US4102373A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Semi-automatic logsplitter
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1977-05-12
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Granted: 1978-07-25
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Expires: 1997-05-12
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a device used primarily, but not exclusively for splitting logs. The purpose of the device is to provide a means for splitting wood into a usable dimension by expanding a bellows type membrane using a low pressure medium source under a restrained log forcing it into a set of shearing blades.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Edward Winiasz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:13
CPC Classifications
B; B27; B27L; B27L7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A semi-automatic log-splitting device comprising: a base section; tubular support members having opposite ends, the tubular support members being attachable to the base section; means on the base section defining means to attach the support members of one of their respective ends to the base section in an upwardly depending relationship; a detachable sectional splitting means disposed on the other ends of the tubular support members, the splitting means having a stabilizing point projecting toward the base section, tapered knife blade means depending outwardly from the stabilizing point toward the tubular support members, and means to adjust the splitting means on the tubular support members; deflector means attached to the knife blade means; an axially movable intermediate stabilizing means disposed between the base section and the splitting means, the intermediate stabilizing means having a stabilizing clete for cooperation with a log placed between the intermediate stabilizing means and the splitting means and; means for forcing the intermediate stabilizing means upwardly, whereby the log is split into sections.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A semi-automatic log-splitting device comprising: a base section; tubular support members having opposite ends, the tubular support members being attachable to the base section; means on the base section defining means to attach the support members of one of their respective ends to the base section in an upwardly depending relationship; a detachable sectional splitting means disposed on the other ends of the tubular support members, the splitting means having a stabilizing point projecting toward the base section, tapered knife blade means depending outwardly from the stabilizing point toward the tubular support members, and means to adjust the splitting means on the tubular support members; deflector means attached to the knife blade means; an axially movable intermediate stabilizing means disposed between the base section and the splitting means, the intermediate stabilizing means having a stabilizing clete for cooperation with a log placed between the intermediate stabilizing means and the splitting means and; means for forcing the intermediate stabilizing means upwardly, whereby the log is split into sections.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
81 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising: restraining plate means disposed between the intermediate stabilizing means and the base section; an expandable membrane attached to the plate means and disposed between the plate means, the membrane being of sufficient area to create a large exerted force and defining the means for forcing the intermediate stabilizing means upwardly; and at least one filling port located on the membrane in such a manner as to allow the influx of a relatively noncompressible medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the membrane is comprised of convoluted sections, whereby upon introduction of the noncompressible medium, the membrane undergoes a unidirectional displacement of sufficient magnitude to force the log into the splitting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the means for forcing the intermediate stabilizing means upwardly comprises a self-contained, expandable membrane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the membrane is comprised of convoluted sections.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
131 words
A semi-automatic log-splitting device comprising: a base section; tubular support members having opposite ends, the support members being fixedly attached at their respective ends to the base section and depending upwardly from the base section; a sectional splitting means fixedly attached to the support members at their other ends, the splitting means having a stabilizing point projecting toward the base section and having tapered knife blade means depending outwardly from the stabilizing point toward the support members; deflector means attached to the knife blade means; a movable intermediate stabilizer disposed between the splitting means and the base section, the stabilizer having a stabilizing clete for cooperation with a log placed between the stabilizer and the splitting means; and means for forcing the stabilizer upwardly, whereby the log is split into sections.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
131 words
A semi-automatic log-splitting device comprising: a base section; tubular support members having opposite ends, the support members being fixedly attached at their respective ends to the base section and depending upwardly from the base section; a sectional splitting means fixedly attached to the support members at their other ends, the splitting means having a stabilizing point projecting toward the base section and having tapered knife blade means depending outwardly from the stabilizing point toward the support members; deflector means attached to the knife blade means; a movable intermediate stabilizer disposed between the splitting means and the base section, the stabilizer having a stabilizing clete for cooperation with a log placed between the stabilizer and the splitting means; and means for forcing the stabilizer upwardly, whereby the log is split into sections.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
The device of claim 6, further comprising: restraining plate means disposed between the intermediate stabilizer and the base section; an expandable membrane attached to the plate means and disposed between the restraining plate means, the membrane being of sufficient area to create a large exerted force and defining the means for forcing said intermediate stabilizer upwardly; and at least one filling port located on the membrane in such a manner as to allow the influx of a relatively noncompressible medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 7, wherein the membrane is comprised of convoluted sections, whereby upon introduction of the noncompressible medium, the membrane undergoes a unidirectional displacement of sufficient magnitude to force the log into the splitting means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 6, wherein the means for forcing the intermediate stabilizing means upwardly comprises a self-contained, expandable membrane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 9 wherein the membrane is comprised of convoluted sections.
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) | 1981-07-24 | 1982-01-23 | 1982-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-24 | 1986-01-23 | 1986-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-24 | 1990-01-23 | 1990-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |