Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/741,807, filed Sep. 1, 2010, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2008/082322, filed Nov. 4, 2008, which claims benefit to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/020,92, filed on Nov. 6, 2007, titled Stump Cutter Boom, the disclosures of which are incorporate by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to material reduction machines and methods of using the machines and manufacturing the machines. In particular, the methods and machines according to the present disclosure are adapted to be used to remove tree stumps. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Various methods and machines for removing stumps are known. Generally, the stump reduction devices and associated methods can be divided into two types: those where the engine is mounted to the frame of the device and those where the engine is mounted to the articulating arm, which supports the cutting or grinding tool. The engine remains at a constant angle relative to the ground during operation in the first type of machine, whereas the engine operating angle changes during operation in the second type of machine. Though the first type of machines provide an inherently compact layout, there are associated disadvantages relating to the second type of machines (e.g., possible engine failure due to excessive tilting and a higher than desired center of gravity). 
         [0004]    Examples of the first type of stump reduction machine are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,996, titled Control System for Stump Cutters assigned to Vermeer; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,124, titled Stump Grinder Having Automatic Reversing Feed Assembly assigned to Tramor. For example, of the second type of stump reduction machine see U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,781, titled Stump Cutter Safety System assigned to Rayco; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,770, titled Stump Chipper and Method for the Operation Thereof assigned to Vermeer-Holland. The present disclosure generally relates to the first type of stump reduction devices and related methods. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1   a  is a front left perspective view of a stump reducing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1   b  is a back right perspective view of a stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0009]      FIG. 1   c  is a back left perspective view of a stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0010]      FIG. 1   d  is a front right perspective view of a stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0011]      FIG. 2   a  is a top view of the stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a  showing the path of the console; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   b  is a top view of the stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a  showing the path of the stump reduction tool; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a left side schematic view of the stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1   a  with the boom in the fully retracted position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a right side schematic view of the stump reducing machine of  FIG. 1  with the boom in the fully retracted position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a left side view of the machine as in  FIG. 1 , showing the boom lift cylinder in the fully extended position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7   a  is a left side view of the machine as in  FIG. 1 , showing the boom lift cylinder in an intermediate position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7   b  is a left side view of the machine as in  FIG. 1 , showing the path of the stump reduction tool; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a left side view of the stump reducing machine with the guard tilted by a stump during a stump reduction operation; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a second embodiment of the stump reducing machine according to the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a third embodiment of the stump reducing machine according to the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged front side perspective view of the auxiliary controls of  FIG. 1   a  in a working position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the auxiliary controls of  FIG. 1   a  in a working position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a rear side perspective view of the auxiliary controls of  FIG. 1   a  in a stowed position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the auxiliary controls of  FIG. 1   a  in a stowed position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a rear side perspective view of the auxiliary controls of  FIG. 1   a  in a working position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an exploded assembly view of the components of the auxiliary controls of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is side view that illustrates a prior art configuration adjacent a wall; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a side view that illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure adjacent a wall; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a side view that illustrates the path of a cutting wheel of a prior art configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The stump reduction device according to the present disclosure is any device that is configured to cut, chip, or grind a tree stump. The stump reduction device is referred to herein interchangeably as a stump grinder, stump cutter, or stump chipper. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 1   a - d  and  2   a - b , an embodiment of a stump reduction device  1  is shown. The stump reduction device  1  includes a chassis  30  with a first end  32  and a second end  34 . In the depicted embodiment, the stump reduction device  1  includes an engine  40  that is mounted between the first end  32  of the chassis  30  and the second end of the chassis  30 . The engine  40  is mounted to the chassis  30  rather than to a moving arm. The stump reduction device  1  also includes a control console  36  mounted to the chassis  30  such that it can be positioned adjacent the second end  34  of the chassis  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the control console  36  is pivotally attached to the chassis  30  via a linkage assembly  38  ( FIGS. 1   c  and  2   a ). In addition, a secondary set of controls  42  is located near the first end  32  of the chassis  30 , which enables an operator to control the machine while standing at the first end  32  of the machine. The stump reduction device  1  includes a mount member  4  pivotally connected to the second end of the chassis  30 , and a material reduction linkage assembly  2  connected to the mount member  4 . In the depicted embodiment, the mount member  4  and sweep cylinders  12  enable the material reduction linkage to pivot relative to the chassis  30  about a vertical axis  18  through a sweep range θ. In the depicted embodiment the sweep range is between 60 and 90 degrees and is independent of the vertical position of the material reduction linkage  2 . It should be appreciated that other sweep ranges are also possible. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the components of a first embodiment of the material reduction linkage assembly  2  are identified and described in greater detail. In the depicted embodiment the material reduction linkage assembly  2  includes a first linkage  6  and a second linkage  5 , each pivotally connected to the mount member  4 . Each of the first linkage  6  and the second linkage  5  is also pivotally connected to a third linkage  7 . In the depicted embodiment, the first linkage  6  is shown as a rigid bar. In the depicted embodiment the third linkage  7  includes an upper end and a lower end. The lower end supports a gearbox, which supports a material reduction tool  3 , shown as a cutter wheel, and the upper end supports a hydraulic motor  8  that drives the rotation of the material reduction tool  3  via a gear box assembly  9 . A drive shaft within the third linkage  7  connects the gear box assembly  9  with the motor  8 . 
         [0034]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the material reduction linkage assembly  2  further includes a lift cylinder  11  connected between the mount member  4  and the second linkage  5 . The lift cylinder  11  can be a hydraulic cylinder arranged to raise and lower the assembly. The depicted embodiment further includes a guard  10  movably supported over the material reduction tool  3 . The guard  10  is shown as a plate member including a trailing edge  44  and a leading edge  46 . In the depicted embodiment, the guard  10  is pivotally mounted to the portion of the third linkage  7  referred to herein as the gusset  13 . In the depicted embodiment, the guard plate includes a raised middle section  48  and lower outwardly extending side flanges  50 ,  51 . It should be appreciated that many other alternative embodiments are possible. For example, some embodiments may include more linkages, other embodiments may include fewer linkages, and yet other embodiments may include differently arranged or configured linkages and guards. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , the operation of the material reduction linkage assembly  2  is described in greater detail.  FIGS. 4 and 5  depict the left and right sides of the material reduction linkage assembly  2  fully raised in an up most position,  FIG. 6  depicts the left side of the material reduction linkage assembly  2  fully lowered in a down most position, and  FIG. 7   a  depicts the left side of the material reduction linkage  2  in an intermediate position. In the depicted embodiment the up most position corresponds with the lift cylinder  11  being fully retracted, and the down most position corresponds with the cylinder being fully extended. The position of the material reduction linkage assembly  2  in a vertical plane is controlled by the lift cylinder  11 , and the position of the material reduction linkage assembly in a horizontal plane is controlled by the sweep cylinders  12 . In the depicted embodiment the horizontal and vertical positions are independently controlled. 
         [0036]    Still referring to  FIGS. 4-8  the angle between a horizontal plane and a line passing through the leading edge  46  and trailing edge  44  of the guard  10  is defined herein as the tilt angle δ. In the depicted embodiment, the variation in the tilt angle δ is less than about 5-35 degrees throughout the range of motion of the material reduction linkage assembly  2 , unless it is being deflected (i.e., acted on by an outside force). More preferably, the tilt angle δ is less than about 15 degrees (e.g., between 0 and 15 degrees). This relative low variation in tilt angle δ can be desirable because this enables the guard  10 , at least in part, to cover the material reduction tool  3  during operation. Occasionally, the guard  10  is acted on by an outside force during operation, for example, the guard  10  is deflected when the material reduction tool  3  climbs a stump as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0037]    In the depicted embodiment the guard  10  is configured such that the tilt angle δ can be about 35 degrees greater than the undeflected tilt angle. In some embodiments the deflected tilt angle can be between 5 to 45 degrees relative to the undeflected tilt angle. It should be appreciated that other tilt angles and tilt angle ranges are also possible (e.g., 0-180 degrees). Since according to some embodiments of the present disclosure the variation in undeflected tilt angle is less than in prior art configurations, the stump cutter of the present disclosure is more effective in cutting stumps that are relatively vertical and tall.  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate that a low variation in tilt angle δ can result in a larger effective range of motion of the guard as compared to a prior art configuration where the tilt angle δ is larger. The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 18  is more adept at working near walls or other obstructions than the prior art configuration illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The range of motion of the guard in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  is about the same as the range of motion of the guard in the prior art configuration shown in  FIG. 17 , but due to the lower tilt angle δ of the guard shown in  FIG. 18 , the stump cutter is more effective in cutting near the obstruction (e.g., a wall). 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 7   a , a full path of the material reduction tool  3  in a vertical plane is shown. In the depicted embodiment the path is consistent and partially dictated by the particular lengths of the linkages, which in the depicted embodiment remains constant during operation. The path includes a component that extends in a vertical direction (up and down relative to the ground surface  16 ) referenced as H, and a component that extents radially (towards and away from the mount member  4 ) referenced as B. The depth of the plunge relative to the ground surface  16  is referenced as D, and the radial distance from the pivot axis  18  to the center of the material reduction tool  3  is referenced as C. In one embodiment C is about 51 inches and D is about 23 inches. In the depicted embodiment the distance H is significantly larger than B, meaning that the material reduction tool  3  does not move much radially when it is raised and lowered. In the particular embodiment shown, the value of B is about 35 inches and the value of H is about 69 inches, therefore, the ratio of B:H is about 0.5. In the depicted embodiment the material reduction linkage  2  is configured to achieve the desired ratio. In a prior art system wherein the cutting tool is mounted to an arm that pivots in a vertical plane about a single axis, the arm would need to be substantially longer than the linkage  5  to achieve a radius of curvature that would enable a ratio of B:H to be within the above range. If in the depicted embodiment the length of the second linkage  5  is about X feet long, to achieve the same B:H ratio using an arm that pivots in a vertical plane about a single axis, the arm would need be over 2X feet long. A low B:H ratio can also be desirable because machines with a low B:H ratio are less likely to have their cutting tools inadvertently contact material as they are raised because their cutting tools do not swing as far outwards away from the machines as they are raised. 
         [0039]    In a prior art configuration with the arm being about X feet long, the radius of curvature is significantly smaller (see  FIG. 19 ). The prior art configuration shown in  FIG. 19  is also not able to cut as vertically into the ground as compared to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 7   b , the path of the material reduction tool is described in greater detail. The vertical distance from the center (rotational axis) of the material reduction tool  3  at its highest position to the position where the material reduction tool is furthest away from the pivot axis  18  is shown as Y2. The vertical distance from the center (rotational axis) of the material reduction tool  3  at its lowest position to the position where the material reduction tool is furthest away from the pivot axis  18  is shown as Y1. The horizontal displacement that corresponds with the distance Y2 is shown as X2. The horizontal displacement that corresponds with the distance Y1 is shown as X1. The distance from the lower pivot point of the second linkage  4  to the ground surface is shown as Y3. In the depicted embodiment X1 is less than X2 and Y1 is greater than Y2. The depicted configuration allows the material reduction device to move essentially vertically while in operation and retract towards the chassis  30  when in transport. In one embodiment X1 is about 9 inches, X2 is about 14 inches, Y1 is about 33 inches, Y2 is about 23 inches, and Y3 is about 21 inches. In some embodiments the ratio between X1:Y1 is between zero to 0.3 and the ratio between X2:Y2 is about 0.5-0.7. In some embodiments the ratio between X1:X2 is about to 0.5-0.7. 
         [0041]    In a prior art configuration with the single pivot arm shown in  FIG. 19 , the path of the material reduction tool is not as vertical below ground and more vertical above ground as compared to the depicted embodiment of the stump cutter according to the present disclosure. It is typically preferable that the path of the material reduction tool be more vertical below ground and move curved back towards the machine above ground. The ability to move the reduction tool in the substantially vertical direction allows the operator to remove stumps with fewer readjustments to the position of the stump cutter. Furthermore, the ability of the reduction tool to move back (retract) towards the machine when the reduction tool is above ground makes the machine more compact for transport. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a second embodiment of the material reduction linkage  2 ′ is shown. The alternative embodiment includes a number of the same components described above, which are referenced with the same numbers. In the depicted embodiment the linkage  6  is shown as a cylinder  17  instead of a fixed length bar as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the cylinder  17  can extend and retract, allowing for the path of the material reduction tool in a vertical plane to be varied. The variable path in the vertical plane can allow the operator to more efficiently remove stumps of various shapes and sizes. The machine according to the second embodiment can enable the operator to cut almost vertically such that the ratio of B:H (more particularly, X1/Y1) is almost zero or alternatively to cut horizontally. The range of B:H in the second embodiment can vary between 0-0.7. This embodiment can be incorporated with a control system that automatically varies the cut path to more efficiently reduce the stumps. The depicted configuration can also have storage and transportation related advantages, as the linkage assemblies can be pulled up and stowed in a compact position on the second end of the material reduction device  2 ′, thereby shortening the overall length of the machine. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a third embodiment of the material reduction linkage  2 ″ is shown. The alternative embodiment includes a number of the same components described above, which are referenced with the same numbers. The depicted embodiment includes a cylinder  19  that is connected between the guard  10  and the third linkage  7 . In the depicted embodiment, the guard can be raised and lowered as desired. The depicted feature can be desirable, as the operator can prevent the guard from jamming into the stump as it climbs. In some embodiments, the cylinder  19  can be configured to allow the guard to float over most objects without operator intervention. For example, cylinder  19  and lift cylinder  11  could have position sensors that detect the amount of cylinder stroke. Based on the amount of stroke at cylinder  11 , a controller could regulate the stroke of cylinder  19 . 
