Patent Publication Number: US-2023136459-A1

Title: Chainsaw guide bar measuring attachment systems and methods

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     One or more embodiments relate generally to chainsaw guide bar attachments and, more particularly, to systems and methods for a measuring device attachable to a chainsaw guide bar and configured to define a cut location for the chainsaw. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional systems and methods of measuring firewood lengths can be dangerous, inefficient, imprecise, or otherwise undesired. For example, some systems for measuring firewood lengths require multiple people or operators. Some devices are hard to install/remove, fall off easily, and/or are attached to less-than-ideal locations on a chainsaw. Therefore, there is a need in the art for systems and methods that address the above deficiencies, other deficiencies known in the industry, or at least offers an alternative to current techniques. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems and methods are provided for a chainsaw guide bar measuring attachment. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a measuring device is provided for attachment to a guide bar of a chainsaw. The measuring device may include one or more features allowing quick and secure attachment of the measuring device to a chainsaw guide bar. The measuring device may allow a user to efficiently measure out lengths of firewood to a desired length, such that the cut firewood has consistent or near consistent lengths. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a measuring device for defining a cut location for a chainsaw is provided. The measuring device may include a length indicator, an attachment portion for positioning through an aperture defined in a guide bar of the chainsaw, and a fastening assembly for coupling to the attachment portion. The fastening assembly may include a fastener and a magnet. The fastener may couple the fastening assembly to the attachment portion. The magnet may magnetically couple the fastening assembly to the guide bar. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is provided. The system may include a chainsaw and a measuring device for defining a cut location for the chainsaw. The chainsaw may include a guide bar having an aperture. The measuring device may include a length indicator, an adapter assembly coupled to the length indicator and including an attachment portion for positioning through the aperture of the guide bar, and a fastening assembly for coupling to the attachment portion of the adapter assembly to trap at least a portion of the guide bar between the adapter assembly and the fastening assembly. The fastening assembly may include a magnet for magnetically coupling the fastening assembly to the guide bar. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of defining a cut location for a chainsaw is provided. The method may include attaching a measuring device to a guide bar of the chainsaw and using the measuring device to define a cut location for the chainsaw. The measuring device may include a length indicator having an end, an adapter assembly coupled to the length indicator and including an attachment portion, and a fastening assembly coupled to the attachment portion of the adapter assembly and including a fastener and a magnet. The fastener may couple the fastening assembly to the attachment portion. The magnet may magnetically couple the fastening assembly to the guide bar. The end of the length indicator may be positioned at an end of an item to be cut or at a previous cut location to define the cut location for the chainsaw. 
     Additional features are set forth in part in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification and drawings or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. 
     One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, individual aspects can be claimed separately or in combination with other aspects and features. Thus, the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the claimed invention or its applications or uses. It is to be understood that structural and/or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the arrangements illustrated herein, with the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the measuring device described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the measuring device and associated chainsaw system. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a measuring device connected to a guide bar of a chainsaw, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded view of the measuring device of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a process of preparing a guide bar to receive a measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an attachment of a measuring device to a guide bar of a chainsaw, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates use of the measuring device to define a cut location for a chainsaw, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a removal of a measuring device from a guide bar of a chainsaw, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an additional measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a process of defining a cut location for a chainsaw using a measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals may be used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a measuring device connected to a guide bar of a chainsaw, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. According to the present disclosure, a measuring device  100  is provided that facilitates use of a chainsaw  104  to cut down fallen trees, limbs, or other items into logs or sticks of repeatable lengths. For example, the measuring device  100  described herein may allow a user to efficiently measure out lengths of firewood to a desired length. As a result, the cut firewood may have a consistent or near consistent length, aiding in stacking, packaging, storing, and/or use in a fireplace. The measuring device  100  may also improve productivity, as the measuring device  100  may allow quick and efficient measurement of firewood cut lengths without stopping. 
     The measuring device  100  may include a simple design, allowing the measuring device  100  to be attached to most, if not all, chainsaws. For example, as described more fully below, the measuring device  100  is designed for attachment to a guide bar  108  of the chainsaw  104 . Depending on the embodiment, the measuring device  100  may be attached near the distal end of the guide bar  108 . The measuring device  100  may easily and quickly attach to the guide bar  108 , such as via a simple mechanism as described below. For example, the measuring device  100  may attach to the guide bar  108  using a threaded fastener (e.g., a nut, wingnut, bolt, etc.). The attachment means may increase a strength and/or stiffness of the measuring device  100  while also reducing twisting of the measuring device  100  (e.g., a twisting tending to loosen the measuring device  100 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the measuring device  100  may extend laterally from the guide bar  108 , such as orthogonal or near orthogonal from the guide bar  108 , although other configurations are contemplated. Although illustrated as attached to the right side of the guide bar  108  (as viewed from a user&#39;s point of view when using the chainsaw  104 ), the measuring device  100  may be attached to the left side of the guide bar  108  based on user preference, site conditions, tree placement, user/bystander positioning, etc. 
     During use, the measuring device  100  may be positioned adjacent to a tree, log, or other item to be cut to define one or more cut locations for the chainsaw  104 , as detailed below. For example, the measuring device  100  may be used to set a consistent or near consistent length between cuts along the tree or log. For instance, an initial cut may be defined by indexing the measuring device  100  against the end of the tree or log. Once a cut has been made on the tree or log, the next cut may be defined by indexing the measuring device  100  against the previous cut. This process may be repeated until the entire tree or log is cut down into consistent lengths. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded view of the measuring device  100  of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The measuring device  100  may include many configurations for defining a cut location for chainsaw  104 . Referring to  FIG.  2   , the measuring device  100  may include a length indicator  202 . The length indicator  202  may provide an indication of a proper or desired length for cutting an item (e.g., firewood logs) using chainsaw  104 . For example, the length indicator  202  may have a length defined between a first end  206  and a second end  208 , the length defining a length of cut. As shown, the first end  206  may be threaded, and the second end  208  may include a cap  212 , although other configurations are contemplated. 
     The length indicator  202  may be formed of a first material easily cut by a chainsaw chain. In this manner, should the length indicator  202  be touched accidentally by another running chainsaw, the length indicator  202  will be cut or nicked without posing a safety hazard from flying debris or pulling the chainsaw  104  and/or user towards the chain of the other running chainsaw. In embodiments, the length indicator  202  may include or be formed from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe (e.g., ½ inch PVC pipe). 
     The length indicator  202  may have various lengths. For example, the length indicator  202  may be provided with a 12-inch length, a 14-inch length, a 16-inch length, or an 18-inch length, among other lengths. As a result, the length indicator  202  may be replaced with a second length indicator, the second length indicator having a different length. In some embodiments, the length indicator  202  may be cut down to a desired length. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  2   , the measuring device  100  may include an adapter assembly  220 . The adapter assembly  220  may be coupled to the length indicator  202 . For example, the adapter assembly  220  may be threaded to the first end  206  of the length indicator  202 . As shown, the adapter assembly  220  includes a body  222  and an attachment portion  224  extending from the body  222 . The attachment portion  224  may be configured for positioning through an aperture defined in the guide bar  108 , as detailed below. Positioning the attachment portion  224  through the guide bar  108  may at least partially attach the measuring device  100  to the guide bar  108 , as further explained below. 
     The adapter assembly  220  may be formed of a second material different than the length indicator  202 . For instance, the adapter assembly  220  may be formed of metal, such as steel, iron, stainless steel, brass, or other metals. In some embodiments, the attachment portion  224  may be a separate element connected to the body  222 , or the attachment portion  224  may be formed integrally with the body  222 . The attachment portion  224  may include or be defined by a threaded rod  228 . 
     As shown, the measuring device  100  may include a fastening assembly  234  for coupling to the attachment portion  224  of the adapter assembly  220 . The fastening assembly  234  may include many configurations, including a fastener  236  and a magnet  238 . The fastener  236  may couple the fastening assembly  234  to the attachment portion  224  (e.g., via threaded engagement with the threaded rod  228 ). Depending on the embodiment, the fastener  236  may include a wing nut  242  for threading to the threaded rod  228  to secure the measuring device  100  to the guide bar  108 . The magnet  238  may magnetically couple the fastening assembly  234  to the guide bar  108 . 
     Attachment of the fastening assembly  234  to the adapter assembly  220  may trap at least a portion of the guide bar  108  between the adapter assembly  220  and the fastening assembly  234 . For example, as described more fully below, at least a portion of the guide bar  108  may be configured to be trapped between the body  222  of the adapter assembly  220  and the magnet  238  of the fastening assembly  234 . Such configurations may provide a secure attachment of the measuring device  100  to the guide bar  108 . For instance, the attachment may provide sufficient lateral and/or rotational strength and stiffness. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a process of preparing guide bar  108  to receive measuring device  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to  FIG.  3   , a punch  302  and hammer  304  may be used to punch out an aperture  308  in guide bar  108 . For example, the aperture  308  may be formed by punching out an existing hole in guide bar  108 . As shown, aperture  308  may be formed near a distal end of guide bar  108 , although other configurations are contemplated. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an attachment of measuring device  100  to guide bar  108 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to  FIG.  4   , the measuring device  100  may be attached to guide bar  108  by inserting attachment portion  224  (e.g., threaded rod  228 ) of adapter assembly  220  through the aperture  308 . The attachment portion  224  may be inserted until the body  222  of adapter assembly  220  bottoms out against one side of guide bar  108  (e.g., against the right side of guide bar  108  as shown in  FIG.  4   ). Once the attachment portion  224  is inserted through aperture  308 , the fastening assembly  234  may be secured to the attachment portion  224 , such as via threading the wing nut  242  onto the threaded rod  228 . The fastening assembly  234  may be threaded onto the attachment portion  224  until the fastening assembly  234  (e.g., magnet  238 ) bottoms out against the opposite side of guide bar  108  (e.g., against the left side of guide bar  108  as shown in  FIG.  4   ). As a result, at least a portion of the guide bar  108  may be trapped, sandwiched, or positioned between the adapter assembly  220  and the fastening assembly  234 . In embodiments, tightening the fastening assembly  234  may pull the adapter assembly  220  and magnet  238  against opposing sides of guide bar  108  to secure the measuring device  100  in place. The magnet  238  may strengthen the attachment of the measuring device  100  to the guide bar  108 . For example, once the fastening assembly  234  is tightened, the magnet  238  may limit or reduce twisting of the measuring device  100  on the guide bar  108 . As a result, the magnet  238  may limit or reduce undesired loosening of the fastening assembly  234 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates use of the measuring device  100  to define a cut location for chainsaw  104 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The measuring device  100  may be used to cut a fallen tree  504  (or other item) into multiple sections or logs  506  of repeatable lengths. For example, the measuring device  100  may aid a user to set a consistent or near consistent length between cuts along the fallen tree  504 . As shown, a first cut  510  may be made in the fallen tree  504 . The chainsaw  104  may then be moved down the fallen tree  504  until the second end  208  of the measuring device  100  aligns with the first cut  510 , upon which a second cut  512  may be made in the fallen tree  504 . This process may be repeated until the entire fallen tree  504  is sectioned. 
     As shown, the first cut  510  and second cut  512  may be only partial cuts into the fallen tree  504 , such that the partial cuts are alignment cuts only. Once the fallen tree  504  is sectioned with the partial cuts, the user can then go back and complete each cut, with either the measuring device  100  removed or still attached to the guide bar  108 . For example, the alignment cuts may be made using the end or tip of the guide bar  108  where the measuring device  100  is located. The complete cuts can then be made near the bumper spikes of the chainsaw  104 . Such embodiments are exemplary only, and the fallen tree  504  may be cut down using a different technique. For instance, each cut may be a complete cut initially, with the second end  208  of the measuring device  100  aligning with the freshly cut end of the fallen tree  504  to make the next cut. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a removal of the measuring device  100  from the guide bar  108 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Removal of measuring device  100  from guide bar  108  may be accomplished by following the procedure outlined above in reverse order. For example, fastening assembly  234  may be removed from the adapter assembly  220 , such as unthreaded from the threaded rod  228 . Once the fastening assembly  234  is removed from the adapter assembly  220 , the attachment portion  224  may be removed from the aperture  308  to remove the measuring device  100  from the guide bar  108 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an additional measuring device  700 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Except as otherwise noted below, the measuring device  700  illustrated in  FIG.  7    may be similar to the measuring device  100  described above. For instance, measuring device  700  may include a length indicator  702 , an adapter assembly  704 , and a fastening assembly  706 . The length indicator  702  may be similar to length indicator  202  described above. The adapter assembly  704  may be coupled to the length indicator  702 , such as via threaded attachment. 
     The fastening assembly  706  may couple to the adapter assembly  704 . The fastening assembly  706  may include a fastener  710  coupling the fastening assembly  706  to the adapter assembly  704 , and a magnet  712  magnetically coupling the fastening assembly  706  to the guide bar  108 . As shown, the fastener  710  may be a bolt for threading to the adapter assembly  704 . In such embodiments, the bolt may be positioned within the aperture  308  of guide bar  108  to attach measuring device  700  to the guide bar  108 , the attachment portion of adapter assembly  704  being a female threaded portion to receive the bolt. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a process  800  of defining a cut location for a chainsaw using a measuring device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Process  800  is illustrated as a set of operations or steps and is described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , although process  800  may be applied to other embodiments not illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 7   . One or more steps that are not expressly illustrated in  FIG.  8    may be included before, after, in between, or as part of the illustrated steps. 
     In block  802 , process  800  includes attaching a measuring device to a guide bar of a chainsaw. The measuring device may be similar to measuring device  100  and/or measuring device  700  described above. For instance, the measuring device may include a length indicator having an end, an adapter assembly coupled to the length indicator and comprising an attachment portion, and a fastening assembly coupled to the attachment portion of the adapter assembly and including a fastener and a magnet. The fastener may couple the fastening assembly to the attachment portion. The magnet may magnetically couple the fastening assembly to the guide bar. 
     Block  802  may include positioning the attachment portion through an aperture defined in the guide bar of the chainsaw. Block  802  may include defining the aperture in the guide bar, such as via a punch, drill, or the like. Block  802  may include trapping at least a portion of the guide bar between the adapter assembly and the magnet of the fastening assembly. 
     In block  804 , process  800  may include using the measuring device to define a cut location for the chainsaw. The end of the length indicator may be positioned at an end of an item to be cut or at a previous cut location to define the cut location for the chainsaw. The item to be cut may be a fallen tree, branch, limb, post, or other item. 
     In block  806 , process  800  may include adjusting a length of the length indicator to adjust the cut location for the chainsaw. Block  806  may include replacing the length indicator with a second length indicator, the second length indicator having a length different than the length indicator. Block  806  may include cutting the length indicator to a different length. 
     In block  808 , process  800  may include removing the measuring device from the guide bar. For example, the fastening assembly may be removed from the adapter assembly, and the measuring device may be removed from the guide bar. 
     All relative and directional references (including up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, side, front, rear, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims. 
     The present disclosure teaches by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.