Patents by Inventor Wayne J. Smith

Wayne J. Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11944044
    Abstract: A device is mounted to the end of a log so that a skid steer may use the log to engage a tree targeted for felling. The device includes implements configured for engaging the target tree to be felled to give the operator of the device control over the target tree. The device is structured to push the target tree over such that the root ball of the target tree rises up out of the ground as the target tree is felled and/or to allow the operator to make cuts to the target tree before the device is use to push the tree in the desired direction of fell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 11623223
    Abstract: An adapter method and system includes a first side deflector, a second side deflector, and a top deflector coupled to the first side deflector and the second side deflector. The system may further include an internal deflector coupled to the first, second, and top deflectors. A first leg is coupled to the first side deflector and a second leg is coupled to the second side deflector. The legs are adjustable between a first position and a second position. The first, second, and top deflector define an entrance region for channeling wood-based debris into the chute of a woodchipper. Each side deflector may include a coupling mechanism for attaching to a woodchipper. Each coupling mechanism has an aperture. Each leg may telescope within a respective side deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220330497
    Abstract: A device is mounted to the end of a log so that a skid steer may use the log to engage a tree targeted for felling. The device may include any number of implements configured for engaging the target tree to be felled in such a way that the implement will not “slip” up the tree or off the tree, thereby giving the operator of the heavy equipment some level of control over the target tree. In some applications, the operator of the heavy equipment may simply use the device to push the target tree over such that the root ball of the target tree rises up out of the ground as the target tree is felled. In other applications, an operator may make cuts to the target tree before the heavy equipment pushes the tree with the device implement in the desired direction of fell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220097075
    Abstract: An adapter method and system includes a first side deflector, a second side deflector, and a top deflector coupled to the first side deflector and the second side deflector. The system may further include an internal deflector coupled to the first, second, and top deflectors. A first leg is coupled to the first side deflector and a second leg is coupled to the second side deflector. The legs are adjustable between a first position and a second position. The first, second, and top deflector define an entrance region for channeling wood-based debris into the chute of a woodchipper. Each side deflector may include a coupling mechanism for attaching to a woodchipper. Each coupling mechanism has an aperture. Each leg may telescope within a respective side deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 11105064
    Abstract: A swivelable adapter device used with skid steer loaders includes a mounting plate and a swiveling work tool plate for holding, rotating, and positioning skid steer attachments. Rotation about a longitudinal axis of skid steer arms is accomplished using a barrel within a barrel assembly allowing the work tool plate to be positioned from angles between horizontal and vertical. A mounting plate is attached to skid steer arms and is rigidly affixed to an inner barrel. An outer barrel with a notch plate and a work tool plate slides over a greased inner barrel. Swivel operation of the work tool plate is accomplished by hand, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems. Once positioned, the work tool plate is locked to a notch plate using a locking mechanism, such as a locking pin or locking latch. The device is reinforced with metal plates to handle torsion forces created by heavy loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 10648158
    Abstract: This cage routes and contains flexible lines cleanly, and secures them in a manner such that the flexible lines will not snag on loader treads, or other obstacles. The cage is formed by distinct placement of straight pins and angle pins in a flat bed. The support holder may be used independently, or in sets, to contain ??, ½?, and ¾? flexible line. Placement is accomplished by an operator placing the line past and over pins and then bending over a final angle pin to finally contain the line within the cage. The line remains contained until an operator extracts the line, when the process is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200087885
    Abstract: A swivelable adapter device used with skid steer loaders includes a mounting plate and a swiveling work tool plate for holding, rotating, and positioning skid steer attachments. Rotation about a longitudinal axis of skid steer arms is accomplished using a barrel within a barrel assembly allowing the work tool plate to be positioned from angles between horizontal and vertical. A mounting plate is attached to skid steer arms and is rigidly affixed to an inner barrel. An outer barrel with a notch plate and a work tool plate slides over a greased inner barrel. Swivel operation of the work tool plate is accomplished by hand, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems. Once positioned, the work tool plate is locked to a notch plate using a locking mechanism, such as a locking pin or locking latch. The device is reinforced with metal plates to handle torsion forces created by heavy loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 10561076
