Abstract:
A portable log skidder designed for towing with various vehicles comprising a self-contained battery-operated winch is herein disclosed. The skidder comprises a steel frame providing an “L”-shaped configuration. An inverted “U”-shaped structure at a rear location provides an opening and an upper pulley over the open frame. To utilize the log skidder, it is positioned in proximity to a large log. A steel cable is extended from the winch and strapped around one end of the log. Next, the winch is used to raise one (1) end of the log slightly off the ground. The log skidder, along with the log, is then pulled using a vehicle thereto a location where the log can be harvested for firewood, lumber, or other purposes. The log is centered over two (2) pneumatic rubber tires on the frame which carry the weight of the log skidder and the log. The winch is controlled by a tethered remote control unit at a safe distance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/065,806 filed Feb. 19, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a portable log skidder removably attachable to a tow vehicle for transporting felled logs from a felling site to another site. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The harvesting of timber is an operation that occurs all over the world on a daily basis. While much of this harvesting is done by large-scale harvesting operations, there are small-scale operations as well. Small-scale operations are often necessary to obtain specialty hardwoods in a larger forest setting, as part of property maintenance, or during storm cleanup. One (1) goal of these operations is to not disturb other trees, plant life, and wildlife, which is impossible using large machinery. Once the tree is felled and branches are removed, it is necessary to remove the trunk as this is where much of the valuable wood is stored. It is often impossible to get large equipment into heavily wooded areas to remove the trunk section. As a result the trunk is often cut into smaller and less valuable pieces to permit removal. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which fallen tree trunks and large limbs can be removed intact from wooded areas without the disadvantages of large equipment and without disturbing nearby areas. The development of the apparatus herein described fulfills this need. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to overcome these problems and provide a means for skidding logs. U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,835, issued in the name of Evenson, describes a log skidder comprising a bulldozer assembly, a cable guide mechanism, a cable, and a winch assembly for paying out a cable and guiding a fallen log for skidding purposes. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Evenson log skidder with implement mounted cable guide means is a large piece of heavy equipment which is ill-suited for work in sensitive or dense work areas. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 891,385, issued in the name of Strange, describes a wheeled logging cart comprising a supporting arched axle, clamping tongs, and a hoisting mechanism intended to secure and drag fallen logs behind draft animals. U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,778, issued in the name of Schults, describes a log lifter comprising a collapsible support frame, a gripping clamp and a hoist mechanism used to lift large logs to facilitate cutting. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Strange logging-cart and the Schultz log lifter disadvantageously only provide manual hoisting mechanisms and lack a stabilized and transportable frame for efficiently removing fallen timber for processing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,887, issued in the name of Brooks, describes a log skidder comprising a frame and a pivotal attachment for receiving a three-point hitch component of a tractor for tiltingly manipulating and lifting the end of a fallen log for removal from an area by use of common farm equipment. Again, unlike the present apparatus, the Brooks log skidder is not an effective means of removing logs from delicate environmental areas. 
     Other known prior art for log skidders include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,956,835; 4,102,528; and 4,278,392. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and appear to disclose various attempts to secure, lift, and remove felled and fallen logs; none of the prior art particularly discloses a portable log skidder comprising a base frame, a lifting frame, a ball hitch, a wheel assembly, and a wench assembly for skidding logs utilizing an ATV. Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable log skidder that operates without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing prior art, the present apparatus is contemplated to solve the aforementioned inherent disadvantages and it has been observed that there is need for a portable log skidder which provides a means to skid logs behind an ATV or similar small vehicle for removal from densely forested areas or sensitive areas. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present apparatus to provide a portable log skidder intended for use with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) comprising a support frame and a self-contained battery-operated winch. In accordance with the apparatus the portability of the frame can easily be backed into position over a large log in confined or sensitive environments. 
     A further objective of the present apparatus is to provide a support frame comprising an “L”-shaped lifting frame which provides a rigid structure for the log to be lifted and secured within, a base frame which supports the wheel assembly, and two (2) diagonal cross members which provide additional strength and stability to the invention. Such a support structure can hold a large load relative to its own size and weight. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a wheel and tire assembly which provides a means of effective off-road transportation of the apparatus. The log is positioned within a center portion of the lifting frame over the two (2) tires which then carry the vast majority of the weight of the combined apparatus and log, thus passing very little weight onto a trailer tongue. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is provide a battery-operated winch assembly comprising a guide roller and a cable which provides a means to raise one (1) end of the log off the ground. The winch assembly is securely mounted to the lifting frame. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide two (2) onboard deep cycle batteries which provide power to the winch assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a rear portion of the lifting frame comprising an opening which provides a means of receiving the lifted end of the log and supports the guide roller which provides a means of stability and guidance to the cable. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a cable which extends downward and outward from the lifting frame and provides a means of cinching around the end of the log to be lifted and removed from the site. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a tow bar assembly comprising a tongue and ball-hitch receiver which provides a means of easily attaching the apparatus to the chassis of a small vehicle which can then be operated in a manner that enables the apparatus to be carefully maneuvered along with the cinched log for removal of the log. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a wired remote controlling assembly comprising a remote control which is tethered to a control box by a control cord which provide a means of housing all the necessary electronic components needed to operate the winch assembly and providing a means of controlling the winch assembly at a safe distance. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide two (2) anti-skid devices comprising a pair of screw jack devices which provides a means of securely anchoring the apparatus to the ground while a log is being loaded onto the lifting frame. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a method for utilizing a portable log skidder. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present apparatus will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a portable log skidder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a portable log skidder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of the portable log skidder  10 , depicting winch assembly  45  and control box  85  portions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram of the portable log skidder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
           
             
                 10  portable log skidder 
                 20  base frame 
                 22  lifting frame 
                 25  platform 
                 30  tongue 
                 35  ball-hitch 
                 40  upper brace 
                 42  lower brace 
                 45  winch assembly 
                 47  motor 
                 48  gear reduction unit 
                 49  cable pulley 
                 50  cable 
                 52  guide roller 
                 55  hook 
                 60  tire/wheel assembly 
                 65  fender 
                 70  winch support assembly 
                 72  vertical post 
                 74  horizontal post 
                 76  winch mounting bracket 
                 78  locking bolt 
                 80  battery compartment 
                 82  battery 
                 84  lid 
                 85  control box 
                 90  remote control 
                 92  connector 
                 94  wiring 
                 95  tether control cord 
                 96  ON/OFF switch 
                 97  “RELEASE” button 
                 98  “WIND” button 
                 100  anti-skid device 
                 102  body 
                 104  screw shaft mechanism 
                 105  anchoring portion 
                 110  hand crank 
                 200  log 
                 210  ground surface 
             
           
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a portable log skidder (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for skidding logs  200  while utilizing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), small tractor, or other tow vehicle to transport a log  200 . The apparatus  10  comprises a self-contained battery-operated winch  45 . The apparatus  10  takes the form of a utility trailer comprising a standard ball-hitch  35 , and a vertical “U”-shaped lifting frame  22  approximately four (4) to five (5) feet tall. The winching system  45  comprises a guide roller  52  utilizing a conventional wire rope cable  50  to skid the log  200 . The cable  50  is strapped around one (1) end of the log  200  and secured using a cable hook  55 . The log  200  is winched along a ground surface  210  thereto a position below or in proximity thereto the apparatus  10 . A pair of on-board deep cycle batteries  82  provides 12-volt direct current (DC) power thereto the winch  45  which is capable of lifting an end portion of the log  200  approximately two (2) feet above said ground surface  210 . The winch  45  is operated by a user at a safe distance using a tethered hand-held remote control unit  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , side and rear perspective views of the apparatus  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a base frame  20 , a lifting frame  22 , a platform  25 , a tongue  30 , a ball hitch  35 , a pair of upper braces  40 , a pair of lower braces  42 , and a pair of anti-skid devices  100 . The apparatus  10  takes the form of a two-wheeled utility trailer comprising a tubular steel frame and providing a transportable and load bearing structure capable of lifting and supporting a log  200  and subsequently transporting said log  200  in a dragging manner over a ground surface  210 . 
     The base frame  20  comprises a sturdy foundation thereto the apparatus  10  envisioned to be made using an assembly of two (2) inch square structural tubing lengths forming a rigid assembly using common welding processes. Said base frame  20  comprises a pair of steel members arranged in a parallel manner along a horizontal plane being angled inwardly at an intermediate location, thereby converging and joining thereto one another at a proximal end thereof. Said converging base frame  20  members form a triangular shape providing an attachment means thereto a sheet metal platform  25  affixed along upper surfaces of said triangular base frame portion  20 , thereby being rigidly affixed thereto using fasteners, welding, or the like. The base frame  20  further provides an attachment thereto a forwardly extending tongue  30  and standard ball-hitch  35  at an extreme proximal end portion in a similar fashion as common utility trailers. The parallel members of the base frame  20  further provide respective welded attachment thereto the lifting frame  22  at a distal end portion thereof. The lifting frame  22  utilizes similar materials as the base frame  20  and forms inclusive ninety (90) degree welded angles. The lifting frame  22  further comprises an upper horizontal member spanning said vertical members, thereby forming a three (3) sided inverted “U”-shaped welded assembly. The lifting frame  22  provides a strong rigid structure being approximately five (5) feet high and four (4) feet wide, thereby providing ample internal clearance thereto a log  200  being lifted and secured therewithin. 
     The lifting frame  22  further comprises a pair of vertical anti-skid devices  100  being permanently affixed thereto respective rearward facing surfaces of the aforementioned parallel vertical members using common fastening means such as welding, bolts, screws, or the like. The anti-skid devices  100  are envisioned to be similar to manually operated screw-jack devices used to level semi-trailers and providing expected features such as a cylindrical tubular body  102 , an internal screw shaft mechanism  104 , a downward extending anchoring portion  105 , and a hand crank  110 . Said anchoring portion  105  comprises a conical or chisel-shaped point thereat a lower end portion capable of penetrating a ground surface  210 , thereby providing a horizontal stabilizing means thereto the apparatus  10  thereat a particular location while skidding a log  200 . The anti-skid devices  100  are envisioned to be utilized while winching a log  200  therefrom some distance along a ground surface  210 . 
     The base frame  20  further comprises a vertical winch support member  70  affixed thereto and extending upwardly therefrom the platform portion  25  (see  FIG. 3 ). The apparatus  10  further comprises an interconnecting pair of upper braces  40  welded therebetween an upper portion of the lifting frame  22  and the platform  25 . The apparatus  10  further comprises an interconnecting pair of lower braces  42  which are welded therebetween a lower portion of the lifting frame  22  and the winch support assembly  70 . The braces  40 ,  42  comprise angle iron members approximately two (2) to three (3) inches in size, extending and being securely welded therebetween the base frame  20 , the lifting frame  22 , and the winch support member  70 , thereby providing additional rigidity thereto the lifting frame  22  during use. The frame bracing  40 ,  42  provides a closed structural system thereto the apparatus  10  resulting in a rigid and strong interconnected upper frame portion. The base frame  20  further provides an attachment thereto a pair of tire/wheel assemblies  60  and a pair of fenders  65 . The tire/wheel assemblies  60  comprise conventional spindle-mounted steel wheels and high-speed pneumatic tires along opposing sides of the base frame  20  at an intermediate position along the parallel member portions of the base frame  20 . The fenders  65  are envisioned to comprise strong metal structures having a wedge-shaped design, thereby providing a deflecting and protective means thereto the tire/wheel assemblies  60  being especially affective during off-road use by preventing punctures and abrasion therefrom sharp protrusions and other hazards which may contact the tire/wheel assemblies  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view of the apparatus  10 , depicting winch assembly  45  and control box  85  portions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  further comprises a hoisting system allowing a user to secure, winch, and hoist an end portion of a log  200  therewithin the lifting frame  22 . The apparatus  10  comprises a commercially available electric winch assembly  45 , a length of cable  50 , a pair of guide rollers  52 , and a common cable hook  55 . The winch  45  is similar to weather-resistant winching units used on off-road vehicles providing an approximately thirty-five hundred (3500) pound lifting/pulling capacity and providing standard features such as, but not limited to: a 12-volt DC motor  47 , approximately one-hundred (100) feet of one-quarter (¼) inch steel cable  50 , an integral gear reduction unit  48 , and a barrel-style cable pulley  49 . The motorized winch  45  provides tension thereto the drive cable  50  which extends at an upward angle thereto a standard guide roller unit  52  comprising a pair of parallel barrel rollers affixed thereto an upper central portion of both upper braces  40  at a location adjacent thereto the lifting frame  22 . Said cable  50  passes therethrough the guide rollers  52  and in turn extends downwardly and outwardly providing a cinching attachment thereto a log  200  via an affixed common cable safety-hook  55 . It is envisioned that in use, the cable  50  is wrapped around a log  200  and secured thereby routing therethrough the hook  55 . 
