Woodworking – Special-work machine – Tree delimbing
Utility Patent
1999-09-08
2001-01-02
Bray, W. Donald (Department: 3725)
Woodworking
Special-work machine
Tree delimbing
C144S343000
Utility Patent
active
06167926
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an improved tree delimbing apparatus for use in the forestry industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader. With even greater particularity, the present invention relates to an improved delimbing apparatus utilizing a cutter head assembly capable of self-alignment with the longitudinal axis of the trees being delimbed. With even greater particularity, the present invention relates to an improved self-aligning tree delimbing apparatus capable of removing limbs from a felled tree as a result of bidirectional longitudinal motion imparted to the felled tree by the knuckle boom loader.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Tree delimbing devices are generally known in the forestry and tree harvesting industry. Although various delimber configurations are present in the industry, the most common configuration includes a longitudinal delimbing assembly having a plurality of guide arms encircling a felled tree as it passes through the apparatus. The unwanted limbs of the felled tree are removed by a plurality of stripping arms attached to the apparatus upon longitudinal movement of the tree through the apparatus. Felled trees are generally placed in the delimbing assembly with a mechanical knuckle boom loader or the like, the guide arms and stripping arms are pivotally positioned proximate the felled tree, and the tree is longitudinally moved through the delimbing apparatus by the knuckle boom loader. This longitudinal movement causes the felled tree to engage the stripping arms, thereby shearing the limbs from the felled tree trunk. However, the industry has found that this particular apparatus configuration is prone to gouging the trunks of the felled trees to be delimbed as a result of improper alignment of the felled tree trunks with the axis of the longitudinal delimbing assembly. As a result of this gouging, the usable board foot of the trunk is lessened, thereby decreasing the efficiency and profitability of a timber harvesting operation utilizing such an apparatus. Further, increased stresses are generated and greater horsepower is required to pull the tree through the apparatus, thereby increasing the mechanical fatigue of the apparatus.
In response to this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,794 to Hamby illustrates a TREE DELIMBING DEVICE WITH SELF ALIGNING CUTTER HEAD, which is designed with the intention of minimizing gouging of trunks. The apparatus embodied in the Hamby patent generally utilizes a substantially rectangular lower base plate having an upper base plate mounted thereto via a swivel and roller assembly for rotational motion of the upper base plate about the swivel via the roller. A yoke member having a cutter head assembly rotatably mounted between substantially vertical yoke arm members is affixed to the upper base plate, such that said yoke rotates with said upper base plate. Thus, it is taught that the vertical axis of rotation provided by the swivel, along with the horizontal axis of rotation provided by the yoke, allows for self-alignment of the cutter head assembly with the longitudinal axis of the felled tree, thereby eliminating gouging of the trunks of the trees. However, the configuration of the Hamby apparatus has nonetheless been found to cause gouging of the trunks as a result of improper cutter head alignment, as well as being prone to binding and breakage as a result of improper and unequal loading of the points of rotation of the apparatus used to longitudinally align the cutter head. Further, the use of the swivel and roller combination has been found susceptible to poor operation as a result of unwanted material obstructing operation of the roller, which further facilitates overloading of the remaining pivot points as well as binding of the device. Therefore, there is a need in the timber and forestry industry for an improved self-aligning felled tree delimbing apparatus capable of efficiently delimbing trees without gouging the trunks, critically binding the apparatus, or overloading the pivot points of the apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved self-aligning felled tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved self-aligning felled tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader capable of self-aligning a delimbing cutter head assembly with the longitudinal axis of a felled tree placed within the apparatus. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved self-aligning felled tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader capable of delimbing trees without gouging the trunks. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved self-aligning felled tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader capable of efficiently delimbing felled trees without binding the operation of the apparatus. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved self-aligning felled tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader capable of effectively distributing the pivot point load forces applied to the apparatus as a result of self-alignment of the cutter head assembly with the longitudinal axis of the felled tree. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved self aligning delimbing apparatus capable of delimbing felled trees as a result of bidirectional longitudinal motion of the felled trees within the delimbing apparatus.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5515895 (1996-05-01), Hamby, Jr.
patent: 5533555 (1996-07-01), Hudson
patent: 5704407 (1998-01-01), Hamby
patent: 5887635 (1999-03-01), Hamby, Jr.
Bray W. Donald
Veal & Associates
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