sides and 3 24 5 7 an open top portion. The log support structure has advantages when U-shaped in cross-section as this helps the logs to conform substantially to the shape of the final bundle required.

An open top portion allows ready loading and unloading of the logs. In a 5 preferred embodiment, the log support structure has U-shaped supports at each end and either side of the cutting positions. The remainder of the log support structure is left open for the loading and unloading of logs.

The log support structure may include an abutting surface at one end to locate the logs. The abutting surface may include a grid or parallel beams. 10 In the preferred embodiment, the abutting surface is a metal plate in a substantially vertical orientation. The metal plate can allow the logs to be aligned by abutting themselves against the metal plate.

The log support structure may be raised above ground level to allow the sawdust accumulated from the cutting process to fall away and when 15 build-up necessitates removal this can be easily accomplished.

The cutting device used to cut the items may come in many forms. A large circular saw or band saw system may be used. In one embodiment, the cutting device may comprise one or more chainsaw units. Several chainsaw units may be employed to cut either side of the log bundle, 20 Preferably a chainsaw used in accordance with this invention has a chain bar of a convenient length to cut through the whole width of the logs contained in the log support structure. This has a number of advantages such as: only one chainsaw unit is required, the cutting of the logs may proceed faster, the logs are cut more accurately. 4 24 5 7 The chainsaw unit may move along a traversing system to predetermined cutting positions along the length of the log support structure. The chainsaw unit is preferably located upon tracks adjacent to the log support structure, although it may be appreciated that other forms of traversing 5 systems may be employed.

The chainsaw unit can traverse along the tracks in either direction and may be positioned at certain points (manually or self positioning) for cutting to proceed.

The motive means of the chainsaw upon the tracks may comprise of 10 hydraulic systems, although it must be appreciated that other motive means, such as cables, chain and sprocket, could be used.

A suitable locating means may consist of several rails situated alongside the log support structure. The chainsaw unit can be locked into position on the rails and the saw lowered to cut through the entire width of the log 15 bundle in one pass. The lowering mechanism for the chain bar of the chainsaw unit may be provided for by a hydraulic arm attached near the driven end of the chainsaw unit and chain bar. Other lowering mechanisms may also be used.

The chain bar includes a driven and a non-driven end. The chain bar may 20 be guided at the non-driven end to facilitate in the vertical cutting action required. The guide can provide support to the end of the chain bar while cutting to prevent the chain bar from bending or twisting.

The advantage of this method over the prior art is that a large number of logs can be cut through their width in one pass. Previous methods cut 25 each log individually to length and then require stacking before being strapped. In this invention the bundle of logs held within a log support 24 5 7 structure can be easily strapped after cutting for transport, export or storage. Handling steps and therefore labour costs are reduced as the cutting is performed by a self-positioning chainsaw mounted on tracks.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a 5 method of cutting a plurality of longitudinal items characterised by the further step of providing a fall-away action to a portion of the items as they are being cut.

A fall-away action may be provided for by a hydraulic ram located underneath the log support structure at convenient positions to lift the logs 10 on one side of the cut position. It must be appreciated that other means to provide a fall-away action may be employed such as moveable U-support sections, over-head chain lifting or hinged support sections etc.

This provides a fall away action of the logs from the chainsaw which prevents jamming, chain removal and secondary cutting. This lifting ram 15 also lowers the resistance to the cutting action of the chainsaw as it proceeds through the log bundle providing economic advantages in terms of less power and maintenance required.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the 20 ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: is a side view of a log support structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 6 ?A 5 7 4 4 Figure 2: is a end view showing the log support structure illustrated in Figure 1, chainsaw unit and chain bar guide.

Figure 3: shows the action of a lifting ram upon a cut log.

Best modes for Carrying out Invention With reference to Figures 1 and 2 the log support structure generally indicated by 1, consists of a metal tubular frame work with two vertical supports 2 on each side spaced close together at each cut position 3. The cut positions 3 are in this embodiment spaced two metres apart.

The vertical supports 2 are connected to a rounded baseal portion 14 to 10 form a U-shaped support at each end of the cut logs. The U-shape allows the logs 4 to conform substantially to a rounded bundle within the log support structure 1 for ease of strapping before being removed.

One end of the log support 1 has a large vertical plate 5 with guide flanges 6 to provide a stop for each log 4 within the log support 1. The opposite end 15 of the log support structure 1 is open to allow over length logs to be accommodated and also allow access to the logs 4 if needed.

One particular method of operating the present invention is described below.

Usually the logs 4 arrive in lengths that are multiples of the desired final 20 length (example 4, 6, 8 metres). This obviates the need to make an additional sizing cut. The logs 4 are then loaded into the log support structure 1 by a loader (not shown). The logs 4 are then held in place by chains 7 tensioned by hydraulic rams (or other devices) between each cutting section. 7 24 5 7 The logs 4 are cut by an electrically powered chainsaw generally indicated by 8, having a three metre chain bar 9. The chain bar 9 is lowered through the logs 4 by a hydraulic arm (not clearly shown) attached near the driven end of the chain bar 9. The chain of the chain bar 9 is driven by an electric 5 motor 10 having approximately 30kW power output. This system enables the entire width of the logs 4 to be cut in one pass.

The chainsaw unit 8 is situated on tracks 12 which are mounted alongside the log support structure 1. The chainsaw unit 8 can traverse along the tracks 12 by hydraulic means to each cutting position 3 and be locked into 10 place. Safety features built into the hydraulic system of the tracks/chains aw unit include the inability to move the chainsaw unit 8 when cutting and vice versa the inability to start cutting when the unit 8 is traversing along the tracks.

The chain bar 9 can also be guided by support guide 11 at its un-driven end 15 to ensure a vertical cutting action. If no support guide 11 for the chain bar 9 is used, cut/semi-cut logs could push the chain bar out of alignment during the cutting action.

When the logs 4 have been cut, they are strapped appropriately and removed by loader to be exported, stock piled, transported and so forth.

Hardened/tempered chain and teeth can be used in situations where stones/rocks and other hard debris associated with the logs cause excessive wearing of chain teeth with loss of a cutting efficiency.

With reference to Figure 3, a hydraulic ram 13 for lifting the bundle of logs 4 is located under the log support structure 1 in the vicinity of the cutting 25 positions 3. The log bundle is lifted during cutting to provide a fall away action of the cut logs 4 to prevent jamming, pinching, chain removal or 8 £.* J » ;secondary cutting all of which can cause extra wear on the cutting chain and chain bar 9. In lifting of the log bundle 4 by hydraulic ram 13, the chain bar 9 is allowed to move more freely through the logs 4 providing a better cutting action by the chain. ;5 In another embodiment of the present invention (not illustrated) a log support structure is provided for in which logs of four metres in length are placed. A cutting device may be fixed in the centre position with respect to the logs. The logs may be cut in one pass with the combined operation of a hydraulic ram to provide a fall away action. The resultant two metre logs 10 are strapped for transport to the required site. ;In a further embodiment, logs of non-standard lengths slightly greater than two metres, may be placed into a log support structure so they can be squared off at one end. The logs may be placed against a vertical plate to square one face of the log bundle. At a two metre or any other suitable 15 position the cutting device may trim the excess to provide a two metre or suitable length log bundle. The resulting waste material can be utilised for firewood. ;In another embodiment a log support structure may be provided for in which a vertical plate can be moved by hydraulic or other suitable means 20 along the log support structure, to push the logs into position. A cutting means may be positioned at the far end to cut the logs to the required length. This length could be suitable for the two metre log bundles or in case where the wood is not suitable for pulp or construction, the length of logs could be cut to a suitable length for firewood. ;25 ;9 ;24 5 74 4 ;Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. ;10 * 1 245744

Claims (8)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A handling device including a support means configured so that logs may be located within said support means, an abutting surface at one end of the support means, and a .movable cutting means for cutting across the width of the .

2. A handling device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cutting means is capable of cutting the logs across the width of the support means.

3. A handling device as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the support means includes a U-shaped support structure.

4. A handling device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 which has r at least two opposing ends wherein one end of the support means includes the abutting surface and opposing end of the support means is open.

5. A handling device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the support means provides support near each end of the logs and either side of the logs once cut by the cutting means.

6. A handling device as claimed in Claims 1 to 5 wherein the support means is raised from the ground.

7. A handling device as claimed in Claims 1 to 6 wherein the cutting means includes a chainsaw.

8. A handling device as claimed in Claims 1 to 7 wherein the cutting means is capable of being lowered or lifted. ^ & ^ *c";A-;245 7 4;A handling device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the cutting means is capable of being lowered or lifted by a hydraulic arm.;A handling device as claimed in Claims 1 to 9 which includes a lifting means capable of lifting a plurality of logs.;A handling device as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the lifting means includes a hydraulic ram located underneath the logs.;A handling device as claimed in Claims 7 to 11 wherein the cutting means having a driven end and a non-driven end, includes a guide which supports the non-driven end of the cutting means.;A handling device as claimed in Claims 1 to 12 which includes a traversing system which enables the cutting means to travel along the length of the support means.;A handling device as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the traversing system includes one or more tracks.;A method of cutting a plurality of logs characterised by the steps of:;(a) locating the logs within a support means, and;(b) abutting the ends of logs against an abutting surface located at one end of the support -qui <=. .;(c) cutting the logs across the width of the logs with a cutting means adapted to move across the width of the logs.;A method of cutting a plurality of logs as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the logs are cut across the width of the support means.;A method of cutting a plurality of logs as claimed in either claim 15 or 16 which is further characterised in that the cutting midliS giay be moved along the length of the supporting means. ( "t-\;V" 24 J UN 1996 *! ^4b/4 18. 19. 20. 21. A method of cutting a plurality of logs as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 17 farther characterised by the steps of: (a) moving the cutting means along a traversing means which is movable along the length of the support means to a first position, (b) cutting the logs, and (c) moving the cutting means to at least one further position and cutting the logs. A method of cutting a plurality of logs as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18 wherein the cutting means is self-positioning to predetermined cutting positions. A method of cutting a plurality of logs as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 19 wherein the cutting of a plurality of logs is further characterised by the step of providing a fall away action to a portion of the logs as they are being cut. A handling device substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. A method of cutting a plurality of logs substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. " CONIFOR CONSULTANTS LIMITED by its Attorneys 13