Abstract:
A flip-out function converter apparatus is attached to and functions in combination with a tree-mountable frame apparatus for use by arborists in handling loads in a wide variety of arbor rigging procedures. When positioned in its operational mode, the function converter apparatus enables additional functional rigging procedures to be performed which could not be effectively and efficiently performed with the original frame apparatus. When the function converter apparatus is positioned in its stowed mode in an unused recessed region of the frame apparatus, the frame apparatus can be used in its original application mode without interference from the function converter. In an embodiment of a frame apparatus with spikes, the function converter in its operational position enables the frame apparatus to be used in rigging procedures on live trees without the frame spikes producing damage to the bark and cambium layer of the live trees.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This application claims benefit of provisional application No. 60/628,387, filed Nov. 15, 2004. 

   The present invention relates to the general field of frame apparatus of the kind constructed to be mounted on the trunk of a tree for use by arborists for handling loads in arbor rigging procedures. 
   The present invention relates particularly to a flip-out function converter apparatus that is attachable to a tree-mountable frame apparatus such that it can be placed by a field operator in either a stowed positional mode or in an operational mode. In the stowed mode, the frame apparatus can function in its original design mode without interference from the converter apparatus. When the function converter is placed into a position for its operational mode, the frame apparatus is converted to a different functional and operational mode. In its operational mode, the function converter provides a suitable contact interface between the frame apparatus and a tree trunk and also provides appropriate structural elements to transfer high operational load forces from the frame apparatus to a tree trunk. Thus, the function converter is utilized to increase the number of optimal functions of a single frame apparatus and thereby to increase the applicability of the frame apparatus for a wider range of arbor rigging procedures with high effectiveness and with improved efficiency in the use of materials and operator labor. 
   Arborists frequently use a variety of frame apparatus attachable to the trunk of a tree for lifting, lowering, or constraining heavy loads in arbor rigging procedures. The two most common general functions of such devices are 1) to enable arborists to safely and efficiently trim, top and cable (i.e., maintain) live trees and 2) to safely and efficiently remove dead or live trees. The present invention will enable an arborist to perform both of these general rigging functions effectively and efficiently with a single frame apparatus and, thereby, reduce the overall operational costs of such arbor rigging procedures. 
   Existing tree-mountable frame apparatus are commonly found to have functionally unused recessed regions or cavities on the tree-facing side of the frame within the outer contours of tree-contact points of the frame apparatus. Although some of these regions are relatively small in volume, they provide the potential for the attachment and non-interference stowage of additional functional apparatus. Such recessed regions in frame apparatus are utilized in the applications of the present invention to extend the functional range of either a frame apparatus with spikes or a frame apparatus with pads. 
   For removal of either a live or dead tree, a frame apparatus with spikes (or pins) is commonly attached to the trunk of the tree for frame stability. In this use, any frame damage to the bark or cambium layer of the tree is not important. However, for the trimming, cabling and topping of live trees, damage to tree bark and cambium layer by spikes on a frame apparatus can result in stunted growth of the tree, in scaring of the tree bark, or, in severe cases, in killing the tree, particularly if it is a relatively small tree and doesn&#39;t receive adequate care after the damage. Damage to live trees from frame apparatus with spikes results not only from vertical load forces on a frame apparatus during rigging procedures but also from penetration of the bark and cambium in combination with the circumferential motion of the frame apparatus around a tree trunk produced by tightening of the mounting strap as the frame apparatus is mounted onto a tree trunk. Also, a frame apparatus is occasionally mounted on a nearby live tree as part of the arborist rigging procedure for removing a dead or live tree and sometimes for trimming, cabling or topping a nearby live tree. The shock loading of tree-mounted frame apparatus during arbor rigging procedures to remove tree limbs or stemwood commonly produce load forces on the frame apparatus that can exceed 2000 pounds. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,188 issued Dec. 16, 1980 to Hobbs and entitled “Tree Handling Device” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,253 issued Jan. 16, 1996 to Johnson and entitled “Conformed Frame Apparatus for Handling Loads Involved in Arbor Rigging Procedures” disclose frame apparatus which use spikes (pins) that are inserted into a tree trunk to improve stability of the frame during its use in arbor rigging procedures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,693 issued Feb. 9, 1982 to Hobbs and entitled “Device for Arborist Contractors” in reference to Hobbs&#39; U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,188 states that: “Both forms of the invention described in the co-pending application damaged the tree to some extent either because a spike was driven into the tree or a notch was actually formed in the tree with a chain saw. These patents are incorporated by reference in this application. 
   Many arborists, who own or have access only to a frame apparatus with spikes for arbor rigging procedures on live trees, commonly use a separate elastomeric pad that is placed between the frame apparatus with spikes and a live tree on which it is being mounted to reduce spike damage to the tree bark and cambium. Each time the spiked frame apparatus is substantially repositioned on the tree, as commonly occurs during the rigging procedures, the pad must also be moved. This process increases the time (and thus the cost) required to complete the rigging procedures, as well as incurring costs for the elastomeric pads when they are damaged or lost. Such manually inserted pads, already cut to an appropriate size for use with a spiked frame apparatus, are now commercially available. 
   Attachment of an embodiment of the function converter apparatus of the present invention to a frame apparatus with spikes will convert the frame apparatus such that it can be used effectively and economically in arbor rigging procedures for trimming, cabling, and topping of live trees without producing spike damage to the tree bark and cambium. For this application the function converter apparatus in its operational mode not only shields the spikes from contact with tree bark and cambium, it also provides a suitable interface with the tree trunk and has the necessary structural elements to transfer the often high operational loads from the frame apparatus to the tree trunk. These operational features of the function converter distinguish this invention from a variety of flip-down devices that do not modify the operational and functional characteristics of the devices to which they are attached. See, for example, the U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,595 issued Aug. 27, 2002 to Cheng, et al. 
   To reduce frame damage to bark and cambium of a live tree, an embodiment of the frame apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,253 includes elastomeric pads for contact points with the tree trunk. However, these pads are contained within rather complex, and thus relatively expensive, receptacles that are permanently attached to the frame apparatus. The pads cannot be removed when the frame apparatus is used in the removal of live or dead trees because the pad receptacles would be damaged during the rigging procedures. The pads also receive high stress and strain in the process of lowering heavy loads that are common during tree removal rigging processes. This process shortens the useful life of the pads and adds to the overall cost of using the padded frame apparatus. The load ratings for frames with pads are typically lower than similar frames with spikes. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,363 issued Oct. 26, 1999 to Good and entitled “Tree Winch Mounting System” also discloses the use of multiple compressible pads on the tree facing side of a tree winch mounting system to increase the resistance of the mounting system to vertical motion and to reduce damage to the tree trunk during rigging procedures. This patent is incorporated in this application by reference. 
   With only the pads of a frame apparatus interfacing with a tree trunk, particularly with heavy shock loads often present during tree removals, tree-mounted frame apparatus sometimes slides up the tree trunk when load forces are high. An example of a vertical displacement on prior art frame apparatus may be seen in Sherrill Inc., Arborist Supply Catalog, 2002, 11 th  Edition, page 22. The extent of vertical motion is highly dependent on load force, tree trunk shapes, tree bark structure and compressibility, and on frame apparatus mounting strap tension. 
   An embodiment of a frame apparatus shown in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,253 of Johnson includes a hinged swing-out spike device to increase frame apparatus stability during loading. However, in this embodiment the spike assemblies are attached to and stowed on outer end portions of the frame structure, and this positional constraint limits the functional adaptability and suitability of the spikes. In this embodiment, the principal spikes for the penetration of a tree trunk during the mounting of the frame apparatus onto a tree trunk are attached to the outer end portion of the lower frame structure and are rotated outward beyond that outer end by the field operators. In this operational mode, the spikes are in an approximate vertical configuration, i.e., notched out of a metal flap that generally defines a vertical plane. Thus, they provide only a limited restraining area for resistance to high vertical forces, and cannot bite as effectively into the tree trunk as can generally horizontal spikes. In this embodiment, a flip-out spike attached to the outer top of the frame apparatus (and horizontal pivot axis) is commonly not effective in penetrating the tree trunk due, in part, to the circumferential motion of the frame during the process of mounting of the frame apparatus onto the tree trunk. Also, penetration of the tree trunk by this spike when the load beam of the frame apparatus is loaded is often not fully effective due to the irregular or sloping shape of the tree trunk or due to the thick and rough physical characteristics of some tree bark. 
   The present invention, in an embodiment utilizing a flip-out function converter apparatus with spikes, readily accommodates the use of operationally horizontal spikes with large horizontal interaction areas. These areas can be comparable to those commonly used on the patented frame apparatus with spikes discussed above and fully adequate to provide vertical frame stability for the high loads commonly encountered in tree-removal rigging procedures. For this embodiment of the flip-out function converter apparatus with spikes, it can be placed by the field operator in a non-interference positional mode within recesses in the tree-facing side of the frame apparatus whenever rigging procedures on live trees require the use of the rigidly fixed compressible pads on the frame apparatus. 
   The performance of a single rigging frame apparatus, that is presently available and constructed to be mounted on the trunk of a tree for use by arborists, is generally not optimal for both the removal of trees and for the maintenance of live trees. With integration of the present invention with such apparatus, the overall performance for both applications can be fully suitable with a single frame apparatus. 
   It is an object of the invention to enable a field operator easily and quickly to place a flip-out function converter apparatus into a stowed position in a recessed region on the tree-facing side of a frame apparatus with spikes so the converter apparatus does not interfere with the use of the spikes when the frame apparatus is used in rigging procedures to remove dead or live trees. 
   It is also an object of this invention to provide small but effective embodiments of function converters which may be stowed in small recessed regions on the tree-facing side of a tree-mountable frame apparatus with spikes such that they do not interfere with the original design function of the frame apparatus but also enables the frame apparatus to be effectively used on live trees when the function converter is placed in an operational mode to prevent spike damage to the tree bark and cambium. In this embodiment, a field operator can also quickly and easily select for the operational mode either an elastomeric material or a hard surface material as the interface surface for contact with a tree trunk. 
   Additionally, when the function converter is in its operational positions, it is an object of this invention to transfer, with appropriate converter structural elements, significant portions of the often high operational load forces on the frame apparatus through the function converter apparatus to the tree on which the frame apparatus is mounted. 
   It is a further object of this invention to enable an embodiment of the flip-out function converter apparatus which contains spikes to convert a tree-mountable frame apparatus whose tree interface contact points are elastomeric pads, into a device fully suitable for rigging procedures to remove dead or live trees. Thus, the invention encompasses a frame with fixed spikes selectively coverable or shieldable by a pad to protect the tree, or vice versa, a frame with fixed pads to protect the tree, selectively shieldable by a hinged flip device with one or more spikes, preferably horizontal-plane spikes. 
   It is a further object of the invention to enable a field operator easily and quickly to flip a hinged function converter apparatus with spikes into a stowed position on the frame apparatus with pads such that the converter apparatus does not interfere with the use of the frame apparatus with pads in rigging procedures for live trees. 
   Moreover, an object of the invention is to reduce the hazards to field operators when handling a frame apparatus with spikes, by keeping the function converter apparatus in an operational position which shields the spikes from inadvertent contact with the operator. 
   It is another object of this invention to protect frame spikes from bending or becoming dull from inadvertent contact with hard surfaces when being handled in the field, transported, or placed into storage. 
   Finally, another object is to remove the need for handling an unattached, large elastomeric pad for protecting a live tree from spike damage when a field operator uses a tree-mounted frame apparatus with spikes. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention, a tree-mountable frame apparatus with a flip-out function converter apparatus, extends the functional range of the frame apparatus for use in arbor rigging procedures. Arborists working with trees have frequent need for tree-mountable frame apparatus to conduct efficient, effective, and safe arbor rigging procedures for two primary functions: (1) the removal of live or dead trees and (2) the maintenance of live trees by trimming, topping, or cabling them. Arborists commonly use a frame apparatus with tree-interface spikes in rigging procedures to remove trees and a different frame apparatus with tree-interface pads for live tree maintenance. Inclusion of the present invention in a recessed region of a frame apparatus will enable an arborist to perform both of the foregoing rigging functions effectively and efficiently with a single frame apparatus, and thereby, reduce the overall operational costs of such rigging procedures. 
   In one embodiment of this invention a function converter apparatus with an elastomeric pad is attached to a tree-mountable frame apparatus with spikes whose optimal function is for rigging use in the removal of live or dead trees since spike damage to the tree is not important. When the padded converter apparatus is placed in an operational mode adjacent to the spikes on the frame apparatus by the field operator, the frame apparatus is converted to a form fully suitable for use in rigging procedures on live trees. The padded function converter apparatus provides an appropriate interface surface to a live tree to limit damage to the bark and cambium of the tree, transfer load forces with appropriate structural elements from the frame apparatus to the tree, and prevents the spikes on the frame apparatus from contacting the bark or cambium of the tree. 
   In another embodiment of this invention, a flip-out function converter with integrated spikes is attached to a tree-mountable frame apparatus with elastromeric pads that are fully suitable for interfacing with live trees during arbor rigging procedures. However, such pads on prior art frame apparatus are found to provide only limited vertical stability to the frame apparatus when it is subjected to high vertical load forces such as those often encountered in rigging procedures for the removal of large trees. When the function converter apparatus with spikes is placed in an operational position by the field operator, the frame apparatus is converted to a form fully suitable for use in rigging procedures for the removal of live or dead trees. The spiked function converter in this form of the invention shields the frame pad from the tree. 
   Accordingly, the present invention provides more functional modes for a single tree-mountable frame apparatus and enables it to be used both for the removal of trees and for the maintenance of live trees. These extended function capabilities provided by a converter apparatus attached to a frame apparatus reduces the overall cost for arborist rigging procedures. In addition, the use of a function converter on a frame apparatus with spikes removes the need for the use of a separate manually-inserted elastomeric pad between a tree-mounted frame apparatus with spikes and the trunk of a live tree, prevents the dulling of spikes on a frame apparatus during the handling, transportation and storage of the frame apparatus, and improves the safety aspects for an operator when handling a frame apparatus with spikes. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective side view showing a prior art frame apparatus with spikes, mounted on the trunk of a tree. A spike is shown penetrating the bark of the tree, thereby increasing the frame stability when large vertical load forces are applied to the frame by vertical forces on the rope. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the tree-facing side of a frame apparatus with spikes, similar to that of  FIG. 1 , that incorporates a flip-out function converter apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The function converter apparatus is shown in an operational position for interfacing an elastromeric pad with a tree trunk, for transferring load forces from the frame apparatus to the pad-tree interface position through the function converter structures, and for preventing the spikes on the frame apparatus from engaging the tree bark and cambium during arborist rigging procedures. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the frame apparatus with the function converter apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 , with the converter apparatus in a stowed positional mode within the central recessed portion of the frame apparatus so it does not interfere with engagement of the frame apparatus spikes with a tree trunk during an arborist rigging procedure. 
       FIG. 4  is an isomeric, partially exploded view of the component parts of mounting and positioning structures of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a flip-out function converter apparatus integrated with a frame apparatus having spikes. This embodiment is generally smaller and less complex than the embodiment with a pad shown in  FIG. 4 . and thus it can be stowed in smaller volume when operational use of the spikes is required. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the function converter apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 , shown in a stowed position within a recessed region of an end portion of the lower frame apparatus structure. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a prior art frame apparatus with pads in which the lower ends are fixed and of an embodiment of the present invention in which a flip-out converter apparatus with spikes is pivotally attached to the frame apparatus and is shown in an operational position. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the frame apparatus with the function converter apparatus shown in  FIG. 7 , but with the converter apparatus with spikes in a stowed positional mode so as not to interfere with engagement of the frame apparatus pads during an arborist rigging procedure in the maintenance of a live tree. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a prior art tree winch mounting system with a frame apparatus containing multiple pads for interface contacts with a tree trunk. 
       FIG. 10  shows the tree-facing side of the prior art mounting system of  FIG. 9 , detailing the location of multiple pads. 
       FIG. 11  shows a top view of an embodiment of a spiked flip-out function converter of this invention in an operational position attached to a frame apparatus such as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 12  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , again in the spike-active position, and showing the tree-facing side of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 11  but showing the stowed position of the spiked function converter. 
       FIG. 14 , from the same view as  FIG. 12 , shows the spiked function converter in a stowed position on the frame apparatus. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tree-mountable frame apparatus with spikes that has fixed elastomeric pads at two positions for contact with a tree trunk. Also shown attached to the frame apparatus is the function converter of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , in the operational position. 
       FIG. 16  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 15  but with the padded function converter in stowed position. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a combination of the types of function converter embodiments shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 . The three function converter units are shown in stowed positions. 
       FIG. 18  shows the three function converter units seen in  FIG. 17  positioned in an operational mode. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Embodiments of this invention are compatible for use with a variety of tree-mounted frame apparatus used by arborists in tree removal and tree maintenance rigging procedures. Thus, some prior art frame apparatus is shown and discussed herein, along with descriptions of embodiments of this invention. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a prior art tree-mounted frame apparatus  10  which is a type commonly used in the tree service industry and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,253, previously noted. This frame apparatus uses attached spikes to penetrate a tree trunk to provide frame stability under heavy loading. A spike  12  is shown penetrating the tree trunk. 
     FIG. 2  shows in perspective the tree-facing side of a frame apparatus  14  of the type shown in  FIG. 1  but with an attached embodiment of a flip-out function converter apparatus  20  of the present invention in an operational position to interface with a tree trunk. The converter apparatus  20  is attached to the frame apparatus  14  by a hinge assembly  23 . The hinge assembly  23  consists of a top mounting tube  24  and a bottom mounting tube  25  welded to the frame apparatus structure, a hinge tube  26  welded to the hinge plate  27 , a hinge axle bolt  28 , and a locking nut  29 . A wave spring washer  30  is inserted as a resilient spacer between the hinge plate tube  26  and the top attachment tube  24  to provide a frictional engagement force sufficient to overcome typical handling forces and gravity forces on the converter apparatus  20 . The frictional forces produced by the wave spring washer  30  are to ensure that the converter apparatus  20  remains in the position that it is placed by a field operator during routine handling of the frame apparatus. An elastomeric pad  31  is shown in a pad holder  32  that is welded to the hinge plate  27 . The pad  31  is attached to the hinge plate  27  by nuts and bolts not shown in this view, but are seen in a partially exploded view in  FIG. 4 . A top pillar or leg  33  and a bottom pillar or leg  34  are welded to the hinge plate  27  to transfer load forces produced on the frame apparatus to the interface of the pad  31  with a tree trunk when the frame apparatus is being used in arbor rigging procedures. The pillars  33  and  34  are essential force transfer components in effectively shielding spikes  15  from exposure to the tree. A simpler resilient pad could be attached to the hinge plate  27  instead of the more complex pad holder  32  and pad  31 . 
   The flip-out function converter apparatus  20 , as described in  FIG. 2 , is shown in  FIG. 3  in a stowed positional mode within a recessed region R of the frame apparatus such that the spikes of the frame apparatus can be used in rigging procedures by the field operator without interference from the converter apparatus  20 . The back sides of the frame plate  27  and the support pillars  33  and  34  are seen in this perspective. The three nuts  35  are attached to the pad bolts which are not shown in this view but are shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 4  shows a partially exploded view of the function converter apparatus  20  shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The pad  31  is attached to the hinge plate  27  and is held within the pad holder  32  by the three bolts  36  and locking nuts  35  (only one is seen in this exploded view). Other embodiments, utilizing different attachment modes for securing the elastomeric pads to the hinge plate  27 , are also envisioned. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates, in a partially exploded view, an embodiment of a small flip-out function converter apparatus  40  that is suitable for utilizing a very small recessed region S of a frame apparatus. It is positioned to be attached by a hinge bolt  45  and a locking nut  46  to a prior art frame apparatus with spikes  14   a . The converter apparatus  40 , which is shown in an operational position, includes one or two (as shown) metallic rods  41  having rough surfaces that are appropriate to serve as hard interface surfaces with a tree trunk for many arbor rigging procedures on a live tree without producing significant damage to the tree bark or cambium. The rods  41  are welded to the attachment plate  42  which is welded to the hinge tube  43 . A wave spring washer  44  is inserted between the frame apparatus and the hinge tube  43  to provide a suitable frictional force for positioning the components attached to the hinge plate  42 . The hinge bolt  45  is inserted through the frame apparatus, the hinge tube  43 , and the wave spring washer  44  before being fully attached to the frame apparatus by the lock nut  46 . Support pillars or legs  47  (seen more clearly in  FIG. 6 ) are welded to the support plate  42  and transfer a portion of the load forces from the frame apparatus to the tree interface through the rods  41 . A portion of the load forces on the interface rods  41  is also transferred from the frame apparatus through the hinge bolt  45 . Other interface materials, such as an elastomeric pad, could also be attached to the hinge plate  42  instead of the rods  41 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates the embodiment of the flip-out function converter apparatus  40  as shown in  FIG. 5 , in a stowed position in the relatively small recessed regions S of the lower end portion or wing section of the prior art frame apparatus,  14   a.    
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of this invention which shows a flip-out converter apparatus  50  with spikes attached to a padded frame apparatus  14   b  with fixed lower-end frame sections  48 L and  48 R. In this configuration, the converter apparatus  50  converts a prior art padded frame apparatus (elastomeric pad  49 ) into a fully adequate system for use by arborists in tree removal rigging procedures involving high vertical loads. In a sense this is the converse of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . Spikes  51  are welded to a spike attachment plate  52  which is welded to the hinge plate  53 . The upper attachment tube  54  and the lower attachment tube  55  are welded to the frame apparatus  14   b . The hinge tube  56  is welded to the hinge plate  53  and held in position by the hinge axle bolt  57 . In the hinge assembly process, a wave spring washer  59  is inserted between the upper attachment tube  54  and the hinge tube  56  for the friction purposes discussed in reference to  FIG. 2 . The lock nut  58  secures the axle bolt to the frame apparatus. When the spikes  51  are swung to the  FIG. 7  position and engaged with a tree trunk during an arborist rigging procedure, load forces on the frame apparatus  14   b  are transferred to the spikes, and thus to the tree, through the upper and lower attachment tubes  54  and  55  and the back of the spike attachment plate  52 , which bears against the fixed elastomeric pad  49 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates the flip-out function converter apparatus  50 , previously shown in  FIG. 7 , in a stowed position in a recessed region of the prior art frame apparatus  14   b . The back sides of the spike attachment plate  52  and the hinge attachment plate  53  (which act as a single plate) are evident. 
     FIG. 9  is a prior art drawing from U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,363, previously discussed, showing a top view of a tree winch mounting system with a frame apparatus of another type, containing multiple pads for interface contacts with a tree trunk. Recessed regions between the point-to-point contours of the contact surfaces of the pads  72  and frame plates P 1 , P 2  and P 3  are suitable recessed regions for inclusion of embodiments of the flip-out function converter apparatus of the present invention. In this drawing the trunk profile of a segment of a large tree  18  is indicated by a dashed and dotted line. The plates P 1  and P 2  can be called wing sections and the plate P 3  can be called a central frame section. 
     FIG. 10  shows the tree-facing side of the prior art drawing of  FIG. 9  and details the location of the multiple elastomeric pads  72 . It is evident from the relatively large areas of the recessed regions that more than one unit of an embodiment of the present invention could be attached if required for increased frame stability or adaptability to different size trees. 
     FIG. 11  shows the same view of the frame apparatus shown in  FIG. 9  and shows, in an operational position, an embodiment of a flip-out function converter apparatus  60  with a single spike  61 . The spike  61  is welded to the hinge attachment plate  62 . The head of the axle bolt  63  is shown in its attached position. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates, in the same tree-facing view shown in  FIG. 10 , the converter apparatus  60  in its operational position as discussed relative to  FIG. 11 . The hinge attachment plate  62  is welded to the hinge tube  67 . The upper attachment tube  65  and the lower attachment tube  69  are welded to one of the wing sections or side frame plates P 1  and P 2  shown on the section P 1  in  FIG. 12 . A wave spring washer  66  is inserted between the hinge tube  67  and the upper attachment tube  65  to provide a frictional force to keep the frame attachment  62  positioned as discussed earlier for a similar component in  FIG. 2 . The axle bolt  63  is secured by the axle locking nut  68 . The slotted hole  64  is added to the prior art frame to accommodate the spike  61  when the converter apparatus  60  is placed in the stowed position as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     FIG. 13  shows the frame apparatus as seen in  FIG. 11  and shows the function converter apparatus  60  in a stowed position such that it does not interfere with the intended design function of the spikeless frame apparatus as in the prior art. The spike  61  is seen to protrude through a hole  64  (shown as slotted, see  FIGS. 12 and 14 ) in the wing section or plate P 1 , and a cover for the protruding spike  61  could be added if required for safety reasons. 
     FIG. 14  is the tree-facing view seen in  FIG. 12  and shows the converter apparatus  60  in the stowed position shown in  FIG. 13 . The dotted lines shown on the back of the attachment plate  62  indicate the slotted hole  64  shown clearly in  FIG. 12 . 
   It should be understood that, although not shown in the drawings, the function converter apparatus can also (or alternatively) be included in the other wing section P 2  or in the central frame section P 3 . Note also that the central frame section and wing sections P 1 , P 2  and P 3  can also be in different configurations, not necessarily planar as shown. In addition, note that particularly for the frame apparatus shown in  FIGS. 11-14 , the function converter or converters, could be modified in another way. The function converter  60  could be mounted on the outside of the plate or wing section P 1  or P 2  (or central section P 3 ), to swing to an operable position in which the spike  61  extends through a plate hole inwardly. An appropriate form of latch can be included to hold the spike in position to allow it to penetrate into the tree. A similar function converter could also be hinged at an outer edge of a wing section or plate such as P 1  or P 2 , to be swung around from an outer stowed position to an inner operable position against the inside of the plate. 
     FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a spiked frame apparatus  14   c , basically similar to Johnson U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,253, that has pads at two frame positions, one pad  74  on a fixed side wing structure  75  and another pad  76  at an upper location on a center component of the main frame structure  78 , and also shows the inclusion of the embodiment of the flip-out function converter apparatus  20  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 2 . This configuration with the pads at locations shown provides added protection for the bark and cambium of live trees compared to the configuration shown and discussed for  FIG. 2 , and may be preferred particularly by arborists whose activities include a high percentage of their rigging efforts on live trees. 
     FIG. 16  illustrates the converter apparatus  20 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , in a stowed position in a recessed region of the frame apparatus  14   c.    
   In a combined embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , two flip-out function converter units  80  and  90  are shown in their stowed positions within recessed regions of a frame apparatus  14   d . In these stowed positions, the frame apparatus  14   d  with spikes can be used in its original design mode for rigging functions employed in the removal of trees or other high frame loading operations without interference from the stowed function converter units. 
   For many rigging operations (e.g., trees with thick bark), the flip-out unit  80  (which can be the same as or similar to the unit  40  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) can be placed in the operational mode and used with the frame apparatus as discussed in relation to  FIG. 5 . For a tree with thin and delicate bark, the flip-out unit  90  with its elastomeric pad  91  can be placed by a field operator in an operational mode as illustrated in  FIG. 18  to serve as a pliable interface between the flip-out unit  80  and the trunk of a tree. The hinge assembly  93  illustrated in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18  is shown with the same construction as the hinge assembly  23  illustrated and discussed for  FIG. 2 . However, in this embodiment, the hinge plate  97  does not extend in the operational mode to the position of the rods  41 . Thus, as seen in  FIG. 18 , the elastomeric pad  91  contacts the rods  41  and during arborist rigging procedures transfers frame load forces to the trunk of a tree. The pad  91  is attached to the hinge plate  97  with two bolts  96 , washers  98 , and nuts  95 . The two flip-out units  80  and  90  give the operator choices as to the interface with the tree at that side wing or section of the apparatus, when spike engagement is to be avoided. It is envisioned that a converter unit similar to the flip-out unit  90  could also be used to provide an elastomeric pad as an interface between the hard edges of the frame apparatus  14   d  and the thin bark of a young tree. 
   Although not specifically illustrated, the invention is also applicable to a frame apparatus having left and right wings or frame extensions connected by pivot connections to a main (central) frame section, such as one embodiment of a frame structure shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,253, as opposed to the fixed (welded) wing structures of the embodiments described above.  FIGS. 11-14  illustrate one embodiment of the invention or one particular type of pivoted-wing frame apparatus, but wing structures similar to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , for example, could also be pivoted. 
   The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope. Other embodiments and variations to these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.