Abstract:
A chainsaw that increases the level of operator safety by reducing or eliminating cut through and kickback injuries without impeding cutting operations, and increases operator comfort through ergonomics, therefore extending stamina. This is accomplished by a dual stage multi-hinged bar device that physically inhibits kickback and cut through injuries. The device, which returns to it&#39;s original position after cutting, will open up a total of 88 degrees to allow for cutting of items that are larger than the length of the guide bar. Relocation of the handles leads users toward physically holding the saw in such a manner that creates an ergonomically advantageous body position, reducing fatigue and strains. The body of the saw and the bar device will rotate 45 and 90 degrees both right and left while the handles and operators grip remain in the same position. The chainsaw also incorporates an easy to use chain adjustment.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,733, issued Aug. 16, 1997, for GUIDEBAR FOR A MOTOR CHAINSAW, included by reference herein. 
         [0002]    The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,012, issued Oct. 13, 1981, for CHAINSAW ANTI-PINCH GUARD ARM, included by reference herein. 
         [0003]    The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,114 B2, issued Nov. 28, 2006, for GUARD FOR CHAINSAW, included by reference herein. 
         [0004]    The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,752, issued Jul. 24, 1993, for MOVABLE CONTROL HANDLE FOR CHAINSAW, included by reference herein. 
         [0005]    The present application is related to United States patent number US 2006/0248734 A1, issued Nov. 9, 2006, for CHAINSAW KICKBACK PROTECTION DEVICE, included by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to chainsaw operations and, more particularly, to reducing or eliminating kickback and cut through injuries now common to chainsaw operations. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Since the invention of the chainsaw, there have been continuous injuries resulting from the operation of them. The majority of serious injuries can be divided into two basic categories. “Cut Through” and “Kickback” injuries. “Cut Through” injuries occur when the operator cuts through the material he or she is cutting and into their own lower extremities, generally their left upper thigh or lower legs or feet. However, injuries caused by kickback are often even more horrific. “Kickback” injuries can occur at almost any time. 
         [0008]    Chainsaws can kickback so suddenly and violently that chainsaw users cannot possibly control the saw when this happens as most kickback events generally occur within two tenths ( 2/10) of a second. When severe kickback does occur, the operator is either injured or is simply fortunate that an injury did not occur. Either way, the operator has little or no control over neither the event itself, nor the end results. However, there are two things that we can be sure of: 1) despite some operators best intentions to prevent kickback, kickback often occurs; and 2) when severe kickback does occur, it is often with frightening consequences, at times resulting in disfiguring or debilitating injuries and even fatalities. 
         [0009]    Identifying the root cause of “Kickback” injuries: 
         [0010]    “Kickback” occurs when the saw kicks back, and usually up, as a result of the saw blade coming in contact with an object while it is spinning, especially when the front of the saw blade strikes an object while the saw is running at or near full speed. Chainsaws can also kickback sideways if cutting sideways or down if using the top of the blade. As the “blade” is a chain, bristling with sharp teeth designed to cut the hardest wood, and traveling at speeds up to 68 mph, these injuries are often extremely serious. Kickback injuries can occur on almost any part of the body, because when severe kickback occurs the operator loses his grip, if not total control of the chainsaw. 
         [0011]    The result is a fully operational chainsaw being thrown back toward the operator. The fact is that most users do not hold chainsaws in such a manner that would help inhibit kickback and cut through injuries even when instructed to do so immediately prior to use. In fact, there isn&#39;t really a safe way to handle a chainsaw which would effectively prevent those types of injuries, because the problem is due to poor ergonomic design of the saw itself. Even those operators whom start out by holding the saw with a sturdy grip, left arm straight with their elbow locked, soon gravitates away from this more desirable body position due to fatigue or because they must constantly change body position in order to make difficult, angled, hard to reach cuts. 
         [0012]    Consequently, it is counterproductive to try to implement training which encourages chainsaw operators to consistently use a specific body position to prevent injuries, because that in itself could not possible prevent kickback and cut through injuries due to the operator having to constantly change positions with both the saw and his body. So better body positioning could not prevent injuries, due to the fact that chainsaws are designed so poorly with respect to ergonomics and operator safety. In fact, statistics show that chainsaws are the single most dangerous hand tool used by modern man. There are an estimated 40,000 chainsaw injuries each year. That equates to one chainsaw injury every 12 seconds or each workday. Clearly, attempting to training operators to hold the saw in a specific way has not resulted in a reduction of injuries. 
         [0013]    One problem is that operators also tend to focus on cutting and forget that they are operating the most dangerous hand tool ever created, if they were ever aware of that fact in the first place. Another problem is that operators must hold chainsaws away from the body using mostly arm strength to control the saw, resulting in operators having limited control over the saw from the very beginning of cutting operations. 
         [0014]    Identifying the Cause of “Cut Through” Injuries 
         [0015]    Because the design of the saw itself dictates that the saw must be held at approximately a 45 degree left angle from the center of the operators body, cut through injuries are always a possibility, but at times when operators are fatigued they tend to angle the saw even further left and bring the back of the saw even closer to their body, the possibility of cut through injuries to the upper left thigh, and elsewhere on the lower extremities increases as chainsaw operators begin griping the saw less tightly and even further out of the already unnatural position that they must use to hold the saw, due to the poor design of the saw itself. 
         [0016]    The main contributing factor to “Cut Through” injuries to the lower extremities is the positioning of the two handles that operators must hold onto when operating a chainsaw. The handle at the rear end of the chainsaw, where the speed control is located, is misplaced causing the operator to hold the rear of the saw out away from, and towards the right side of his body. The position of the bar handle at the left side of the saw is also part of the overall problem. When an operator grips the saw by the handles provided for him to do so, the chain naturally sets dangerously close to the left leg of the operator, and is the direct result of the poor positioning of the two handles. 
         [0017]    This position becomes even more pronounced and hazardous when the operator becomes fatigued. It is at this time that the operator tends to bring the saw closer to the body which in turn angles the chainsaw even further left; i.e., the operator brings the right hand/rear handle of the saw toward the right side of the waist and brings the left hand closer to the body so as to relieve muscle strain the in arms, shoulder, and back. The longer the operator uses the saw, the more this is compounded because of the ever increasing fatigue of holding the saw out away from the body utilizing mostly arm strength. The fact is clear, the more fatigued an operator becomes, the closer he brings the saw to his body and shifts his weight by moving his left leg forward and his right leg back, resulting in the chain becoming even closer to his left leg. It is at this time that operators are most vulnerable, and the possibility of an injury escalates. 
         [0018]    The Chain Brake 
         [0019]    Low Kickback Chains 
         [0020]    Guide bar nose protector 
         [0021]    Protective bar over top of saw chain 
         [0022]    The Chain Brake which is located in front of the front bar handle is only practical if you succumb to the notion that kickbacks are inevitable. The chain brake is located where it is so that when the saw kicks back and is hurled back toward the operator, his left hand may possibly disengage the chain as the saw flies by him. This is the current attitude because in cases of a kickback event, the event is usually over before it is even possible for the operator to physically react. (two tenths of a second) 
         [0023]    Low Kickback Chains are designed to reduce kickback and therefore kickback injuries. While these chains do tend to reduce kickback forces, they do not eliminate them entirely, and kickback remains an ongoing and dangerous problem. Low kickback chains also reduce the cutting ability of the chain and therefore efficiency and productivity of the saw. 
         [0024]    The Guide bar nose protector is an inadequate solution for preventing kickback. While it does prevent the end of the chain from contacting other objects, it&#39;s very design limits the ability of the saw to fully function. The result is that with the device in place cutting operations are generally limited to limbing and bucking operations of small limbs. Consequently, most operators eventually remove the device during chainsaw operations, and it soon becomes an afterthought, is lost or even thrown away. 
         [0025]    There are several variations of a protective bar over top of saw chains. All are reactionary devices. The designers are resigned that kickback will occur, and when it does, it is hoped that the device will prevent injury by shielding the operator from the top of the chain when the saw kicks back onto the operator. The problem of kickback isn&#39;t addressed, only the result. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a chainsaw that increases the level of operator safety by reducing or eliminating cut through and kickback injuries without impeding cutting operations, while increasing operator comfort through ergonomics and therefore extending the operators stamina and control of the chainsaw over prolonged cutting operations. This will be accomplished in part by placing a barrier bar under the chain in the form of a tri-stage spring actuated multi-hinged bar that serves to physically inhibit both kickback and cut through injuries, and relocation of the handles that serve to lead users toward physically holding chainsaws in such a manner during operation, that simply holding the chainsaw itself creates an ergonomically advantageous body position, which also helps prevent kickback and cut through injuries, as well as prevents the muscle fatigue and strains which cause operators to gravitate toward ever more dangerous body positions while operating chainsaws. 
         [0027]    The body of the saw and the anti-kickback/cut through device will rotate 45 and 90 degrees both right and left while the handles and therefore the operators grip on the saw remains the same. The bar will have two rows of rear facing spikes that will work in conjunction with the first, second, and third stage springs on the device to hold the object being cut firmly between the device and the chain. When engaging an item to be cut, the first stage of the tri-stage multi-hinge bar will deploy first, followed by the second stage. When the first two stages are deployed, the device will open up a total of 88 degrees to allow for cutting of logs and trees that are larger in diameter than the length of the guide bar and chain. Both stages will have springs that will cause the device to close as the cut is being made, and at the completion of the cut the device will return to it&#39;s original position. The rear facing spikes on the bar will lay horizontally below the surface plane of the top of the anti-kickback/cut through device bar via the pushbutton spike control when the operator disengages from cutting a tree or log. This will allow the operator to remove the saw without interference from the rear facing spikes. 
