Wedge Patents (Class 144/195.8)
  • Patent number: 9919450
    Abstract: A log splitter having an activation lever and a safety lever that defines a pawl configured to engage with a detent associated with the activation lever in an unactivated position so that the activation lever cannot be rotated unless the safety lever is first rotated out of a safety position to remove the pawl from the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: YTL International Inc.I
    Inventors: SongFu Hu, Steve Vanderburgh
  • Publication number: 20150013842
    Abstract: A staged contact, splitting blade assembly for splitting log sections into firewood having specific dimensions. The blade assembly has an entry end and an exit end. The assembly includes radial and bridging splitting blades, arranged in a geometric pattern around a linear axis. Each radial blade has a double tapered, cutting edge, facing the entry end of the assembly, and each bridging blade has a single tapered, cutting edge, facing the entry end of the assembly. Each succeeding blade is offset from the prior blade, such that a log section contacts the splitting blade assembly in the sequence a first blade, a second blade, a third blade, fourth blades, fifth blades, sixth blades and seventh blades. The bridging blades are positioned at a slight angle to the linear axis of the splitting blade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Brent A. Fisher, Anthony B. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140048175
    Abstract: A log splitter system comprises an elongate frame, a socket extending into the elongate frame, and a removable splitter head. The removable splitter head comprises a post positioned within the socket, and a wedge extending from the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Arnold Trelstad
  • Publication number: 20120067460
    Abstract: Log splitters are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a log splitter includes a first port having a circumference wherein at least one blade is located on the circumference. There is at least one blade located exterior to the first port, wherein a portion of the log not passing through the first port is split by the blade. The splitter includes a second stage having a second port with at least one blade located on the circumference. In addition, there is at least one blade located exterior to the second port, wherein a portion of the log not passing through the second port is split by the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Charlie Valdez
  • Patent number: 8091595
    Abstract: In a wood splitter for splitting a log of wood into several pieces comprising a receiving chamber for the log of wood which is limited by a stand arranged parallel to the axis of the log of wood, and transverse to the stand and relative thereto, is further limited by limit stops projecting in a direction normal to the said axis of the stand, with at least one limit stop being movable in the direction of the axis and at least one limit stop being designed as a splitting unit a high degree of user-friendliness and a rational method of operation may be achieved in that a splitting wedge designed in the manner of an insert pin held only in the area of the base thereof is associated with the end of the receiving chamber, which splitting wedge can accommodate a splitting insert comprising an insertion pocket which can be inserted into the insert pin, and further a set of tools attached to the insertion pocket containing several splitting wedges which are arranged according to a desired pattern of pieces resembling
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sheppach Fabrikation von Holzbearbeitungschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Windrich
  • Patent number: 8006725
    Abstract: A log splitter having a bed for accepting a log. The bed has an operating length between first and second components, with the former a wedge. The log splitter can be placed in: (a) a first operative state wherein the bed has a first operating length; and (b) a second operative state wherein the bed has a second operating length. With the log splitter in the first operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a first starting position in a first lengthwise direction to effect splitting of a log; and (b) thereafter, oppositely to the first lengthwise direction back into the first starting position. In the second operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a second starting position to effect splitting; and (b) thereafter, back into the second starting position. The log splitter further has an operating assembly to move the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Echo, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 7934524
    Abstract: A tractor has a log splitter installed on two loader arms pivoted at a front end of the tractor. The log splitter includes a frame for attachment to the loader arms. The frame includes a surface, to which a ram and a wedge are coupled. An actuator mounted to the frame moves the ram and/or the wedge to split a log received between the ram and the wedge. The wedge includes a main blade and a cross blade perpendicular to the main blade. An edge of the cross blade is offset from an edge of the main blade so as to reduce the force required to achieve a four-way split of the log. The wedge and the frame are designed to enable inverting the log splitter to grasp a log, then raising the inverted log splitter to split the log directly into a truck bed. The uniquely designed hydraulic tank-ballast box combination provides an owner an external high volume hydraulic system without impeding the capability of the tractor hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Dean R. Priebe
  • Patent number: 7934525
    Abstract: A hands-free wood (log segment) splitting apparatus and method of employing a mobile vehicle having mounted thereon the splitting apparatus. The splitting apparatus includes a mount removably secured to the mobile vehicle and having secured thereon a rotatable auger, the location of the mount and the components carried thereon being safely remote from an operator. Control over the positioning of the apparatus, including the auger relative to a to-be-split log segment, control over the movement of the auger relative to the log segment being split, restraining the log segment from undesired movement relative to the spinning auger, and other related actions, are effected by the operator from the remote location and without exposure of the operator to personal injury from the splitting apparatus. Guides are provided for entry thereof into a split to serve as impediments to collapse of the split portions of the log segment against the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Stoney Dale Bolton
  • Publication number: 20110079323
    Abstract: A wood splitting apparatus having a splitting wedge mounted to a frame. The wedge configured to have multiple cutting edges that engage the workpiece. The apparatus further including a lift mechanism for transferring a workpiece to a workpiece carriage area adjacent the splitting wedge. The lift mechanism is pivotally connected to the frame whereby actuation of a power cylinder moves the lift mechanism from an initial position where a workpiece is loaded onto the lift mechanism and a second position wherein the workpiece is deposited from the lift mechanism into the workpiece carriage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin J. Green
  • Publication number: 20110048581
    Abstract: This log splitter is designed to work very fast and efficiently, yet be less expensive to construct than comparable splitters. By using a single, vertical, rectangular post to support all the split wedges including the two-way, these wedges can be of a simpler, less expensive, yet as strong construction. Secondly, by angling the Split Wedge Post slightly forward, it retains the split wedges during splitting operations, limits them to rise only slightly as the wood passes through, yet allows them to be freely and easily placed and removed by hand by the operator. The manually operated Height Adjuster Bar located conveniently on the side of the beam, allows the operator to easily and quickly raise and lower the split wedges as necessary to accommodate different sized logs and to retain the wedges in place with a simple latch type arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Norman A. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20110041955
    Abstract: A log-splitting apparatus includes a beam, a backstop coupled to the beam, and a wedge assembly for splitting logs. The wedge assembly is coupled to the beam. An actuating mechanism is provided and is capable of being operated in a first mode, wherein the actuating mechanism is operable to move the beam between a first position and a second position. The actuating mechanism is also capable of being operated in a second mode, wherein the actuating mechanism is operable to move at least one of the wedge assembly and backstop from a log-receiving position to a log-splitting position. The apparatus may include a mode selecting switch for selectively switching the actuating mechanism between the first mode and second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Ambrose Bedel
  • Publication number: 20110036455
    Abstract: Log splitters are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a log splitter comprises a first stage that includes a first port. The first port includes a first port first end and a first port second end, wherein logs enter the first port first end and exit the first port second. A first blade is located on at least a portion of the first port first end, the first blade having a first surface and a second surface, wherein a plane of the first surface and a plane of the second surface intersect proximate the first port first end. The first surface is substantially parallel to the direction of logs through the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Charlie Valdez
  • Publication number: 20100282366
    Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter comprising a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may comprise a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to said first elongated element. The a first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may comprise a first moment. The a second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7814945
    Abstract: A log splitter comprises a support structure having a first end, a second end, and an open center portion defined therebetweeen, a splitting device slidably coupled to the support structure, and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the splitting device through a splitting zone. The splitting device comprises an elongate beam having an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and an open center portion between the first end and the second end, and a splitting wedge coupled to the outer surface of the elongate beam and having at least one splitting surface formed thereon. The elongate beam is disposed within the open center portion of the support structure. The drive mechanism is disposed within the open center portion of the elongate beam, and is coupled on a first end to the first end of the support structure and on a second end to the second end of the elongate beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Emerson Babcock
