SPLITTING APPARATUS

Abstract

An apparatus for mechanically splitting materials has a body with a cutting element arranged relative thereto. The cutting element has at least one cutting surface oriented vertically. The splitting apparatus has the cutting element applying an upward pressure against the material which is split when a separate downward force is applied to the material. The body of the splitting apparatus also has a safety element to protect the user from the cutting element; an elongate supporting element to distance the safety element from either or both the cutting element and a surface on which the splitting apparatus is used; a stabilizing element to stabilize the splitting apparatus relative to a surface on which the splitting apparatus is used; and optionally a deflecting element to deflect split materials away from the cutting element and container element to contain therewithin split materials produced during the splitting.

Claims

1. A splitting apparatus for splitting hard material, said splitting apparatus comprising a vertically aligned free-standing body including stationary cutting means, said cutting means located in a central area of the body, the cutting means including at least one cutting surface, said cutting surface including at least one upward facing cutting edge, wherein the apparatus further comprises: safety means to protect the user from injury from the cutting means and materials during splitting of the materials; and at least one elongate supporting means, having a top end and a bottom end; and wherein said safety means comprises a barrier between the user and the cutting means, characterized in that said safety means is configured to include a central aperture to either or both accommodate and guide therewithin the materials to be split, such that said safety means surrounds and contains the materials during splitting, the safety means being rigidly supported above the cutting surface of the cutting means by said elongate supporting means and being separated from the cutting edge of the cutting means; said cutting edge being upwardly facing towards the safety means and being a predetermined vertical distance from a surface on which the splitting apparatus is standing; and wherein said at least one elongate supporting means is of a predetermined length to vertically distance the safety means from the cutting edge and is positioned to allow adequate room around the cutting means so that the material being split does not jam between the cutting means and the supporting means; the vertical distancing of said safety means from the cutting edge is predetermined to accommodate one or more of a length and a thickness of the material to facilitate splitting of the material and to enable the split material to fall free of the surrounding safety means; and the vertical distancing of said safety means from the cutting edge is predetermined to prevent injury to a user from contact with the cutting surface.

2. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body includes a base, such that the at least one elongate supporting means is configured to extend in a plane perpendicular to the base and to distance the safety means at said predetermined vertical distance from the cutting surface of the cutting means and to distance the cutting surface of the cutting means at a predetermined vertical distance from the base.

3. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein either or both the base and the elongate supporting means are adapted to stabilise the splitting apparatus relative to a surface on which the splitting apparatus is used.

4. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein either or both the base and the elongate supporting means include stabilising means.

5. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body includes stablising means.

6. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the safety means comprises a ring or is configured to be circular, square, rectangular or other suitable shape.

7. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety means is affixed at the upper distal end of said at least one elongate supporting means.

8. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate supporting means comprises at least two vertically extending supporting means.

9. Splitting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate supporting means comprises one of: (i) a single supporting means encircling around the body, (ii) multiple elongate supporting means located at set positions equally spaced around the body, and (iii) elongate supporting means configured as an X configuration.

10. Splitting apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the splitting apparatus is adapted to be collapsible for at least one of storage, transport, manufacturing purposes.

11. Splitting apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cutting means depends from the safety means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0178] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0179] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0180] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0181] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0182] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0183] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0184] FIG. 5a is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0185] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of splitting apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0186] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a splitting wedge with its length oriented vertically as applied in existing systems for splitting material, said cross section illustrating how a normally applied downward force produces forces perpendicular to its inclined surfaces.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0187] With reference to the present invention by way of example only, there is provided improved splitting apparatus generally indicated by arrow 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0188] The present invention is directed to improved splitting apparatus for use with splitting materials 2. The present invention is further directed in one embodiment, to the use of the apparatus for splitting wood 2 to produce kindling in coarse or fine form; and/or be adapted for use with other materials, including confectionery, ice, and so forth.

[0189] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 6, the splitting apparatus includes cutting means 3.

[0190] The cutting means is substantially as sharp as is determined necessary in order to be able to cut through or into the material being cut/split, or provide a face against which the material fractures and/or splits.

[0191] The cutting means includes at least one cutting surface. The cutting surface is at the upper distal edge of the cutting means, where the cutting means contacts the material.

