US3620394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Logging apparatus
Assignee: Timberjack Inc
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Filing: 1969-05-08
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Granted: 1971-11-16
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Expires: 1989-05-08
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for use in handling trees, logs, and the like comprises an articulated vehicle having front and rear vehicle sections which are interconnected for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A boom structure is supported on the rear section and comprises a first boom member which is pivotally connected to the rear section and a second boom member which is pivotally connected to the first boom member. A first power means is interconnected between the rear vehicle section and the first boom section for pivoting the first boom section relative thereto. A second power means is pivotally interconnected between the rear vehicle section and the second boom section for pivoting the second boom section relative to the first boom section. The logging apparatus also includes a hoist or winch mechanism having a cable which is guided through a fair-lead assembly supported on the second boom section. The fair-lead assembly includes a horizontal roller and a pair of vertical rollers which are operative to guide the cable. A grapple mechanism is supported for universal movement on the outer end of the second boom section and includes relatively movable article engagement members or arms which are supported for relative pivotal movement. The grapple mechanism is constructed so that as the article-engaging members are pivoted in a grapple-opening direction, the pivot axes thereof are bodily moved outwardly away from each other so as to effect a relatively wide opening of the grapple mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert C Symons
- 👤 Stanley H Koch
- 👤 John B Pierce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:27
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66C; B66C3/00; B66C3/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
332 words
Apparatus for use in handling trees, logs and the like comprising an articulated vehicle having forward and rearward vehicle sections interconnected for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis, said rearward section including a boom support, a first boom section pivotally connected to said boom support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, a second boom section pivotally connected to said first boom section at the outer end thereof, a first power means acting between said boom support and said first boom section for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second power means acting between said boom support and said second boom section for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second power means acting between said boom support and said second boom section for pivoting said second boom section relative to said first boom section, and a grapple mechanism supported at the outer end of said second boom section and operable to grip logs therein; said grapple mechanism comprising a pair of opposing arm members mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other about first axes, actuator means pivotally connected to said arms at second axes spaced from the first axes and operable to pivot said arms about the first axes by moving the second axes relative to each other, a first link disposed adjacent logs gripped by said grapple mechanism extending between the first pivot axis of one of said arms aNd the second pivot axis of the other of said arms, and a second link extending between the first pivot axis of said other arm and the second pivot axis of said one arm; said apparatus further including means for pivotally connecting said grapple mechanism to said second boom section and for enabling said grapple mechanism to be pivoted to press said first link against logs gripped by said grapple mechanism upon forward movement of said articulated vehicle to thereby enable said grapple mechanism to maintain a secure grip on the logs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
332 words
Apparatus for use in handling trees, logs and the like comprising an articulated vehicle having forward and rearward vehicle sections interconnected for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis, said rearward section including a boom support, a first boom section pivotally connected to said boom support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, a second boom section pivotally connected to said first boom section at the outer end thereof, a first power means acting between said boom support and said first boom section for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second power means acting between said boom support and said second boom section for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second power means acting between said boom support and said second boom section for pivoting said second boom section relative to said first boom section, and a grapple mechanism supported at the outer end of said second boom section and operable to grip logs therein; said grapple mechanism comprising a pair of opposing arm members mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other about first axes, actuator means pivotally connected to said arms at second axes spaced from the first axes and operable to pivot said arms about the first axes by moving the second axes relative to each other, a first link disposed adjacent logs gripped by said grapple mechanism extending between the first pivot axis of one of said arms aNd the second pivot axis of the other of said arms, and a second link extending between the first pivot axis of said other arm and the second pivot axis of said one arm; said apparatus further including means for pivotally connecting said grapple mechanism to said second boom section and for enabling said grapple mechanism to be pivoted to press said first link against logs gripped by said grapple mechanism upon forward movement of said articulated vehicle to thereby enable said grapple mechanism to maintain a secure grip on the logs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first boom section is an open archlike structure and includes a pair of spaced-apart side members pivotally connected to said boom support and a crossmember extending between outer end portions of said side members to define an open area extending from said crossmember to said boom support to facilitate viewing of said grapple mechanism by an operator of said articulated vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said second boom section includes a pair of support members which are pivotally connected at their inner end portions to said first boom section, said support members converging toward each other in a direction outwardly from said first boom section to provide closely spaced outer end portions, said grapple mechanism being connected to said closely spaced outer end portions of said support members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes a hydraulic cylinder means pivotally connected to said arms, said first and second links being operable to effect relative movement between said first axes upon relative movement between said second axes under the influence of said hydraulic cylinder means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including universal joint means for operatively connecting said grapple mechanism to said second boom section to enable said grapple mechanism to pivot about a plurality of axes relative to said second boom section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