     The winch assembly  45  provides a rugged attachment means thereto the platform  25  via a winch support assembly  70  made using structural steel tubing, thereby providing an adjustable anchoring means thereto the winch assembly  45 . The winch support assembly  70  further comprises a pair of vertical posts  72 , a horizontal post  74 , a winch mounting bracket  76 , and a locking bolt  78 . The vertical posts  72  comprise a pair of parallel tubing members having a gap therebetween of approximately three (3) inches and providing an attachment thereto the horizontal post  74  securely welded thereto both vertical posts  72  and being arranged at a right angle thereat a top portion of said vertical posts  72  forming a strong “T”-shaped weldment. The winch support assembly  70  is approximately two (2) to three (3) feet high being securely welded thereto a top surface of the platform  25  and/or the base platform  20 . The horizontal post  74  comprises a length of tubing approximately six (6) to twelve (12) inches long having a particular inner opening so as to slidingly receive the winch mounting bracket  76 . The winch mounting bracket  76  comprises a length of structural tubing having a rectangular plate welded thereto a top surface thereat a rearward end portion, thereby providing a mounting platform for mounting said winch assembly  45  thereupon. The tube portion of the winch mounting bracket  76  is of a slightly smaller size as the horizontal post  74 , thereby providing a lateral adjustment means thereto the winch assembly  45  along a long axis of the apparatus  10 . Said winch assembly  45  is affixed thereto said winch mounting bracket  76  at corner positions using four (4) common fasteners such as bolts. Said winch mounting bracket  76  is slidingly inserted therein the horizontal post portion  74  of the winch support member  70  and secured in position using a locking bolt  78 . The locking bolt  78  comprises a common hardware component such as a hitch pin, quick-release pin, or the like, passing therethrough corresponding drilled hole portions of the horizontal post  74  and the inserted winch mounting bracket  76 . Removal of said locking bolt  78  provides convenient removal of the winch assembly  45  when not in use, thereby providing security against theft thereto the apparatus  10  when unattended. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a rectangular plastic or metal battery compartment  80 , a control box  85 , a remote control  90 , and a tether control cord  95  providing a 12-volt power source and tethered control means thereto the apparatus  10 . The battery compartment  80  comprises a weather-proof enclosure with a latching lid  84 . The battery compartment  80  provides an attachment means thereto the platform  25  along a bottom surface thereof and further provides a protective housing thereto a pair of deep-cycle marine-type batteries  82  therewithin. The battery compartment  80  provides an attachment means along a top surface thereto a control box  85  using common fasteners such as screws. The control box  85  comprises a weather-proof plastic electrical enclosure approximately six (6) inches square providing a housing means thereto internal electronic and electrical switching components required to control the winch assembly  45  (see  FIG. 4 ). The control box  85  further provides a removably attachable means thereto a tether control cord  95  and integral hand-held remote control  90  via a common indoor/outdoor plugging connector  92  allowing a user to stand at a safe distance while operating the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram of the portable log skidder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. DC electric power is supplied thereto the apparatus  10  via a pair of 12-volt deep-cycle batteries  82 . Said DC power is conducted therethrough common copper conductor wiring  94  thereto the control box  85 . The control box  85  comprises electrical switching components such as, but not limited to: circuit boards, relays, wiring, and the like required to control a bi-directional operation of the winch assembly  45 . The control box  85  receives operator initiated switching voltages therefrom a hand-held remote control  90  via the tether control cord  95 , to motion the winch assembly  45  to wind or release a length of cable  50  and subsequently motion the log  200 . The remote control  90  comprises an ON/OFF rocker-type switch  96  to electrically activate/deactivate the control box  85 . The remote control  90  further comprises a cable “RELEASE” arrow button  97 , and a cable “WIND” arrow button  98 ; however, other various indicia may be used to indicate direction of cable  50  travel. The arrow buttons  97 ,  98  are envisioned to comprise momentary-contact illuminated switches. Upon activation of the arrow buttons  97 ,  98 , a correspondingly polarized current is in-turn conducted thereto the winch motor  47  to release or lift the log  200 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: charging the 12-volt batteries  82  therewithin the battery compartment  80 ; attaching the apparatus  10  thereto an ATV, small tractor, or other vehicle using the ball-hitch  35 ; transporting the apparatus  10  to a desired job site; securing the apparatus  10  thereat a location using the two (2) anti-skid devices  100 ; extending the anchoring portion  105  of said anti-skid devices  100  thereinto a ground surface  210  by manually rotating the manual hand cranks  110 ; extending a length of cable  50  therefrom the winch  45  by pressing the “RELEASE” arrow button  97  on the remote control  90 ; looping the cable  50  around an end portion of a log  200 ; securing the cable  50  thereto the log  200  by routing said cable  50  therethrough the hook  55 ; dragging and/or lifting the log  200  by activating the winch  45  by pressing the “WIND” arrow button  98  on the remote control  90 ; continuing to wind a length of cable  50  so as to drag the log  200  from a distance along a ground surface  210 ; lifting an end portion of the log  200  therein the lifting frame  22  thereto a desired height above a ground surface  210 ; retracting the anchoring portions  105  of the anti-skid devices  100  using the respective hand cranks  110 ; transporting the apparatus  10  and suspended log  200  using a full size or small vehicle such as an ATV or small tractor, to a desired location for further processing of said log  200  to be harvested for firewood, lumber, or other purposes; and, benefiting from a compact apparatus  10  which provides sufficient winching  45  and transporting capability to move heavy logs  200  using a small vehicle. 
     The apparatus  10  is envisioned to comprise a narrow overall width, thereby effectively fitting into confined areas being too narrow for conventional log skidders, full-sized vehicles, or trailers. The apparatus  10  allows moving and extracting logs  200  in a convenient and safe manner by a single operator. It is also appreciated that the apparatus  10  provides particular enhancements such as the ball-hitch  35  and pneumatic tires  60 , thereby allowing a user to transport said apparatus  10  using a variety of different vehicles such as ATVs, small tractors, and pickup trucks. Said enhancements further facilitate transportation of the apparatus  10  over both off-road and highway surfaces as desired. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.