US2960123A

US2960123A - Combined pulpwood saw and loader

Info

Publication number: US2960123A
Application number: US767335A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jackson H O'quinn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-10-15
Filing date: 1958-10-15
Publication date: 1960-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 1977-11-15

Description

Nov. 15, 1960 Filed Oct. 15, 1958 J. H. O'QUINN COMBINED PULPWOOD SAW AND LOADER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jackson H. O'OU/hn 1N VEN TOR.

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Nov. 15, 1960 J. H. O'QUINN COMBINED puwwoov SAW AND LOADER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 15, 1958 Jackson H. 00uinn 1N VEN TOR. A... 4062 BY Nov. 15, 1960 J. H. O'QUINN 2,960,123 COMBINED PULPWOOD SAW AND LOADER Filed Oct. 15, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jackson H. O'Owhn 'INVENTOR.

BY yww vww COMBINED PULPWOOD SAW AND LOADER Jackson H. OQuinn, Rte. #3, Brunswick, Ga. Filed Oct. 15, 1958, Ser. No. 767,335

3 Claims. (Cl. 143-43) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in logging equipment, and more specifically to a combined pulpwood saw and loader.

After the pine trees have been cut and trimmed for use as pulpwood, the logs must then be cut to length in the vicinity of five feet after which they are transported to the pulpwood plant. At the present time it is the practice to first move the logs to a position whereby they may be cut by cut-off saws to the desired length. It is then necessary to further elevate the logs to load them on to sleds or trucks. It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide a combined pulpwood saw and loader which is so constructed whereby the logs may be cut to the desired length and loaded in a single operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved combined elevator and pulpwood saw, the elevator and pulpwood saw including an elongated elevator having mounting means which are of such a nature whereby one end of the elevator may be disposed closely adjacent the ground for receiving a log with a minimum of effort and with the opposite end thereof so elevated whereby it may be properly aligned with a sled or truck receiving a load of pulpwood so that the lengths of pulpwood, when cut,v may be immediately positioned on a sled or other means of conveyance.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a combination pulpwood saw and loader which includes an elevator having one end disposed adjacent the ground for receiving a log and the opposite end thereof positioned with respect to a vehicle to be loaded, and there being provided a saw at the upper end of the elevator which may be used in cutting off the logs to the desired length of pulpwood.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device for simultaneously loading and cutting off pulpwood, the device including a trailer of the center well type, the trailer having a frame so mounted with respect to the wheels thereof that when in position it may be lowered relative to the Wheels so that the center Well may rest upon the ground in a stabilized position, and there being mounted on the trailer an elevator, which elevator is so mounted whereby one end thereof may be disposed immediately adjacent the ground for receiving a log to be loaded, and the upper end thereof being positionable with respect to a truck or sled to be loaded whereby as the log advances up the elevator and is cut to the desired length by a saw positioned at the upper end of the elevator, the cut length of pulpwood will immediately fall in position on the sled or other type of transporting device.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the combined pulpwood saw and loader which is the subject of this invention and shows it in position for operation, a stored position of the elevator thereof being shown in dotted lines;

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken through the trailer frame adjacent the elevator and shows the relationship of the elevator with respect to the ground and a sled being loaded with pulpwood, a log being illustrated advancing up the elevator to be cut into the desired lengths;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the combined pulpwood saw and loader and shows further the specific details thereof;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary end view of the trailer taken in the direction indicated by the arrow 4 of Figure l and shows the manner in which the trailer frame is mounted with respect to the wheels for vertical movement whereby the trailer frame may be set directly upon the ground when the combined pulpwood saw and loader is in operation;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 5 of Figure 2 and shows the specific details of the cutoff saw, the cut-off saw being shown in an inoperative position by dotted lines;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 66 of Figure 2 and shows the details of the means for raising and lowering the elevator;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 7-7 of Figure 6 and shows further the details of the means for raising and lowering the elevator, the elevator being shown in a lowered position; and

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken transversely of the elevator and shows the specific details of the elevator and the relationship of a log with respect thereto.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there are illustrated the details of the combined pulpwood cut-off saw and loader which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The pulpwood saw and loader includes a trailer which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 12. The trailer 12 is of the center well type and includes a central well portion 14 and elevated

ends

16 and 18. The end 18 is of a greater extent than the end 14. The end 18 will have connected thereto suitable hitch means (not shown) to facilitate the towing of the trailer 12.

