WO2012160422A1

WO2012160422A1 - Chain saw holder

Info

Publication number: WO2012160422A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karlheinz RUCKDÄSCHEL
Original assignee: Ruckdaeschel Karlheinz
Priority date: 2011-05-21
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2012-11-29
Also published as: DE102011050552B4; DE102011050552A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an accessory for chain saws. In particular, the invention relates to a holding device for chain saws. The holding device according to the invention has a first holding 5 region (1). This comprises a a first disc shaped region (2), a second disc shaped region (3), a distance region (4) which is arranged between and adjoins these regions (2, 3) for the spacing apart of the same by means of distance components (5), wherein the distance region (4) is designed such that, in a distance 10 plane, a gap (6), having a longitudinal extension (L) and a width (B), is arranged between the first (2) and the second (3) disc-shaped region, the gap (6) being open at at least one end towards a front face (7) of the holding region (1). Further, a quick lock can be provided for attachment of the 15 holding region (1) to a carrying device for a wearer, to a vehicle, or to a stand.

Description

Holding device for chain saws

Introduction

The present invention relates to an accessory for chain saws. In particular, the invention relates to a holding device for chain saws .

State of the art and disadvantages

Transportable chain saws are often used in remote regions, for example in inaccessible woodlands. For this, they must be transported to the work site, sometimes by feet. It is hard for a single workman to transport such a saw over long distances because of the not insignificant weight and length of particularly the guidebar of such a saw. For this, e.g. holsters are known from the art, into which such a saw can be hung in and be transported.

However, for different types of wood work, different saws are also often required. The transport of several saws by a single person is almost impossible to achieve. Holsters do also not solve this problem, since the saws hang in the belt region, interfering with the walking. Furthermore, the weight of several saws is significant, such that connections in the belt region alone are not sufficient.

A further problem exists because of the inflexibility of known carrying devices for chain saws, since for every additional saw, a further holding device is necessary. Furthermore, the carrying devices are assembled by components that have partially complicated shapes, being therefore expensive.

If a transport device is being damaged during use, it is furthermore often impossible to repair the same at the work site. Additionally, it is very often desirable at the work site to store the chain saws at a safe and clean place, ready to use. Storage on the often dirty forest ground is therefore unsatisfactory.

Object of the invention and solution

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a holding device for chain saws which avoids the disadvantages of the state of the art. In particular, the holding device shall be suitable for the convenient transport of one or several chain saws by means of a single person. The holding device shall be constructed simple and robust. It shall further be suitable to allow a secure and clean storage of the chain saw(s) at the work site .

The object is solved by a holding device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are contained in the dependent claims, the subsequent description, as well as the figures.

Description

The holding device for chain saws according to the invention has at least one holding region. This comprises a first disc-shaped region, a second disc-shaped region, and a distance region which is arranged between and adjoins these regions for spacing them apart by means of distance components. Therein, the distance region is designed such that, in a distance plane, a gap, having a longitudinal extension and a width, is arranged between the first and the second disc-shaped region, the gap being open at at least one end towards a front face of the holding region, and thus, to the outside (insertion opening) .

The disc shaped regions are preferably designed rectangular, round, or hexagonal . The described holding region serves for the support of a single chain saw. For transporting the chain saw, the guidebar of the same is inserted into the gap which is present between the first and the second disc-shaped region. Accordingly, the length of the gap preferably amounts to approximately the length of the guidebar of the chainsaw. The width of the gap preferably amounts to slightly more (e.g. 0.5 to 2 cm) than the width of the guidebar. The same is true for the distance between the two disc shaped regions, the gap depth. The same must slightly exceed the thickness of the guidebar in order to avoid clamping inside the gap .

The width of the gap is preferably constant. It can, however, increase towards the insertion opening, for example in order to receive an accordingly shaped guidebar more securely, or in order to simplify the insertion of guide bars even having constant width. Additionally, the shape of its sidewalls can be designed interrupted, for example in order to improve taking up and guiding away dirt which clings to the guidebar.

Furthermore, the lateral and/or the cover walls of the gap can be partially or entirely lined with a protective coating. This damps vibrations and shocks of the chain saw during transport, cleans the guidebar, and reduces at the same time wobbling which is unpleasant for the transporting person that occurs when the guidebar has too much play in the gap.

Preferred materials for the disc-shaped regions and the distance components are plastics, particularly UV-resistant plastics such as PE (polyethylene) , and wood, for example so-called multiplex- wood. These materials are inexpensive and can easily be produced or machined, respectively. In particular, if necessary, plates made from wood can be reconstructed without special tools if a damage must be repaired on-site. According to a first embodiment, the holding region, i.e. both disc-shaped regions and the distance region, are designed as one component. The advantage of a one-piece solution lies in the avoidance of according assembly steps. A production is for example possible by means of plastic injection molding.

According to another embodiment, the disc-shaped regions are formed by separate plates. Particularly preferred, both plates are designed identical, such that the number of different components is reduced.

This means that the distance components which form the gap and which lie in the distance plane must be provided as additional (separated or integrated) components.

According to one embodiment, the distance region is formed by two halves which are arranged bi-laterally to the longitudinal extension of the gap. The regions which laterally surround the gap, defining its width, are thus provided by separate distance components, e.g. by two oblong plates which are arranged bi^¬ laterally to the gap, with their thickness defining the full or half of the gap's depth, and their walls which face towards the gap laterally limiting the same. These distance components' wall which faces away from the gap can preferably be rounded, or adapted to the outer contour of the holding device.

In the case that the distance components have a thickness which corresponds to the depth of the gap, the cover walls of the distance components bi-laterally abut against the disc-shaped regions. In the case that they only have half of the depth, they adjoin with one flat side to a disc-shaped region, and with the other side to congruent designed and arranged distance regions which are assigned to the other disc-shaped region.

According to an alternative embodiment, the distance region is formed by a multitude of guiding elements which are arranged bi^¬ laterally to the longitudinal extension of the gap. These are arranged in such a manner that they enable guiding of the guidebar. For this, e.g. screws or pins are suitable. Rails are also possible which optionally carry barbed-hook-like structures in order to counteract a too easy gliding out of the chainsaw from the gap. It is clear that the plates must provide according mounts or attachment possibilities for these components. Particularly advantageous is the low weight and the high ruggedness against dirt which is dragged into the gap by the guidebar. The guiding elements as well can at least partially be lined with a protective coating.

As a matter of course, both alternatives can be combined with each other. So, for example, the gap can be defined on one long side by a distance component, and on the other long side by guiding elements, or the entrance region of the gap is formed by guiding elements, and the subsequent region is formed by distance components .

In the case of congruent distance regions having half a gap depth, the same can be designed such that they at least regionally interlock with each other. This interlocking can also serve to ensure the mechanical integrity between two disc-shaped regions while keeping them, at the same time, spaced apart. In this way, according connection elements can at least partially, and preferably completely, be omitted. The connection can be achieved by means of form- and/or force closure.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a plate comprises the first disc-shaped region and the distance region. Accordingly, also the distance components or guiding elements which laterally surround and form the gap are designed one-piece with the first disc shaped region. In this way, an extensive simplification of the components can be achieved. To put it aptly, the plate together with the distance region can be described as "base plate" as well. It is clear that in this case a "cover plate" is necessary which terminates the gap to the top-side. However, this cover plate preferably does not comprise distance components or guiding elements, since it terminates the apparatus towards the outside. If necessary, however, the cover plate can also be formed by means of the previously described base plate.

It is however particularly preferred that two identical base plates are positioned with their flat sides, which respectively have a gap of half the width, against each other and connected to each other, in order to form a holding region. Thus, no cover plate is necessary anymore.

Therefore, particularly preferred, the plates (first and second disc-shaped region; base- and cover plate) , the distance components and/or the guiding elements are respectively structurally identical. This is an essential advantage, since in this way, the apparatus can be simply constructed and robust at the same time.

It is further preferred that some or all of these components are detachably fixed to each other. For this, preferably screws, and particularly preferred (in the case of three holding regions) six screws which are arranged in identical angular distance to each other, are being used. In this way, repairing or cleaning the holding device is simple to achieve. In the case of guiding elements, the same can also be screwed into the base plate or clamped between base and cover plate.

According to another embodiment, one or several further disc^¬ shaped regions with according distance regions are present parallel to the first and second disc-shaped region. Because of the multitude of distance regions, several gaps exist as well, with one according chain saw being insertable in each respective gap. Therefore, the apparatus according to the invention can be extended in a simple manner in order for supporting several chain saws. Differently shaped components are not necessary for this, since, as in a modular construction kit, it is always possible to fall back on the above described basic elements.

In this case it is preferred that all regions are connected to each other by means of the same end-to-end designed fixation means (e.g. screws, rivets). Alternatively, also form-locking connections, for example such as a bayonet lock, can be provided for the connection of the disc-shaped regions.

Preferably, in the case of several holding regions, the longitudinal extensions of the respective gaps have an angular distance of at least 30 and not more than 90 degrees, viewed perpendicular to the distance planes. In this way, several chain saws can be transported simultaneously by means of the holding device, without the guidebars or grips of the saws touching each other. It is clear that the respective insertion openings point upwards during transport in order to a avoid falling out of the saws. For reasons of security, locking devices can be provided which keep the guidebar inside the gap even if the holding device is oriented in such a manner that the insertion opening points in a direction below the horizontal.

Particularly preferred, the holding device according to the invention has four disc-shaped, rectangular, round, or hexagonal regions, as well as three distance regions, wherein the aforementioned angular distances between each other amount to respectively 60 degrees. It is clear that the gap which leads to the central insertion opening runs preferably approximately vertical, and the other two gaps are inclined at the given angle to the one or the other side, respectively.

According to another preferred embodiment, the holding device according to the invention has six disc-shaped, rectangular, round, or hexagonal regions, as well as three distance regions, wherein the angular distances between each other amount to respectively 60 degrees. Therein, two respective disc-shaped regions form one holding region. The respective gap is preferably being formed in that each disc-shaped region provides a, preferably integrated, distance region with a gap of half depth, and in that the respective plates are arranged facing each other with their gap-carrying sides.

Thus, three respective holding religions are formed which are all being commonly combinable to a multi-holding region.

The disclosed embodiments are preferably suitable for the support and transport of up to three chain saws. In the case that a larger number must be transported or supported, the holding device comprises a further multi-holding region which is spaced apart in parallel to the first holding region, and/or which is arranged eccentrically to the same. This means that in this further holding region, additionally up to another three saws can be held without any problems. In order to allow also these three saws to be directed upwards as already mentioned before, it is necessary to accordingly space apart this second holding region from the first one. Also by means of the eccentrical arrangement, the desired distance between the insertion openings of the first and the second holding region is provided. The preferred distance between two holding regions amounts to 100 to 300 mm, and particularly preferred to 250 mm.

Rods, blocks, or other simple constructive elements are suitable for the parallel spacing. For the eccentrical spacing it might already be sufficient that the further holding region, with its fixation means being located close to the insertion openings, is attached to the lower part of the first holding region. In doing so, particularly preferred, it shares the optionally elongated fixation means of the first holding region.

According to a further embodiment, the holding device according to the invention further comprises a carrying device for the fixation of the holding region to a vehicle, a stand, or a wearer, and/or comprises a quick lock for the interaction with an according externally fixable counter part.

By optionally providing the carrying device, the holding device according to the invention can be worn in the form of a backpack, attached to a vehicle in the form of a mounting, or set up in the form of a stand at the work site.

The quick lock serves for the uncomplicated releasing of the holding device from the carrying device. Therefore, one and the same holding device can be, without removing the saws, firstly securely transported by a vehicle, then comfortably carried by a person, and eventually set up at the work site without the danger of damaging or soiling the saws.

The apparatus according to the invention is therefore suitable for the comfortable transport of one or several chain saws by a single person. The holding device is simply and robustly constructed, which has advantages regarding costs as well as necessary repairs. It is further suitable to allow a secure and clean storage of the chain saw(s) at the work site. By means of the quick lock and the optional carrying device (s), without intermediate removal of the chain saws, one and the same holding device can form different holding devices which are typical for the different phases of wood works.

Description of figures

Figure 1 shows a first plate of the holding device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a second plate of the holding device according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a first holding region as an assembly as a perspective and a side view. Figure 4 shows the first holding region as an assembly with hidden edges as a perspective and a side view.

Figure 5 shows a first holding region at a carrying device.

Figure 6 shows a quick lock for the holding device according to the invention.

Figure 7A-E shows another quick lock for the holding device according to the invention.

Figure 8 shows a first holding region and a further holding region at a stand.

Figure 9 shows a first plate according to another embodiment of the holding device according to the invention in a perspective view.

Figure 10 shows the plate of fig. 9 in a top view.

Figure 11 shows the plate of fig. 9 and 10 in a side view.

Figure 12 shows a multi-holding region according to the other embodiment in a perspective view.

Figure 13 shows the multi-holding region of figure 12 a top view

(fig. 13A) and a side view (fig. 13B) .

In figure 1, a first plate 8 of the holding device according to the invention is shown. It has a round shape. It comprises a first disc-shaped region 2 as well as a distance region 4. The latter comprises two distance components 5. Between these, a gap 6 is formed with a longitudinal extension L and a width B. The gap 6 is open at both ends towards the front face 7 of the holding region, and thus, to the outside. The thus formed insertion opening points upwards in figure 1. Furthermore, the gap has a depth T. This exceeds, preferably slightly, the thickness of the guidebar of a chain saw (not depicted) , which is insertable into the gap 6. In the present embodiment, the geometry of the side walls of the gap is designed continuously.

According to the depicted embodiment, the first disc-shaped region 2 and the distance region 4 are designed as one component. In this way, an extensive simplification of the components can be achieved. Therefore, the plate together with the distance region is also being referred to as "base plate".

However, the distance components 5 which form the gap 6 and which lie in the distance plane can alternatively be provided as additional, separate components (not depicted) , for example by means of two halves which are arranged bi-laterally to the longitudinal extension L of the gap 6, such as in particular by two oblong plates which are arranged bi-laterally to the gap whose thickness defines the gap depth T, and whose wall which points towards the gap 6 laterally defines the same.

For reasons of weight saving, the depicted first plate 8 comprises cut-outs 14 and further bores 15 which serve for the reception of attachments means (not shown) .

In figure 2, a second plate 9 of the holding device according to the invention is depicted. It represents a second disc-shaped region. This "cover plate" must be provided in order to terminate the gap in direction of the cover. Therefore, the cover plate 9 does preferably not comprise, as depicted, distance components or guiding elements.

Figure 3 shows a multi-holding region 1 ' as an assembly in a perspective view (left) and and a side view (right) . In parallel to the first and the second disc-shaped region 2 and 3, several additional disc-shaped regions 2 ' are present together with the according distance regions 4. Because of the multitude of distance regions 4, several gaps 6 exist as well, into which one respective chainsaw (not depicted) can be inserted. The holding device is terminated by means of a cover plate 9. The bores 15 are arranged in such a manner that they pass through the entire holding region, or that they interact with accordingly arranged threads which are present in one of the plates (not depicted) , respectively .

The angular distances W of the gaps 6 amount to respectively 60 degrees to each other. This, as well as the concentricity of the bores 15, is well visible in the top view of figure 4 at the left. Additional reference signs are not depicted in the figure for reasons of avoiding repetitions, and for reasons of clarity.

The figure 5 shows a multi-holding region 1 ' at a carrying device 11. It is provided for being worn by a person onto the back. It is clear that for improving the comfort, according means which are known from the art can be provided which are not depicted in the schematic drawing.

A quick lock 13 is provided for detaching the holding device from the carrying device 11. It is arranged between the holding device and the carrying device 11.

A preferred embodiment of the quick lock 13 is depicted in figure 6. Accordingly, the quick look 13 comprises a holding plate 13A into which an insertion plate 13B is insertable. The insertion plate 13B is kept in the carrier plate 13A by means of form-lock. In the depicted orientation, the insertion plate 13B is provided for attachment to the holding device. With a contrary orientation, the holding plate 13A should be attached to the holding device. In this way, the holding device is kept by means of gravity at the carrying device (see fig. 5) . Optionally, a locking device can be provided (not depicted) in order to secure the quick lock 13 against undesired release.

The quick lock can e.g. also serve for the attachment of the holding device to a vehicle (not depicted) . Another preferred embodiment of the quick lock 13 is depicted in figure 7A-E. The same is composed of a holding plate 13A which is shown in figure 7A as a top view, in figure 7B as a cross- sectional side view, and in figure 7C as a zoomed out perspective view. As an essential element, it has four oblong holes with an additional recess. An accordingly shaped pin 13C interacts with this recess which is depicted (enlarged) in a top-, side- as well as perspective view in the fig. 7D, 7E and 7B. At choice, the holding plate 13A can be attached to the apparatus according to the invention and the pin 13C to e.g. a carrying device (respectively not shown), or vice versa. For connecting both components, the apparatus according to the invention is simply hung into the carrying device or the same. Optionally, a (not depicted) locking or securing mechanism can be provided in order to avoid an undesired detachment of the components from each other .

Eventually, figure 8 shows how a first multi-holding region 1 ' and a further holding region 10 are arranged and attached to a stand 12. The further multi-holding region 10 is spaced apart parallel to the first multi-holding region 1 ' , and arranged eccentrically to the same. Therefore, in this further multi- holding region 10, again up to three saws (not depicted) can additionally be supported without problems.

Rods 16 are preferably provided for the parallel spacing which interact with the bores 15 of the both multi-holding regions 1', 10. Furthermore, the stand 12 has a floor plate 17. Alternative^¬ ly, the stand 12 can also be designed as a tripod with e.g. three legs (not depicted) .

In the subsequent figures, another an preferred embodiment of a single- or multi-holding region of the holding device according to the invention is described. The figures 9 to 11 show a first plate 8 of this embodiment of the holding device according to the invention in a perspective view, (figure 9) , a top view (figure 10) , as well as a front view of the front face (figure 11) (reference signs in fig. 9 only) . The plate 8 has a rectangular, flat shape and optionally has rounded corners. Thus, the plate forms the first disc-shaped region 2. It integrally has also the distance components 5 which are arranged bi-laterally to the gap 6. Further, bores 15 are present in the plate. Furthermore, the edges are also optionally rounded at the insertion opening of the gap 6 in order to provide an insertion aid. For reasons of better visibility, the plate is depicted enlarged in fig. 12.

Advantageously, the unit which is to be used for a single chain saw (holding region) is composed of two identical (first) plates 8. Therein, the same are mounted against each other with that sides which carry the gap 6. Accordingly, the gap has the desired depth T only by means of assembling. The height or thickness of the distance components 5 amounts therefore to preferably respectively half of the depth T of the gap.

Figure 12 shows a multi-holding region 1 ' which is constructed from three individual holding regions 1, in a perspective view. Each of these holding regions 1 is formed by two identical plates 8 (only the topmost holding region has further reference signs) . It can be seen that the bores 15 are tailored to each other in such a manner that, in the case of an offset arrangement, they align accurately in a suitable way, as shown in fig. 12. Thus, only six screw connections are necessary for the entire multi- holding region 1 ' .

Figure 13A/B shows the multi-holding region 1 ' in a top- and a side view. In the latter, the offset arranged entrances of the gaps 6 are well visible. List of references

1 first holding region

1 ' multi-holding region

2 first disc-shaped region

2 ' further disc-shaped region

3 second disc-shaped region

4 distance region

5 distance components

6 gap

7 front face

8 first plate, base plate

9 second plate, cover plate

10 further multi-holding region

11 carrying device

12 stand

13 quick lock

13A holding plate

13B insertion plate

13C pin

14 cut-out

15 bores

16 rod

17 floor plate

L longitudinal extension

B width

T depth

W angular distance

Claims

Patent claims

1. Holding device for chain saws, with a first holding region (1), the same comprising

- a first disc shaped region (2),

- a second disc shaped region (3)

- a distance region (4) which is arranged between and adjoins these regions (2, 3) for spacing them apart by means of distance components (5) ,

wherein the distance region (4) is designed such that, in a distance plane, a gap (6), having a longitudinal extension (L) and a width (B) , is arranged between the first (2) and the second (3) disc-shaped region, and is open at at least one end towards a front face (7) of the holding region (1) .

2. Holding device according to claim 1, wherein the disc-shaped regions (2, 3) are formed by separate plates (8, 9) .

3. Holding device according to claim 2, wherein the distance region (4) is formed by two halves which are arranged bi^¬ laterally to the longitudinal extension (L) of the gap (6), or by two guiding elements which are arranged bi-laterally to the longitudinal extension (L) of the gap (6) .

4. Holding device according to claim 2, wherein a plate (8) comprises the first disc-shaped region (2) and the distance region ( 4 ) .

5. Holding device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plates (8, 9) and/or the distance components (5) and/or the guiding elements are respectively designed identical and/or, in respect to each other, detachable.

6. Holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or several further disc-shaped regions (2') with according distance regions are present parallel to the first (2) and second disc-shaped region (3).

7. Holding device according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal extensions of the respective gaps have an angular distance (W) of at least 30 and not more than 90 degrees, viewed perpendicular to the distance planes.

8. Holding device according to any of claims 1 to 7, with four disc-shaped, rectangular, round, or hexagonal regions (2, 2', 3), as well as with three distance regions (4), all being commonly combinable to a multi-holding region (1'), wherein the angular distances (W) between each other amount to respectively 60 degrees.

9. Holding device according to any of claims 1 to 7, with six disc-shaped, rectangular, round, or hexagonal regions (2, 2', 3), as well as with three distance regions (4), all being commonly combinable to a multi-holding region (1'), wherein each disc-shaped region (2, 2', 3) provides a distance region (4) with a gap of half depth, and wherein the respective plates (8, 9) are arranged facing each other with their gap- carrying sides, and wherein the angular distances (W) between each other amount to respectively 60 degrees.

10. Holding device according to any of the preceding claims, with a further multi-holding region (10) which is spaced apart parallel to the first holding region (1), and/or which is arranged eccentrically to the same.

11. Holding device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a carrying device (11) for the fixation of the holding region (1) to a vehicle, a stand (12), or a wearer, and/or comprising a quick lock (13) for the interaction with an according externally fixable counter part.