MULTI-LENGTH BUCKING ATTACHMENT

Abstract

A bucking apparatus to be used in conjunction with a loader and topping saw that are mounted to a logging platform or trailer. The bucking apparatus is attached to the loader and includes a plurality of hatches. The hatches can be adjusted for different lengths so that different length logs can be cut when eliminating faults from the trees. The hatches of the bucking apparatus are measured to be particular distances from the topping saw and so, when a tree is pulled through the topping saw with the loader, the end being held can be aligned with one of the hatches, and then the saw can be engaged thus creating a log of the particular length.

Claims

1. An apparatus used in conjunction with logging equipment for measuring cut lengths of trees, wherein the logging equipment includes a loader and a saw that are mounted on a trailer and positioned relative to each other at a fixed distance, the loader is mounted on a first end of the trailer and the saw is mounted on a second end of the trailer, the apparatus comprising: a base that includes at least two attachment plates and each attachment plate includes an extension arm, the attachment plates of the base are configured to be coupled to the loader of the logging equipment or the first end of the trailer such that the extension arms extend horizontally away from the loader and trailer; a measurement ruler that includes a cross-member that is adjustably attached to the extension arms of the base, the measurement ruler including at least a first hatch, wherein the measurement ruler can be adjusted such that the at least first hatch can be set to any particular distance from a saw blade of the saw along the cross-member, wherein the loader can move a tree through the saw until the end of the tree aligns with the at least first hatch and then actuate the saw blade of the saw to cut the tree at the particular length.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension arms can be adjusted between a retracted state and an extended state.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the extension arms includes a plurality of telescoping sections.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cross-member includes a left end and a right end, wherein the left end is associated with one of the extension arms and the right end is associated with the other extension arm; and the at least a first hatch includes a plurality of hatches that are connected to the cross-member and extend substantially perpendicular to the cross-member and away from the base.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one or more of the hatches are slideably mounted to the cross-member, wherein the hatches can be adjusted across the cross-member for selecting particular cut lengths.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each hatch includes a metal tube that is connected to the cross-member, and a plastic extension that is inserted into a distal opening of the metal tube from the cross-member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the extension arms can be adjusted to change the angle of the cross-member relative to the logging equipment.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the extension arms include a hinged connector at the distal end and the cross-member is connected to the extension arm by being connected to the hinged connector, wherein the measuring ruler can be moved between an operational state and a transport state by moving the hinged connector from one position to another position.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cross-member is slideably mounted to the extension arms such that the cross-member can be adjusted to change the angle of the cross-member relative to the logging equipment.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the extension arms include a hinged connector at the distal end and the cross-member is connected to the extension arm by being connected to the hinged connector, wherein the measuring ruler can be moved between an operational state and a transport state by moving the hinged connector from one position to another position.

11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the extension arms and the cross-member can be adjusted such that the hatches are substantially perpendicular to a tree that is pulled through the saw by the loader and aligned with one of the plurality of hatches and the apparatus is suspended above the ground surface.

12. A method of bucking trees, the method comprising the actions of: fixedly orienting a loader and a topping saw relative to each other; attaching a bucking apparatus proximate to the loader, the bucking apparatus comprising; a base that includes a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end is configured to be coupled in proximity to the loader and extend away from the loader; a measurement ruler that is adjustably attached to a distal end of the base, the measurement ruler including at least a first hatch, wherein the measurement ruler can be adjusted such that the at least first hatch is a particular distance from a saw blade of the topping saw, wherein the loader can move a tree through the topping saw until the end of the tree aligns with the at least first hatch and then actuate the saw blade of the topping saw to cut the tree at the particular length.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the measurement ruler includes a plurality of adjustable hatches, further comprising the actions of: measuring from the saw blade a first distance towards the measuring apparatus and aligning a first hatch with the first distance; measuring from the first hatch a second distance and aligning the second hatch with the second distance; and measuring from the first hatch an nth distance and aligning the nth hatch with the nth distance.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the action of adjusting the measurement ruler relative to the base such that when the loader pulls a tree through the topping saw towards the measuring ruler, the hatches are substantially perpendicular to the tree.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the base includes one or more extension arms that can be adjusted between a retracted position and an extended position.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the base includes two or more extension arms that can be individually adjusted between a retracted position and an extended position and wherein the action of adjusting the measurement ruler relative to the base comprises extending one extension arm further than the other extension arm.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the base includes two or more extension arms and the measure ruler includes a cross-member that is adjustably connected to the two or more extension arms and a plurality of hatches are slideably connected to cross-member, wherein the action of adjusting the measurement ruler relative to the base comprises sliding the ends of the cross-member on the extension arms.

18. An apparatus used in conjunction with logging equipment for bucking, wherein the logging equipment includes a loader and a saw that are fixedly attached to a logging platform such that they are positioned relative to each other at a fixed distance, the apparatus comprising: a base that comprises: a plurality of extension arms, each of the extension arms including a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end is configured to be coupled in proximity to the loader and extend away from the loader and, each of the plurality of extension arms is configured to be adjusted between a retracted state and a fully extended state; a measurement ruler, the measurement ruler comprising: a cross-member that is adjustably attached to each of the plurality of extension arms; and a plurality of hatches that are slideably attached to the cross-member and extending perpendicularly from the cross-member and away from the loader such that the hatches can be slid along the length of the cross-member, and wherein a first hatch can be secured at a position that is a first particular distance from a saw blade of the saw, a second hatch can be secured at a position that is a second particular distance from the saw blade and an nth hatch can be secured at a position that is an nth particular distance from the saw blade, wherein the first position, second position and nth position can be adjusted to any position along the cross-member, and wherein the loader can pull a tree through the saw towards the measurement ruler, align the end of the tree with a particular one of the hatches, and actuate the saw blade to cut a log the particular distance associated with the particular hatch.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the extension arms include a hinged connector at the distal end and the cross-member is connected to the extension arm by being connected to the hinged connector, wherein the measuring ruler can be moved between an operational state and a transport state by moving the hinged connector from one position to another position.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the extension arms and the cross-member can be adjusted such that the hatches are substantially perpendicular to a tree that is pulled through a saw by the loader and aligned with one of the plurality of hatches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0035] FIG. 1 is diagram of an exemplary operating environment for a logger.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a multi-length bucking attachment that can be used in conjunction with a knuckle boom or other similar equipment.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a side view of the multi-length bucking attachment 200 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a side view of the multi-length bucking attachment 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 in a retracted state.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a knuckle boom 100 and topping saw 110 mounted to a logging trailer 120.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the knuckle boom 100 and topping saw 110 mounted to a logging trailer 120 with the multi-length bucking attachment 200 attached.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the multi-length bucking attachment when it the state of being ready to make a cut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The present invention, as well as features and aspects thereof, is directed towards providing an apparatus and a method for bucking trees, and more particularly, an apparatus to be used in conjunction with a knuckle boom or similar machine to identify the cutting points on a tree to create a log of specific length.

[0043] Bucking is the process of determining where to cut a tree in order to produce the longest log possible or, to obtain a log of a specific length. A single tree may produce one or more logs and some amount of branches and tops. The logs are generally sent to a sawmill to be converted into various types of lumbers. As such, depending on which sawmill the logs are destined to go and the purpose for the logs, there may be certain length requirements for the logs.

[0044] As an exemplary example, many sawmills are set up to receive and process logs in one or more of the following lengths:

[0045] 33 feet

[0046] 37 feet

[0047] 41.5 feet

[0048] 45.5 feet

[0049] 49 feet, as non-limiting examples.

[0050] When bucking a tree, there may be crotches, diseased areas, and other faults that must be cut out of a log. Thus, the length of a log may be governed by the location of the faults in the tree. Because nature tends to be random, one skilled in the art can appreciate that the bucking process may prevent a logger from making all of the logs the same length.

[0051] FIG. 1 is diagram of an exemplary operating environment for a logger. In the illustrated environment, a knuckle boom tractor 100 is being operated in conjunction with a topping saw 110. The knuckle boom, such as a CAT 599D, includes a cabin 102 and a boom 104. The distal end of the boom 104 includes a claw 106 that is used to pick up and move the trees/logs. The topping saw 110 is used to de-limb a tree and then cut the tree into log of a certain length. A typical topping saw includes a cradle 112 for receiving trees, de-limbing blades 116 and a saw blade 114.

[0052] In operation, a logger will utilize the boom 104 to grasp a tree near the end or butt of the tree with the claw 106, and place the butt tree into the cradle 112 with the butt end extending out one side of the cradle 112 and the rest of the tree extending out of the other end. The logger can then close the cradle 112 to cause the de-limbing blades 116 to close around the trunk of the tree with the application of pressure. The logger can then use the boom 106 to pull the tree through the de-limber to strip the tree of branches. The knuckle boom 100 can pivot around to pick up and place trees and logs. The topping saw is pivotally mounted to the trailer 120 so that as the tree is pulled through the cradle 112, the topping saw can rotate. This is due to the fact that as the logger pivots the knuckle boom 100 around to pull the tree through the topping saw 110, the tree is moved towards a parallel position relative to the trailer, whereas when the tree is inserted into the cradle 112, the tree is closer to a 45 to 90 degree position relative to the trailer 120. The logger can then move the de-limbed tree back and forth within the cradle 112 until it is set to the desired length. The top of the tree then falls into a pile along with all the branches, and the logger can open the cradle 112 and move the log to a pile or a loader to be hauled to a sawmill.

