Abstract:
A multi-function logging machine is disclosed. The machine uses several simple components in various configurations to perform the functions of lifting, rolling, winching and holding a log, which can vary in size, in the field. The Logging Device replaces several devices that now must all be transported to the logging field with one easily transported unit. A body is provided in two feet. A handle fits through openings in the feet and is prevented from withdrawal and turning until released. A support member is mounted at one end of the body. An arm is mounted to rotate in the body. A claw with teeth is mounted on the arm. A cleat is mounted on the body opposite from the support member frame for preventing backward movement on a rope when the Logging Device is used as a winch.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0002]     The invention relates to devices for logging and, more specifically, for performing multiple functions including lifting, rolling, pulling and holding logs and timber.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Logging devices are known in the art. Log lifters, log holders, log pullers and log rollers have existed in various embodiments for many years. They have always, however, been single-purpose devices.  
         [0005]     Weisgerber (U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,874) teaches a log lifter comprising a rearwardly sloping, elongated handle that is fastened to a unitary, flat metal base plate having a forward log engaging blade portion extending from a horizontally disposed sole portion and a rearward heel portion joined to the sole portion by means of a curved intermediate section. The blade portion is urged under a log for rocking the same rearwardly over the curved section of the base plate, thus rolling the log.  
         [0006]     Bent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,180) teaches an apparatus for holding firewood and dimension lumber during cutting that includes an upright member having a generally triangularly shaped plate attached near one end thereof, the plate includes a plurality of steps, each of the plurality of steps having a generally V-shaped portion facing downwards that is attached thereto. The V-shaped portions engage the butt end of any diameter of a log of sufficient size that is placed on the holder and prevents the butt end from becoming dislodged.  
         [0007]     A separate plate is attached under the triangularly-shaped plate that is useful for securing the butt end of small logs and of dimension lumber.  
         [0008]     A cleat end of a longitudinal member is attached to the upright member under the serrated plate and extends away from the upright member and is generally perpendicular with respect thereto.  
         [0009]     A generally rectangular plate having a trough at the top is attached at a support end of the longitudinal member and is useful for the cantilevered placement of logs for cutting thereon. A second longitudinal member is provided at a support end of the upright member that is adapted for placing the holder upon the ground surface during use.  
         [0010]     Log manipulation devices, which are intended to handle large logs, are generally heavy and cumbersome to carry. This problem is exacerbated by the need to carry several heavy, cumbersome pieces of equipment, including at least one log lifter, log holder, log roller, and winch. These devices have traditionally been single-function devices and each is cumbersome and necessary for logging. Therefore, it has been necessary to transport and manipulate several individual pieces of single-function equipment. The art is therefore lacking, but feels the need for, a device that combines several logging functions into one transportable unit.  
       OBJECTS  
       [0011]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a Logging Device that is a combination log roller, log lifter, log puller and log holder.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination Logging Device that is comparatively easy to transport.  
         [0013]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination Logging Device that is dependable, durable and comparatively economical.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     A Logging Device is provided to perform multiple logging functions. A body includes a cleaT end and a support end. A support member is secured to the body at the support end. A cleat foot is mounted on the body at the cleat end and a support foot is mounted on the body at the support end.  
         [0015]     The cleat foot and the support foot are mounted on the same side of the body which is the opposite side from the support member. An arm is mounted on the body on the side opposite from the cleat foot and the support foot. A claw is mounted on the arm remote from the body. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the Logging Device assembled for transporting.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2   a  is a perspective of a claw.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view of an arm.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2   c  is a side elevation of a pair of feet used on the body.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2   d  is a perspective view of a handle.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2   e  is a perspective view of the body with both feet attached at the appropriate ends and a cleat attached at one end and a support member attached at the opposite end.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2   f  is a perspective view of the cleat used as rope retaining device when the Logging Device is used as a winch.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2   g  is a perspective view of the support member.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of the Logging Device mounted on a log in the initial position to roll a log.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view showing the Logging Device mounted on a log in the initial position to roll a log.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of the Logging Device in the same configuration as shown in  FIG. 3   a  and  3   b  but in the initial position to lift a log.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 4   a  but after the log has been lifted onto the body of the Logging Device.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the Logging Device used as a winch.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation of the Logging Device mounted vertically on a tree and held by a chain showing the Logging Device being used for holding a log.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NUMERALS  
       [0030]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 NUMERAL 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 11 
                 BODY 
               
               
                 13 
                 CLEAT END 
               
               
                 15 
                 SUPPORT END 
               
               
                 17 
                 CENTER SECTION 
               
               
                 19 
                 UPPER SURFACE 
               
               
                 21 
                 TWO SIDE SURFACES 
               
               
                 23 
                 TWO LOWER EDGES 
               
               
                 25 
                 NOTCHES 
               
               
                 27 
                 CLEAT 
               
               
                 28 
                 BODY OPENINGS 
               
               
                 29 
                 SUPPORT MEMBER 
               
               
                 30 
                 TOP MEMBER 
               
               
                 31 
                 SUPPORT FLANGES 
               
               
                 32 
                 SIDE MEMBERS 
               
               
                 33 
                 SUPPORT FLANGE END 
               
               
                 35 
                 SUPPORT FLANGE OPENINGS 
               
               
                 37 
                 BOLT 
               
               
                 39 
                 SUPPORT FOOT 
               
               
                 41 
                 PIN 
               
               
                 43 
                 OPENING 
               
               
                 45 
                 TWO FEET 
               
               
                 47 
                 FOOT OPENING 
               
               
                 49 
                 CLEAT FOOT 
               
               
                 51 
                 BOLT 
               
               
                 53 
                 OPENING 
               
               
                 55 
                 HANDLE 
               
               
                 57 
                 SUPPORT FOOT OPENING 
               
               
                 59 
                 RAISED BAR 
               
               
                 61 
                 REINFORCED MEMBER 
               
               
                 63 
                 ARM 
               
               
                 65 
                 TOP ELEMENT 
               
               
                 67 
                 TWO SIDE ELEMENT 
               
               
                 69 
                 ARM ELEMENT OF OPENINGS 
               
               
                 71 
                 ARM FLANGES 
               
               
                 73 
                 ARM FLANGE END 
               
               
                 76 
                 ARM FLANGE OPENING 
               
               
                 77 
                 V-NOTCH 
               
               
                 78 
                 NOTCH END 
               
               
                 81 
                 CLAW 
               
               
                 83 
                 TWO SETS OF TEETH 
               
               
                 85 
                 GRIP END 
               
               
                 87 
                 TOP PLATE 
               
               
                 89 
                 TWO SIDE PLATES 
               
               
                 91 
                 EXTENSIONS 
               
               
                 93 
                 STABILIZING MEMBER 
               
               
                 95 
                 CLAW FLANGE END 
               
               
                 97 
                 CLAW FLANGES 
               
               
                 99 
                 CLAW OPENING 
               
               
                 101 
                 PIN 
               
               
                 107 
                 HAND END 
               
               
                 109 
                 LOCK END 
               
               
                 111 
                 CENTRAL PORTION 
               
               
                 113 
                 CUT OUTS 
               
               
                 115 
                 PUSH PIN 
               
               
                 116 
                 RING GUIDE 
               
               
                 117 
                 RAISED SIDES 
               
               
                 119 
                 ROPE 
               
               
                 121 
                 SCREW 
               
               
                 123 
                 CHAIN 
               
               
                 125 
                 PIN 
               
               
                 127 
                 FULCRUM PIN 
               
               
                 129 
                 END PIN 
               
               
                 130 
                 TREE TRUNK 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0031]     In  FIG. 1  the Logging Device is shown in its assembled configuration for transport. In  FIG. 2   a  through  2   f , the various parts of the Logging Device are shown. A body  11  has a cleat end  13 , a support end  15 , and a central section  17 . The body  11 , in general, has the cross section of an inverted U. The body  11  has an upper surface  19  and two side surfaces  21  each with a lower edge  23 . Notches  25  are located along the two lower edges  23 . Seven notches  25  are shown but any reasonable number of notches  25  can be utilized. At the cleat end  13  of the body  11  there is a cleat or jam cleat  27 . The notches  25  are located on the lower edges  23  toward the cleat end  13  and extend more than half the length of the body  11  toward the support end  15 . Two pairs of body openings  28  are located through the side surfaces  21  in the central section  17  of the body  11 .  
         [0032]     A support member  29  is located at the support end  15  of the body  11 , which is the opposite end from the cleat end  13 . The support member  29  is comparatively short and also has an inverted U shaped cross section. The support member  29  has a top member  30 . The support member  29  has a pair of support flanges  31  at one end, namely at a support flange end  33 . The pair of support flanges  31  extend from a pair of side members  32 . At the support flange end  33  of the support member  29  the support flanges  31  have support flange openings  35  through them. By means of these supports flange openings  35 , the support member  29  is secured to the body  1   1  by means of a bolt  37  that is the same bolt  37  that holds a support foot  39  onto the body  11  at the support end  15  of the body  11 . A pin  41  is generally maintained in the support member  29  within an opening  43  in the support member  29  adjacent to the support flanges  31 . The pin  41  is essential to the operation of the Logging Device when used as a winch and is also essential when the Logging Device is used as a log roller and a log holder.  
         [0033]     Two feet  45  ( FIG. 2   e ) are attached to the opposite ends of the body  11  at the support end  15  and the other foot, the cleat foot  49 , is attached to the body  11  at the cleat end  13 . The bolt  37  holds the support foot  39  on the body  11  and a bolt  51  holds the cleat foot  49  on the body  11 . The cleat foot  49  has a cleat foot opening  53  through it to receive a handle  55 . The handle  55  slides easily but securely within the cleat foot  49 . The support foot  39  has a support foot opening  57  which is the same size and shape as the cleat foot opening  53  in the cleat foot  49 . However, the support foot opening  57  in the support foot  39  does not extend all the way through the support foot  39  but rather is a blind opening extending approximately half way into the support foot  39 . The cleat foot opening  53  and the support foot opening  57  are the foot openings  47 . Across the bottom of the support foot opening  57  in the support foot  39  there is a raised bar  59  diametrically located across the bottom of the support foot opening  57  in the support foot  39 .  
         [0034]     As best seen in  FIG. 2   e , at the support end  15 , the body  11  has, on each of the side surfaces  21 , a reinforcement member  61 , which is shown having a triangular shape, extending downwardly from the side surfaces  21  of the body  11  and engaging the support foot  39 . The reinforcement member  61  prevent possible rotational movement of the support foot  39  at the support end  15 .  
         [0035]     In  FIG. 2   b  an arm  63  is shown. The arm  63 , like the body  11  and the support member  29 , has the cross section of an inverted U. The arm  63  has a top element  65  and two side elements  67 . Along the side elements  67  there are a plurality of element openings  69 . The arm  63  is attached to the body  11  with the arm flanges  71 , located at the flange end  73  of the arm  63 . The arm flange  71  has an arm flange opening  76 . At the opposite end of the arm  63  from the arm flanges  71 , there is a V-notch  77  in the top element  65  generally midway between the two side elements  67 . The purpose of the V-notch  77  is to grasp a rope when the Logging Device is used as a winch.  
         [0036]     A claw  81  ( FIG. 2   a ) is used for gripping a log as shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  4   a ,  4   b , and  6 . The claw  81  has two sets of teeth  83  at a grip end  85 . The claw  81 , like the arm  63  and the body  11 , has a cross section of an inverted U. The claw  81  has a top plate  87  and two side plates  89 . At the grip end  85 , the teeth  83  are located on extensions  91  of the two side plates  89 . To provide stability when the Logging Device is used as a log holder, each extension  91  includes a stabilizing member  93  which is bent at right angles to it&#39;s respective extension  91 . The stabilizing members  93  are bent away from one another ( FIG. 2   a ).  
         [0037]     At the opposite end from the grip end  85 , namely the claw flange end  95 , two claw flanges  97  extend from the side plates  89  beyond the top plate  87 . The claw  81  can be attached to another component, usually the arm  63 , using the claw flanges  97  located at the end of the claw  81  from the teeth  83 . Each claw flange  97  has an opening  99  generally in the center of each claw flange  97 , through which a pin  101  can be inserted to attach the claw  81  to the notch end  78  of the arm  63 , by using a pair of the openings  69  in the arm  63 .  
         [0038]     The handle is shown in  FIG. 2   d . The handle  55  has a hand end  107  and at the end opposite from the hand end  107 , a lock end  109 . A central portion  111  of the handle  55  is located between the hand grip end  107  and the lock end  109 . The handle  55  preferably has a circular cross section. The handle  55  fits through the cleat foot opening  53  in the cleat foot  49 . The lock end  109  of the handle  55  has a pair of cut outs  113  which are round and aligned with one another and which fit over the raised bar  59  in the bottom of the support foot opening  57  in the support foot.  
         [0039]     The handle  55 , is made from a material that withstands pressure from use with heavy logs, such as a metal, a hard wood or a plastic or fiberglass. Located toward but spaced from the lock end  109  of the handle  55  there is a push pin  115  which is spring loaded. When inserting the handle into the cleat foot  49 , the push pin  115  is depressed to permit the handle  55  to access the cleat foot opening  53  in the cleat foot  49 , the push pin  115  is released and is then situated just inside the cleat foot  49 . The cut outs  113  in the handle  55  engage the raised bar  59  in the bottom of the foot opening  47  in the support foot  39 . This prevents rotation of the handle  55 . In this way, the assembled Logging Device can be lifted by the handle  55  and can be used in the various applications discussed hereinafter, without the handle  55  being either inadvertently withdrawn or being turned.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIG. 2   f , the cleat  27  is shown. The cleat has the guide ring  116  mounted at one end of the cleat  27 . The cleat  27  has raised sides  117  so that a rope  119  threaded through the cleat  27  is retained against backward movement by the raised sides  117  the rope is thereby prevented from slipping back through a ring guide  116 .  
         [0041]     A screw  121  affixes the cleat  27  to the body  11  at one end and the ring guide  116  secures the cleat  27  at the opposite end of the body  11 . The rope  119  enters the cleat  27  where the ring guide  116  is located.  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the Logging Device is shown assembled for use as a log puller or winch. In this configuration, the body  11  is mounted on the two feet  45  at the cleat end  13  and the support end  15  of the body  11 . The pin  41  in the support member  29  is placed through a link in a chain  123  to assure that the chain  123  will not slide off the support member  29 . The chain  123  is wrapped around an external supporting body such as a tree (not shown) and another link of the chain  123  is secured by the pin  41 , thus causing the chain  123  to form a loop around the external supporting body. Any manner of securing the chain  123  is acceptable.  
         [0043]     Generally, in the cent section  17  of the body  11 , between the cleat end  13  and the support end  15 , the arm  63  is attached to the body  11  with a pin  125  being inserted throught the openings  76  in the arm flanges  71  and through a pair of body openings  28  in the two side surfaces  21 . Of the body  11 . A fulcrum pin  127  is inserted through the pair of openings  69  in the arm  63  that are located closest to the body  11 . The fulcrum pin  127 , as it&#39;s name implies, serves as a fulcrum for the rope  119 .  
         [0044]     The rope  119  is tied or otherwise attached to an end of a log or other object (not shown) to be pulled. The other end of the rope  119  is then threaded through the ring guide  116  through the cleat  27 . Then, the rope  49  is then fed behind the fulcrum pin  127  and along the arm  63  to the notch end  78  of the arm  63 . The rope  119  is placed into the V-notch  77  which holds the rope  119 .  
         [0045]     The arm  63 , which can rotate on the body  11 , is then cranked alternately toward and away from the body  11  in a repeated back-and-forth motion. The cranking motion draws the rope  119  through the ring guide  116 . As a result, a log or other object can be winched to a desired location.  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b , the Logging Device is shown being used as a log roller. In this configuration, the body  11  and the two feet  45  and claw  81  are used with the arm  63  mounted on the body  11  by using the body openings  28  located toward the support end  15 . The claw  81  is mounted on the arm  63  at the notch end  78  of the arm  63 . The claw  81  grips the log to be rolled. The handle  55  is inserted through the cleat foot opening  53  in the cleat foot  49  and lodged in the support foot opening  57  in the support foot  39 . The handle  55  is then secured by the push pin  115  being held by the cleat foot  49  and kept from rotating by the cut outs  113  being seated on the raised bar  59  in the support foot arm opening  57  in the support foot  39 . The arm  63  is affixed to the body  11  with the pin  115  inserted through the openings  76  in the arm flanges  71  and a pair of body openings  28  in the side surfaces  21  of the body  11 . The claw  81  is attached to the notch end  78  of the arm  63  by inserting the pin  101  through the claw openings  99  in the claw flanges  97  and a pair of arm openings  69  in the two side elements  67  of the arm  63  adjacent the notch end  78 . The two sets of teeth  83  grip a log and the claw  81  can be placed at only one of the three locations of the plurality of openings  69  in the two side elements  67  on the arm  63  depending upon the size of the log. The pin  41  in the support member  29  is essential to retain the support member  29  at the correct angle for rolling a log. Also, when lifting, the claw is always located at the notch end  78  of the arm  63 .  
         [0047]     When used as a log lifter, support member  29  on the body  11  is forced as far as possible under the log to be lifted. The claw pin  81  is placed down on the log and the handle  55  is pulled away from the log. The arrangement of the Logging Device ( FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ) when used as a log lifter is generally the same as when the Logging Device is used to roll a log except that the pin  41  is not required when lifting. Also, the placement of the Logging Device on a log is different. In a log lifting application it is essential that the support member  29  be placed as far as possible under the log to be lifted. The handle  55  is used to press the body  11  as closely as possible against the log. The claw  81  attached to the arm  63  engages the log over the top of the log away from the body  11  of the Logging Device. Then, by pulling the handle  55  away from the log, the log is rolled over the support member  29  and the log rests on the body  11  supported by the two feet  45 .  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the Logging Device is shown assembled to hold a log with the support member  29  mounted on the body  11 . The body  11  with two feet  45  secured at both ends  13 ,  15  and with the support member  29  secured with a chain  123 , or other securing means, such as a rope, cable or strap, to external support such as a tree trunk  131 . As a result, the Logging Device is vertically oriented parallel to the tree trunk  131 . The tree trunk  131  is shown in  FIG. 6  but other supports of a suitable strength can be used to hold the Logging Device in a vertical position as required when the Logging Device is used for holding a log. The arm  63  is affixed to the body  11  using the arm flanges  69  to secure the arm  63  to the body  11  at a pair of notches  25  and by using the pin  25 .  
         [0049]     The claw  81  is attached to the arm  63  generally at the middle of the arm  63  by placing pin  101  through the claw opening  99  and the elements arm openings  69 . Since the arm  63  is located below the support member  29 , the claw  81  generally points upwardly from the arm  63  toward the support member  29 . The pin  125  is placed through the arm flange openings  76  and a pair of notches  25 . The end of a log rests on the arm  63 , generally perpendicular to the body  11  and the tree trunk  131 . The support member  29  presses down on the end of the log closer to the body  11  than the claw  81  thereby locking the log in a cantilevered position in the Logging Device. The log can then be processed, as desired, most usually by being sawed into logs of a shorter length.  
         [0050]     While a preferred embodiment is shown and described herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations in the described device and its uses are possible within the scope of this disclosure without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims are regarded as the invention.