         [0028]    The second stage of the anti-kickback/cut through device will also have a cylinder which operates on ambient air and has a spring return piston. During normal cutting operations, the cylinder will simply open and close along with the second stage of the device as it is deployed and retracted. A flow control valve attached to the cylinder will seize the piston rod on the ambient air cylinder when the anti-kickback/cut through device is subject to the sudden force that is created during a kickback event. The instant stoppage of any upward movement of the saw by the cylinder, coupled with the log being held in place between the guide bar and the device bar by spring force and the rear facing spikes on the bar itself will stop any backward movement. The third stage of the bar opens in the opposite direction of the first two stages. The third stage of the anti-kickback/cut through device is a one direction spring loaded hinge located middle way between the forward end of the bar and the second stage hinge point that allows the end of the bar to bend upward. This allows the operator to keep the saw on a horizontal plane when cutting large logs on the ground. 
         [0029]    The presence of the bar itself prevents any cut through injuries from occurring. Because the saw rotates while the handles stay in the same place, the kickback motion arrest capabilities of the bar device will be accomplished without regards to which direction the cut is being made. The chainsaw also incorporates a chain adjusting device that makes adjusting the chain extremely simple and easy. The guide bar is attached onto a plate via three studs. The plate slides into a corresponding track built onto the chainsaw. The plate itself moves forward and back via either a worm and pinion gear or a scissor gear that is turned by a knob to adjust tension on the chain. The saw has a gearbox that contains an oil environment operated centrifugal clutch and three mechanical gears. The gearbox protects the gears and the oil environment operated centrifugal clutch from corrosion, rust and debris. The gear arrangement serves to lower the guide bar and chain so that it sits 3/32 of an inch above the anti-kickback/cut through device bar. This in turn positions the anti-kickback/cut through device bar at a lower point, making it easier for the operator to slide the bar under logs on the ground. 
         [0030]    It would be advantageous to provide a chainsaw which prevents kickback and cut through injuries. 
         [0031]    It would also be advantageous to provide a chainsaw that creates an ergonomically advantageous body position that decreases operator fatigue and therefore extends stamina. 
         [0032]    It would also be advantageous to provide a chainsaw that tilts both right and left while maintaining the handles in the same position. 
         [0033]    It would also be advantageous to provide a chainsaw that allows for simple and easy chain adjustment. 
         [0034]    It would further be advantageous to provide a chainsaw that does not impede normal operations while providing the above advantages. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1  is a right view of a chainsaw with stage one, two, and three of the anti-kickback/cut through device retracted; 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a right view of a chainsaw with stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device deployed; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is a right view of a chainsaw with stage one and two of the anti-kickback/cut through device deployed; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is a right view of a chainsaw with stage one, two, and three of the anti-kickback/cut through device deployed; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a right perspective view of a chainsaw with stage on of the anti-kickback/cut through device deployed; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an anti-kickback/cut through device bar showing the internal components; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a right detail view of a froward and center sections of the anti-kickback/cut through device bar showing the rear facing spikes in the erect position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a right detail view of a forward and center sections of the anti-kickback/cut through device bar showing the rear facing spikes in the retracted position; 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of an incremental rotational control, torso pad, and rear handle in relation to the saw body; 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a right perspective view of a rear handle adjustable horizontal extension sections with throttle and pushbutton spike controls. the inside section of the rear handle is attached to the incremental rotational control; 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a right perspective view of a bar handle in relation to the saw body; 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a right perspective view of a chainsaw with the incremental rotational control adjusted 90 degrees to the right; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a right perspective view of a chainsaw with the incremental rotational control adjusted 45 degrees to the right; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  is a right perspective view of a chainsaw with the incremental rotational control adjusted 45 degrees to the left; 
           [0050]      FIG. 15  is a right perspective view of a chainsaw with the incremental rotational control adjusted 90 degrees to the left; 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of a gearbox, gears, oil environment centrifugal clutch, chain tension adjustment mechanism, guide bar with chain, guide bar mounting plate, guide bar mounting plate adjustment slot, and the gearbox cover in relation to the saw body; 
           [0052]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a gearbox, mechanical gear assembly, oil environment centrifugal clutch, chain tension adjustment mechanism, guide bar mounting plate, guide bar mounting plate adjustment slot, gearbox reservoir cover plate, gearbox oil fill plug, and the chain sprocket; 
           [0053]      FIG. 18  is a right perspective view of a guide bar mounting plate, guide bar and chain, and nuts; 
           [0054]      FIG. 19  is a right perspective view of a saw body, gearbox cover, and the bottom mold; 
           [0055]      FIG. 20  is a right perspective view of a stage two compression springs, compression spring protector sleeves, bottom mold with the anti-kickback/cut through device with stage one deployed; 
           [0056]      FIG. 21  is a right view of a bottom mold, anti-kickback/cut through device, telescoping backstop rod, forward facing spikes on the bottom mold, forward facing spikes on the anti-kickback/cut through device bar, stage two front hinge connector rods, rear facing spikes on the anti-kickback/cut through device bar, rear bar hinge, ambient air cylinder/flow control valve, ambient air cylinder/flow control valve cover, and ambient air cylinder/flow control valve cover screws; 
           [0057]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of a bottom mold with the forward facing spikes on the bottom mold, stage two front hinge connector rods, spiral wound torsion spring, spiral wound torsion spring cover, ambient air cylinder/flow control cover, and the rear section of the anti-kickback/cut through device bar hinge; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the anti-kickback/cut through device bar, ambient air cylinder/flow control valve, and ambient air cylinder cover and screws. 
       
    
    
       [0059]    For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0060]      FIG. 1  is a right view of the chainsaw with stage one, two and three of the anti-kickback/&#39;cut through device  5  in the closed position. The torso pad  3  is visible at the rear of the saw. The bar handle  1  has been redesigned so that it goes around the sides and top of the saw body  2  symmetrically in order to allow the operator to maintain grip at the same distance from the rear handle  4  when operating the saw with the incremental rotational control  16  set at an angle. This represents a significant part of an overall system that begins with repositioning and redesigning both handles in order to better maintain control of the saw, and help combat the fatigue and muscle strain that arises during continuous use of the chainsaw. 
         [0061]    The rear handle  4  is repositioned and is attached to the right rear side of the saw, and the throttle control  21  is located on the rear handle  4 . Also mounted on the top of the rear handle  4  is the pushbutton spike control  20  for releasing the rear facing spikes  8  on the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  when the operator is pulling the bar out from under a log on the ground or removing the saw in order to vacate the area when cutting a hinge in order to fell an upright tree. 
         [0062]    The rear handle  4  is a two-piece telescoping adjustable aluminum tube that extends out horizontally past the operators right waist, then turns 90 degrees back and continues for approximately another five inches. There is a spring-pin adjustment mechanism  19  on the rear handle  4  that is able to be moved to several holes along the handle, making the handle horizontally adjustable to the waist size of each individual operator. 
         [0063]    This places the rear handle  4  in a position where the operator can grip it without moving his arm very far from where it hangs naturally so that the operator can grip the saw without the saw swinging left, which is contributing factor of cut through injuries. This helps place an easier load between the shoulders, and balances the saw. When the operator holds the saw by the repositioned handles; it is positioned closer, and straight away forward from the center of the operator&#39;s body. 
         [0064]    The handle realignment will help prevent cut through injuries, which generally occur to the left side of the lower extremities due to current chainsaw designs that puts the blade at approximately a forty-five degree angle from front center of the operators body. The weight redistribution resulting from the handle realignment will increase control, and help combat the fatigue and muscle strain that arises during continuous use of the chainsaw. The relocation of the handles also presents an opportunity to create an ergonomic body position in relation to the how the operator holds and uses the saw that will naturally inhibit kickback and cut through injuries. 
         [0065]    The torso pad  3  is a small circular/convex pad, approximately six inches in diameter, aligned center to the saw, and located on the back of the saw body  2 , where the rear handle  4  was previously located. Operators can brace the torso pad  3  and therefore the back of the saw against the torso at approximately the waist area whenever possible. The operator will not always be able to use the torso pad  3 , but when used, it will stabilize the saw via the bracing action. 
         [0066]    The torso pad  3  is spring mounted on a single pin aligned center of the saw which will allow the pad to rotate in a clockwise/counter clockwise motion. The torso pad pin spring mount  18  has approximately three inches of horizontal travel in order to counter vibration and any kickback motions of the saw against the torso. Positioning the saw at a lower axis for operation and bringing it closer to the body, will naturally straighten out both arms and lock the left elbow, which is one key in preventing kickback. 
         [0067]    The guide bar  6  shown on  FIG. 1  is shown mounted onto three studs that is attached to the guide bar mounting plate  25 . This will be further expounded upon in the detailed description of  FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18 . 
         [0068]    On  FIG. 1 , the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar is shown closed. The anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is made of fiberglass. The fiberglass bar will help protect from accidental electrocution by its placement between possible electrical sources and the chain. The bar will be hollowed out in places to accommodate internal components and wherever possible to reduce overall weight. The anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is a multi-hinged tri-stage device. 
         [0069]    The forward six inches of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  rises a total of one inch, and the entire bar is oval on the sides and forward end to aid operators in sliding the device under logs on the ground. The overall length of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar will be determined by three factors: One, the length of the chain guide bar  6 . Two, the distance between the first stage front and back hinge mounting points on the bottom of the saw body  2 , and Three, the combined total length of one and two, plus an additional six inches of length. 
         [0070]    The anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar will attach to the body of the saw at two hinge points. One hinge point will be located at the bottom front of the saw body  2 , and the other hinge point will be located at the bottom rear of the saw body  2 . The rear hinge assembly will consist of a spiral wound torsion spring  48  mounted in a spiral wound torsion spring canister  49  on the bottom mold  33  at the rear of the saw body  2 . The canister will be no larger than 1¼ inches OD. The spiral wound torsion spring  48  will be centered in the spiral wound torsion spring canister  49  on an arbor, and spiral clockwise from center. 
         [0071]    The end of the spiral wound torsion spring  48  will connect to the back of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  via the spiral wound torsion spring connector rod  45 . The spiral wound torsion spring canister  49  will be slotted from 90 degrees horizontal to approximately 180 degrees down on the forward end to provide the spring a 90 degree arc of operation. The spiral wound torsion spring  48  will keep the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  up and forward against the bottom mold  33  and guide bar  6  when not in use. 
         [0072]      FIG. 2  is a right view of the chainsaw with stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  deployed. 
         [0073]      FIG. 3  is a right view of the chainsaw with stage one and two of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  deployed. 
         [0074]      FIG. 4  is a right view of the chainsaw with stage one, two and three of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  deployed. The stage three hinge  41  of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is a one way joint hinge located at the forward third of the bar that hinges upwards a total of 90 degrees. This will allow an operator cutting large logs on the ground to hold the saw on a horizontal plane while cutting. One only needs to imagine a large log between the chain and the forward part of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  to realize the purpose and effectiveness of stage three hinge  41  of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 5  is a right perspective view of the chainsaw with stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  deployed. This view gives perspective on the rear handle  4  design, the symmetrical bar handle  1 , the torso pad  3  placement, and the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bars internal components. The center and forward sections of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  has been slotted out and contain the following components. Two rows of slots are cut through the bar. Each set of slots has a trapezoidal shaped bar  9  that sets sideways across the slots. Six rear facing spikes  8  are individually mounted between the center section spike lock and release bar  14 , and four rear facing spikes  8  are individually mounted between the forward section spike lock and release bar  7  via an individual pin through the bottom of each rear facing spike and through the sides of the lock and release bars at the top. 
         [0077]    The rear facing spikes  8  have a slot on the forward side that geometrically fits and locks onto the back end of the trapezoidal shaped bar  9 . The rear ends of the spike lock and release bars are attached to an intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13 . The intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13  is designed to have the plunger out when inactive. All the components in the center section of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar are held in place and protected by the center section top plate  12 , and all the components in the forward section of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar are held in place and protected by the forward section top plate  10 . The top plates are secured to the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar with the top plate screws  11 . 
         [0078]    When the intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13  is activated, the intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13  retracts the plunger, pulling the spike lock and release bars back toward the rear of the saw. The rear facing spikes  8  are disengaged from the trapezoidal shaped bar  9  and slide backward. The rear facing spikes  8  rotate on the single pin between the spike lock and release bars as it is pulled back. The front of the rear facing spikes  8  which are tapered, slides down the rear of the trapezoidal shaped bar  9  until the back side of the rear facing spikes  8  which are now the top, are horizontal. The top ⅛ inch of the rear facing spikes  8 , which is now the front, lays on the rear of the trapezoidal shaped bar  9 . When the rear facing spikes  8  are in the retracted position, all the rear facing spikes  8  will set below the horizontal plane of the top of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  inside of the slots. 
         [0079]    This is how the rear facing spikes  8  work during normal cutting operations. The rear facing spikes  8  stay erect at all times during cutting operations until the operator presses the pushbutton spike control  20  on the rear handle  4  when the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is being pulled out from under a log or being removed from the side of a tree when the operator completes a hinge cut when felling a standing tree. When the pushbutton spike control  20  is pressed, an intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13  retracts it&#39;s plunger, pulling back the forward section spike lock and release bar  7  and the center section spike lock and release bar  14  to which the rear facing spikes  8  are attached. 
         [0080]    This causes the rear facing spikes  8  to lay down in the bar slots, allowing the operator to remove the saws anti-kickback/cut through device  5  from under logs and from beside trees without interference from the rear facing spikes  8 . Once the operator has removed the saw, he will release the pushbutton spike control  20  and the plunger on the intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13  will extend, pushing the forward section spike lock and release bar  7  and the center section spike lock and release bar  14  forward. The rear facing spikes  8  will slide up on the trapezoidal shaped bar  9  until they once again mate with, and lock onto the trapezoidal shaped bar  9 . At this point the rear facing spikes  8  are locked back in the erect position. 
         [0081]      FIG. 7  is a right detail view of the forward and center sections of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  with the rear facing spikes  8  shown erect, which is the normal position. There are six slots on the middle section of the bar and four slots on the forward section of the bar where the rear facing spikes  8  stick up out of the top of the bar. These slots reduce overall weight, and will help to drain sawdust and wood chips through the bar, therefore allowing the spikes to perform the job of gripping logs and preventing kickback motion. 
         [0082]      FIG. 8  is a right detail view of the froward and center sections of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  with the rear facing spikes  8  shown in the retracted position. 