251 words
Apparatus for use in handling trees, logs and the like comprising a boom support, a first boom section pivotally connected to said boom support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, first power means for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second boom section pivotally connected to said first boom section, second power means for pivoting said second boom section relative to said first boom section, said first and second boom sections each comprising an integral open archlike structure providing for visibility therethrough, said second boom section including a base portion adjacent said first boom section and a pair of support portions extending from said base portion, a grapple mechanism supported on the outer ends of said support portions and operable to grip logs therein, motor means mounted at the outer ends of said support portions, universal joint means operatively connected to said motor means and said grapple mechanism for pivotal movement of said grapple mechanism relative to said second boom section and for rotational movement of said grapple mechanism relative to said second boom section upon operation of said motor means, and an output member connected at one end portion to said motor means and at an opposite end portion to said universal joint means, said grapple mechanism including hydraulic actuator means for operating said grapple mechanism between open and closed conditions, said actuator means being connected in fluid communication with fluid conduits on said second boom section by fluid passageways formed in said output member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
251 words
Apparatus for use in handling trees, logs and the like comprising a boom support, a first boom section pivotally connected to said boom support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, first power means for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second boom section pivotally connected to said first boom section, second power means for pivoting said second boom section relative to said first boom section, said first and second boom sections each comprising an integral open archlike structure providing for visibility therethrough, said second boom section including a base portion adjacent said first boom section and a pair of support portions extending from said base portion, a grapple mechanism supported on the outer ends of said support portions and operable to grip logs therein, motor means mounted at the outer ends of said support portions, universal joint means operatively connected to said motor means and said grapple mechanism for pivotal movement of said grapple mechanism relative to said second boom section and for rotational movement of said grapple mechanism relative to said second boom section upon operation of said motor means, and an output member connected at one end portion to said motor means and at an opposite end portion to said universal joint means, said grapple mechanism including hydraulic actuator means for operating said grapple mechanism between open and closed conditions, said actuator means being connected in fluid communication with fluid conduits on said second boom section by fluid passageways formed in said output member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
123 words
Apparatus for use in handling logs and the like comprising a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis, and a grapple mechanism supported on the outer end of said boom section; said grapple mechanism including a rotatable member supported by said boom section for rotation relative thereto about an axis transverse to said horizontal axis, a pair of relatively movable log-gripping jAws, a support for said jaws, a universal joint means connecting said jaw support and said rotatable member, and hydraulic-actuator means for operating said jaws between open and closed conditions, said rotatable member defining fluid passage means for connecting said hydraulic-actuator means in fluid communication with said boom section while enabling said grapple mechanism to be rotated relative to said boom section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
123 words
Apparatus for use in handling logs and the like comprising a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis, and a grapple mechanism supported on the outer end of said boom section; said grapple mechanism including a rotatable member supported by said boom section for rotation relative thereto about an axis transverse to said horizontal axis, a pair of relatively movable log-gripping jAws, a support for said jaws, a universal joint means connecting said jaw support and said rotatable member, and hydraulic-actuator means for operating said jaws between open and closed conditions, said rotatable member defining fluid passage means for connecting said hydraulic-actuator means in fluid communication with said boom section while enabling said grapple mechanism to be rotated relative to said boom section.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further including motor means mounted on said boom section for rotating said grapple mechanism relative to said boom section, said motor means being operatively connected to said grapple mechanism through said rotatable member and said universal joint means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said grapple mechanism includes actuator means for pivoting said jaws inwardly and outwardly about first axes and for moving said first axes toward each other while said arms are being pivoted inwardly and for moving said first axes away from each other while said arms are being pivoted outwardly to thereby enable said grapple mechanism to be operated between a closed condition and a relatively wide open condition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said actuator means includes a knife edge which is pressed against the logs by the aforesaid pivoting movement of said grapple mechanism.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
