GB2537626A

GB2537626A - A splitter device

Info

Publication number: GB2537626A
Application number: GB1506700.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Mathieson Hilder Callum
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-21
Filing date: 2015-04-21
Publication date: 2016-10-26
Also published as: GB201506700D0

Abstract

A splitter 1 has an orifice in which blades 3 are provided to split objects passing through it. The splitter includes support elements 2. The support elements may be four telescopic or folding legs 2. There may be four blade portions joining at right angles in the orifices centre. The blades thin cutting edges may face up away from the legs in use.

Description

A SPLITTER DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a splitter device, in particular a device for use when splitting material; more particularly but not exclusively a device for using to split logs or the like without a separate blade.

Background

Increasing environmental concerns and interest in self-sufficiency has led many users to consider other forms of heating fuels.

In particular wood is particularly attractive as a renewable and relatively clean 15 heating fuel.

It may be possible in many areas to find woods and particularly logs for sale or use, but frequently these may be cut too large, uncut, or otherwise inappropriate.

In such cases a user is compelled to split the logs further. Splitting typically involves an axe and a surface, where the log is placed on the surface and struck with the axe. The axe must be correctly used, sharpened and maintained, the log struck correctly and the surface appropriate in height and robustness. After each split, typically the split logs must be removed from the surface to enable the next split; which can be time consuming. In addition axes can be dangerous and cumbersome to use.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve 30 the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 4 371 020 (BARNES et al) discloses a method of splitting a log into longitudinal grain wood strands comprising the steps of, radially splitting the log substantially along the grain of the log into a plurality of sector shaped segments, said radial splitting including pushing the log axially through at least one sector splitter ring, parallel splitting each of the sector shaped segments along the grain of the segments into a plurality of substantially parallel slabs, said parallel splitting including pushing each of the segments through a plurality of spaced apart splitting blades, and further splitting each of the parallel slabs substantially along the grain of the slabs, said further splitting including feeding each of the parallel slabs through two rows of intermeshing counter rotating parallel discs, pulling each of the slabs between the rows of discs and simultaneously splitting each of the slabs into a plurality of discrete longitudinal-grain strands whose surfaces generally follow the grain in the wood throughout their length.

United States patent application US 4 362 194 (LAWSON) discloses a manually mobile firewood log splitter adapted to be displaced from one use location to another by means of a caster mounted rigid supporting frame structure comprised of at least two interconnected horizontally and vertically disposed members provided with a rearwardly projecting set of horizontally spaced handles, said manually mobile firewood log splitter comprising in combination: (a). a slidable hammer splitter assembly having an interchangeable splitting blade connectably assembled at the lower vertical end of a splitting blade support shaft member provided with an integral vertical displacement guide means therefor, said member and said guide means being vertically moveable perpendicularly through a shaped keyway opening within a structural platform member horizontally disposed in transversely connected assembly between two of said interconnected horizontally disposed members of said rigid supporting frame, (b). a slidable hammer impact anvil interchangeably connected to said splitting blade support shaft member by insertable engagement of an upper vertical end of said support shaft within a first axially aligned opening provided in the lower side of said slidable hammer impact anvil and secured therein by insertion of a retaining pin through a communicating set of aligned sidewall openings therefor provided respectively within said slidable hammer impact anvil and said upper vertical end of said splitting blade support shaft member whereby said support shaft communicates vertically downwardly from said anvil through said structural platform member shaped keyway opening to said interchangeable splitting blade, and (c). a slidable impact hammer with an opening therethrough adapted for vertically displaced movement thereof upon a slidable hammer guide shaft connectably assembled at the lower vertical end thereof within a second axially aligned opening provided in the upper side of said slidable hammer impact anvil and upwardly projecting therefrom.

Granted United States patent US 7 640 955 (TISCHER) discloses a portable log splitter comprising: an inner non-moveable elongated hollow rigid frame member; an outer hollow elongated moveable rigid frame member having a pair of opposed ends and at least partially surrounding the inner frame member, the outer frame member being axially moveable along the inner frame member; wood splitting means secured to the outer frame member at a point spaced from the opposed ends thereof, and drive means mounted for axial movement positioned within the inner frame member, the drive means being fixedly secured to the outer rigid frame for effecting axial movement of the outer frame member relative to the inner frame member whereby movement of the wood splitting means is effected to permit the wood splitting means to engage at least the outer circumference of a log to be split when a log is placed between a substrate and the wood splitting means.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a splitting device comprising: a body comprising a lacuna comprising at least one blade, in which the at least one blade is arranged to split objects received within the lacuna; and an elevation means arranged to the body.

In some embodiments the lacuna is centrally situated on the body, wherein the body is configured thereby to allow through-passage of objects, in a substantially vertical plane, such through-passage so as to allow objects such as logs to pass through the lacuna interacting with the blade.

In this way the objects are envisaged to pass through the lacuna and past the blade or blades, wherein the blade may be subdivided into more than one section.

Advantageously the logs may be driven through with a hammer or mallet or other 30 weight, and split into four separate logs.

The lacuna may be wholly or partially surrounded by the body, so as to provide a closed or open lacuna.

In some embodiments such blade may be subdivided into sections, such sections arranged so as to allow elongate objects to be subdivided into a smaller plurality of elongate lengths.

For example in some embodiments the blade and sections are arranged so as to cut vertically, having a cutting edge facing upwards in use.

The elevation means may comprise at least one leg, and preferably a plurality of legs, which legs are arranged in use to support the body in an elevated state.

In some embodiments the legs are arranged around the lacuna, so as to provide support for the blade against downward pressure.

Such downward pressure is liable to occur because of an object being pushed or 15 driven through the lacuna. In this way the elevation means may provide means of elevating the body that is stable against pressure in a plurality of directions and along a plurality of axes.

In some embodiments the elevation means may splay, wherein the elevation means comprises a wider footprint than the lacuna and/or body. Advantageously such splaying may prevent toppling in use. In this way pressure along horizontal axes may be accommodated. In addition or the alternative the elevation means may advantageously allow space for split objects below the lacuna so as to allow for sequential splitting of multiple objects. Such space may be appropriately large to receive a wheelbarrow or similar.

Ideally the elevation means is not arranged in use so as to encroach significantly on space below the lacuna or prevent movement of objects out of the space, in order that repeated splitting is not liable to jam the space and prevent subsequent entrance 30 of logs into the space from the lacuna.

In some embodiments the legs may be minimised for transport or storage. In such embodiments the legs may be telescopic or folding, so as to minimise into or under the body.

The blade may be displaceable from the lacuna so as to allow cleaning, sharpening or replacement.

Advantageously in order to ensure effective splitting of objects the blade may be 5 tensioned. The tension of the blade may be adjustable so as to accommodate flexure in the blade as appropriate, and/or so as to allow for tightening of the blade where the blade may be envisaged to loosen over time.

The blade typically comprises a substantially rigid blade of triangular section having a 10 thinner smooth cutting edge and thicker base, which base is facing downwards in use.

The body may comprise a substantially rigid robust and weatherproof part, forming a structure with the lacuna centrally, enabling the blade to be supported in spanning 15 the lacuna.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a sketch of a first embodiment of the device in use; Figure 2 shows a sketch of an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figures 3 show a sketch of a third embodiment of the device according to the present 25 invention, being folded for storage or transport; Figure 4a shows a sketch of an isometric view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1, with elevation means minimised; Figure 4b shows a sketch of a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1, with elevation means minimised; Figure 5 shows a sketch of a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1, with elevation means partly minimised; Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the second embodiment as shown in the sketch of Figure 2 with elevation means minimised; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a plan view from above of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 6; Figures 9a and 9b show side views of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 6; And Figure 9c shows a plan view from below of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 6.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures in all pictured embodiments the elevation means 2 comprises legs, wherein in the first embodiment the legs comprise two folding legs, in 20 the second embodiment the legs comprise four telescopic legs and in the third embodiment the legs comprise two legs having a central pivot 69.

The body 1 comprises a centrally situated lacuna 3, which lacuna provides four blade supports set out in a cross, which supports comprise horizontal braces 27, having perforations 17 for receipt of a displaceable pin 16, which pin passes through the blade 303. The body further comprises vertical braces 26, situated in use below the horizontal braces and the blade.

The blade comprises four orthogonal sections in an equal sided cross. Each section 30 has a pointed cutting or upper edge 28 and an enlarged flat lower or basal edge 21.

The body comprises a moulded thermoplastics whole, such as polyethylene, having sides 31 and a top 30. In the first embodiment the top has a curvature to aid in maintenance of the top clear of objects in use and add to rigidity. In all pictured embodiments the sides are curved to aid in strength. In the second embodiment the top and sides join at reinforced corners 29, which corners provide holes for pins 15, said pins passing through innermost leg sections 12 and the corners, so as to allow pivoting therein. The legs comprise three telescoping sections 10,11,12, wherein the outermost sections are the largest in cross section and comprise feet 22 provided as separate sections held in place in use by a pin 13. Said feet are angled so as to accommodate splay of the legs in use. In some further embodiments the feet include an articulated joint with the outermost leg section. The feet are provided with rubber pads and are textured for friction and acceptance of variable under surfaces.

The legs are composed of a rectangular cross section, so as to provide greater 10 rigidity. The sections are provided with holes 14 for pins (not shown). The pins comprise cross members at ends so as to allow the end to be pulled from the holes.

The legs are formed of tubular steel, coated or painted in a rust resistant material.

With reference to the first embodiment the legs comprise uprights 33 leading from radiused ends 32 (which ends are joined by a hinge barrel 25 pivoting on sleeves 24 on the body) to feet 22; wherein adjacent the feet a crossbar 34 maintains the feet spaced apart a set distance. The hinge sleeve is supported by braces 23 adjacent either of the ends. The legs fold out to a final point where prevented from further movement by a stop 37.

As shown in Figure 5 the first embodiment folds together, wherein the two legs fold down into the body, by movements A then B. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A splitting device comprising: a body comprising a lacuna comprising at least one blade, in which the at least one blade is arranged to split objects received within the lacuna; and an elevation means arranged to the body.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the blade(s) is divided into four sections, extending orthogonally from a centre.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the blade(s) has thinner leading edge facing upwards in use.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the blade(s) is displaceable.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the elevation means comprises a plurality of elongate legs.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the legs are minimised for transport or storage. 20 7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the legs fold.8. A device according to claim 6 wherein the legs telescope.9. A splitting device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A splitting device comprising: a body comprising a lacuna comprising at least one blade, in which the at least one blade is arranged to split objects received within the lacuna; and an elevation means arranged to the body; the elevation means comprises a plurality of folding legs joined to the body by pivots, the legs fold into or under the body to minimize for transport and open out from the body to a splayed position with a wider foot print than the body.2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the elevation means comprises two folding legs; the legs comprising uprights leading from feet to ends of the legs joined to opposite ends of the body.3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the ends of the legs which are joined to the body are joined by a hinge barrel pivoting on sleeves on the body.4. A device according to claim 3 wherein adjacent the feet of the legs, a cross bar maintains the feet spaced apart a set distance.5. A device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the sleeves are supported by in braces adjacent either of the ends.6. A device according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the two folding legs fold into the body one after the other.
7. A device according to claim 2 wherein each of the two legs comprise a first leg and a second leg joined by a central pivot.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein both first legs comprise an upright leading from a foot to an end of the first leg joined to the same end of the body.
9. A device according to claim 8 wherein both second legs comprise an upright leading from a foot to an end of the second leg to be received in the opposite end of the body to which the first leg is joined so as to splay legs.
10. A device according to claim 1 wherein the elevation means comprises four telescopic legs joined to four corners of the body by the pivot in which the legs fold and collapse into the body where their feet are in the lacuna and open and extend out of the body to the splayed position.
11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the body provides four blade supports for the blade to support four orthogonal blade sections forming an equal sided cross turned extending orthogonally from the centre of the lacuna so that each blade section is intermediate two of the feet when the legs are folded and collapsed.
12. A device according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the body comprises a top and sides which join at reinforced corners, which corners provide holes for pins passing through the legs and the corners so as to allow pivoting therein.
13. A device accordinc claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the feet are held to the legs by a pin.
14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the blade(s) has 'inner leading edge facing upwards in use.O
15. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the bladets displaceable from the body for cleaning, sharpening, and replacement.
16. A splitting device tantiaily as described herein with reference to the figures.