A DEVICE FOR THE PACKING OF TREES

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the packing of trees with branches and which comprises a first portion (1) kept stationary relative to a support during use, and a second portion (2) that may be displaced in a horizontal plane relative to the first portion; wherein the first and the second portions comprise substantially vertical elements (6, 9); wherein a pallet (P) may be provided between the respective vertical elements of the first and the second portions; wherein bracing elements for bracing the trees arranged on the pallet may optionally be provided, the two opposite ends of the wrapping material being joined to conclude the operation, where the means (13) are provided in the device for displacing the second portion (2) relative to the first portion (1), wherein said means (13) are so arranged that the points of action therefor on the first and the second portions, respectively, are below the loading level defined by the top surface of the pallet (P).

Description: A device for the packing of trees The present invention relates to a device for the packing of trees with branches and which comprises a first portion that is kept stationary relative to a support during use, and a second portion that may be displaced in a horizontal plane relative to the first portion; wherein the first and the second portions comprise substantially vertical elements; wherein a pallet may be provided between the respective vertical elements of the first and the second portions; wherein bracing elements for bracing the trees arranged on the pallet may optionally be provided, at least in connection with the vertical elements adjacent the peripheral areas of the pallet following completed displacement; wherein the respective and substantially vertical elements of the first and the second portions are so arranged that upon displace¬ ment of the second portion relative to the first portion, they displace the trees arranged in the space between the vertical elements to a position above and on the pallet; and wherein the option of wrapping a wrapping material around the pallet, the bracing elements and the compressed trees is also available in connection with the device so as to ensure their positions relative to eachother, the two opposite ends of the wrapping material being joined at the end of the operation. Such devices are known, e.g. for the packing of Christmas trees which have following felling been packed in a net or wound with a string in such a manner that the branches are aligned with the bole. The packed or wound trees are arranged on the device in a number which, depending on the size of the relevant trees, corresponds to the desired final volume of the pack. Typical¬ ly such pack will contain 40 to 60 trees. The second portion of the device is subsequently displaced relative to the first portion in such a manner that, following completed dis¬ placement, the trees are positioned above and on the pallet. Moreover a vertical compression may also be relevant. Finally, e.g. a string may be wound round the pallet, the bracing elements and the trees, the opposite ends of said string being joined to conclude the packing operation. Such device and the method used in connection therewith for the packing of Christmas trees has important advantages over the methods known and employed so far wherein, following packing or winding, the trees are loaded onto a vehicle without any prior sorting of the trees according to quality and size. In such known method it will subsequently be very time- consuming in the various links of the distribution chain to carry out such sorting. By means of an apparatus of the type described in the introductory part, it is possible to sort the trees on the felling site and to keep the different tree categories apart throughout the entire distribution chain which also saves time during the loading/unloading procedures onto/from the distribution vehicle. With such previously known device, the displacement of the second portion relative to the first portion is effected by a vehicle, e.g. a fork-lift truck, being driven up to the device following which particular hydraulic arms are caused to engage with the second portion. At this point actuation of the hydraulic arms causes the vertical elements of the second portion to displace the trees arranged on the device towards the substantially vertical elements of the first portion to a position above and on the pallet situated in the device. The trees may subsequently be compressed vertically by means of parts arranged therefor on the vehicle. Since this known device utilizes particular hydraulic elements which pull the second portion towards the first portion, it is impossible to discharge a fully loaded pallet from the device without prior dismantling of the hydraulic arms, the latter extending along the sides of the device between the vertical elements on the first and the second portions, respectively. In order to utilize such known device it is required that they are present in large numbers in the relevant forest area and that a correspondingly large amount of service vehicles is also available. In this connection it is highly dis¬ advantageous that a dismantling of the arms used for the compression has to take place in order to carry out the unloading since such operation is very time-consuming. Moreover the requisite availability of a large number of devices and a large number of service vehicles is financially cumbersome whereby the forestry business is rendered less profitable. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device of the type described in the introductory part whereby it is possible to discharge the fully loaded pallets from the device without any prior dismantling of the means for displacing the first and the second portions relative to each other and whereby it is also possible to pack a corresponding amount of trees by means of substantially less voluminous equipment. This object is achieved with a device which is characterized in that the means are provided in the device for displacing the second portion relative to the first portion, wherein said means are so arranged that the points of action therefor on the first and the second portions, respectively, are below the loading level defined by the top surface of the pallet. Since the means for displacing the second portion relative to the first portion are so arranged that their points of action on the first and the second portions, respectively, are situated below the loading level, the unloading of the fully loaded pallets charged onto the device may be effected independently of the location of such means and without prior dismantling of such means. Particularly conveniently, the displacement means are fully covered by the pallet, i.e. they are situated below the plane defining the underside of the pallet, and such means may comprise at least one hydralic actuator. Such positioning below the underside of the pallet makes it possible to utilize the entire length of the first portion. However, it is also an option to employ an electromotor with chain or spindle drive. However, in view of the severe operating conditions, it is convenient to employ a hydraulic actuator. Also in view of the severe operating conditions, it is convenient that the displacement means are situated below the device and that the periphery of the device thus protects said means against impacts. In some instances it may be convenient to provide a gearing arrangement in connection with the hydraulic actuator to increase the displacement action thereof on the second portion relative to the first in order to allow the diplacement means to assume smaller outer dimensions, thereby preventing them from extending beyond the periphery of the device. In the area where the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion, the first portion of the device has a plane, the upperside of which is substantially aligned with the top surface of a pallet arranged in the device. Thus it is avoided that trees are stuck between the side of the pallet and the second portion of the device during dis¬ placement of the second portion. The device may conveniently be provided in such a manner, that, adjacently the loading area, vertically displaceable elements are provided for increasing the loading area range; wherein the elements are vertically displaceable, and in one of their low positions allowing the pallet to be freely discharged from the device. Hereby it is ensured that small trees loaded onto the device stays thereon. According to a further convenient embodiment, means may be provided in connection with the device and associated with the first portion, wherein said means may be displaced vertically to effect vertical compression of trees which have already been compressed horizontally. Said means for vertical displacement may conveniently be provided with separate displacement means, e.g. in the form of a hydraulic actuator. The device may conveniently be provided with means for connecting a drive means thereto, said connecting means being provided in such a manner that, even upon connection to e.g. a source of hydraulic pressure, it is possible to discharge loaded pallets from the device without prior dismantling of the connecting means. In case of hydraulic actuators, such connecting means may conveniently consist of a three-way valve which is capable of exercising separate control of the pressure medium to each the individual actuators. In order to allow a removal of the loaded pallet in the side direction as well as in the longitudinal direction the vertical elements of the first portion are preferably pivotably suspended relative to the remaining part of the construction. Preferably the vertical elements of the first portion are releasably connected to the remaining part of the construc- tion, and the vertical elements of the first portion are pivotably suspended about a substantially horizontal axis. In case the device comprises means for vertical compression of the trees, the vertical elements of the first portion are conveniently suspended pivotably about a horisontal axis relative to these means. Further details of this alternative embodiment will appear from the claims. The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to exemplary, non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings. In the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 2 is a side view of a device according to the in¬ vention, Figure 3 is a top view of the device shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line A-A in the device shown in Figure 3, Figure 5 is a rear view of the device shown in Figure 2 seen from the left relative to Figure 2, Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 7 is a side view of the device shown in figure 6, Figure 8 is a top view of the device shown in figure 6, Figure 9 is an end view of the device shown in figure 6, and Figure 10 is a schematical view of a pallet comprising bracing elements at the sides and at the top. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. The device illustrated consists of a first portion 1 and a second portion 2 which is displaceable relative to said first portion 1. The first portion 1 comprises longitu- dinal beams 3 at both sides, said longitudinal beams being connected to transverse elements 4 at each side of the first portion. The first portion 1 comprises vertical elements 6. In the area immediately adjacent the vertical elements, space is provided for the positioning of a pallet P. At the opposite side seen relative to the vertical elements, the first portion is provided with a plane 7, the upper side of which is substantially aligned with the top surface of a pallet P arranged in the device. The second portion 2 comprises a transversal beam 8 on which the vertical elements are mounted. At its sides, the transversal beam 8 is provided with vertical plate parts 10 which each carries four rolls 12 and wherein a further support plate 11 is arranged at the end of said rolls. At each side of the second portion, the rolls 12 are arranged around the longitudinal beams 3 of the first portion. By means of a hydraulic actuator the second portion is displaceable relative to the first portion, the rolls of the second portion allowing the second portion to travel along the longitudinal beams of the first portion. At both sides of the loading plane which is constituted of the plane 7 and the top surface of the pallet, vertically displaceable board portions 19 are provided to increase the loading plane range. The board portions are hingedly mounted (indicated by dotted lines) in such a manner that the hinges may be rotated by means of means intended therefore, e.g. a hydraulic rotation actuator or a lever for manual operation. Behind the vertical elements of the first portion, means 14 are arranged for vertical compression of the trees already compressed horizontally on the pallet. Said means comprise two vertical beams 15 on which a frame 16 with four horizontal arms 17 is mounted to be vertically displaceable. By means of a hydrau¬ lic actuator 18 the frame 16 with the arms 17 is vertically displaceable. Figure 2, which is a side view of the device illustrated in Figure 1, clearly shows that the hydraulic actuator 13, which carries out the displacement of the second part relative to the first part, is arranged under the loading plane defined by the upper side of the pallet. Figure 3 is a top view of a device according to the in- ventions. This figure clearly shows the bracing elements 23 arranged in connection with the outermost vertical elements 6 on the first portion and in connection with the outermost vertical elements 9 on the second portion. Between these outermost vertical elements a transversal element is arranged to support the bracing elements (wood strips) . It further appears that in this transversal element between the vertical elements, a conveyance channel for a wrapping material is provided. It will also appear from Figure 3 that the frame 16 is controlled relative to the beams 15 by means of a number of rolls, at least two at each side of the frame, said rolls being conveyed in a groove in each beam 15, It will appear from Figure 4 that the second portion compri¬ ses guide wheels 21 which are pivotable about a vertical axis and conveyed into the first portion by means of an element 22. Each wheel is mounted on the arm which extends from a board element 20 secured onto the transversal beam 8. The board element 20 may be caused to travel beyond the plane 7 by displacement of the second portion relative to the first portion. The guide wheels 21 and the guide element contribute to ensuring safe coveyance of the second portion relative to the first portion whereby the interlocking of said portions relative to each other is avoided to the largest extent possible. It is also an option (not illustrated) that the guide wheels are mounted on the plate portion 10 on the second portion and controls the longitudinal beam 3 of the first portion. Figure 5 illustrates the device according to the invention in a rear view. It will appear that the two board elements 20 are at their bottom connected to each other by an element 23. The element 23 serves as an achoring point for the dis¬ placement actuator on the second portion 2. Figures 2, 3 and 5 show the means for controlling the hydraulic actuators 13,18. On an arm 25 two three-way valves 26 are mounted. Via the conduit 27, the valves receives supplies from a not shown generator of hydraulic pressure. It may e.g. be a vehicle with a pressure outlet or a separate hydraulic pump. By means of the valves 26 the pressure medium may be charged at any side of the piston in the actuator so as to allow forward or backward displacement of the piston and thus of the constructional element attached thereto. In figure 6 constructive details corresponding to the same in figure 1 are given the same reference numbers. Further, each of the four horizontal arms 17 are connected to the vertical elements 6 of the first portion. In each of the vertical elements 6, respective guides are provided in which a anchoring element mounted on each horizontal arm 17 travels. The transverse beam 4 is provided with barbs 34 which serve to ensure that the vertical elements are secured by vertical compression. The vertical elements are connected to each other at their lowermost ends by means of a communication element 35. The vertical elements may alterantively at their lowermost ends be releasably inserted into corresponding recesses in the transverse beam. Between the connection element 35 and the two middle horizontal arms, a hydraulic actuator 33 is provided for vertical displacement of the vertical elements. In the compression phase, this actuator is in an unpressurized floating position. Upon vertical upward displacement of the horizontal arms, the vertical elements 6 will lift the vertical elements out of the recesses when the anchoring elements reach the upper end of the guide. By means of e.g. a hydraulic actuator (shown in Figure 7) the vertical elements may subsequently be rotated about the axis that is defined by the by the anchoring elements. At its one end, the hydraulic actuator is connected to a momentum arm arranged on the vertical elements, and at its opposite end it is conenc- ted to the vertical beams 15. By using the actuator 33 for vertical displacement of the vertical elements 6, it is also possible to carry out such displacement in any position of the horizontal arms. Thus it is ensured that a sufficient vertical displacement may be obtained before the rotation movement is implemented. In figure 7 the vertical elements are shown in a pivoted position indicated by a dotted line. Moreover, a hydraulic actuator 32 is described which serve to displace a charged pallet away from the loading area. In this case, the actuator may be provided with a telescope function in order to obtain displacement with small mounting length. A chute or platform 31 is provided at the end of the device. The chute is mounted pivotably relative to the device (shown pivoted with a dotted line) . At the outer end of the chute support legs are pro¬ vided. Optionally one or more wheels can be provided instead of legs, allowing transport of the device without pivoting of the chute 31. Hereby it is possible to transport pallets on the chute. Figures 8 and 9 show the device seen from above and from the end. Figure 10 outlines the principles of a pallet with vertical bracing elements 39 having at its corners further horizontal bracing elements 24 arranged between said vertical bracing elements. A wrapping material 29 is mounted at the one end of the pallet. For the sake of clarity the trees usually present in the packing situation are omitted from the figure.

Claims: C l a i m s 1. A device for the packing of trees with branches and which comprises a first portion (1) that is kept stationary relative to a support during use, and a second portion (2) that may be displaced in a horizontal plane relative to the first portion; wherein the first and the second portions comprise substantially vertical elements (6,9); wherein a pallet (P) may be provided between the respective vertical elements of the first and the second portions; wherein bracing elements for bracing the trees arranged on the pallet may optionally be provided, at least in connection with the vertical elements adjacent the peripheral areas of the pallet following completed displacement; wherein the respective and substantially vertical elements of the first and the second portions are so arranged that upon displacement of the second portion relative to the first portion, they displace the trees arranged in the space between the vertical elements to a position above and on the pallet; and wherein the option of wrapping a wrapping material around the pallet, the bracing elements and the compressed trees is also available in connection with the device so as to ensure their positions relative to eachother, the two opposite ends of the wrapping material being joined to conclude the operation, c h a - r a c t e r i z e d in that means (13) are provided in the device for displacing the second portion (2) relative to the first portion (1) , wherein said means (13) are so arranged that the points of action therefor on the first and the second portions, respectively, are below the loading level defined by the top surface of the pallet (P) . 2. A device according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e in that the means (13) for displacing the second portion (2) relative to the first portion (1) is situated below the plane which is defined by the underside of the pallet (P) . 3. A device according to claims 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d in that the displacement means (13) comprise at least one hydraulic actuator. 4. A device according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d in that a gearing arrangement is provided in connec¬ tion with the hydraulic actuator to increase the displacement action thereof on the second portion (2) relative to the first portion (1) . 5. A device according to claims 1 through 4, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that in the area where the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion, the first portion is provided with a plane (7) the upperside of which being substantially aligned with the top surface of a pallet (P) arranged in the device. 6. A device according to claims 1 through 5, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that adjacently the loading area vertical- ly displaceable elements (19) are provided for increasing the loading area; wherein the elements (19) are vertically displaceable so as to ensure that in a lower position relative to the elements, the pallet are freely dischargeable from the device. 7. A device according to claims 1 through 6, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that in connection with the first portion (1) , means are provided which are vertically displaceable to effect vertical compression of trees which have already been horizontally compressed. 8. A device according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d in that separate means (18) are provided for dis¬ placing the vertically displaceable means. 9. A device according to claim 8, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d in that the displacement means (18) comprise at least one hydraulic actuator. 10. A device according to claims 1 through 9, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in that a connecting means for a drive means is provided, said connecting means being provided in such a manner that, even upon connection to e.g. a hydraulic- pressure source, it is possible to discharge loaded pallets from the device without prior dismantling of the connecting means. 11. A device according to claims 1 through 10, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in that the vertical elements (6) of the first portion (1) are pivotably suspended relative to the remaining part of the construction. 12. A device according to claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d in that the vertical elements (6) of the first portion are releasably connected to the remaining part of the construction, and that the vertical elements of the first portion are pivotably suspended about a substantially horizontal axis. 13. A device according to claim 11 or 12, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the device comprises means (15,16,17) which may be displaced vertically for vertical compression of trees arranged on the device and which have initially been compressed horizontally, and that the vertical elements (6) of the first portion are pivotably suspended relative to the vertically displaceable means. 14. A device according to claim 13, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d in that in connection with the vertical elements (6) a guide is provided for the means (15,16,17) for vertical compression of trees. 15. A device according to claim 13 or 14, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that in connection with the vertical elements means are provided for securing the vertically displaceable elements in any vertical position within the displacement areas of these means relative to the vertical elements. 16. A device according to claims 13 through 15, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in that between the vertically dis- placeable means and the vertical elements, means (33) are provided, e.g. a hydraulic actuator, for vertical displace¬ ment of the vertical elements relative to the vertically displaceable means. 17. A device according to claims 11 through 16, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in that means (38) are provided for pivoting the vertical elements of the first portion, wherein said means are e.g. a hydraulic actuator in connection with the vertical elements (6) of the first portion and a statio- nary constructive portion (15) or a pull connection, the one end of which is in communication with a momentum arm on the vertical elements of the first portion, and wherein the second end of the pull connection is connectable to a stationary element and relative to the vertically displace- ably means is conveyed in such a manner that the vertical elements of the first portion pivot the vertical elements about their anchoring axis upon upward vertical displacement of the vertically displaceable means. 18. A device according to claims 11 through 17, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in further comprising a chute (31) on which the ready-packed pallets may be displaced in a direc¬ tion away from the packing position of the vertical elements of the first portion. 19. A device according to claim 18, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d in that the chute (31) is pivotably anchored relative to the remaining part of the construction or releasably secured thereto. 20. A device according to claims 11 through 19, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in that it is provided with means (32) , e.g. in the form of a hydraulic actuator, for the displace¬ ment of ready-packed pallets away from the packing position, preferably in the longitudinal orientation of the device.

Inventors: COLLET BERNT JOHAN, COLLET, BERNT, JOHAN
Applicants: COLLET BERNT JOHAN, COLLET, BERNT, JOHAN
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B65B63
IPC codes: B65B25