US3911981A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tree harvesting apparatus
Assignee: Case LLC
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Filing: 1974-10-29
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Granted: 1975-10-14
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Expires: 1994-10-29
Abstract
Abstract A tree accumulator mechanism for collecting a plurality of trees on a rigid support forming part of a tree harvesting apparatus is disclosed herein. The accumulator means consists of a compound linkage that is interposed between the rigid support and a movable arm that forms part of the tree grapple means for supporting a tree while it is being severed by tree cutting means. The linkage is arranged so that one link defines an arm for accumulating a plurality of trees relative to fixed tree engaging elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank J Tucek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:49
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G23/00; A01G23/02; A01G23/08; A01G23/081
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
233 words
Tree harvesting apparatus for use at the end of a boom movably supported on a vehicle comprising elongated rigid support means, grapple means pivotally supported on said support means for grasping and securely holding a standing tree, said grapple means including at least one arm pivoted about a fixed pivot on said support means, tree cutting means adjacent one end of said support means for severing a tree while being grasped by said grapple means, and tree accumulator means for accumulating a plurality of trees on said support means, the improvement of said tree accumulator means including a fixed tree engaging element on said support means, compound linkage means consisting of first and second pivotally interconnected links, said first link having one end pivoted on said rigid support means, said second link having one end pivoted on said at least one arm at a location spaced from said fixed pivot, a third link pivoted on one of said first and second links, and biasing means between said third link and said one of said first and second links, said biasing means normally maintaining said third link in a first position relative to said one of said first and second links and pivotal movement of said at least one arm will change the position of said links and move said third link between open and clamped positions relative to said fixed tree engaging element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
233 words
Tree harvesting apparatus for use at the end of a boom movably supported on a vehicle comprising elongated rigid support means, grapple means pivotally supported on said support means for grasping and securely holding a standing tree, said grapple means including at least one arm pivoted about a fixed pivot on said support means, tree cutting means adjacent one end of said support means for severing a tree while being grasped by said grapple means, and tree accumulator means for accumulating a plurality of trees on said support means, the improvement of said tree accumulator means including a fixed tree engaging element on said support means, compound linkage means consisting of first and second pivotally interconnected links, said first link having one end pivoted on said rigid support means, said second link having one end pivoted on said at least one arm at a location spaced from said fixed pivot, a third link pivoted on one of said first and second links, and biasing means between said third link and said one of said first and second links, said biasing means normally maintaining said third link in a first position relative to said one of said first and second links and pivotal movement of said at least one arm will change the position of said links and move said third link between open and clamped positions relative to said fixed tree engaging element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
Tree harvesting apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said rigid support means has a second tree engaging member fixed thereto and spaced from said fixed tree engaging element and in which said compound linkage is located between said tree engaging element and said tree engaging member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
Tree harvesting apparatus as defined in claim 2, in which said at least one arm is located between said tree engaging element and said tree engaging member and said grapple means includes a second arm pivoted on said support adjacent said tree engaging element with said first and second arms defining opposed jaws for gripping a tree.
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) | 1978-10-13 | 1979-04-14 | 1979-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-13 | 1983-04-14 | 1983-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-13 | 1987-04-14 | 1987-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |