Patent US3735788A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3735788A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tree harvesting apparatus
Assignee: ROME IND INC CEDARTOWN US
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Filing: 1971-03-22
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Granted: 1973-05-29
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Expires: 1991-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A tree harvesting apparatus including means for severing a standing tree adjacent the base allowing the severed tree to fall to the ground, means for grasping the severed tree and removing the tree, by skidding, to a remote location and means for traversing the felled tree trunk to remove limbs therefrom. The tree severing means includes an operable shear blade supported for movement between a retracted inoperable position to a forward tree shearing position. The tree grasping means includes a pair of arms movable from an open position to a position in engagement with the surface of the tree trunk. One operable delimbing means on the tree harvesting apparatus includes a rotatable wheel means mounted thereon for contacting upper surface portions of the felled tree trunk. A second delimbing means includes severing means operatively associated with tree grasping means, with the severing means of the tree grasping means operable for contacting sides and lower portions of a felled tree trunk. The two delimbing means are operable for removing limbs from a tree trunk in response to a traversing movement of the delimbing means over the surface of the tree trunk. The tree harvesting apparatus includes means for effecting attachment thereof to a transport vehicle capable of providing the operative power to the tree shear means, for operating the tree grasping means, for providing the tree skidding movement and to provide the traversing movement of the delimbing means.
Inventors
- 👤 S J Coughran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:30
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G23/00; A01G23/02; A01G23/08; A01G23/083; A01G23/085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A tree harvesting apparatus for use in removing limbs from a tree in a harvesting operation comprising in combination: a. a frame support means, said frame support means detailed to include attachment means whereby said frame means can be attached to a transport vehicle capable of providing traversing movement of said frame support means; b. operative delimbing means mounted on said frame support means said delimbing means detailed in design to remove limbs from a felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing means over said felled tree and wherein said traversing movement is provided by movement of said frame support means from a transport vehicle; and c. said apparatus being characterized in that said delimbing means includes a delimbing wheel, said delimbing wheel being rotatable on said frame support means and including means for removing limbs from a felled tree on the ground in response to a traversing movement of said rotatable wheel over the trunk of said felled tree.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A tree harvesting apparatus for use in removing limbs from a tree in a harvesting operation comprising in combination: a. a frame support means, said frame support means detailed to include attachment means whereby said frame means can be attached to a transport vehicle capable of providing traversing movement of said frame support means; b. operative delimbing means mounted on said frame support means said delimbing means detailed in design to remove limbs from a felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing means over said felled tree and wherein said traversing movement is provided by movement of said frame support means from a transport vehicle; and c. said apparatus being characterized in that said delimbing means includes a delimbing wheel, said delimbing wheel being rotatable on said frame support means and including means for removing limbs from a felled tree on the ground in response to a traversing movement of said rotatable wheel over the trunk of said felled tree.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said rotatable wheel includes means for adjusting said wheel to a number of selected positions on said frame support means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said delimbing wheel includes a pair of axially spaced plate members fixed to a rotatable drum element and wherein a number of angularly disposed spoke members are connected adjacent one end at the peripheral edge of said plate members and converge inwardly and are connected at their opposite ends to the rotatable drum member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said delimbing wheel includes means for adjusting the effective delimbing dimensions thereof whereby said delimbing wheel is effective for moving limbs from a number of various diameter tree trunks.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 4 further characterized in that said adjusting means includes means for automatically moving said delimbing wheel to an effective delimbing dimension in response to engagement of said delimbing wheel with the surface of said tree truNk and automatically changing the effective delimbing dimensions thereof in response to traversing movement of said delimbing wheel along the surface of a tapered tree trunk.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
123 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 5 further characterized in that said delimbing wheel includes a pair of axially spaced plate means, said rotatable plate means including a peripheral edge operative for severing limbs from a tree trunk in response to said traversing movement therealong and wherein said plate means are axially adjustable relative to each other to a number of selected positions and wherein said delimbing wheel includes means for biasing said plate means to an inward axial limit position relative to each other, said plate means including means for automatically moving said plate means to an axially displaced set position in response to a rolling pressure contact with said plate means with the surface of a felled tree trunk.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 6 further characterized in that said means for supporting said delimbing wheel includes means for adjusting said delimbing wheel to a number of vertically adjusted positions above a felled tree and including power operable means for lowering said delimbing wheel onto the trunk of said felled tree to effect said rolling pressure engagement of said delimbing wheel with said felled tree trunk.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