[0053] As illustrated, the knuckle boom equipment 100 and the topping saw 110 are typically mounted to a trailer such that the relative orientation and distance between the knuckle boom 100 and the topping saw does not shift. If the trailer 120 is moved, the knuckle boom 100 and the topping saw 110 remain in constant position relative to each other.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a multi-length bucking attachment that can be used in conjunction with a knuckle boom or other similar equipment. In general, the multi-length bucking attachment 200 (attachment) can be attached to the knuckle boom or other equipment and used to measure cuts to be made by a slasher and/or a topping saw. More specifically, the attachment includes base and a measurement rule. In the illustrated embodiment, the base includes two attachment plates 202 that are used to connect the attachment 200 to the logging equipment, such as a knuckle boom 100, the trailer 120 or to the sub-frame of the loader. The plates can be welded to the frame of the logging equipment, secured in a connector or bolted to the equipment as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2 by the four bolt apertures 204 in the plates 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment is used with a CAT 559D. The CAT 559D includes factory bolts that are used to hold pins, outriggers and a finder. These bolts can be removed to accommodate the attachment 200. However, it will be appreciated that the particular means for connecting the attachment to the equipment and the type and model of the equipment are simply provided as a non-limiting example and the present invention is not limited to this particularly described embodiment. Advantageously, by attaching the multi-length bucking attachment to the loader or logging equipment, more stability is able to be attained. It is anticipated that some embodiments may be configured to be installed on the ground separate from the logging equipment (i.e. the platform or loader frame etc.) but that such embodiments are more susceptible to being misaligned as the equipment shifts during operation. But in the embodiments in which the multi-length bucking attachment hangs from the loading equipment (like a balcony or deck from a building) the attachment does not rest on the ground but rather is suspended above the ground. Advantageously, this embodiment can be used where the ground or terrain is not level without having an effect on the operation. It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the multi-length bucking attachment may actually rest on the ground but still be rigidly attached to the logging equipment to maintain calibration. In other embodiments, the attachment may simply include one or more telescoping legs to allow the attachment to be supported by the ground, wherein the telescoping legs allow the support to be provided even if the ground is not level.

[0055] Each of the plates 202 include an extension arm 206. A proximate end of the extension arm 206 is connected to the plate 202. The extension arms 206 can be welded to the plate 202 or attached by other means such as brackets, bolts, sliding into a sleeve that is integral or attached to the plate 202 or other similar techniques as non-limiting examples.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the extension arms 206 are shown as being telescoped arms with three components: base 206a, midsection 206b and end 206c. Advantageously, this embodiment allows the attachment to be retracted when not being used and for transport, but then extended outward for operation. This aspect also allows the attachment to be adjusted during use to ensure that it is in proper alignment. However, in some embodiments the extension arms may be rigid, include more telescoping components, may be hinged to each other to allow them to fold up, can be attached to the plates 202 by means of a hinge to allow the extension arms to be folded upward, etc. as a few non-limiting examples.

[0057] The measuring ruler includes a cross-member 208 and a plurality of extension arms 206. The cross-member 208 is attached to the distal ends of the extension arms 206 of the base. The extension arms 206 are substantially parallel to each other in the illustrated embodiment, and the cross-member 208 can be orthogonally related to the extension arms 206 or can be adjusted to be at an angle. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the extension arms 206 may be angled inwardly or outwardly and the cross-member can be attached at an angle. The cross-member 208 provides stability and moves with the equipment in order to insure proper alignment and accurate measurements consistently during cutting. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, rather than two extension arms, a single extension arm can attach to the equipment and the cross-member attached to the end of the extension arm like a T. In other embodiments, more than two extension arms can be utilized to improve stability.

[0058] In various embodiments, the cross-member 208 can be fixedly attached to the extension arms 206, such as by welding, can be secured with bolts or brackets, and/or can be secured with an adjustable mechanism to allow the cross-member to be slid to different positions.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-member 208 is attached to the extension arms 206 using swivel arms 210 (as best seen in FIG. 3). The swivel arms 210 in this embodiment advantageously allow the cross-member 208 to be folded out for operational use or folded in when not in use or for transport.

[0060] The cross-member 208 includes a plurality of hatch arms 212. The hatch arms 212 can be permanently attached to the cross-member 208 but preferably are attached with a mechanism that allows the hatch arms 212 to easily slide into different positions or removed all together. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lines on a ruler are referred to as hatch lines. In the multi-length bucking attachment, the arms extending from the cross-member 208 are referred to as hatch arms because they are used to set up the measurements for cutting the logs.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the hatch arms 210 are metal tubes that extend orthogonally rom the cross-member 208. In operation, plastic or PVC pipes or tubes 214 can be slid into the tubes to extend the hatch arms 212 further into the measuring area. The PVC pipes 214 can be secured within the hatch arms 212 by a clamp or bolt to prevent them from falling out during operation. It should be appreciated that the hatch arms 212 can simply be longer and not require the PVC tubes 214 in some embodiments. Further, in other embodiments, the cross-member 208 may include a plurality of holes that are used to receive PVC pipes and thus the entire hatch arm 212 would be a PVC pipe. The advantage of incorporating PVC tubes into the hatch arms 212 is that they are flexible and will not bend when the hatch arms are inadvertently hit by a log or tree.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a side view of the multi-length bucking attachment 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the attachment arm 200 is fully extended and ready for operation. The swivel arms 210 are lifted into a position to allow the cross-member 208 and hatch arms 212 to move outwards toward the measuring area.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a side view of the multi-length bucking attachment 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 in a retracted state. Here, the extension arm 206 has been retracted by sliding the middle section 206b into the base section 206a, and the end section 206c is slid into the middle section 206b. Bolts 220 can be tightened down to secure the extension arm 206 into the retracted state. Further, swivel arm 210 has shown as being swiveled downward thereby raising the hatch arms 212 into a more vertical orientation. It should be appreciated that in this configuration, the equipment, such as a knuckle boom, than then be moved to a different location without damaging the attachment 200 or the components thereof.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a knuckle boom 100 and topping saw 110 mounted to a logging trailer 120. The boom arm 106 and claw 106 are shown as holding a tree 150 near the end. As the knuckle boom 100 pivots clock-wise, the tree is pulled through the cradle 112 and the de-limbing blades 116 remove the limbs from the tree.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the knuckle boom 100 and topping saw 110 mounted to a logging trailer 120 with the multi-length bucking attachment 200 attached. The extension arms 206 are attached to the logging trailer 120 proximate to the knuckle boom 100. The cross-member 208 is attached to the extension arms 206 at an angle to provide accurate measurements as the tree, when pulled over the hatch arms 212 may not be parallel to the logging trailer 120. The hatch arms 212 can then be slid along the cross-member 208 to the precise locations to correspond with the desired cut lengths.

[0066] More specifically, because the knuckle boom 100 and the topping saw 110 are mounted to the logging trailer 120, they remain fixed relative to each other. As such, the logger can measure from the saw blade 114 and set the hatch arm 212a to the precise length of the minimum cut size. The remaining hatch arms 212 can then be set relative to the first hatch arm 212a (typically 4 feet apart but any required distance can be set since the hatch arms 212 are full adjustable along the cross-member 208).

[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the multi-length bucking attachment when it the state of being ready to make a cut. In the illustrated embodiment, the tree has been pulled through the de-limber and the boom 106 has been used to position the tree to align the end of the tree with hatch arm 212b. The logger can now actuate the saw blade 114 to cut a log the precise length from the saw blade 114 to the hatch arm 212b.

[0068] Thus, it should be understood that the multi-length bucking attachment can be attached to a logging configuration of FIG. 1 and calibrated for as many cut lengths as desired by simply adding hatch arms 212 at the desired distance. In the logging operation, the logger can examine the tree to identify faults, and then make a cut to any of the hatch arm lengths such that the fault can be eliminated from the cut log. The logger can thus then create logs of varying lengths without having to use a stick or measuring tape for each cut. Further, the logger can stack the logs based on their size as the different length logs may be destined for different saw mills.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cross-member 208 may be preconfigured with hatch marks to help facilitate locating the various hatch arms at desired measurement distances. It should also be appreciated that the multi-length bucking attachment 200 can be mounted to either the left side or right side of the logging trailer. It should be further appreciated that the cross-member 208 may extend beyond the extension arms such that longer or shorter cuts can be attained.

[0070] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, comprise, include and have, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

[0071] The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.

[0072] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.