The

ends

16 and 18 are supported by

wheel assemblies

20 and 22, respectively. Inasmuch as the Wheel assemblies 20 and 22 are identical, only the wheel assembly 20 will be described in detail. As is best shown in Figure 4, the wheel assembly 20 includes an axle 24 which has mounted on opposite ends thereof supporting Wheels 26. The axle 24- is secured to the end 16 of the trailer 12 by means of vertically extensille fluid jacks 28. When the pulpwood saw and loader 10 is in operation, the well portion 14 is seated on the ground and thus the combined pulpwood saw and loader is provided with a stabilized base. However, in order that the pulpwood saw and loader 10 may be transported, it is necessary that the well portion 14 be elevated. This is accomplished by means of the vertically extensible jacks 28.

The well portion 14 of the trailer 12 is defined by a pair of spaced parallel frame rails 39. Slidably mounted on the frame rails 30 is a turntable assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 32. The turntable assembly 32 includes a bottom plate 34 which is mounted for silding movement along the frame rails 30. The plate 34, as is best shown in Figure 7, has extending downwardly therefrom supports 36. The supports 36 are arranged in transversely spaced pairs adjacent opposite ends of the plate 34. Extending through each pair of supports 36 is a shaft 38 which has mounted on the opposite ends thereof rollers 40. The rollers 40 are seated in the frame rails 30 which are of a channel configuration and which are in opposed relation. Thus the plate 34 is supported for guided movement longitudinally of the trailer 14. Shifting of the plate 34 and the remainder of the turntable assembly 32 is accomplished by means of an extensible fluid motor 42 which is best shownin Figure 3.

The turntable assembly 32 also includes an upper support plate 44. The support plate 44 is circular in outline and is seated on the plate 34. The two are connected together by a vertical pivot pin 46 to facilitate the rotation of the plate 44 on the plate 34.

The pulpwood cut-off saw and loader also includes an elevator which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 48 The elevator 48 includes a pair of

side trusses

50 and 52, as is best shown in Figures 3 and 8.

Theside trusses

50 and 52 are suitably connected together in spaced parallel relation in any desired manner. Extending across the lower end of the elevator 40 and rotatably journaled in the

side trusses

50 and 52 is a drive shaft 54. The drive shaft 54 is provided with suitable sprockets 56-over which there is trained a pair of endless chainsSS. The chains have their upper ends passed over sprockets 60 which are mounted on an idler shaft 62 disposed at the upper end of the elevator 48 and supported by the

side trusses

50 and 52, as is best shown in-Fi gure 8.

The chains 58 are spaced apart a distance whereby a log, such as the log 64 may be cradled therebetween. The log 64 rests upon the chains 58- and is supported thereby. Carried by the chains 58 at spaced intervals are lugs 66 for engaging the ends of logs, such as the log 64 to urge the log 64 for movement with the chains 58.

In order that the chains 58 may be driven, extending outwardly from the side truss 50 of the elevator 48 is a platform 68. The platform 68 has mounted thereon a power unit 70 preferably in the form of a small internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine 70 drives a drive sprocket 72 which is aligned with a drive sprocket 74 on the drive shaft 54. Entrained over the

sprockets

72 and 74 and drivingly connecting the two together is a drive chain 76.

In order that the logs may be urged onto the lower end' of the endless chains 58, there is carried by a lower portion of the elevator 48 a support bracket 78, see Figure 3, which is disposed adjacent the platform 68. Mounted on the support bracket 78 is a winch 80 on which there is reeled a cable 82. The winch 80' overlies and is in alignment with the elevator 48. The winch 80 is driven by means of a drive chain 84 extending from the drive shaft 54 to the winch 80.

