Abstract:
A guide ( 23 ) supports a pole ( 22 ) by clamping a tree. ( 27 ) Guide ( 23 ) is a separate device which is comprised of a frame ( 24 25 ) which houses a tree clamp ( 31 ) and a pole clamp. ( 32 ) The use of guide ( 23 ) greatly extends the reach of a cutter. ( 21 ) Multiple poles ( 22 ) and guides ( 23 ) are added to reach a pre-determined cutting height. Guide ( 23 ) provides a stable elevated platform where a pivot point ( 71 ) is established. Leverage is thereby provided for positioning and moving cutter. ( 21 ) Trimming begins by activating cutter ( 21 ) and releasing pole clamp ( 32 ) allowing cutter ( 21 ) to engage with branches. ( 34 ) Additionally, branches ( 34 ) are also trimmed utilizing motor driven wheels ( 59 ) which provide rotation of guide, ( 23 ) pole ( 22 ) and cutter ( 21 ) around the perimeter of tree. ( 27 )

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A tree cutting apparatus comprising a remote cutting device which is manipulated at ground level by utilizing rigidly connected poles which are supported by guides that clamp both a tree and a pole. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0005]    There are several groups of machinery that are related to the tree trimming device described in the following pages. These groups include: tree trimming equipment, pole saw arrangements, different support platforms utilized for tree trimming, and tree trimmers that utilize a pivot point in proximity to a cutting tool. The following patents represent a group of automated tree trimming robots that climb trees, trimming branches as they go: U.S. Pat. No. 2,228,635 to Mafinnis (1941), U.S. Pat. No. 2,482,392 to Whitaker (1949), U.S. Pat. No. 2,541,767 to Jones (1951), U.S. Pat. No. 3,451,448 to Michiner (1969), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,377 to Mortel. (2002) Robots of this type utilize complicated and expensive equipment, requiring skill to operate. Cutting tools are robotically yielded from a moving platform which climbs a tree. The climbing robots are constructed generally using a ring which is placed around the perimeter of a tree. The ring is fitted with motorized wheels which roll over the surface of a tree lifting the robot towards the top of the tree. Tree limbs are cut as the machine goes up a trunk. Robotic tree trimmers are not designed for use by the general public because of the weight and complexity of the machinery. 
         [0006]    A simpler method is to use a human supported cutter. Human supported tree trimmers have been utilized extensively in the past. These tree trimmers are commonly known as pole saws. There are numerous examples of pole saws with various shaft designs such as: U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,971 to Fettes (1987), U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,646 to Seigler (1988), U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,298 to Caruso (1991), U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,282 to Keller (1991), U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,758 to Carmien (1996) U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,238 to Caron (1995), U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,961 to Uhl (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,747 to Beaulieu (2002), U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,511 to Stewart (2002), U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,300 to King (2009). These patents utilize a long hand held pole in various configurations with a chain saw mounted on the end. The saw is lifted in an overhead position toward a particular branch for trimming. Force is then exerted by an operator during a cutting process. The branch cuts through resulting in loss of resistance against the saw. The saw continues in motion at the end of the pole which can cause the operator to lose balance, especially while standing on a ladder. An additional drawback is that it is difficult to maneuver a chain saw mounted at the end of a long pole. The longer the pole, the greater the problem becomes. This fact is due to the absence of a support platform in proximity to the chain saw. 
         [0007]    Other designs for tree trimming utilize platforms for supporting a human holding chain saw. An operator is able to climb a tree using a platform and then safely trim or cut a tree. An example of this type of support platform is U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,445 to Strode (1981). This is another example that a support platform in proximity to a cutting tool is an advantage. 
         [0008]    A ground supported device having a pivot point in proximity to a cutter is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,366 to Black (2006). This configuration uses a ground supported pole with a guide for maintaining a constant height while trimming hedges. The intention of this device is hedges and not trees because of obvious height limitations. A similar design is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,858 to Frazar (1991), where multiple poles are used to create an elevated pivot point in proximity to a cutting tool. This is an improvement over the previous design because an elevated and stable pivot point is created. The problem with this design is the need to re-position multiple poles in different locations each time the pivot point is moved. Another problem is that an increasingly vertical angle of the pole saw is necessary as longer poles are used to elevate a pivot point. 
         [0009]    To overcome these problems a different approach is revealed where a tree is used to support a pivot point in proximity to a cutter. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,695 to Lindroth (2005) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,536 to Pate, (1998) a hook is placed up in a tree using a long pole. The hook goes around a horizontal section of a limb providing a lifting point. A pole saw is then hoisted up the tree using rope until positioned underneath the hook. The pole is then able maneuver the saw hanging from the rope. If the limb is higher than one can hook, then it cannot be cut or trimmed. This design is limited to cutting in proximity to a relatively horizontal section of limb. Using a hook to hoist up a saw is difficult on a vertical section of tree. 
         [0010]    A chain saw holder with a guide is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,694 to Mattila. (1961) This configuration does not utilize poles. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,913,403 to Willetts, (2011) a tree clamping mechanism is shown in proximity to a cutter. In this example, a tree clamping device holds a portion of a limb which is to be cut. The clamp is an optional device which secures debris that could fall. The optional clamp is also intended to engage a reciprocating cutter with a limb. The clamp is attached directly to the housing of the saw so that the vibration generated during cutting is efficiently transferred to a limb. A tree clamping device is clearly advantageous. A pole is also advantageous for controlling a saw. A combination of these two elements and more provide the basis for a new method and apparatus that greatly improves tree trimming. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    A tree cutting device that utilizes one or more poles to transfer motion generated at ground level to the top of a tree. A swing arm transfers the motion to a cutter from the top of the pole. Located below the swing arm are one or more guides that are made up of a tree gripping clamp and a pole gripping clamp. Guides support poles. Two different cutting processes are possible using pole guides. First attach the swing arm to the pole. Then attach the guide to the pole just below the swing arm. Lift the pole bringing the cutter in proximity of branches to be cut. Grip the tree with the tree clamp and it is ready to begin trimming. The first way is to activate the cutter, loosen the pole clamp and then slide, rotate, and pivot the pole. A pivot point in proximity to the cutter is supported by the tree. Tightening the pole clamp causes the pole to lock in perpendicular to the guide supporting the entire device. The second way to trim is to first grip tight with the pole clamp. Lock in pole with cutter aligned to intersect branches. Activate the cutter and loosen the tree clamp. Branches are cut as the operator walks around the perimeter of the tree supporting the pole. Once again the pivot point is in proximity to the cutter. The guide holds the cutter at a constant distance away from the surface of the tree during rotation resulting in perfectly circular cuts. 
       Object and Advantages 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             a. To provide a tree trimming tool that can be used by the general public. 
             b. To provide a way to trim trees that is extremely quick and easy. 
             c. To provide tree trimming that is affordable. 
             d. To provide a way to trim trees that is ground based. 
             e. To provide a way to cut a pineapple shape at the top of a tall palm tree. 
             f. To provide a way to harvest fruits from the tops of trees such as coconuts or dates. 
           
