Abstract:
A pneumatic starter for a chainsaw having a pedestal that supports a mounting plate. Clamps are used to mount a chainsaw to the mounting plate while brackets are used to connect a pneumatic cylinder having an extending shaft to the mounting plate. A recoil handle fixture receives the pull cord of a chainsaw. The recoil handle fixture is connected to the shaft. When a pneumatic assembly receiving compressed air is operated the shaft is rapidly extended, pulling the pull cord to start the chainsaw.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/873,561, filed Sep. 4, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to chain saws. More particularly it relates to a pneumatically operated chainsaw starter. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The principle tool for cutting trees, trimming branches, cutting firewood and clearing brush is the chainsaw. Fast cutting, cost effective, efficient, useable by one person, the chainsaw is widely used in both rural and urban areas around the world. 
     Chainsaws are available in electric and gas powered versions. While electric chainsaws have their uses, when it comes to cutting large amounts of firewood or larger trees gas power chainsaws are the preferred tool. The aggressive, fast cutting gas powered chainsaw makes quick work of even the biggest trees no matter how remote the location. 
     Gas-powered chainsaws easily cut through even hardwood. Unfortunately they also have no problem cutting through meat and bones. Gas-powered chainsaws are known for producing horrific injuries. Many of those injuries occur when starting a gas powered chainsaw. One (1) reason is that a chainsaw is usually started by holding it in only one (1) hand and jerking downward while the other hand pulls on the pull cord to start the saw. This results in the obvious problem that should the chainsaw start and the chain contact the user very serious damage to the user may occur. Not as obvious is the danger of ergonomic injuries caused by the large weight and heavy forces applied to one&#39;s arms, shoulder, and back when trying to start a chainsaw. Such problems are magnified when elderly, disabled, or smaller people try to start chainsaws. 
     Despite its dangers the gasoline-powered chainsaw remains the tool of choice for many jobs. In view of the foregoing there exists a need for devices for safely starting gas-powered chainsaws. Preferably such devices would not only be safe but also quick, easy, effective, and relatively low cost. Beneficially such devices would eliminate having to pull repeatedly on pull cords. Helpfully such devices would reduce or eliminate ergonomic injuries. In practice such devices should be easily adapted to work with different makes and models of gas-powered chainsaws. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for a pneumatic tool for safely starting gas-powered chainsaws. The pneumatic tool enables the safe starting of chainsaws in a quick, easy, and effective manner. The pneumatic tool eliminates the need to repeatedly pulling on pull cords while also reducing or eliminating ergonomic injuries. The pneumatic tool is easily adapted to work with different makes and models of gas powered chainsaws. 
     A chainsaw starter in accord with the present invention includes a pedestal and a mounting plate that is attached to the pedestal. That chainsaw starter also includes at least one (1) swivel clamp for holding a chainsaw to the mounting plate. A pneumatic cylinder having a pneumatically operated shaft is attached to a pneumatic assembly. The pneumatic assembly selectively pressurizes the pneumatic cylinder to extend the shaft. A bracket assembly attaches the pneumatic cylinder to the mounting plate. A recoil handle fixture is attached to the shaft. The recoil handle fixture couples a pull cord of a chainsaw to the shaft. 
     The swivel clamp preferably takes the form of a first swivel clamp having a first vertical body, a first horizontal member that extends from the first vertical body, a first bolt for passing through the first vertical body and through the mounting plate, and a first knob for receiving the first bolt to fix the first swivel clamp to the mounting plate when the first knob is tightened. The first horizontal member is configured to fit over a first handle of a chainsaw and to secure the chainsaw to the mounting plate when the first swivel clamp is fixed to the mounting plate. In practice there may be a second swivel clamp having a second vertical body, a second horizontal member that extends from the second vertical body, a second bolt for passing through the second vertical body and through the mounting plate, and a second knob for receiving the second bolt to fix the second swivel clamp to the mounting plate when the second knob is tightened. The second horizontal member is configured to fit over a second handle of a chainsaw and to secure the chainsaw to the mounting plate when the second swivel clamp is fixed to the mounting plate. 
