Power driven log splitter

Claim 2

A power-operated log splitter comprising, in combination: (a) a stationary splitting wedge having a vertically disposed cutting edge; (b) frame means including a pair of U-shaped channel members fixedly positioned in spaced relation with the free edges of the two members being parallel and facing one another in substantially horizontal planes, whereby a log may be longitudinally supported upon the opposing free edges on the upper side of said two members; (c) means fixedly securing said wedge to said frame means; (d) a linearly reciprocating ram element having integrally formed upper and lower portions separated by notches extending into each side of said element along the entire length thereof; (e) said channel members on the upper side of said two members extending into said notches to attach said ram element to said frame means for sliding movement along said channel members; (f) the upper sides of each of said channel members including adjacent cut-out areas having a combined length and width at least as great as the length and width of said lower portion of said ram element, whereby said ram element may be disconnected from said rod and removed from attachment with said frame means by removal of said lower portion through said cut-out areas; (g) drive means including a hydraulic cylinder having an operating rod and power means providing hydraulic power for reciprocating movement of said cylinder; and (h) means releasably connecting said ram element to the end of said operating rod.

Claim 3

The invention according to claim 1 wherein said means fixedly securing said wedge to said frame means include a plate secured to said upper sides of said channel members by threaded connecting means.

Claim 4

A power-operated log splitter comprising, in combination: (a) a stationary splitting wedge having a vertically disposed cutting edge; (b) frame means including a pair of U-shaped channel members fixedly positioned in spaced relation with the free edges of the two members being parallel and facing one another in substantially horizontal planes, whereby a log may be longitudinally supported upon the opposiing free edges on the upper side of said two members; (c) a linearly reciprocating ram element having integrally formed upper and lower portions separated by notches extending into each side of said element along the entire length thereof; (d) said channel members on the upper side of said two members extending into said notches to attach said ram element to said frame means for sliding movement along said channel members; (e) drive means including a hydraulic cylinder having an operating rod and power means providing hydraulic power for reciprocating movement of said cylinder; (f) means releasably connecting said ram element to the end of said operating rod; (g) upper sides of each of said channel members include adjacent cut-out areas having a combined length and width at least as great as the length and width of said lower portion of said ram element, whereby said ram element may be disconnected from said rod and removed from attachment with said frame means by removal of said lower portion through said cut-out areas; and (h) means fixedly securing said wedge to said frame means including a plate secured to said upper sides of each of said channel members by threaded connecting means in covering relation to said cut-out areas, whereby said ram element may be removed from attachment with said frame means only upon removal of said plate.

Claim 5

A power-operated log splitter comprising, in combination: (a) a stationary splitting wedge having a vertically disposed cutting edge; (b) frame means including a pair of U-shaped channel members fixedly positioned in spaced relation with the free edges of the two members being parallel and facing one another in substantially horizontal planes, whereby a log may be longitudinally supported upon the opposiing free edges on the upper side of said two members; (c) a linearly reciprocating ram element having integrally formed upper and lower portions separated by notches extending into each side of said element along the entire length thereof; (d) said channel members on the upper side of said two members extending into said notches to attach said ram element to said frame means for sliding movement along said channel members; (e) drive means including a hydraulic cylinder having an operating rod and power means providing hydraulic power for reciprocating movement of said cylinder; (f) means releasably connecting said ram element to the end of said operating rod; (g) upper sides of each of said channel members include adjacent cut-out areas having a combined length and width at least as great as the length and width of said lower portion of said ram element, whereby said ram element may be disconnected from said rod and removed from attachment with said frame means by removal of said lower portion through said cut-out areas; and (h) means fixedly securing said wedge to said frame means including a plate secured to said upper sides of each of said channel members by threaded connecting means in covering relation to said cut-out areas, whereby said ram element may be removed from attachment with said frame means only upon removal of said plate.

Claim 6

The invention according to claim 3 and further including a valve element positionable to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to said cylinder, and a manually engageable handle connected to said valve element for positioning the same, said handle being spring biased for movement from the position wherein fluid to said cylinder causes movement of said ram element toward said wedge to the neutral position wherein said ram element is stationary.

Claim 7

The invention according to claim 4 wherein said handle and ram element include cooperative structure for movement of said handle from the position wherein fluid to said cylinder causes movement of said ram element away from said wedge to said neutral position in response to movement of said ram element to the fully retracted position.

Claim 8

The invention according to claim 5 wherein said power means comprises a gasoline engine and further including means for moving the throttle of said engine to an idle position in response to movement of said ram element to its fully retracted position, and for moving said throttle to a fully open position in response to movement of said ram element away from said fully retracted position.