[0192] The cutting surface may include at least one edge 4 and/or face 5 that contacts the material. The cutting surface may be tapered at 6 along that at least one edge and/or face.

[0193] The cutting surface edge and/or face are able to be sharpened. In other embodiments, the cutting means may have multiple sharpened edges or surfaces associated with multiple cutting surfaces or there may be multiple cutting means.

[0194] In one embodiment of the present invention-where the splitting apparatus is used for splitting wood, the cutting means may be configured to complement the shape of an axe or tomahawk head as in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a splitting wedge with its length oriented vertically as found in existing systems for splitting materials, said cross section illustrating how a normally applied downward force produces forces perpendicular to its inclined surfaces. The present invention achieves the same outcome but in a different way. The cutting means is fixed-it does not move and it is not part of any pressure means. However, in other embodiments, the cutting means may be similarly or otherwise configured as shown in FIGS. 4-6.

[0195] Preferably the cutting means is made from metal (steel/iron) such as a maul, tomahawk and an axe head. Although reinforced thermoplastics, stone, and so forth may be used for the cutting means depending on the hardness of the material to be split.

[0196] The splitting apparatus also includes a flat lower portion of the body 20 at 7which operates as a base.

[0197] The cutting means is attached to the flat lower portion of the body in a secure manner at point 8, achieved via welding, or fixing with any suitable adhesive, or via permanent/removable fasteners such as screws/rivets. In this embodiment, in order to operate effectively, the cutting means is required to be rigidly held relative to the flat lower portion of the body/base, so that there is no potential for the cutting means to break, or for deflection of the cutting means off the material to be cut/split.

[0198] Where the cutting means is required to be sharpened, either a means is applied to sharpen it in situ, and/or the cutting means is removable for sharpening or replacement (if broken).

[0199] In other embodiments the cutting means may be inserted into or through an aperture in the face of the base and/or attached to the supporting means or otherwise located and secured via any means suitable. This is an alternative to an option that the cutting means be fitted onto another portion of the body or the base.

[0200] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 5a (at point 18) the cutting means may be assisted and/or supported by, but not limited to, multiple cutting means and/or assisted by a wedge, bump, fins or extrusion that is situated on or below the safety means, attached securely to the apparatus at any given placement by being welded, screwed, riveted, bolted, cast into the design or otherwise attached securely thereto. This is to aid the splitting action by forcing/splaying the material being used apart further than the blade alone would. The lump, bump, wedge or extrusion would be of equal width or wider than the widest part of the cutting means, it could be fashioned out of any shape such as a wedge shape, fins or solid block and made from any material such as but not limited to metal or plastic.

[0201] The cutting means is preferably connected/positioned relative to the centre of the base at 8, but it could be located elsewhere and fixed differently.

[0202] The body is configured to be circular, etc and be substantially adapted at the underside surface of its base 9 to sit substantially flat against a support surface (not shown) to allow for stability. However, the base of the body may be of any shape, including the provision of stabilising means 16, such as feet attached to the underside surface of the base of the body to provide added stability if the body is not sitting true or flat against the surface, or as may be required for decorative purposes, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0203] The stabilising means 16 may alternatively include downwardly protruding spikes capable of being pushed into the ground to provide added support as shown in FIG. 3; or, for embodiments used in the food or medical industries, where bench-top models may be required, suction cups/systems may be fitted to the base to provide a firm grip and stability of the splitting apparatus, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0204] In other embodiments no stabilising means may be attached to the base of the splitting apparatus, particularly where the size and weight of the apparatus is sufficient to maintain it flat against a surface. In yet other versions, there may be no base used to stabilise the splitting apparatus, as shown in FIG. 4, the spikes at the end of the supporting means 16 may be elongated and used to provide support by, for example, being pushed into the ground or tree log to a depth sufficient to provide stability.

[0205] In yet other versions, there may be included wheels to facilitate movement of the splitting apparatus to improve the ease with which varyingly sized splitting apparatus may be moved from location to location where it is required to be used. Also, there may be some form of shock absorbing system included to aid in absorbing the shock/force generated when using the apparatus.

[0206] In addition to stability, the thickness of the base of the body is designed to provide secure attachment of the cutting means to the body in the desired location. The body, illustrated in the Figures, is made of metal (steel) material. If the cutting means is made from metal (like an axe head illustrated in the figures) then the body is best made from a metal plate that is a minimum of 6-8 mm thick to provide stability and secure fixing by welding to the cutting means and supporting means of the splitting apparatus.