         [0083]    Stage One: When the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is engaged, the spiral wound torsion spring  48  will allow stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  to swing back and down. The spiral wound torsion spring  48  will also serve to keep the log or tree wedged between the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  and the blade of the saw, and to continuously push the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  back up into the closed position as the cut is being made. 
         [0084]    The first stage hinges of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will consist of the spiral wound torsion spring  48 , and two first stage hinge connector rods  36 . The top of the first stage hinge connector rods  36  will be attached to the bottom mold  33  of the saw on a pivot mount. The bottom of the first stage hinge connector rods  36  will attach onto the sides of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar just behind the stage two hinge  47  point. There will be a telescoping backstop rod  46  attached on the bottom of the bottom mold  33  via a sliding bar fitted into a slot in the bottom mold  33 . 
         [0085]    The other end of the telescoping backstop rod  46  attaches to the spiral wound torsion spring connector rod  45  half way between the spiral wound torsion spring  48  and the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  rear bar hinge on the back of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar. This telescoping backstop rod  46  will keep the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  from opening any further than the intended design. This represents stage one of the three staged anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . 
         [0086]    This is how stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will work. The operator will slide the end of the of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  bar under a log, limb, or the side of a tree to be cut until the end of the chain almost contacts the log, tree or limb. The operator will then pull up on the saw, opening stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 , and continue to slide the saw forward until the tree or log is firmly against the forward facing spikes on the bottom mold  34  at the bottom of the body of the front of the saw, and firmly against the forward facing spikes on anti-kickback/cut through device bar  40 , which are located slightly behind the second stage hinge. With very little experience, engaging the item to be cut can be accomplished in one single fluid motion. 
         [0087]    At this point, the tree or log will be sitting on the rear facing spikes  8  on the top of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . Now the operator can begin his cut. As the cut is being made, the spiral wound torsion spring  48  will force stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  closed. Kickback will be partially prevented by the rear facing spikes  8  along the top of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  that will inhibit the saw from being kicked back by digging into the tree, limb or log being cut. The pressure of the spiral wound torsion spring  48  will partially inhibit any upward kickback motion of the saw. 
         [0088]    When stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is fully hinged open, the forward six inches of length of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will aid in inhibiting the front of the chain from contacting another object, which could cause kickback. The presence of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  itself will physically prevent any cut through injuries from occurring. Generally, on a chainsaw with a fourteen-inch guide bar  6 , the opening of stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will be approximately eight inches. This dimension will change depending on the size of the saw body  2 , and the guide bar  6  length of each saw. 
         [0089]    Stage Two: As operators will obviously be cutting logs and trees of larger diameter than the stage one opening of the saw, there will be a second stage of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  which will open downward up to a total of 88 degrees from horizontal at the stage two hinge  47  that is located immediately in front of the first stage hinge connector rods  36 . The second stage will consist of two stage two compression springs  37 , each protected by the stage two compression spring protector sleeves  38 . The forward end of the stage two compression springs  37  will be mounted onto the side of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  approximately five inches forward of the second stage hinge which is located slightly ahead of where the first stage hinge connector rods  36  connect to the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . 
         [0090]    The rear mount of the stage two compression springs  37  will attach onto the ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44  cover that is located under the rear of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . The spiral wound torsion spring  48  and the stage two compression springs  37  will be calibrated so that the first stage of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will fully open, before the second stage opens. 
         [0091]    This is how stage two of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will work. When stage two of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is deployed, the downward motion of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will depress the stage two compression springs  37  and the ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44  piston rod on the ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44 . The ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44  assembly, which is located under the rear section of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 , will at most times, simply travel along as the second stage is opened and closed without interference with the operation. 
         [0092]    However, when either stage one or two of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is subject to the sudden force that is created during a kickback event, the ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44  will seize the cylinder rod, and therefore the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 , instantly arresting the upwards kickback motion. The initial rear kickback motion created by the event will cause the rear facing spikes  8  on the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  to dig into the log, limb or tree being cut, therefore arresting the backwards motion. Once the kickback event is over, the flow control valve will release the cylinder rod, and therefore the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 , and the operator will simply continue with the cutting operation. 
         [0093]    Stage Three: Stage three of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  is a one-way spring hinge that hinges up a total of 90 degrees from horizontal. The third stage hinge point is located on the bar halfway between the stage two hinge  47  and the forward end of the bar. This is how stage three will work. When the operator is cutting a large log on the ground, he will insert the bar under the log and pull up and push forward on the saw until it is on a horizontal plane. The cut can now begin. As the chain cuts through the log and the saw sinks, stage one, two and three will close at the same time, as the operator adjusts the saw to keep it horizontal while cutting. At the end of the cut the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  will be back in the closed position. 
         [0094]    Since the body of the saw is now designed to rotate via the incremental rotational control  16 , the bar will remain under the blade at all times as the device itself rotates along with the body of the saw when making angled cuts of 45 and 90 degrees to either the right or left. 
         [0095]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the incremental rotational control  16  components, rear handle  4  with throttle control  21 , pushbutton spike control  20 , and torso pad  3  in relation to where they connect onto the saw body  2  via a shaft that extends back and out from the body frame. The incremental rotational control  16  consist of a pinwheel  15  that connects onto a solid shaft extending back from the engine frame, and a sleeve that fits over it to which the rear handle  4  attaches. The pinwheel  15  has five shallow holes drilled in it that represent the five settings of the incremental rotational control  16 . One hole is at zero degrees top dead center, one at forty-five degrees right, one at ninety degrees right, one at two hundred seventy degrees left, and one at three hundred fifteen degrees left. The incremental rotational control spring-loaded pin  17  is bullet shaped so that when it reaches the holes in the pinwheel  15 , it snaps into each hole and is secured there by the pressure of the spring. 
         [0096]    When the incremental rotational control spring-loaded pin  17  is at zero degrees top, the saw is aligned straight, and the rear handle  4  is positioned to the right. The rear handle  4  remains in that position as the incremental rotational control  16  is adjusted forty-five and ninety degrees right or left when the operator manipulates the pin and rotates the saw body  2 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 10  is a right perspective view of the two rear handle  4  sections with the inside section of the rear handle  4  shown connected to the incremental rotational control  16 . The outside section of the rear handle  4  sleeves over the inside section of the rear handle  4  and is adjusted by depressing the spring-pin adjustment mechanism  19  on the rear handle  4  horizontal tube and sliding the outside section to the desired length, then allowing the spring pin to pop through one of the adjustment holes in the outside section of the rear handle  4 . The electrical wiring for the pushbutton spike control  20 , and an adjustable length throttle flex control cable runs inside the rear handle  4  and through the incremental rotational control  16  and exits very close to center, and into the saw body  2 . 
         [0098]    This alignment allows for the saw body  2  rotation via the incremental rotational control  16  without damaging the control cable and electrical wire. The wiring for the pushbutton spike control  20  incorporates a small battery inside the body of the saw in order to activate the intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13  s in case the engine dies and electrical power from the magneto is not available. The wiring for the pushbutton spike control  20  exits the bottom of the saw through the front of the bottom mold  33  and runs through the first stage hinge connector rods  36  and in a slot through the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  to the two intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13 . The system utilizes electrically conductive hinges at the stage two hinge  47  and stage three hinge  41  points to transfer the electrical power to the intermittent duty pull type DC solenoid  13 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 11  is a right perspective view of the bar handle  1  in relation to the chainsaw body. The bar handle  1  forms a symmetrical loop from the attachment point on the left side of the saw, rising up over the top of the saw and down the right side till the length of the bar is the same distance vertically on both sides of the saw. The bar handle  1  then turns 90 degrees back to clear the gearbox cover  22 , and then 90 degrees left to attach onto the right side of the saw. The symmetrical loop on the bar handle  1  will aid the operator in making angled cuts by giving him basically the same gripping distance by allowing him to slide his hand along the symmetrical bar handle  1  as the saw is rotated incrementally right or left. 
         [0100]      FIG. 12  is right perspective view of the chainsaw with the incremental rotational control  16  rotated 90 degrees to the right. 
         [0101]      FIG. 13  is right perspective view of the chainsaw with the incremental rotational control  16  rotated 45 degrees to the right. 
         [0102]      FIG. 14  is right perspective view of the chainsaw with the incremental rotational control  16  rotated 45 degrees to the left. 
         [0103]      FIG. 15  is right perspective view of the chainsaw with the incremental rotational control  16  rotated 90 degrees to the left. 
         [0104]      FIG. 16  is a exploded view of the gearbox, mechanical gear assembly  29 , oil environment centrifugal clutch  30 , gearbox reservoir cover plate  27 , gearbox oil fill cap  32 , chain tension adjustment mechanism  31 , guide bar mounting plate  25 , guide bar  6  and chain, guide bar mounting plate  25  adjustment slot, gearbox cover  22 , and gearbox reservoir cover-plate mounting screws  23 . The gearbox serves three purposes. One, it protects the mechanical gear assembly  29  and the oil environment centrifugal clutch  30  from debris and damage from the environment. Two, it provides an attachment point for the chain tension adjustment mechanism  31 . Three, it provides an attachment point for the guide bar  6  plate adjustment slot. 
         [0105]    The mechanical gear assembly  29  is as follows. The upper mechanical gear is welded onto the oil environment centrifugal clutch  30  hub. The gears do not spin to drive the chain until the RPM&#39;s are increased sufficiently to activate the clutch. The upper mechanical gear turns the same direction of the engine drive shaft, clockwise. The upper mechanical gear turns the middle mechanical gear counterclockwise, which turns the lower mechanical gear clockwise. The lower mechanical gear rides on a shaft that extends horizontally through a sealed bearing in the gearbox reservoir cover plate. 
         [0106]    The chain sprocket  28  is attached onto this shaft. The shaft turns the same direction as the upper mechanical gear, pulling the bottom of the chain toward the saw. The purpose of the mechanical gear assembly  29  arrangement is to lower the chain sprocket  28  and guide bar  6  sufficiently so that the chain sets approximately 3/32 of an inch above the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 . This in turn positions the bar at a lower point, making it easier for the operator to slide the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  under logs on the ground. 
         [0107]    The guide bar mounting plate  25  has three studs in a triangular pattern to fit the holes on the guide bar  6  itself. The guide bar  6  is bolted onto the guide bar mounting plate  25  and the guide bar mounting plate  25  is inserted into the guide bar mounting plate  25  adjustment slot, which is located on the lower front of the gearbox reservoir cover plate  27 . The gearbox reservoir cover plate and gearbox cover  22  is secured with the gearbox reservoir cover plate screws  23 . The guide bar mounting plate  25  then slides as close as possible to the chain sprocket  28 , and the chain is looped over the sprocket. The chain tension adjustment mechanism  31  is then used to adjust the tension on the chain by pushing the guide bar mounting plate  25  until the correct tension is achieved. Turning the knob on the chain tension adjustment mechanism  31  loosens and tightens the chain. This chain tension adjustment mechanism  31  sets between the guide bar mounting plate adjusting slot  26  and the chain sprocket  28 . Adjustment is made via either a worm and pinion gear or a scissor type gear. The size of the chainsaw may place a limitation on what type of gear can be used. 
         [0108]    This will eliminate chain slack common to current designs of guide bars with sliding adjustment slots that become worn and loose over time, and due to operators reluctance to shut down cutting operations and spend the time necessary to tighten the chain with hand tools. Because the chain will set above the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 , it will not dig into the dirt causing the chain to lose sharpness or wear out due to dirt granules constantly grinding on the chain parts. Because of the guide bar mounting plate  25  design, operators will no longer have to carry tools with which to loosen and tighten nuts in order to adjust chain tension. 
         [0109]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the gearbox, mechanical gear assembly  29 , oil environment centrifugal clutch  30 , chain tension adjustment mechanism  31 , guide bar mounting plate  25  setting in the guide bar mounting plate  25  adjustment slot, the oil fill cap, and the chain sprocket  28 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the mechanical gear assembly  29 , guide bar mounting plate  25 , guide bar  6  and chain, and the guide bar mounting plate nuts  24  This view shows how the guide bar  6  and chain will mount onto the guide bar mounting plate  25 . The mechanical gear assembly  29  is exploded out so the shaft arrangement is visible, and the guide bar mounting plate  25  is shown inserted into the guide bar mounting plate  25  adjustment slot. 
         [0111]      FIG. 19  is a right perspective view of the bottom mold  33  and the saw body  2  to which it attaches. The bottom mold  33  will be made of a hard plastic. This mold may be formed in one of two ways. One, via a molded frame as shown, which will be bolted onto undercarriage of the body of the saw. Two, via a mold, which will be incorporated into the body of the saw itself by the manufacturer. For the purpose of this presentation, the drawings illustrate a molded frame that attaches to the bottom of an existing chainsaw. The drawing shows the gearbox cover  22  attached to the saw body  2 , the forward facing spikes on the bottom mold  34 , and the bottom mold nuts  35 , with which it is attached to the saw body  2 . 
         [0112]      FIG. 20  is a right perspective view of the bottom mold  33  with stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  deployed. In this view the stage two compression springs  37  are visible as the stage two compression spring protector sleeves  38  are exploded out. 
         [0113]      FIG. 21  is a right view of the bottom mold  33  with stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  deployed. The ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44  is visible as the ambient air cylinder/flow control valve protective cover  39  is exploded out. The anti-kickback/cut through device  5  telescoping backstop rod  46  is visible. The telescoping backstop rod  46  is shown fully deployed into a forty-five degree angle from the bottom mold  33  to the center of the spiral wound torsion spring  48  connector. 
         [0114]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the bottom mold  33  and rear section of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5 , The anti-kickback/cut through device  5  telescoping backstop rod  46  is connected to the bottom mold  33  via small plate mounted into a slot that allows it the proper travel distance. When stage one of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  closes, the telescoping backstop rod  46  connection in the bottom mold  33  slides forward, while at the same time, the telescoping rod closes to it&#39;s shortest length and lays behind the sliding plate and into the slot inside the bottom mold  33 . The spiral wound torsion spring canister  49  is exploded to give a view of the spiral wound torsion spring  48 . However it should be noted that the spiral wound torsion spring canister  49  is part of the bottom mold  33 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the ambient air cylinder/flow control valve  44 , ambient air cylinder/flow control valve protective cover  39  ambient air cylinder/flow control valve protective cover mounting screws  43 , and the rear section of the anti-kickback/cut through device  5  to which it attaches. The ambient air cylinder piston rod  42  is also shown. 
         [0116]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0117]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.