     Beneficially, the bracket assembly includes a cylinder bracket that is attached to the pneumatic cylinder by a jam nut. The bracket assembly may also include a mounting plate bracket that is fixed to the mounting plate and to the cylinder bracket to couple the cylinder bracket to the mounting plate. In practice the bracket assembly positions the pneumatic cylinder at a rearward angle. It is useful to have the mounting plate bracket fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate and it is useful to have the cylinder bracket “L”-shaped. A protective guard should extend from the cylinder bracket. 
     The pneumatic assembly may include a pneumatic valve that is operatively connected to the pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic assembly having an actuator button, a flow regulator, an air inlet connector for receiving compressed air and an air outlet connector for discharging air. The shaft extends when the actuator button is activated at a speed that is controlled by the flow regulator. 
     The pedestal includes a post, a post handle that is fixed to the post, and legs that extend from the post. A leg may have a height-adjustable foot. To attach the mounting plate to the pedestal mounting plate includes a collar that is received by the post. A fastener can be used to fasten the collar and the post together. 
     The recoil handle fixture preferably includes a generally half-cylinder-shaped saddle for receiving a recoil handle of a chainsaw. That saddle may include a first rest section and a second rest section that are separated by a center slot. The recoil handle fixture may also include an adaptor that extends from the saddle for receiving the shaft. That shaft may be threaded and received in the adaptor. A shaft jam nut can be used to hold the adapter fixed relative to the shaft. 
    
    
     
       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 right side perspective view of a pneumatic chainsaw starter  10  that is in accord with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a left side perspective view of the chainsaw starter  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the chainsaw starter  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the chainsaw starter  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  when in use; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of a swivel clamp used in the chainsaw starter  10  taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up view of a recoil handle fixture  50  of the chainsaw starter  10 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  chainsaw starter 
               20  mounting plate 
               21  mounting plate bracket 
               22  first swivel clamp 
               22   a  first vertical member 
               22   b  first horizontal member 
               24   a  bolt 
               24   b  knob 
               25  second swivel clamp 
               26   a  second vertical member 
               26   b  second horizontal member 
               28  collar 
               29  locking bolt 
               30  cylinder bracket 
               32  valve plate 
               40  pneumatic cylinder 
               42  shaft 
               44   a  inlet connector 
               44   b  outlet connector 
               44   c  cylinder connector 
               46   a  first jam nut 
               46   b  second jam nut 
               47  threaded end 
               48  safety guard 
               50  recoil handle fixture 
               52  saddle 
               54  adapter 
               56   a  first rest surface 
               56   b  second rest surface 
               58  center slot 
               70  valve 
               72  actuator button 
               74  flow regulator 
               76   a  first hose 
               76   b  second hose 
               80  pedestal 
               82  post 
               83  post handle 
               84  leg 
               86  foot 
               100  chainsaw 
               102  front handle 
               104  rear handle 
               106  bar 
               108  recoil handle 
               109  rope attaching portion 
               120  fastener 
           
         
       
    
     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 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the specifically described embodiment. 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. Any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. While only one particular configuration is shown and described that is 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. In addition, direction signals such as up, down, left, right interior, exterior are taken relative to  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the present invention describes a chainsaw starter  10  which provides a means to assist in starting a gasoline powered chainsaw  100 . The chainsaw starter  10  includes a pedestal  80  having a top mounting plate  20  for securing clamping a chainsaw  100 . The recoil handle  108  of the chainsaw  100  is placed within a recoil handle bracket  50  which is rapidly moved outward via an internally spring returned pneumatic cylinder  40  to start the chainsaw  100  (that is, the spring is inside the pneumatic cylinder  40 ). The chainsaw starter  10  is designed to clamp and start a wide variety of existing chainsaws  100  having conventional features such as, but not limited to a front handle  102 , a rear handle  104 , a saw bar  106 , and a rope-type recoil handle  108 . 
     Referring now primarily to  FIGS. 1, 4, and 5  the chainsaw starter  10  provides a horizontal rectangular metal platform that forms a chainsaw mounting plate  20 . The chainsaw mounting plate  20  includes a clamping assembly comprised of a first swivel clamp  22  and an identical second swivel clamp  25  for holding the chainsaw  100  in position by clamping down on the chainsaw  100 . The first swivel clamp  22  and the second swivel clamp  25  secure the chainsaw  100  by respectively positioning a first horizontal member  22   b  of the first swivel clamp and a second horizontal member  26   b  of the second swivel clamp  25  over the front handle  102  and rear handle  104  of the chainsaw  100 . The first horizontal member  22   b  and the second horizontal member  26   b  are tightening down using knobs  24   b . The first swivel clamp  22  and the second swivel clamp  25  enable both rotational and vertical adjustability. This enables clamping a variety of makes and models of chainsaws  100  to the mounting plate  20 . The first swivel clamp  22  and the second swivel clamp  25  are envisioned as being located near opposing corners of the mounting plate  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , the mounting plate  20  supports the pneumatic cylinder  40  at a rearward angle. This is accomplished using a bracket assembly that includes an affixed “L”-shaped cylinder bracket  30  which attaches to the pneumatic cylinder  40  by a first jam nut  46   a . The lower edge of the cylinder bracket  30  is fixed to the bottom, outer edge of the mounting plate  20  using a mounting plate bracket  21  of the bracket assembly. The mounting plate bracket  21  is a metal angle that is preferably welded to one side of the cylinder bracket  30  and then fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate  20  by fasteners  120 . 
     The cylinder bracket  30  has a horizontally extending valve plate  32  which supports a safety guard  48 . The valve plate  32  also supports a panel-mounted pneumatic valve  70  and a pneumatic assembly. The pneumatic valve  70  includes a spring-return actuator button  72 , an integral rotary flow regulator  74  that controls the speed of a cylinder shaft  42  (see  FIG. 3 ), an air inlet connector  44   a , and an air outlet connector  44   b  (see  FIG. 1 ). The pneumatic valve  70  and the pneumatic cylinder  40  are joined together by a first hose  76   a  to form a pneumatic circuit. Compressed air is supplied to the air inlet connector  44   a  by a second hose  76   b  that is connected to a compressed air source such as an air compressor. The air outlet connector  44   b  in turn is connected to the pneumatic cylinder  40  via the first hose  76   a  and by a cylinder connector  44   c . The actuator button  72  allows a user to extend a shaft  42  of the pneumatic cylinder  40  by pressing down on the actuator button  72 . 
     The safety guard  48  is an upwardly protruding inverted “U”-shaped structure preferably made of a metal flat stock. The safety guard  48  has parallel sides that are welded, or otherwise affixed to the top of the cylinder bracket  30 . The cylinder shaft  42  and recoil handle fixture  50  are positioned between and moved parallel to the sides of the safety guard  48 , which protects a user from injury. The safety guard  48  might have a box-shape or another protective design based upon a user&#39;s preference, but the inverted “U”-shape is preferred. 
     The pneumatic air cylinder  40  is a spring-returned unit that is envisioned as providing about fourteen inches (14 in.) of travel. When a chainsaw  100  is to be started the user clamps the chainsaw  100  onto the mounting plate  20 , prepares the chainsaw  100  for starting by priming, turning on the ignition or other process, and the presses the actuator button  72 . This causes the cylinder shaft  42  to rapidly expand, thereby pulling the recoil handle  108  to start the chainsaw  100 . When the actuator button  72  is released the pneumatic cylinder  40  and the recoil handle  108  returned to their home positions. 
     The mounting plate is located at a convenient height above a floor. To that end the mounting plate  20  is supported by the pedestal assembly  80 . The mounting plate  20  is supported on the pedestal assembly  80  via a collar  28  and by a post  82 . The collar  28  and post  82  are preferably made of rectangular structural steel tubing dimensioned such that the post  82  slides into the collar  28 . The collar  28  is preferably welded at it center to the bottom of the mounting plate  20 . The post  82  is retained within the collar  28  via a threaded locking bolt which locks the post  82  inside. 
     The pedestal assembly  80  also includes a post handle  83 , four (4) legs  84 , and four (4) height-adjustable feet  86 . The post handle  83  enables easy carrying of the chainsaw starter  10 . The post handle  83  is preferably made from a section of round steel stock that is formed into a “U” or “V” shape with the ends welded to a side of the post  82  at a convenient height. The legs  84  are sections of steel angle that are perpendicularly welded to the sides of the post  82 . Each leg  84  has a threaded, vertically-adjustable round foot  86  on its outer end to provide stable positioning of the chainsaw starter  10  on a floor or other convenient surface. 
       FIG. 6  presents a close-up view of a recoil handle fixture  50  used in the chainsaw starter  10 . The recoil handle fixture  50  is preferably a two-piece welded assembly made of a half-cylinder-shaped saddle  52  and an adapter  54 . The saddle  52  and an adapter  54  attach the recoil handle fixture  50  to the pneumatic cylinder  40  shaft  42 . The saddle  52  has an open top and is configured to position and support a standard “T”-shaped recoil handle  108  of a chainsaw  100 . The front of the saddle  52  includes a first rest section  56   a  and a second rest section  56   b  that are separated by a center slot  58 . The center slot  58  is about one-half (½) deep and provides clearance for a rope-attachment  109  of the recoil handle  108 . The saddle  52  has a radius which emulates that of a recoil handle  108 . A cylindrical-shaped adapter  54  is welded to the back of the saddle  52  to extend toward the rear. The adapter  54  is threaded at its bottom to a threaded end  47  of the cylinder shaft  42 . The adapter is held in a fixed position relative to the cylinder shaft  42  by a second jam nut  46   b.    
       FIG. 4  provides an environmental view of the chainsaw starter  10  when in-use. A chainsaw  100  that is to be started is placed on the mounting plate  20 ; secured by respectively positioning the first horizontal member  22   b  and the second horizontal member  26   b  of the first swivel clamp  22  and second swivel clamp  25  over respective front  102  and rear  104  handles of the chainsaw. The knobs  24   b  are then tightened. The user then prepares the chainsaw  100  for starting by setting the choke, priming, turning the ON-OFF switch to ON and performing other necessary operations. The user then nests the recoil handle  108  of the chainsaw  100  in the recoil handle fixture  50  and presses the actuator button  72 . This causes the shaft  42  to rapidly extend, pulling the recoil handle  108  outward to start the chainsaw  100 . This process emulates manual starting of the chainsaw  100  and may be repeated as necessary until the chainsaw  100  is started. Once started, the chainsaw  100  is removed from the chainsaw starter  10  and used in a normal process. The design of the chainsaw starter  10  supports use with different makes and models of chainsaws  100  and reduces the tiresome and potentially dangerous process of starting a chainsaw  100 . 
       FIG. 5  provides a sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the swivel clamps  22 ,  25 , which are identical, in more detail. The swivel clamps  22 ,  25  are “L”-shaped structures having a hollow first vertical member  22   a ,  26   a  and a cylindrical first horizontal member  22   b ,  26   b . A central threaded bolt  24   a  extends through the first vertical member  22   a ,  26   a  and the mounting plate  20 . The central threaded bolt  24   a  is secured by the knob  24   b  which draws the first horizontal member  22   b ,  26   b  downward upon a handle  102 ,  104  of the chainsaw  100 . The first swivel clamp  22  and the second swivel clamp  25  are sized and shaped to enable clamping various makes and models of chainsaws  100  (also see  FIG. 2 ). If required the first swivel clamp  22  and the second swivel clamp  25  may be made available in different sizes. 
     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 chainsaw starter  10  it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 4 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the chainsaw starter  10  is performed by: procuring the chainsaw starter  10 ; transporting the chainsaw starter  10  using the post handle  83  to a desired location; positioning the chainsaw starter  10  on the floor using the feet  86 ; adjusting the feet  86  until the mounting plate  20  is level and stable; mounting a chainsaw  100  on the mounting plate  20  by loosening and rotating the swivel clamps  22 ,  25 ; placing the chainsaw  100  on the mounting plate  20 ; rotating the vertical members  22   a ,  26   a  until the horizontal members  22   b ,  26   b  are positioned above the front handle  102  and the rear handle  104  of the chainsaw  100 ; rotating the knobs  24   b  to clamp the horizontal members  22   b ,  26   b  against the chainsaw handles  102 ,  104 ; placing the recoil handle  108  of the chainsaw  100  into the saddle  52 ; connecting the second hose  76   b  to a source of compressed air; preparing the chainsaw  100  for starting by setting the choke, and performing other necessary operations; pressing the actuator button  72  to extend the pneumatic cylinder  40  and start the chainsaw  100 ; releasing the actuator button  72  to return the pneumatic cylinder  40  and attached recoil handle  108  to their home positions; repeating using the actuator button  72  until the chainsaw  100  starts; removing the chainsaw  100  from the chainsaw starter  10  for normal cutting process, and benefiting from the reduced effort and reduced dangers associated with starting of a chainsaw  100  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     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.