280 words
Apparatus for use in handling logs and the like comprising a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis; and a grapple mechanism supported on the outer end of said boom section, said grapple mechanism including a rotatable member supported by said boom section for rotation relative to said boom section about a first axis transverse to said horizontal axis, a pair of relatively movable jaws, a support for said jaws, universal joint means connecting said support to said rotatable member for rotation therewith, said universal joint means including first link means pivotally connected to said rotatable member for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis, second link means pivotally connected to said first link means for relative pivotal movement about a second axis parallel to said first axis, third link means pivotally connected at one end portion to said second link means and at an opposite end portion to one of said jaws and fourth link means pivotally connected at one end portion to said second link means and at an opposite end portion to the other of said jaws, actuator means operated under the influence of high-pressure fluid for operating said jaws between open and closed conditions, said actuator means being operable to pivot said jaws outwardly relative to each other and to simultaneously therewith move said opposite end portions of said third and fourth link means away from each other to enable said jaws to be operated to a relatively wide open condition, and fluid-passage means formed in said rotatable member for connecting said actuator means in fluid communication with said boom section to enable said actuator means to be exposed to a source of high-pressure fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
280 words
Apparatus for use in handling logs and the like comprising a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis; and a grapple mechanism supported on the outer end of said boom section, said grapple mechanism including a rotatable member supported by said boom section for rotation relative to said boom section about a first axis transverse to said horizontal axis, a pair of relatively movable jaws, a support for said jaws, universal joint means connecting said support to said rotatable member for rotation therewith, said universal joint means including first link means pivotally connected to said rotatable member for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis, second link means pivotally connected to said first link means for relative pivotal movement about a second axis parallel to said first axis, third link means pivotally connected at one end portion to said second link means and at an opposite end portion to one of said jaws and fourth link means pivotally connected at one end portion to said second link means and at an opposite end portion to the other of said jaws, actuator means operated under the influence of high-pressure fluid for operating said jaws between open and closed conditions, said actuator means being operable to pivot said jaws outwardly relative to each other and to simultaneously therewith move said opposite end portions of said third and fourth link means away from each other to enable said jaws to be operated to a relatively wide open condition, and fluid-passage means formed in said rotatable member for connecting said actuator means in fluid communication with said boom section to enable said actuator means to be exposed to a source of high-pressure fluid.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for use in handling logs and the like comprising a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis, a grapple mechanism supported on the outer end of said boom section, said grapple mechanism including a pair of relatively movable log gripping jaws and a hydraulic-actuating means for effecting relative movement of said log-gripping jaws, a rotatable member supported by said boom for rotation relative thereto, means connecting said rotatable member and said log-gripping jaws to provide for rotation of said log-gripping jaws with said rotatable member, and fluid conduit means for delivering hydraulic fluid to said actuating means, said fluid conduit means comprising a fluid passageway in said rotatable member and at least one fluid conduit communicating at one end with said fluid passageway in said rotatable member and at the other end with said actuating means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for use in handling logs and the like comprising a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis, a grapple mechanism supported on the outer end of said boom section, said grapple mechanism including a pair of relatively movable log gripping jaws and a hydraulic-actuating means for effecting relative movement of said log-gripping jaws, a rotatable member supported by said boom for rotation relative thereto, means connecting said rotatable member and said log-gripping jaws to provide for rotation of said log-gripping jaws with said rotatable member, and fluid conduit means for delivering hydraulic fluid to said actuating means, said fluid conduit means comprising a fluid passageway in said rotatable member and at least one fluid conduit communicating at one end with said fluid passageway in said rotatable member and at the other end with said actuating means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means cOnnecting said rotatable member with said jaws includes universal joint means operable to enable said grapple mechanism to pivot about first and second transverse axes to facilitate gripping of logs with said jaws.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said actuating means includes hydraulic cylinder means pivotally connected to said jaws at first axes and operable to pivot said jaws about second axes spaced from said first axes by moving said first axes relative to each other, a first link extending between the first pivot axis of one of said jaws and the second pivot axis of the other of said jaws, and a second link extending between the first pivot axis of said other of said jaws and the second pivot axis of said one jaw, said hydraulic cylinder means being operable pivot said jaws about the second axes and to move said first and second links relative to each other to effect movement of said second axes relative to each other.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
167 words
A vehicle for handling logs or the like comprising a support; a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis relative to said support; a grapple mechanism supported by said boom section and operable to grip logs therebetween, said grapple mechanism including a pair of grapple arms which cooperate to at least partially define the gripping area of said grapple mechanism, and linkage means for moving said grapple arms relative to each other; means connecting said grapple mechanism to said boom section and enabling said grapple mechanism to pivot about an axis transverse to the direction of vehicle movement when said grapple mechanism has a load therein, the load in said grapple mechanism being reducible in cross-sectional area when said vehicle moves; and means formed on said linkage means for reducing the cross-sectional gripping area of said grapple mechanism in response to said pivoting movement of said grapple mechanism, said last-named means including knife-edge means formed on said linkage means for engaging the logs upon said pivoting movement.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
167 words
A vehicle for handling logs or the like comprising a support; a boom section pivotal about a horizontal axis relative to said support; a grapple mechanism supported by said boom section and operable to grip logs therebetween, said grapple mechanism including a pair of grapple arms which cooperate to at least partially define the gripping area of said grapple mechanism, and linkage means for moving said grapple arms relative to each other; means connecting said grapple mechanism to said boom section and enabling said grapple mechanism to pivot about an axis transverse to the direction of vehicle movement when said grapple mechanism has a load therein, the load in said grapple mechanism being reducible in cross-sectional area when said vehicle moves; and means formed on said linkage means for reducing the cross-sectional gripping area of said grapple mechanism in response to said pivoting movement of said grapple mechanism, said last-named means including knife-edge means formed on said linkage means for engaging the logs upon said pivoting movement.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
106 words
A vehicle as set forth in claim 15 wherein said means connecting said grapple mechanism to said boom section includes a rotatable member, first link means pivotally connected to said rotatable member for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis extending transverse to the direction of vehicle movement when said grapple mechanism has a load therein, second link means pivotally connected to said first link means for pivotal movement about a second axis extending parallel to said first axis, and means pivotally connecting said grapple mechanism to said second link means for pivotal movement about a third axis transverse to said first and second axes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
109 words
A vehicle as set forth in claim 15 wherein said grapple arms are mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other about first axes and including actuator means for pivoting said arms inwardly and outwardly about said first axes independently of said means for reducing the cross-sectional gripping area of said grapple mechanism, said linkage means being arranged for moving said first axes toward each other while said arms are being pivoted inwardly and for moving said first axes away from each other while said arms are being pivoted outwardly to thereby enable said grapple mechanism to be operated between a closed condition and a relatively wide open condition.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
236 words
Apparatus for use in handling trees, logs and the like comprising an articulated vehicle having forward and rearward vehicle sections interconnected for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis, said rearward section including a boom support, a first boom section pivotally connected to said boom support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, a second boom section pivotally connected to said first boom section at the outer end thereof, a first power means acting between said boom support and said first boom section for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second power means acting between said boom support and said second boom section for pivoting said second boom section relative to said first boom section, a grapple mechanism supported at the outer end of said second boom section and operable to grip logs therein, universal joint means for operatively connecting said grapple mechanism to said second boom section to enable said grapple mechanism to pivot about a plurality of axes relative to said second boom section, and motor means mounted on said second boom section and having a rotatable output member connected to a first side of said universal joint means, said grapple mechanism being connected to a second side of said universal joint means whereby operation of said motor means rotates said grapple mechanism through said universal joint means to facilitate positioning of said grapple means relative to said articulated vehicle.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
236 words
Apparatus for use in handling trees, logs and the like comprising an articulated vehicle having forward and rearward vehicle sections interconnected for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis, said rearward section including a boom support, a first boom section pivotally connected to said boom support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, a second boom section pivotally connected to said first boom section at the outer end thereof, a first power means acting between said boom support and said first boom section for pivoting said first boom section about the horizontal axis, a second power means acting between said boom support and said second boom section for pivoting said second boom section relative to said first boom section, a grapple mechanism supported at the outer end of said second boom section and operable to grip logs therein, universal joint means for operatively connecting said grapple mechanism to said second boom section to enable said grapple mechanism to pivot about a plurality of axes relative to said second boom section, and motor means mounted on said second boom section and having a rotatable output member connected to a first side of said universal joint means, said grapple mechanism being connected to a second side of said universal joint means whereby operation of said motor means rotates said grapple mechanism through said universal joint means to facilitate positioning of said grapple means relative to said articulated vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-15 | 1975-05-17 | 1975-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-15 | 1979-05-17 | 1979-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-15 | 1983-05-17 | 1983-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |