Abstract: A harness (10) for a backpack vacuum cleaner (100) includes a back plate (20) mounted to a vacuum cleaner body (102). The back plate (20) includes an intermediate portion (22) and two flexible sections (24) on opposite sides of the intermediate portion (22). A waist strap (90) is fixed to the back plate (20) between the flexible sections (24). The flexible sections (24) are flexible to respectively pivot about two spaced vertical pivot axes (72). Upper ends (82) of two shoulder straps (80) are attached to a mounting plate (50) slideably mounted to the back plate (20), and lower ends (84) of the shoulder straps (80) are attached to the flexible sections (24). Relative positions between the upper and lower ends (82 and 84) of the shoulder straps (80) can be adjusted by moving the mounting plate (50). When a user moves his or her shoulders, the connection points (32) of the flexible sections (24) flex to respectively pivot about the pivot axes (72).

Abstract: A harness (10) for a backpack vacuum cleaner (100) includes a back plate (20) mounted to a vacuum cleaner body (102). The back plate (20) includes an intermediate portion (22) and two flexible sections (24) on opposite sides of the intermediate portion (22). A waist strap (90) is fixed to the back plate (20) between the flexible sections (24). The flexible sections (24) are flexible to respectively pivot about two spaced vertical pivot axes (72). Upper ends (82) of two shoulder straps (80) are attached to a mounting plate (50) slideably mounted to the back plate (20), and lower ends (84) of the shoulder straps (80) are attached to the flexible sections (24). Relative positions between the upper and lower ends (82 and 84) of the shoulder straps (80) can be adjusted by moving the mounting plate (50). When a user moves his or her shoulders, the connection points (32) of the flexible sections (24) flex to respectively pivot about the pivot axes (72).

Abstract: The total force required for feeding a tree through a delimbing machine is provided simultaneously by the combined actions of feed rolls and a longitudinally displaceable beam. The feed rolls are mounted on the frame of the machine and are movable towards and away from the tree trunk that is to be delimbed. The beam has gripping means for inserting the tree between the feed rolls. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the feed rolls is formed in two adjacent sections with one of the sections having projections on the periphery thereof and the other of the sections being provided with a resilient surface in order to minimize damage to the wood.