  • Patent number: 7740033
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus which includes an apparatus body, a splitter for splitter relatively larger pieces of material into relatively smaller pieces of material coupled with the apparatus body, and a grinder for grinding the relatively smaller pieces of material also coupled with the apparatus body. A power source may be adapted to provide power to both the grinder and the splitter. The grinding can be accomplished with minimal repositioning of the relatively smaller pieces once split. The splitting, then the grinding can be accomplished with little to no translational movement within a job site of a nearby piece of equipment adapted for picking up first the relatively larger pieces then the relatively smaller pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Peterson Pacific Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold N. Peterson, Chad Sageser
  • Publication number: 20100024919
    Abstract: A log splitter having a bed for accepting a log. The bed has an operating length between first and second components, with the former a wedge. The log splitter can be placed in: (a) a first operative state wherein the bed has a first operating length; and (b) a second operative state wherein the bed has a second operating length. With the log splitter in the first operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a first starting position in a first lengthwise direction to effect splitting of a log; and (b) thereafter, oppositely to the first lengthwise direction back into the first starting position. In the second operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a second starting position to effect splitting; and (b) thereafter, back into the second starting position. The log splitter further has an operating assembly to move the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 7640955
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in splitting and cutting wood is provided, including a frame having a log support for holding a log to be split and cut, a vertically extending frame for holding a removable wedge or axe head connected to a manually operable drive means for engaging the wedge on an upper portion of a log for cutting and splitting the log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Adatt Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur Daniel Tischer
  • Publication number: 20090229709
    Abstract: A log splitter comprises a support structure having a first end, a second end, and an open center portion defined therebetweeen, a splitting device slidably coupled to the support structure, and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the splitting device through a splitting zone. The splitting device comprises an elongate beam having an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and an open center portion between the first end and the second end, and a splitting wedge coupled to the outer surface of the elongate beam and having at least one splitting surface formed thereon. The elongate beam is disposed within the open center portion of the support structure. The drive mechanism is disposed within the open center portion of the elongate beam, and is coupled on a first end to the first end of the support structure and on a second end to the second end of the elongate beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Emerson Babcock
  • Patent number: 7584773
    Abstract: A wood-splitting tool includes a penetration portion having a penetrating end and a wedge portion having an impact end. The penetration portion is configured for penetration into a piece of wood. The penetration portion includes two penetration surfaces diverging generally from each other at an inclusive angle generally from the penetrating end. The wedge portion includes two wedge surfaces generally contiguous with the diverging penetration surfaces and diverging from each other at an inclusive angle, which is greater than the inclusive angle of the diverging penetration surfaces. The wedge portion is primarily configured to impart a wedge force to the wood. The penetration portion has a length that is greater than half the length of the tool, which allows the tool to penetrate the piece of wood without significantly imparting a wedge force until the tool penetrates deep enough to allow the wedge portion to engage the wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Brett Van Bortel
  • Patent number: 7562608
    Abstract: Described is a device that is to used in conjunction with a chainsaw to keep the chainsaw kerf from closing, thereby greatly reducing the chance of having the chainsaw bar being pinched and bound. Also included is a limiting feature that keeps the chainsaw kerf spacer from being inserted too deeply into the chainsaw kerf, thereby contacting the chainsaw blades. Additionally, a handle is included to facilitate the extraction of the chainsaw kerf spacer from the chainsaw kerf after completing the cut. The kerf spacer can be installed with one hand and without the aid of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Thomas Finstad
  • Publication number: 20090050237
    Abstract: In a wood splitter for splitting a log of wood into several pieces comprising a receiving chamber (12) for the log of wood which is limited by a stand (11;111, 107) arranged parallel to the axis of the log of wood, and transverse to the stand and relative thereto, is further limited by limit stops (4, 5) projecting in a direction normal to the said axis of the stand, with at least one limit stop being movable in the direction of the axis and at least one limit stop being designed as a splitting unit a high degree of user-friendliness and a rational method of operation may be achieved in that a splitting wedge (3) designed in the manner of an insert pin held only in the area of the base thereof is associated with the end of the receiving chamber (12), which splitting wedge (3) can accommodate a splitting insert (2) comprising an insertion pocket (13) which can be inserted into the insert pin, and further a set of tools attached to the insertion pocket (13) containing several splitting wedges (22, 24-27) which
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Sheppach Fabrikation von Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Windrich
  • Publication number: 20080271817
    Abstract: A tractor has a log splitter installed on two loader arms pivoted at a front end of the tractor. The log splitter includes a frame for attachment to the loader arms. The frame includes a surface, to which a ram and a wedge are coupled. An actuator mounted to the frame moves the ram and/or the wedge to split a log received between the ram and the wedge. The wedge includes a main blade and a cross blade perpendicular to the main blade. An edge of the cross blade is offset from an edge of the main blade so as to reduce the force required to achieve a four-way split of the log. The wedge and the frame are designed to enable inverting the log splitter to grasp a log, then raising the inverted log splitter to split the log directly into a truck bed. The uniquely designed hydraulic tank—ballast box combination provides an owner an external high volume hydraulic system without impeding the capability of the tractor hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Dean R. Priebe
  • Publication number: 20080230150
    Abstract: A wood-splitting tool includes a penetration portion having a penetrating end and a wedge portion having an impact end. The penetration portion is configured for penetration into a piece of wood. The penetration portion includes two penetration surfaces diverging generally from each other at an inclusive angle generally from the penetrating end. The wedge portion includes two wedge surfaces generally contiguous with the diverging penetration surfaces and diverging from each other at an inclusive angle, which is greater than the inclusive angle of the diverging penetration surfaces. The wedge portion is primarily configured to impart a wedge force to the wood. The penetration portion has a length that is greater than half the length of the tool, which allows the tool to penetrate the piece of wood without significantly imparting a wedge force until the tool penetrates deep enough to allow the wedge portion to engage the wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brett Van Bortel
  • Patent number: 7198081
    Abstract: A portably log splitter is provided. The log splitter comprises a base having a pair of one-piece side members, and a support member to which the one-piece side members are attached. The support member and the one-piece side members form a seat that is adapted to receive a log. The log splitter also includes a splitting wedge that is attached to the support member and a contact member that is configured to translate in a reciprocal manner adjacent to the support member in order to move the log. The log splitter also includes a control assembly operated by a switch to actuate the contact member in the reciprocal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eastway Fair Company Limited
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lewis, Taku Ohi, Charles K. Long, Kenneth M. Brazell, Marion Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7188646
    Abstract: A splitting wedge is provided for splitting wood. The wedge includes an upwardly facing impact surface, a collar adapted to slidably engage a vertical guide track and a downwardly facing cutting edge. The wedge is adapted to slide down the guide track and cut into an object to split, such as a wood log, when struck on the impact surface. The collar can include a bore to slidably engage a tubular guide track. The impact surface is off-set from the wedge towards to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Owen Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7159627
    Abstract: A manual log splitting device for splitting a log has a first assembly including a base plate for resting of the log and a first upright extending upwardly from the base plate. A second assembly having an upright sleeve, impact plate, and wedge assembly, is axially and slidably mounted on the first upright with the upright sleeve. A user splits the log by causing the second assembly to move towards the base plate such that the wedge assembly passes through and splits the log. A receptacle abuttingly engages the upright sleeve and the base plate when the second assembly is in a resting position where the wedge assembly is slightly spaced apart from the base plate. Thus, movement of the second assembly towards the base plate beyond the resting position, and contact therebetween, is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: André St-Germain, Guy Maurice, Englebert Otis
  • Patent number: 7124794
    Abstract: A bi-directional log splitter having at least two stationary splitting wedges and a moveable ram therebetween for splitting wood, said splitter being mounted on a trailer where the splitter exerts a substantially equal force for both the exertion and the retraction strokes to increase the production of split wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel A. Marx
  • Patent number: 7108029
    Abstract: A woodsplitting machine has a plurality of wedges of various sizes and configurations radially attached to a rotational member mounted on the frame behind the log cradle such that an operator can quickly and easily rotate the appropriate wedge into position depending on the diameter of the log in the cradle to be split. The rotational member can be hydraulically actuated such that the wedges can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the machine with little effort for the operator. An alternate embodiment provides that the rotational member be manually rotated such that the wedges can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the machine by the hand of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: David B. Albright
  • Patent number: 7066223
    Abstract: A hydraulic log splitter attachment for a skid steer loader includes a mounting framework attached to a vertical elongate beam. A piston/cylinder combination with a rod for movement between retracted and downwardly extended configurations mounts to the beam. A wedge attaches to a lower end of the rod. A base plate attaches to the beam adjacent the lower end; storage wall assemblies and stabilizing plates optionally attach to the base plate. Hoses connect the piston/cylinder combination to the loader's hydraulic system. Wedge guides slidably attach the wedge to the beam. The wedge guides optionally include wedge guide rollers; the wedge optionally includes wedge rollers. The loader secures to the mounting framework. Wood is placed on the base plate while the rod is in the retracted configuration. The rod moves to the downwardly extended configuration, thus splitting the wood with the wedge. The storage wall assemblies provide split wood storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Mark O. Stone
  • Patent number: 7040362
    Abstract: A log splitter comprising: a base; a lever having one end portion hingably attached to the base; a wedge slidably attached to a hinged end portion of the lever, to slidably reciprocate along the lever when the lever is swung; a log support for a cut log; and, an upper end log restraint slidably positioned on the lever, said log restraint having a pawl, and the lever having teeth therealong, so that the log restraint can only slide towards the cut log. When the lever is swung down the wedge is forced into the cut log, and when the lever is lifted the wedge is slidably pulled back along the lever thereby pulling the now partially split log so that the upper end log restraint freely slides along the lever. When the lever is again pushed downwardly the cycle is repeated. The lever may be pushed with a foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Darryl James Monuik, Ritchie John Monuik
  • Patent number: 6991010
    Abstract: A splitting head for a log splitting apparatus includes abutting primary and secondary splitting assemblies, each having a circular securing ring that holds wedge members having cutting edges directed toward the log. The cutting edges of the secondary assembly split into smaller pieces the pieces produced by the primary assembly, producing a bundle of elongated pieces of firewood in parallel array and wherein the center of the bundle has not been compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6609545
    Abstract: A cutting head structure for a wood splitter utilizing a frame member. The frame member includes a bottom, a pair of sides, and a top to form an open chamber. The open chamber has a first opening for receiving a wood mass and a second opening to receive the divided or split portions of the wood mass. At least one knife is located in the open chamber and includes a blade having a single, continuous, curved cutting edge which faces the opening through which the wood mass is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Ian Van Gelder
  • Patent number: 6546976
    Abstract: A wood splitter comprising a support structure, a table assembly, a ram assembly, and wedge member, and a control means. The support structure supports the table assembly. The control system energizes the ram assembly to force the wedge towards the table assembly. A workpiece is placed on the table assembly such that the wedge engages and splits the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Norman M. Hill
  • Patent number: 6533004
    Abstract: A wood-splitting impact tool with an enhanced wood-splitting function by virtue of its improved penetration and its reduced recoil. Improving the penetration of the wedge is achieved by fabricating the wedge of aluminum, titanium, graphite composite or alloys thereof, or any lightweight material that has rare energy transfer capability. Penetration into wood is further enhanced by using a frictionless or smooth surface coating on the penetrating surfaces of the wedge, such coating being PTFE, Teflon®, or anodized aluminum. The wedge and its cutting edge surfaces can be anodized to toughen as well as smooth all surfaces subject to deformation. The surface of the wedge is structurally decreased in recoil by interrupting the metal surface with small, periodic, directional or stepped abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Harris G. Thor
  • Patent number: 6390162
    Abstract: A log splitter is disclosed as employing a fluid driven hammer adapted to impart successive log splitting movements to a log splitting element, a manually operable parallelogram linkage for supporting the hammer for vertical movement relative to an upper position for removably positioning the splitting element in engagement with a log to be split, and a control for controlling operation of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Donald P. Sahlem