         
       
     
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  Side view of tree with three guides, three poles, a swing arm and a control arm. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  Side view of a single guide and a hand saw. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  Side view of a multiple guide and a chain saw. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  Plan view of a guide with a tree clamp and a pole clamp in open position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  Plan view of a guide with a tree clamp and a pole clamp in loose position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  Plan view of a guide with a tree clamp and a pole clamp in tight position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  Plan view of a single guide with a pole clamp in open position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  Plan view of a single guide with a pole clamp in tight position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  Plan view of a preferred pole clamp in open position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  Plan view of a preferred pole clamp in loose position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  Plan view of a preferred pole clamp in tight position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  Perspective view of a preferred guide in open position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  Perspective view of a preferred guide in loose position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  Perspective view of a preferred guide in tight position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  Perspective view of a rod end for clamping a pole.  FIG. 16  Perspective view of a preferred pole clamp. 
           [0000]    
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   Reference Numerals: 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   20. swing arm assembly 
                   21. cutter 
                   22. poles 
                 
                 
                   23. multiple guide assembly 
                   24. vertical frame 
                   25. horizontal frame 
                 
                 
                   26. single guide assembly 
                   27. tree 
                   28. control arm 
                 
                 
                   29. support arm 
                   30. arm collar 
                   31. tree clamp 
                 
                 
                   32. pole clamp 
                   33. hand saw 
                   34. branches 
                 
                 
                   36. tool holder 
                   37. hand grips 
                   38. clamp body 
                 
                 
                   39. carriage (cyl.) 
                   40. pole collar 
                   41. hinge 
                 
                 
                   42. wheel 
                   43. pole rod end 
                   44. pole hook 
                 
                 
                   45. belt 
                   46. belt lock 
                   47. lever 
                 
                 
                   48. linear actuator 
                   51. threaded rod 
                   53. grip axis 
                 
                 
                   54. grip arm 
                   55. spherical 
                   56. block 
                 
                 
                   57. U-bolts 
                   58. mounting plate 
                   59. drive wheel 
                 
                 
                   60. pole linear actuator 
                   61. pole channel 
                   62. roller cam 
                 
                 
                   63. drive motor 
                   65. rod end connector 
                   67. cam plate 
                 
                 
                   68. pole lock arm 
                   69. carriage (screw) 
                   70. shaft 
                 
                 
                   71. pivot point 
                   72. ratchet handle 
                   73. ratchet handle 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG.  1   
       [0033]    Necessary parts for a tree trimming setup include: a suitable tree,  27  a cutting device,  21  one or more guides,  23   26  one or more poles,  22  a swing arm,  20  and an operator. (not shown) A control arm  28  is shown but is not necessary for a trimming operation. A tree  27  is important to consider because it is used to support one or more guides.  23   26  Several guides  23  and several poles  22  are proposed for use in a trimming operation, however using a single guide  26  is of great advantage. The components of guide  23   26  are held in place by a frame.  24   25  Many different frame configurations can house components. A simple frame design is shown for illustration using a vertical support frame member  24  and a horizontal support frame member.  25  The structure of frame  24   25  is also seen in perspective views.  FIGS. 12-14 . A closer look at the components of a guide and how they fit into frame  24   25  continues.  FIGS. 2 and 3   
         [0034]    Guide  23   26  consists of two clamping mechanisms that are mounted at opposite ends in frame.  24   25  One clamp  31  grips tree  27  and the other clamp  32  grips pole.  22  Pole clamp  32  as shown in  FIG. 2  has a pivotal rod end fitting  43  that allows pole  22  to swivel and slide when loosened. A pivot point  71  is created by guide  26  whereby leverage can be applied to a hand saw.  33  This setup is used in single guide  26  applications. Multiple guide  23  applications utilize a different pole clamp  32  as seen in  FIG. 3 . Multiple guide  23  frame  24   25  is extended lower on pole  22  which increases stability. Added stability is necessary in lifting multiple guide  23  up tree.  27  Tree clamp  31  utilizes a belt  45  which goes around the circumference of tree  27  as shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . Belt  45  is tension able which results in tree  27  being gripped by guide.  23   26  Belt  45  is loosen able which allows guide  23   26  to travel vertically along tree.  27  Belt  45  is open able allowing guide  23   26  to be removed. Many linear motion devices suffice for powering tree clamp  31  and pole clamp  32  however, the simplest systems are preferred. Motor  63  drives the clamping force as seen in  FIG. 2  and linear actuator  48   60  drives the clamping force in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  -  14 . A guide by itself will not accomplish the desired task of tree trimming. For that purpose a cutter  21  is used. 
         [0035]    Cutter  21  represents any portable hand held tree trimming tool such as a chain saw. A versatile tool holder  36  is provided for mounting cutter  21  in a variety of ways. Tool holder  36  is comprised of a mounting plate  58  with holes drilled in multiple locations for fitting a variety of U-shaped bolts.  57  U-shaped bolts  57  and mounting plates  58  are provided in various widths and lengths for mounting many different cutters.  21  Mounting plate  58  is affixed to a shaft  70  which is housed in a block  56  and clamped by a ratchet handle.  73  Block  56  also houses a portion of a support arm  29  which is clamped by a second ratchet handle.  72  Block  56  and ratchet handles  72   73  provide a multiple axis adjustment for aligning cutter.  21  Tightening ratchet handles  72   73  will secure cutter  21  rigidly to support arm.  29  Support arm  29  attaches further to pole  22  with an arm collar.  30  Collar  30  is affixed to arm  29  at a perpendicular angle. The entire assembly including cutter  21  is a swing arm assembly.  20  Swing arm  20  attaches to the top of pole.  22   
         [0036]    Multiple poles  22  are rigidly connected end to end with a pole end collar  40  to reach great heights; in large steps, very quickly. Multiple guides  23  are added to provide support for multiple poles.  22  When a desired trimming height is reached then control arm  28  is attached at the base. Control arm  28  transfers human generated motion to pole  22  through one or more hand grips  37  that are attached to support arm.  29  The human generated motion on ground level is mimicked by cutter  21  at the top of tree.  27  Control arm  28  is made up of hand grips  37  connected to support arm  29  which is affixed to arm collar  30  at a perpendicular angle. Assembling and using the parts previously described will produce a device capable of trimming trees of great height. 
         [0037]    There are other parts which are beneficial, but are not essential for operation. Some of these parts include: remote video viewing, radio control of functions, shielding for falling debris, different types of cutters, different pole interlocking systems, different clamping systems, different power sources and different tool mounting configurations as typically shown by prior art. Another beneficial part would be to add a wheel to the base of pole  22  for added support. Discussion over necessary parts continues with more detail on how guide  23   26  works.  FIGS. 4-11   
         [0038]    Guide  23   26  is an assembly made up of tree clamp  31  and pole clamp  32  housed in frame.  24   25  Clamps  31   32  are remote controlled and have a gripping tight position, a holding loosely position, and an open position.  FIGS. 4 ,  7 , and  9  illustrate clamps  31   32  in the open position. The open position is used during a setup or breakdown procedure however; bypassing limbs on a tree trunk is also achieved with a remote controlled open position.  FIGS. 5 and 10  show clamps  31   32  in the holding loosely position. The holding loosely position for tree clamp  31  allows it to travel vertically along tree.  27  The holding loosely position for pole clamp  32  allows pole  22  to slide, rotate, or swivel.  FIGS. 6 ,  8  and  11  show clamps  31   32  that are gripping tightly. The gripping tight position for tree clamp  31  causes guide  23  to align itself perpendicular to tree.  27  The tightening of pole clamp  32  causes pole  22  to align perpendicular to guide.  23  When both clamps  31   32  are tightened, pole  22  will align itself parallel to tree  27  and support the entire weight of the assembly. 
         [0039]    There are many mechanical solutions for accomplishing clamping action. A simple way to grip tree  27  is to put one or more belts  45  around the circumference. Belt  45  is attached to linear actuator  48  by using a carriage.  39  The other end of belt  45  fits into a lock  46  that holds belt  45  at any length. Another simple way to grip pole  22  is by using a hinged  41  clamp body.  38  Linear actuator  60  exerts force through a rod end connector  65  which is pinned to clamp body.  38  The open position is achieved by hand removing a pin. (not shown) A pole receiving channel  61  is oriented to accept pole  22  and to receive forces caused through clamping. 
         [0040]    Another way to accomplish clamping is by using a rod end connector  43  that fits pole.  22   FIG. 15  Connector  43  has a spherical portion  55  allowing free movement around an axis which provides a pivot point.  71  Pole clamp  32  in loose position allows pole  22  to slide, rotate and swivel. Pole clamp  32  in tight position locks pole  22  to guide  23  at a perpendicular angle.  FIG. 2  The linear motion for clamping is powered by drive motor.  63  The rotational shaft of motor  63  is attached to a threaded rod.  51  A carriage  69  receives rod  51  whereby rotation of rod  51  results in linear motion of carriage  69  tightening tree clamp.  31  Pole clamp  32  also acquires linear motion through rotation of rod  51  which aligns pole  22  parallel to tree.  27  Pole rod end  43  pulls pole  22  into pole channel  61  by rotation of rod.  51   
       PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0041]    
       FIG. 16 
     
         [0042]    A preferred pole clamp  32  is comprised of pole channel  61  which is affixed perpendicular in clamp body.  38  Clamp body  38  is formed with a hook  44  for fitting around a part of vertical support frame.  24  The other side of clamp body  38  has a hinge  41  which connects to a lever.  47   FIGS. 9-11  Fitting hook  44  around frame  24  and then using lever  67  to close around a secondary frame member  24  causes pole  22  to be clamped. Linear actuator  60  acts on a pole locking arm  68  which connects to a cam roller.  62  Cam  62  rolls on a cam plate  67  which is affixed to lever.  67  As cam  62  rolls along plate,  67  the clamping force increases to a point. As cam  62  continues further along plate,  67  lever  47  is released providing open position. As cam  62  travels to the other side of plate,  67  loose position is assumed by pole clamp.  32  A hand removable pin  74  is inserted which stops the travel of cam.  62  Pole  22  is firmly gripped in this position. Pin  74  also prevents lever  47  from releasing during a trimming session. Action by linear actuator  60  provides loose and grip positions. The preferred pole clamp  32  is also seen in  FIGS. 12-14  in all three positions. A preferred tree clamp  31  is also seen. Wheels  42  are provided to allow guide  23  to roll around the perimeter of tree  27  while gripping. Drive motor  63  provides motorized rotation of at least two drive wheels.  59  Drive transmission is not shown.  14  A lower frame assembly supports a second set of wheels  42  which are supported by a lower portion of frame.  24   25  Frame  25  continues toward pole  22  and terminates with pole channel.  61  The preferred tree gripping clamp  31  uses multiple grip arms  54  that rotate around an axis.  53  Linear actuator  48  connects to a rod end connector  65  which in turn connects to grip arm.  54  Action by linear actuators  48  cause grip arms  54  to close or open around the perimeter of tree.  27  Grip arms  54  are seen in open, loose, and closed positions. FIG.  12 —The structural design described provides a rotatable platform providing a pivot point in proximity to cutter.  21   
         [0043]    Operation: 
         [0044]    There are many ways to use the hardware provided. A use in this case is to trim a palm tree as shown in  FIG. 1 . Begin by attaching cutter  21  to tool holder.  36  Attach swing arm  20  to pole.  22  Attach guide  23  with motorized rotation  62   59  to pole.  22  Lift pole,  22  and use tree clamp  31  to grip tree  27  which allows an operator to prepare a second pole  22  and guide  23  for use. Only the top guide  23  needs motorized rotation  63   59  because that is where resistance from cutting occurs. Attach a second pole  22  with guide  23  using pole collar.  40  Release tree clamp  31  and lift second pole  22  allowing space for a third pole.  22  Likewise third pole  22  and guide  23  are added bringing cutter  21  to the desired height in tree.  27  Next, grip tree  27  so that the weight of the entire setup is supported rendering the operator hands free to attach control arm.  28  Attach control arm.  28  Activate cutter,  21  loosen pole clamps  32  and start trimming. The operator is holding the weight of cutter,  21  swing arm,  20  poles  22  and control arm.  28  As the operator maneuvers control arm  28  at ground level, cutter  21  follows exactly at the top of tree  27  trimming branches.  34  Branches  34  are trimmed in the same manner as if the operator were standing beside tree  27  holding cutter.  21  After trimming is completed in that section of tree,  27  grip pole  22  and loosen tree clamps  31  for rotation. The operator decides next to trim branches  34  while using motorized rotation.  59   63  Initiating rotation during trimming has height limitations when using a pole alone. Cutter  21  encounters branches  34  during rotation and resistance increases. As branches  34  are cut, a sudden loss of resistance occurs. Cutter  21  jumps forward to the next branch  34  resulting in a diminished quality cut. To solve this problem and improve quality, drive motor  62  and wheels  42   59  are provided to engage cutter  21  at an even rate of speed. To continue with motorized rotation; position and lock in cutter  21  so that branches  34  are intercepted during rotation. Activate cutter  21  and drive wheels  59  to begin trimming. Walk around base of tree  27  holding control arm  28  at a constant height from the ground. Complete a full circle around tree  27  and set a new position for cutter.  21  Complete several circles around tree  27  with cutter  21  set at different positions to form a variety of different shapes. To reset cutter  21  position loosen pole clamps and re-position cutter.  21  Grip pole  22  to lock in position. Using this easy method, a pineapple shape is quickly formed at the top of tree.  27  Rotation during trimming at lesser height is accomplished using belt  45  type tree clamp.  31  First grip pole  22  and loosen tree clamp  31  with cutter  21  positioned to intercept branches.  34  Circle tree  27  as previously described trimming branches. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0045]    A homeowner can save substantial money with the ability to trim their own trees. The only alternative is to hire professionals who climb up a tree or use a lift to reach high branches. Many people have tragically lost their lives by climbing to the top of a tree carrying a chain saw. Trimming in this manner commonly requires a trimmer to cut branches by lifting a chain saw overhead. The use of this tool enables the homeowner, farmer, landscaper or gardener to produce beautifully trimmed trees without ever leaving the ground.