In order that the log 64 being moved upwardly by means of the elevator 48 may be cut to the desired lengths, there is mounted at the upper end of the elevator 54 a cut-off saw assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 86. The cut-off saw assembly 86 includes a rigid support frame 88, see Figure 2, which is best shown in Figure 5 and which is rigidly secured to the upper end of the elevator 48. The support frame 88 includes a shaft 90 which extends parallel to the elevator 48 and which has mounted thereon for pivoting in a plane normal to the'axis of the elevator 48 a movable frame 92. The movable frame 92 carries a small power uni-t 94 preferably in the form of a gasoline engine, which power unit 94 is connected to a circular saw blade 96 carried by the movable support frame 92 as at 98. The circular saw blade 96 is driven from the power unit 94 by means of a drive chain 100, as is best shown in Figure 3.

Normally the circular saw 96 is elevated above the elevator 48, as is shown in dotted lines in Figure 5. This permits a log, such as the log 64 to pass therebeneath. At the proper time, the circular saw blade 96 is moved downwardly transversely of the log 64 and the de ired length is cut therefrom. This movement is accomplished by means of a double acting extensible fluid motor 102 which extends between the rigid frame 88 and the movable frame 92, as is best shown in Figure 3.

In order to obtain the maximum efficiency with the pulpwood cut-off saw and loader 10, it is necessary that the lower end of the elevator 48 be disposed immediately adjacent or in engagement with the ground and that the upper. end thereof be properly positioned with respect to a suitable transporting device, which transporting device is illustrated as a sled 104 in Figure 2. In order to accomplish this, there is provided a suitable support assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 106, see Figure 2. The support assembly 106 includes a pair of upstanding supports 108 which are dis posed in opposed relation and are in the form of channels. Extending between the supports 108 is a shaft 110 which has mounted on opposite ends thereof rollers 112 which are guidingly engaged in the support 108 for vertical movement. The shaft 110 is also rigidly secured to the side trusses 50 and 52 of the elevator 48.

,Secured to the underside of the elevator 48 to the left of the supports 108, as is viewed in Figure 7, by means of a pivotal connection 114 is a lifting lever 116. The lifting lever 116 includes a generally upstanding leg 118 and a generally horizontal leg 128. Connected to the horizontal leg 120 remote from the elevator 48 is one end of an extensible fluid motor 122. The opposite end of the extensible fluid motor 122 is secured to a shaft124 which is secured to and which extends between the supports 108 below the elevator 48. Incidentally, the extensible fluid motor 122 is connected to the members 118 by means of a transverse shaft 126 which is best illustrated in Figure 6 and which has the ends thereof guidinglyengaged in horizontal guideways 128 carried by the plate 44.

When the extensible fluid motor 122 is retracted, the members 116 are pulled to the left, as viewed in Figure 7. Inasmuch as the right ends of the members 116 are restrained to movement in a horizontal path, the left ends thereof move upwardly to swing the elevator 48 from the lowered position illustrated in Figure 7 to an elevated position such as that illustrated in Figure 2.

It is intended that the lower end of the elevator 48 rest upon the ground for receiving a log, such as the logs 64. The upper end of the elevator 48 will be so posidotted with respect to a sled or other transporting device whereby as the pulpwood sections are cut from the logs 64', they will drop in position on the sled. As the load of pulpwood on the sled rises, it will be necessary to continuously elevate the upper end of the elevator 48. This is accomplished by means of the extensible fluid motor 122.

Once the elevator 48 is properly positioned, a log, such as the log 64, is snaked onto the lower end thereof by means of the winch 80. The endless chains 58 will then move the log upwardly towards the cut-off saw assembly 86 and by means of suitable remote controls (not shown) the cut-off saw assembly 86 will be operated at the predetermined time interval to cut pulpwood sections of the desired length from the log 64. Inasmuch as the saw blade 96 engages the log 64 from the top, it will be seen that there is no binding of the log with the saw blade, and that the log section Will drop directly downwardly intoplace on the sled 104.