87 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said delimbing wheel includes a pair of axially spaced plate members fixed to a rotatable drum element and wherein a number of angularly spaced spoke elements are connected to said drum elements and extend along a portion of the length thereof with opposite ends of each of said spoke elements angularly disposed relative to the surface of said drum element with the outer ends thereof connected adjacent the peripheral edges of said plate members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
163 words
A tree harvesting apparatus for use in removing limbs from a tree in harvesting operation comprising in combination: a. a first delimbing means operable for removing limbs from a portion of a felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing means along the trunk of said felled tree; b. a second delimbing means operable for removing limbs from additional portions of said felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing means along said tree trunk; and c. means for supporting said first and second delimbing means on a transport vehicle capable of providing said traversing movement of said delimbing means relative to said felled tree; d. said apparatus being characterized in that said first delimbing means includes a delimbing wheel, said delimbing wheel being rotatable on said supporting means for severing limbs from a felled tree lying on the ground in response to said traversing movement of said rotatable wheel along the trunk of said felled tree.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
163 words
A tree harvesting apparatus for use in removing limbs from a tree in harvesting operation comprising in combination: a. a first delimbing means operable for removing limbs from a portion of a felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing means along the trunk of said felled tree; b. a second delimbing means operable for removing limbs from additional portions of said felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing means along said tree trunk; and c. means for supporting said first and second delimbing means on a transport vehicle capable of providing said traversing movement of said delimbing means relative to said felled tree; d. said apparatus being characterized in that said first delimbing means includes a delimbing wheel, said delimbing wheel being rotatable on said supporting means for severing limbs from a felled tree lying on the ground in response to said traversing movement of said rotatable wheel along the trunk of said felled tree.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 9 further characterized in that said first delimbing wheel includes power operable means for effecting rotation of said delimbing wheel during said traversing movement along said felled tree trunk.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 9 further characterized in that said delimbing wheel includes means for adjusting the effective delimbing dimensions thereof whereby said delimbing wheel is effective for moving limbs from a number of various diameter tree trunks.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
77 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 11 further characterized in that said adjusting means includes means for automatically moving said delimbing wheel to an effective delimbing dimension in response to engagement of said delimbing wheel with the surface of said tree trunk and wherein said automatic adjusting means is effective for automatically changing the effective delimbing dimensions thereof in response to traversing movement of said delimbing wheel along the surface of a tapered tree trunk.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
121 words
A tree harvestIng apparatus as described in claim 12 further characterized in that delimbing wheel includes a pair of axially spaced plate means, said rotatable plate means including a peripheral edge operative for severing limbs from a tree trunk in response to said traversing movement therealong and wherein said plate means are axially adjustable relative to each other to a number of selected positions and wherein said delimbing wheel includes means for biasing said plate means to an axial limit position relative to each other, said plate means including means for automatically moving said plate means to an axially displaced set position in response to a rolling pressure contact with said plate means with the surface of a felled tree trunk.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 14 further characterized in that said means for supporting said delimbing wheel includes means for adjusting said delimbing wheel to a number of vertically adjusted positions above a felled tree and including power operable means for lowering said delimbing wheel onto the trunk of said felled tree to effect said rolling pressure engagement of said delimbing wheel with said felled tree trunk.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
87 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 9 further characterized in that said delimbing wheel includes a pair of axially spaced plate members fixed to a rotatable drum element and wherein a number of angularly spaced yoke elements are connected to said drum elements and extend along a portion of the length thereof with opposite ends of each of said spoke elements angularly disposed relative to the surface of said drum element with the outer ends thereof connected adjacent the peripheral edges of said plate members.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 9 further characterized in that said means supporting said second delimbing means includes operative tree shearing means for severing a standing tree and allowing said severed tree to fall to the ground.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
61 words
A tree harvesting apparatus as described in claim 16 further characterized in that said second delimbing means includes means for automatically engaging the surface of said felled tree trunk in response to said tree falling to the ground, said engaging means effective for holding said tree for skidding said tree to a location remote from the area of said standing tree.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
272 words