[0207] The splitting apparatus also includes supporting means 10. The supporting means supports safety means 11 of the splitting apparatus.

[0208] Depending on the configuration of the cutting apparatus there may be multiple supporting means, or there can be a single supporting means. In FIGS. 1-3, there are two supporting means illustrated, but there may be more or less depending on the configuration. The number and location of the supporting means around the periphery of the body, depends on the material to be split.

[0209] The supporting means extends in a plane perpendicular from the plane of the base, and separates the base from the safety means by a preferred distance (shown at 12a), and to separate the safety means from the cutting means by a preferred distance (shown at 12).

[0210] Preferably the supporting means is made from metal (steel) because this can be securely welded to the body and safety means which gives optimum strength. The supporting means could however be made from any suitable material or combinations thereofsuch as wood or reinforced plastic and so forth, in a version of the splitting apparatus that requires less strengthsuch as for some food products.

[0211] They supporting means are fixed to the base and the safety means by being welded, screwed/riveted or glued with an appropriate adhesive. They may be removable and of any length desired.

[0212] In addition to the supporting means, there may be additional bracing means to provide further rigidity to the cutting means and the supporting means (shown at 17)

[0213] The safety means 11 is configured to be round (circular), e.g., FIG. 4, but could be otherwise configured to be any other shape such as square, oblong, etc.

[0214] The safety means is located on the top of the supporting means to which it is welded or otherwise affixed/attached.

[0215] The safety means is made out of any suitable material such as metal (steel), but it could be made out of any other suitable materials or combinations thereofincluding wood, thermoplastic materials (reinforced or otherwise), or rubber; particularly in variations that require less strength to be needed for the safety means.

[0216] The safety means is designed to prevent the user from injuring themselves on the exposed sharpened edge of the cutting means. The safety means may be coating with rubberized or softer thermoplastics material for added safety, of for aesthetic purposes. In addition, the safety means stops the material from easily moving outside of the safety means internal area.

[0217] Where the splitting apparatus is adapted to be used for preferred materials, including confectionery and/or ice, the entire splitting apparatus may be placed inside a receptacle (container means) 13 configured to accommodate the splitting apparatus and provide a means to prevent the material from scattering when split. After the splitting action has occurred, the splitting apparatus may be removed from the receptacle/container and the split material (such as with confectionery and/or ice) is retained in the container and is easily then transferred to another collection point.

[0218] The splitting apparatus also includes storage means 14 for use with the cutting means when the cutting apparatus is not in use.

[0219] The storage means operates as a cover for the sharp surface(s) of the cutting means, to help prevent damage to the cutting surface when the kindling cutter is not in use; or, to prevent injury to any person that could otherwise come in contact with the cutting surface(s).

[0220] The cover may be made out of any suitable hard or soft materials including leather, vinyl, plastic, metal and so forth.

Example 1

[0221] Method of assembling the splitting apparatus in one embodiment is achieved by the following steps: [0222] a) From a substantially flat piece of the constructional material, cut out the body/base to a desired shape, size and thickness; and [0223] b) Determine the cutting means to be used; and [0224] c) Attach the cutting means to the centre of body; and [0225] d) Cut supporting means to a desired length and attach relative to the base; [0226] e) Prepare the safety means to a preferred size and shape to complement the base, or as may be required to accommodate the material to be split within a central aperture provided in the safety means; and [0227] f) Position the safety means relative to the upper distal ends of the supporting means and secure in one or more locations; and [0228] g) Engage optional stabilising means as required.

[0229] It is to be noted the stabilising means may be an extension of the length of the supporting means that extend beyond the base/body.

[0230] An alternative assembly option includes: [0231] a) From a substantially flat piece of the constructional material, cut out the various flat sections of the supporting apparatus to the desired shape and size and thickness. This would include at least one ofsafety means, base, stabilising apparatus, supporting apparatus and potentially container means (which may subsequently require bending/forming into preferred shape); and [0232] b) Prepare the safety means to a preferred size and shapewhether to complement the base, or as may be required to accommodate and/or guide the material to be split within a central aperture provided in the safety means; and [0233] c) Prepare the supporting means to a desired length and determine whether the supporting means is to be attached to a base, to extended stabilising means to project from around the supporting means, or whether the supporting means will be sharpened to include spiked outer distal ends and thus stand-alone; and [0234] d) Position the safety means on to the upper distal ends of the supporting means and secure in one or more locations; and [0235] e) Determine the cutting means to be used; and [0236] f) Fix the cutting means in a position that will be substantially central to the final body; and [0237] g) Fix the supporting means to the remaining relevant portions of the body (depending on the embodiment desired), such as a base, stabilising means, and/or cutting means by welding or otherwise affixing; and [0238] h) Attach optional stabilising means and/or container means as required.

Example 2

[0239] In using the splitting apparatus, the following steps are followed: [0240] a) Stabilise the splitting apparatus against a surface on which it is to be used; and [0241] b) Place material you wish to split (in this case wood) down through the centre of the safety means (as shown at central opening 2a in FIG. 1) until it rests on top of the cutting means within an interior space 21 defined by the elongate supporting device in conjunction with the safety system (means) and the central opening; and [0242] c) Support the material, if required, with one hand so that it is in a substantially vertical arrangement and sits on top of the cutting means (which would be substantially centred on the base and in turn centered with respect to the safety means); and [0243] d) Holding pressure means in the other hand, tap gently but firmly on to the top of the material forcing the material downwards on to the cutting means, until the material splits (using as much force as may be required)

[0244] It is to be noted the process may be repeated several times to further split the pieces of material obtained from previous splitting actions, until they reach the desired thickness, number and so forth.

[0245] In order to split the material, a pressure means is required. The pressure means 15 in this case is a mallet. However any pressure means may be used, including a hammer, rock, log, sledge hammer and so forth may be used. The configuration of the present invention is such that less force and physical energy is required to be expended by the user in order to split the material. The pressure means is merely a means to drive the material on to the cutting edge of the cutting means.

[0246] The pressure required to be applied is substantially less than would be required if the user was wielding a maul, an axe or tomahawk to cut the wood, or as may be used in mechanical devices relying on electric or motorised hydraulic or pneumatic systems to apply the pressure.

[0247] While reference in the present description has referred to the cutting means being attached to the base, it should be appreciated that in other potential embodiments of the present invention the cutting means could instead be attached to at least two supporting means, yet still be oriented relative to, but distanced from, a base. This is exampled in FIG. 4 where, for one potential embodiment, the two supporting means are diametrically opposite each other. Further, in yet another option the cutting means could be connected to both the base and supporting means (not shown).

[0248] In any of the embodiments of the present invention there may be additional bracing (shown at 17) to provide further rigidity to the cutting means as exampled in FIG. 4-5.

[0249] Or, in yet another version as exampled in FIGS. 5 and 5a, the cutting means may be located at the base of the supporting means, the bottom edge of the cutting means sits securely inserted into a wedge, which is to assist with the splaying of the material and provides a stable slot for the cutting means to sit but could be fixed.

[0250] The wedge is fixed securely to the base by bolts/screws or welding etc or cast/molded as one piece. If the cutting means was effectively splaying the material the wedge could just be an extension of the base and be of any shape as long as it provides a stable support for the upper segment.

[0251] The supporting means still support the cutting means and safety means but are not attached and fixed directly to the base, to allow for easy removal.

[0252] This variation still allows the apparatus to be used in the same manner as other embodiments but allows it to be easily split into two parts. One reason for this, is so the top half can be removed and turned over to fit back over the bottom half which makes the unit more compact and protects the cutting means for sale, transportation or storage when not in use.

[0253] Also in this version the supporting means could be manufactured to continue under the cutting means to form a cross brace that the cutting means is attached to, this cross brace would be an extension of the supporting means and this would mean that the supporting means is still connected to the base by the extrusion wedge that forms part of the base.

[0254] In another variation, exampled in FIG. 6, the supporting means may be configured as, but not limited to, an x configuration with pivotal axis points (shown at 19) that allow for the splitting apparatus to be collapsible for storage and transportation. The pivoting points would most likely be located at the centre of the x and if required at the points where the base and safety means attach to the supporting means. There would be locking tabs (shown at 22) to secure the splitting apparatus in the position to prevent collapse of the invention while in use.

[0255] When referring to the description of the present invention, it should also be understood that the term comprise where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, comprise does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

[0256] This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art.

[0257] The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

[0258] 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.