    Abstract: A grapple mounted rope controller and rope anchor rigging device includes a cylindrical barrel friction surface mounted to a jaw of a grapple to control a rope used in an arborist's rigging procedure. A rope attached to a load is wrapped around the rope controller to control the raising and lowering of loads. The device also includes a cylindrical barrel friction surface mounted to a fork of a grapple that has a cleat permanently affixed to hold fast a load-bearing rope for a time. The rigging tool utilizes the mobility and mass of a skid steer to provide a flexible location for rigging and a fixed mass with which to support rigging of heavy objects such as tree limbs, trunks and other weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 10480152
    Abstract: A swivelable adapter device for use with skid steer loaders consists of a mounting plate and a swiveling work tool plate for holding, rotating, and positioning various skid steer attachments. Rotation about a longitudinal axis of skid steer arms is accomplished using a barrel within a barrel assembly allowing work tool plate to be positioned from angles between horizontal and vertical. A mounting plate is attached to skid steer arms and is rigidly affixed to an inner barrel. An outer barrel with a notch plate and a work tool plate slides over a greased inner barrel. Swivel operation of the work tool plate is accomplished by hand eliminating the need for hydraulic systems. Once positioned, the work tool plate is locked to a notch plate using a locking latch. The swivelable adapter device is reinforced with metal plates to handle torsion forces created by heavy loads such as trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7891390
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base; (b) a frame mounted on the base; (c) a mechanism for pushing the frame against the tree to fell the tree; and (d) a mechanism for connecting the base of the tree pusher to the tree, so that the base will not move while the tree is being pushed over to fell the tree. The frame includes a detachable pronged head which engages the trunk of the tree, and which disengages itself from the frame of the tree pusher and remains with the trunk of the tree as the tree falls. The frame includes a series of tubes connected end-to-end by locking pins, making it very easy to assemble and disassemble the tree pusher. If a tree has accidentally fallen against a house, a building, or an electrical power line, two tree pushers are positioned on opposite sides of the fallen tree and used to lift the fallen tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7708037
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base; (b) a frame mounted on the base; (c) a mechanism for pushing the frame against the tree to fell the tree; and (d) a mechanism for connecting the base of the tree pusher to the tree, so that the base will not move while the tree is being pushed over to fell the tree. The frame includes a detachable pronged head which engages the trunk of the tree, and which disengages itself from the frame of the tree pusher and remains with the trunk of the tree as the tree falls. The frame includes a series of tubes connected end-to-end by locking pins, making it very easy to assemble and disassemble the tree pusher. If a tree has accidentally fallen against a house, a building, or an electrical power line, two tree pushers are positioned on opposite sides of the fallen tree and used to lift the fallen tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6968878
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base, (b) a frame, and (c) a detachable pronged head for gripping the tree while the tree is being felled. As the tree falls, the head remains attached to the tree, and detaches itself from the frame of the tree pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040103957
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base, (b) a frame, and (c) a detachable pronged head for gripping the tree while the tree is being felled. As the tree falls, the head remains attached to the tree, and detaches itself from the frame of the tree pusher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6604562
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling trees. The tree pusher controls and determines the direction in which the tree falls, using a base, a frame, a detachable head which engages the tree trunk, and an extendable screw-type trailer jack that is repairable/replaceable during operation and capable of bearing the weight of a large tree, for urging the frame and the head against the trunk of the tree. For use on uneven ground, the tree pusher is provided with a base extension. A chain is used to connect the base of the tree pusher to the trunk of the tree, to prevent movement of the base when the jack is activated. The tree pusher can be readily moved to the job site, and can be used on any type of terrain, including hard surfaces, and for any type of tree, including trees with rotten wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith