APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING AND INSTALLING A SLASHER TOOTH IN A SAW BLADE
An apparatus, system, and method for withdrawing slasher teeth from a slasher saw are provided. The apparatus has a handle, and a forked portion is connected to one end of the handle. A gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion. A floating shank positioner is positioned at least partially within the gap. At least one common hole is formed through the two prongs of the forked portion. When the slasher tooth is connected to the at least one common hole, pivoting of the handle removes the slasher tooth from the pocket of the saw.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/347,140 filed Jun. 14, 2021 entitled “Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods for Removing and Installing a Slasher Tooth in a Saw Blade”, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/039,687 filed Jun. 16, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/050,966 filed Jul. 13, 2020, both of which entitled, “Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods for Removing and Installing a Slasher Tooth in a Saw Blade,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure is generally related to tools and more particularly is related to apparatuses, systems, and methods for removing and installing a slasher tooth in a saw blade.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURELarge, circular saws are often used to transform raw logs into smaller pieces of wood, such that those smaller pieces of wood can be used to make various wood products, such as lumber, posts, or the like. One type of circular saw is referred to as a ‘slasher saw’ which has a saw body having a plurality of grooved pockets which are sized for the tooth shank positioned around the circumference or center hole of the saw body. A saw body has pockets against the circumference, where the removable slasher tooth is insertable into each of the pockets and held in place with a rivet positioned to engage the shank of the slasher tooth and the saw body. An exterior edge of the slasher tooth has a cutting edge, and as the saw is operated, the cutting edges become dull or broken and are in need of replacing. Replacement involves removing the rivet, then removing the entire slasher tooth, installing a new slasher tooth, and a new rivet.
This process for removing slasher teeth is very time consuming, often taking many hours to replace the teeth on just one blade. The process is also cumbersome and inaccurate. Hammers or similar tools are usually needed to force the materials to the desired position. This can cause damage to other parts of the saw and naturally, cause frustration and injury in the installer. It can also be a fire hazard if a user is required to use a torch or similar implement to aid in removal of the rivet 18A or 18B.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREEmbodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, system, and method for withdrawing slasher teeth from a saw. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The apparatus has a handle, and a forked portion is connected to one end of the handle. A gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion. A floating shank positioner is positioned at least partially within the gap. At least one common hole is formed through the two prongs of the forked portion. When the slasher tooth is connected to the at least one common hole, pivoting of the handle removes the slasher tooth from the pocket of the saw.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a system for withdrawing slasher teeth from a slasher saw body. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. A system for withdrawing a slasher tooth from a pocket of a slasher saw includes a slasher saw having a saw body with at least one slasher tooth positioned within at least one saw body pocket of the slasher saw. An apparatus for withdrawing the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket of the slasher saw has a handle, and a forked portion connected to one end of the handle. A gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion. A floating shank positioner is positioned at least partially within the gap. At least one common hole is formed through the two prongs of the forked portion. At least one pin is connectable between the slasher tooth and the prongs of the forked portion. When the slasher tooth is connected to the prongs, pivoting of the handle removes the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of withdrawing slasher teeth from a saw. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: providing a slasher saw having a saw body with at least one slasher tooth positioned within at least one saw body pocket of the slasher saw; providing an apparatus for withdrawing the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket of the slasher saw, the apparatus having: a handle, a forked portion connected to one end of the handle, wherein a gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion, a floating shank positioner positioned at least partially within the gap, and at least one common hole formed through the two prongs of the forked portion; connecting at least one pin between the slasher tooth and the prongs of the forked portion; and pivoting of the handle relative to the slasher saw, thereby removing the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
To overcome the deficiencies identified relative to
With reference to
Additionally, the apparatus 100 also includes one or more contact spacers 118, and preferably at least two contact spacers 118 positioned on each of the first and second body 110, 120 in a position proximate to the saw body 10 when the apparatus 100 is in use. The contact spacers 118 may contact the saw body 10 and eliminate twisting of the apparatus 100 when the compressive force is applied to the rivet. The contact spacers 118 may be positioned substantially opposite one another, such that when the force is applied to the rivet, the contact spacer 118 on the first body 110 substantially matches the location of the contact spacer 118 on the second body 120. Additionally contact spacers 118 may also be used, such as in a location near the fastener 112 or between the fastener 112 and the terminating end of the apparatus 100. The shape of the contact spacer 118 may be substantially cylindrical, as shown in some figures, or cuboid, as shown in other figures. Any number, location, or shape of the contact spacers 118 is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.
As best shown in
The rotatable cylinder 140 is a structure which is movable within each of the first and second bodies 110, 120, respectively, in order to correctly position the engagement devices 150 relative to the position of the rivet 18. Each of the rotatable cylinders 140 may extend beyond the rear face of the bodies 110, 120, respectively, to allow the user to grasp the outer portion of the cylinder 140 and rotate it relative to the bodies 110, 120. Labels or other identifiers may be positioned on the outer surfaces of the cylinders 140 to allow the user to gauge the position of the engagement devices 150 contained therein, such as shown in
Generally, there may be two positions for the cylinder 140: a rivet removal position and a rivet insertion position. These two positions correspond to an alignment of the engagement devices 150 with the rivet 18. For example, as shown in
In use, the user may move the engagement devices 150 with an appropriate tool, such as a ratchet driver or torque wrench which is connectable to one of the engagement devices 150 at a time and can cause the engagement device 150 to rotate within the cylinder 140. A threaded interface between the engagement device 150 and the cylinder 140 may allow for translational movement of the engagement device 150, thereby causing it to move into or retract from the space 102 between the bodies 110, 120. While one cylinder 140 on one body 110 may carry the driver and anvil engagement devices, the opposing cylinder 140 on the other body 120 (
To use the apparatus 100 to remove a rivet 18, the user may release the fastener 112 to allow for enlargement of the space 102 between the first and second bodies 110, 120. The user may then position the apparatus 100 on the tooth 12, such that the locator pins 130 are positioned within the aperture of the tooth 12 and against the edge of the tooth 12 (shown in
For installation of the rivet 18, the user places a new rivet 18 within the rivet hole between the new tooth 12 and the saw body 10. The user then places the apparatus 100 about the tooth 12 in the correct alignment with the locator pins 130. The desired position of the cylinder 140 is selected by rotating the cylinder 140 to align the anvils with the rivet 18. The first body 110 is then tightened to the second body 120 with the fastener 112. The user then uses a wrench or similar tool to tighten one or both of the anvils against the rivet 18, which acts to enlarge or flare the exposed head of the rivet 18, thereby retaining it in place between the tooth 12 and the saw body 10.
Other features of the invention of this disclosure may be apparent to one having skill in the art by viewing
Unlike the apparatus 100 of
Additionally, whereas the apparatus 100 includes a rotatable cylinder 140, the apparatus 200 does not have a rotatable cylinder because a user can switch between compression and extraction positions of the rivet simply by rotating the device about the saw blade 10. As such, the apparatus 200 can utilize one or more engagement devices 250 which can be used to compress or extract a rivet, similar to as described relative to
When the user desires to reinsert a new rivet, he or she can remove the fastener 212 and flip the apparatus 200 180°, such that an engagement device 250 can be aligned with the rivet to compress and deform it into a stationary position between the saw blade and the tooth. Thus, when the apparatus 200 is positioned on the saw blade, one path of the engagement device is in line with a knockout screw to remove a rivet, and when the apparatus 200 is flipped, another engagement device 250 is in line with the rivet for compression. The apparatus 200 may also include any of the other features discussed relative to
The operation of the apparatus 200 is next described relative to
Holding apparatus 200 in left hand-position, swivel hook side on the right. With the right hand, open the apparatus 200 such that the Common Pin (#1) should be located on left hand side. Insert Common Pin #1 into Common Hole of saw tooth shank to be removed. At the same time, position Spring Activated Tooth Pin #2 beneath carbide-and confirm Knock Out pin #6 is aligned with rivet. Holding the apparatus 200 now against side of blade, close clam shell and swing Locking Hook #3 into position to enable a clamp function. Confirm Compression Screws #5 are not in contact yet with Tooth saw shoulder when tightening Locking Bolt #4. Insert ⅜″ Allen wrench socket attached to the ½″ Drive Ratchet and tighten the Locking Bolt #4. Then insert ⅜″ Allen wrench into rivet Compression screws #5, one at a time, and snug each against tooth. The saw shoulder should act as another clamp, which prevents twisting of the apparatus 200 when forces are applied to the knockout screw into rivet. Insert ⅜″ Allen wrench into rivet Knockout Pin screw #6 and begin to screw in hex head screw forcing pin to push out the rivet. When that is completed, unscrew Knock Out screw #6 enough to position for next tooth removal with no contact at beginning again. Then unscrew Locking Bolt #4 enough to swing Locking Hook #3 and open the apparatus 200. Proceed to start position for next tooth to be removed. The rivet compression screws should be checked, backed off and snug in again, to clamp and to prevent twisting of the apparatus 200 on next tooth to be removed.
Instructions for Installing New TeethInsert a new Kodiak style tooth in pocket with rivet hole halves matched to now have the needed ¼″ circular hole without contact-breaking the carbide. Insert new rivet with the pre flared head (on the same side as the apparatus 200's shank Common Pin) into the rivet hole. Open the apparatus 200, place Common Pin #1 into Common hole of saw tooth shank to be removed. At same time, position Spring Tooth Pin #2 beneath the carbide tip, close the clam shell and swing Locking Hook #3 into position to enable a clamp function. Insert ⅜″ Allen into Locking Bolt # 4 and tighten. Confirm the apparatus 200 did not move and Spring Tooth Pin #2 is beneath and against the tooth shank. Then snug rivet Compression screw #5 on flared head of rivet with ⅜″ Allen wrench. Then on other side (Barrel side), insert ⅜″ Allen wrench into rivet Compression screw #5 and tighten to about 50 pounds of torque. This will cause the rivet to mushroom out to about ⅜″. With rivet now flared out enough, unscrew compression screws to neutral position for next rivet to be flared. Insert ⅜″ Allen into Locking Bolt #4 and unscrew ¼ turn to release Locking Hook #3 open the apparatus 200.
While
It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for withdrawing a slasher tooth from a pocket of a saw, the apparatus comprising:
- a handle;
- a forked portion connected to one end of the handle, wherein a gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion;
- a floating shank positioner positioned at least partially within the gap; and
- at least one common hole formed through the two prongs of the forked portion, wherein when the slasher tooth is connected to the at least one common hole, pivoting of the handle removes the slasher tooth from the pocket of the saw.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the floating shank positioner is pivotally connected to the forked portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a threaded adjustment device connected to the floating shank positioner, wherein the threaded adjustment device provides a height adjustment of the floating shank positioner relative to a cavity of the saw.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the floating shank positioner further comprises a thumb screw.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein an end of the threaded adjustment device contacts an outer, radial edge of the saw.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one common hole is formed through the forked portion in a location near a terminating end of the forked portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one pin which is insertable through the at least one common hole and an aperture in the slasher tooth, wherein the at least one pin removably connects the slasher tooth to the at least one common hole.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one pin is removably positioned within an aperture at a distal end of the slasher tooth.
9. A system for withdrawing a slasher tooth from a pocket of a slasher saw, the system comprising:
- a slasher saw having a saw body with at least one slasher tooth positioned within at least one saw body pocket of the slasher saw;
- an apparatus for withdrawing the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket of the slasher saw, the apparatus having: a handle; a forked portion connected to one end of the handle, wherein a gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion; a floating shank positioner positioned at least partially within the gap; and at least one common hole formed through the two prongs of the forked portion; and
- at least one pin connectable between the slasher tooth and the prongs of the forked portion through the at least one common hole, wherein when the slasher tooth is connected to the prongs, pivoting of the handle removes the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the floating shank positioner is pivotally connected to the forked portion.
11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a threaded adjustment device connected to the floating shank positioner, wherein the threaded adjustment device provides a height adjustment of the floating shank positioner relative to a cavity of the saw body.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the floating shank positioner further comprises a thumb screw.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein an end of the threaded adjustment device contacts an outer, radial edge of the saw body.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one common hole is formed through the forked portion in a location near a terminating end of the forked portion.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one pin which is insertable through the at least one common hole and an aperture in the slasher tooth, wherein the at least one pin removably connects the slasher tooth to the at least one common hole.
16. A method of withdrawing a slasher tooth from a pocket of a slasher saw, the system comprising:
- providing a slasher saw having a saw body with at least one slasher tooth positioned within at least one saw body pocket of the slasher saw;
- providing an apparatus for withdrawing the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket of the slasher saw, the apparatus having: a handle; a forked portion connected to one end of the handle, wherein a gap is formed between two prongs of the forked portion; a floating shank positioner positioned at least partially within the gap; and at least one common hole formed through the two prongs of the forked portion;
- connecting at least one pin between the slasher tooth and the prongs of the forked portion; and
- pivoting of the handle relative to the slasher saw, thereby removing the slasher tooth from the saw body pocket.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising pivotally connecting the floating shank positioner to the forked portion.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of adjusting a height of the floating shank positioner relative to a cavity of the saw body with a threaded adjustment device connected to the floating shank positioner.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising contacting an end of the threaded adjustment device to an outer, radial edge of the saw body.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein connecting the at least one pin between the slasher tooth and the prongs of the forked portion comprises positioning the at least one pin in at least one common hole formed through the forked portion and an aperture in the slasher tooth.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 27, 2021
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2022
Inventor: JOSEPH MORETTE (HENNIKER, NH)
Application Number: 17/562,337