         [0044]    The material reduction devices  2 ,  2 ′,  2 ″ embody several other additional common advantages. Because material reduction tool  3  can be configured to not significantly arc inward toward the machine  1  when the material reduction tool  3  is lowered below grade, it is possible to maintain enough space for the cut chip volume to vacate the cut region, thereby minimizing the power and time that would otherwise be lost due to re-cutting chips. In addition, as sweep occurs, the width swept by the material reduction tool  3  is more constant when measured from the front of the material reduction device because the distance C is more constant compared to many prior art machines. The more constant C can be desirable, as it can minimize the need for an operator to re-position the machine to cut roots extending outward from the stump below grade. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 
         [0045]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 11-16 , the secondary set of controls  42  located near the first end  32  of the chassis  30  are described in further detail. In the depicted embodiment, the secondary set of controls  42  includes control panel  52  connected to a linkage assembly  54  that can be pivoted towards the first end  32  into a stowed position ( FIGS. 13 ,  14 ) or can pivot away from the first end  32  towards the operator for use in the working position ( FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  15 ). In the stowed position, the controls  42  are in a more protected orientation than in the working position. In the stowed position the control panel  52  is faced towards the first end  32  of the machine. The pivoting features also enable easy access to other machine components for service or maintenance, as the controls  42  can be moved out of the way as necessary. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , in the depicted embodiment the control panel  52  includes a forward and reverse control  56  and a left or right steering control  58 , which together enable an operator to change the position of the machine while standing at the first end  32  of the machine. In particular, it enables the operator to walk in line with the machine. This function is particularly advantageous for job sites that require maneuvering the machine through tight and narrow spaces (e.g., a gate). It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the controls on the control panel  52  can include other, or all the, functions available to the main control panel  36 . In the depicted embodiment, the controls  42  can be operably connected to the machine via wires or, alternatively, wirelessly. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-16 , in the depicted embodiment the linkage  54  is a four bar type linkage that pivots to an over center position in the stowed position, thereby maintaining the controls  42  in the stowed position until the operator wants to use the controls  42 . The over center arrangement of the linkage avoids the need for pins, latches, or other secondary mechanisms for securing the controls  42  in the stowed position. The linkage  54  includes control mount  60 . The control mount  60  (also referred to as the first linkage) includes a first lower end  62  that is shown secured to a lower blade mount  64 . In the depicted embodiment the blade mount  64  is configured to be bolted to the first end  32  of the machine and is configured to support a blade  66 . The blade  66  is configured to be used to push piles of wood chips. In the depicted embodiment the blade is connected to the blade mount  64  such that it can be raised and lowered by extending or retracting a hydraulic cylinder  68  ( FIGS. 11 ,  13 , and  15 ). The control mount  60  includes a second upper end  70  that includes pivot connections for the second linkage  72  and the third linkage  74 . In the working position the control panel  52  in the depicted embodiment extends away from the machine to avoid the operator&#39;s feet being below the blade  66 , which can raise and lower depending on the terrain that is traversed by the stump cutter. 
         [0048]    The second linkage  72  includes a first end that pivotally connects to the control mount  60  (i.e., first linkage) and a second end that pivotally connects to the weldment  76  (also known as the fourth linkage). In the depicted embodiment the weldment  76  houses the control panel  52 . In the depicted embodiment the weldment is generally vertical in the stowed position and past horizontal in the working position. In the depicted embodiment the change in orientation of the control panel  52  is greater than  90  degrees from the stowed position to the working position. The third linkage  74  includes a first end that pivotally connects to the control mount  60  and a second end that pivotally connects to the weldment  76 . In the depicted embodiment, a spring  78  is connected between the control mount  60  and the third linkage  74 . Spring  78  acts to keep the control panel  52  in either the working position or the stowed position. The spring  78  and lengths of the linkage are arranged such that the spring is more stretched as it moves out of the stowed position or out of the work position. The spring  78  also prevents the control panel  52  from rattling or flipping open or closed due to vibration as the stump cutter traverses uneven ground surface. Therefore, the linkage is configured so that the control panel  52  will stay in the working position or the stowed position without the need for secondary securing mechanisms (e.g., latches, pins, tethers, etc.) 
         [0049]    In the depicted embodiment, the weldment  76  which houses the control panel  52  is protected by a shroud  80 , a face plate (or decal)  82 , and a bottom plate  84 . The shroud  80  and face plate  82  protect the control panel  52  from contact with objects moving towards the first end  32  of the machine when the control panel is in the working position, while the second linkage  72  and the bottom plate  84  protect the control panel  52  from contact with objects. It should be appreciated that many other configurations are also possible. 
         [0050]    The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.