When it is desired to transport the pulpwood cut-off saw and loader to a new location, the elevator 48 is lowered to its lowermost position illustrated in Figure 7. Then it is tilted to a horizontal position, such as that illustrated in dashed lines in Figure l and swung around so that the opposite ends thereof rest upon the elevated ends 16 and 18 of the trailer 12. The elevator 48 may then be tied down in some suitable manner. After this has been accomplished, the frame of the trailer 12 is elevated by means of the extensible fluid jacks 28. The combined pulpwood cut-off saw and loader is then ready to be transported to the new job site.

Inasmuch as the support for the elevator 48 not only includes a turntable assembly, but also means for shifting the turntable assembly longitudinally of the trailer on which it is mounted, and since there is provided means for selectively elevating and lowering the upper end of the elevator 48, it will be seen that the elevator 48 may be positioned as desired with respect to the job to obtain the maximum efiiciency therewith.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. 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 claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A combined pulpwood saw and loader comprising a supporting frame, support means carried by said supporting frame, an elevator having a portion intermediate its ends mounted on said support means with one end positioned adjacent the ground for receiving a log, said support means including means for vertically adjusting said intermediate portion and means for simultaneously adjusting the inclination of said elevator to maintain the lower end thereof in fixed vertical elevation adjacent the ground and a cut-off saw mounted at said elevator upper end for cutting a log into the desired lengths as it is elevated by said elevator, said supporting frame being in the form of a center well type trailer having raised ends for supporting said elevator ends for storage, said support means including a turntable for effecting rotation of said elevator to the desired operating position.

2. A combined pulpwood saw and loader comprising a supporting frame, support means carried by said supporting frame, an elevator having a portion intermediate its ends mounted on said support means with one end positioned adjacent the ground for receiving a log, said support means including means for vertically adjusting said intermediate portion and means for simultaneously adjusting the inclination of said elevator to maintain the lower end thereof in fixed vertical elevation adjacent the ground, and a cut-off saw mounted at said elevator upper end for cutting a log into the desired lengths as it is elevated by said elevator, said supporting frame being in the form of a center well type trailer having raised ends for supporting said elevator ends for storage, said support means including a turntable for effecting rotation of said elevator to the desired operating position, said support means engaging said elevator in a central portion thereof and including a vertically adjustable elevator support.

3. A combined pulpwood saw and loader comprising a supporting frame, support means carried by said supporting frame, an elevator having a portion intermediate its ends mounted on said support means with one end positioned adjacent the ground for receiving a log, said support means including means for vertically adjusting said intermediate portion and means for simultaneously adjusting the inclination of the elevator to maintain the lower end thereof in fixed vertical elevation adjacent the ground, and a cut-off saw mounted at said elevator upper end for cutting a log into the desired lengths as it is elevated by said elevator, said support means including a pair of upstanding guide supports disposed on opposite sides of said frame, means secured to opposite sides of said elevator intermediate portion and engaged with said guide supports for guiding movement longitudinally thereof, said vertically adjusting means comprising motor means operatively connected between said supports and said elevator for effecting movement of said guide elements relative to said guide supports, said inclining means includes a lifting lever having one end slidably secured to said frame adjacent the lower end of said elevator on one side of said supports for horizontal movement toward and away from said guide supports and operatively connected to said motor means, the other end of said lifting lever being pivotally secured to said elevator adjacent the upper end thereof spaced from and on the other side of said supports, whereby movement of said one end of said lifting lever toward said supports will cooperate with said guiding connections between said supports and said elevator to raise the upper end of the elevator a greater distance than the intermediate portion of said elevator whereby the lower end thereof will remain in adjusted vertical position adjacent the ground, said motor means comprising an extensible motor pivotally secured at one end to said supports and at the other end to said one end of said lifting lever.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 825,518 Cox- July 10, 1906 951,937 Bryan Mar, 15, 1910 1,489,753 Fraley Apr. 8, 1924 1,835,376 Cherney Dec. 8, 1931 1,997,327 Warshaw Apr. 9, 1935 2,002,605 Kincaid May 28, 1935 2,310,152 Ronning Feb. 2, 1943 2,572,347 Johnson Oct. 23, 1951 2,783,791 Link Mar. 5, 1957