A tree harvesting apparatus for use in removing limbs from a tree in a harvesting operation comprising, in combination: a. a delimbing wheel operative for removing limbs from a portion of a felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing wheel along the trunk of said felled tree; b. means for supporting said delimbing wheel on a transport vehicle capable of providing said traversing movement, said delimbing wheel supporting means includes means for moving said delimbing wheel to a vertically adjusted position above a felled tree and means for lowering said delimbing wheel onto the trunk of said felled tree; c. a pair of tree grasping arm means, means for pivotally supporting said tree grasping arm means in laterally spaced relationship relative to each other for pivotal movement from an open position permitting a tree trunk to be moved there between and to a closed position surrounding a substantial portion of said tree trunk, said space between said tree grasping arm means defining a passageway through which a tree trunk can move in a delimbing operation, severing means located on said pivotal arm means for engaging a limb extending from the trunk of a tree located in said passageway for severing the limbs therefrom in response to an axial displacement of a tree trunk through said passageway; and d. frame support means operative for supporting said tree grasping arms on a transport vehicle capable of providing a traversing movement thereof relative to a felled tree trunk whereby a tree trunk located in said passageway can be axially displaced therethrough in response to a traversing movement of said transpoRt vehicle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
272 words
A tree harvesting apparatus for use in removing limbs from a tree in a harvesting operation comprising, in combination: a. a delimbing wheel operative for removing limbs from a portion of a felled tree in response to a traversing movement of said delimbing wheel along the trunk of said felled tree; b. means for supporting said delimbing wheel on a transport vehicle capable of providing said traversing movement, said delimbing wheel supporting means includes means for moving said delimbing wheel to a vertically adjusted position above a felled tree and means for lowering said delimbing wheel onto the trunk of said felled tree; c. a pair of tree grasping arm means, means for pivotally supporting said tree grasping arm means in laterally spaced relationship relative to each other for pivotal movement from an open position permitting a tree trunk to be moved there between and to a closed position surrounding a substantial portion of said tree trunk, said space between said tree grasping arm means defining a passageway through which a tree trunk can move in a delimbing operation, severing means located on said pivotal arm means for engaging a limb extending from the trunk of a tree located in said passageway for severing the limbs therefrom in response to an axial displacement of a tree trunk through said passageway; and d. frame support means operative for supporting said tree grasping arms on a transport vehicle capable of providing a traversing movement thereof relative to a felled tree trunk whereby a tree trunk located in said passageway can be axially displaced therethrough in response to a traversing movement of said transpoRt vehicle.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
209 words
A method of harvesting trees including the steps of: a. moving a tree grasping means into position surrounding a standing tree adjacent the base thereof; b. closing said tree grasping means around said tree trunk; c. severing said standing tree adjacent said base, allowing said severed tree to fall to a substantially horizontal position on the supporting ground surface; d. engaging the trunk of said felled tree in response to said tree falling to said horizontal position on the supporting ground surface; e. skidding said felled tree to a location remote from the stump portion of said felled tree while continuing said engagement of said tree trunk; f. moving said tree engaging means to an open position allowing said tree trunk to rest on the supporting ground surface; g. moving a first delimbing means into contact with a first portion of said felled tree trunk; h. moving said arm grasping means into contact with additional portions of said felled tree trunk; and i. traversing the trunk of said felled tree while lying on the ground with said first delimbing means and said tree grasping means to remove the limbs located thereon in the path of said delimbing means and said tree grasping means in response to said traversing movement.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
209 words
A method of harvesting trees including the steps of: a. moving a tree grasping means into position surrounding a standing tree adjacent the base thereof; b. closing said tree grasping means around said tree trunk; c. severing said standing tree adjacent said base, allowing said severed tree to fall to a substantially horizontal position on the supporting ground surface; d. engaging the trunk of said felled tree in response to said tree falling to said horizontal position on the supporting ground surface; e. skidding said felled tree to a location remote from the stump portion of said felled tree while continuing said engagement of said tree trunk; f. moving said tree engaging means to an open position allowing said tree trunk to rest on the supporting ground surface; g. moving a first delimbing means into contact with a first portion of said felled tree trunk; h. moving said arm grasping means into contact with additional portions of said felled tree trunk; and i. traversing the trunk of said felled tree while lying on the ground with said first delimbing means and said tree grasping means to remove the limbs located thereon in the path of said delimbing means and said tree grasping means in response to said traversing movement.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method of harvesting trees as described in claim 19 including a further step of: j. driving said first delimbing means at a speed corresponding to the speed of said traversing movement and simultaneously applying a pressure with said first delimbing means to an upper portion of said tree trunk to cause said tree trunk to frictionally engage the ground supporting surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-28 | 1976-11-27 | 1977-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-28 | 1980-11-27 | 1981-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-28 | 1984-11-27 | 1985-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |