Abstract:
A uniquely configured quad wedge allows for the creation of a tip-up log splitter that is capable of multiple splits in a single stroke of the drive mechanism. The quad wedge is attached to the piston of a hydraulic cylinder, and is slidably mounted to a framework to allow for movement through a splitting zone. The quad wedge further includes a main splitting blade, along with a pair of splitting wings extending outwardly in a perpendicular manner. The blades each have structures on the ends thereof which are configured to help contain a log during splitting operations, thus avoiding undesired movement or wandering. The log splitter further includes a stripper mechanism positioned near the cylinder housing to allow jammed logs to be easily removed, which includes a recess to house the quad wedge when retracted. A jammed log will necessarily contact the stripper mechanism, causing it to be removed from the blade.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present invention pertains to a log splitter. More specifically, the present invention relates a tip up log splitter having a quad splitting wedge positioned on an extendable hydraulic cylinder to allow the quad splitting wedge to be forcibly pushed through a log. A splitter of this configuration easily allows splitting multiple directions using a single stroke of the hydraulic cylinder. 
   Log splitting devices have been in use for decades. Conventional log splitting devices typically include a stationary support frame configured to support a hydraulic cylinder and a cooperating splitting wedge. In a fixed wedge version, the splitting wedge is fixed to the supporting frame, and the log is forced into the splitting wedge. In use, a log is placed in the appropriate position and is forcibly pushed against the stationary splitting wedge by the force created when the hydraulic cylinder is extended. Obviously, this requires movement or sliding of the log in order to create the desired split. This required movement necessarily requires that this type of splitter be positioned in a horizontal manner to allow space for the log to move past the wedge. In an alternative version, the splitting wedge is attached to the hydraulic cylinder and is forced through the log. In this case, the log is held in place by some type of stop, thus allowing the force of the hydraulic cylinder to force the splitting wedge through the log. 
   In addition, log splitters are also broken into two categories based upon their orientation during operation—horizontal splitters and vertical splitters. Generally speaking, horizontal splitters require logs to be positioned horizontal and roughly parallel to the surface on which the log splitting device is set. Horizontal splitters work well for smaller, lighter logs. However, horizontal splitters can be inconvenient to use when splitting large, heavy pieces of wood. Operators must lift heavy and irregular shaped logs in order to position them in horizontal splitters. This creates safety hazards to operators as well as inefficiencies in the splitting process. All fixed wedge splitters are required to operate in the horizontal orientation, to allow space for the log to exit past the wedge itself. 
   As mentioned above, some log splitting devices are designed so that the splitting wedge is driven through the log. These log splitting devices are equipped with knife-type splitting wedge that is pushed through the log. Again, the hydraulic cylinder is typically attached to a frame of some type, and has the splitting wedge attached thereto. The frame will also have a stop of some type to contain the log as the wedge is being advanced. One advantage of this system is the ability to operate in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. To operate in a vertical orientation, the splitter is simply positioned so the stop is on the ground, and the cylinder motion is vertical. This allows the log to remain on the ground (or placed on top of the stop plate that is already position on the ground), thus eliminating the need for the operator to lift or move potentially heavy pieces of wood. Vertical splitters are better suited for large, heavy logs because logs can be slightly elevated at one end in order to position them on a base plate of the log splitting device and then “walked” side-to-side onto a base platform where they can be positioned for cutting. Vertical splitters may be excessively tall and top-heavy however, making them unstable to operate and transport. To address this problem, the tip-up splitter was introduced which allows transportation in a horizontal orientation, and use in either orientation. 
   One issue related to all splitters is the efficiency of operation. As mentioned above, most classical splitters have used a single edge cutting wedge. This type of wedge simply allows for the splitting of a single piece into two separate pieces. In many situations however, it is desired to “quarter” a log into four separate pieces. In many cases, this quartering simply results in log sizes which are more convenient and desirable. Unfortunately, an operator is required to undergo several separate “splits” in order to achieve this. 
   One approach to the desired multiple splits is the use of a more complex splitting blade. Specifically, a four way splitting blade has been used in conjunction with fixed blade splitters to achieve multiple splits in one stroke of the hydraulic cylinder. In this case, the splitting blade is configured in a cross format, with vertically and horizontally oriented blade portions. Similar to the fixed blade splitters discussed above, this four way splitting blade is attached to the framework and the cylinder will simply push the log into an through this blade. One of the problems associated with these types of devices is that logs can easily become jammed between the framework plate and the splitting wedge. Specifically, the log piece will jam between the horizontal portions and the framework plate. It can be very difficult for operators to clear these jams. In order to clear wood from the splitting wedge, operators often have to strike the wood with hammers or other tools. This creates a safety hazard to workers and also decreases the efficiency of the log splitting device. 
   In addition to the issues raised above, the four way splitting devices have also had issues trying to effectively contain the wood during splitting. As would be anticipated, the log will tend to wonder or drift away from the splitting blade. For example, the two quarters to the right of a horizontal blade will desire to move further to the right while being pushed past the four way splitting blade. If this moves too far, the log will be pushed off the end of the horizontal blade being used to attempt the additional split. When this happens, the log must be reloaded, and split again. This effectively defeats the purpose of the four way blade. 
   Based on the foregoing, there exists a need for a log splitting device that minimizes wood jamming and provides a means for clearing pieces of wood from the splitting wedge. In addition, there is a need for a log splitting device that can be easily and safely converted between a horizontal splitting position and a vertical splitting position depending on the size of wood being cut. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses the above-mentioned need by providing a log splitting device which includes an efficient quad wedge capable of effectively performing multiple splits in a single action. The splitting device is further capable of operation in both a horizontal and vertical orientations, thus providing flexibility for the user. Further, the log splitting device incorporates a stripper mechanism to deal with those situations where logs jam or are wedged in the splitting device. This stripper allows for the removal of these wedge wood pieces without the potential for danger or injury to the user. 
   Generally speaking, the log splitter of the present invention includes a framework that is transportable using a towing vehicle of some type. Further, the framework is capable of being positioned in either a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation, thus permitting log splitting operations in either orientation. Attached to the framework is a hydraulic cylinder to provide force necessary for splitting operations. The hydraulic cylinder is attached to a point on the framework which is in line with the cylinder&#39;s piston, thus allowing the most efficient transfer of forces. 
   To provide efficient splitting operations, the log splitter of the present invention includes a quad wedge which is driven through the log by the hydraulic cylinder. The quad wedge is attached to the driven end of the cylinder&#39;s piston, and is coupled to the framework. These connections allow the quad wedge to be driven by the hydraulic cylinder so as to slide along the framework. A stop is attached to the framework at a position opposite the piston and acts to hold the log in place during splitting. The cooperation of the quad wedge and the stop allow the splitting to occur, whereby the quad wedge is forced through the log. 
   The quad wedge of the present invention is uniquely configured to provide effective splitting, while also effectively dealing with loads and moments encountered during splitting. The quad wedge has a slidable base which is coupled to the framework to provide controlled movement. Extending upwardly from the slidable base is a main blade portion, which includes a curved cutting edge and a main blade body. The curved cutting edge is specifically configured to be the first part of the quad wedge which contacts the log to be split. In this manner, the quad wedge is allowed to make contact with the log a very localized area, thus easily starting the splitting operation while using a small amount of initial force. At the top of the main blade is a wood guide tip, which takes the form of a point extending from the upper portion of the main blade. The wood guide tip is configured to contain the log being split and prevent it from moving in an upward direction. The wood guide tip is configured to contact the log shortly after the first portion of the curved cutting blade. 
   To accommodate multiple splits during a single stroke of the cylinder, the quad wedge further includes a pair of splitting wings extending outwardly from the sides of the main blade body. Each splitting wing includes a curved blade portion, and a blade tip at the outward end. The curved blade starts at a position adjacent the main blade body and curves outwardly and toward the back of the quad wedge. In addition, the curved blade portion starts at a bottom surface of the blade wing and extends upwardly. In this manner, the bottom of the splitting wing remains substantially flat across its entire surface. The blade tips are configured as a point and create an inwardly sloped portion to help contain the log during splitting. Specifically, these blade tips help to keep the log from wandering outwardly during the splitting operations, thus helping to insure the successful splitting operation of the splitting wings. 
   The main blade and the cutting wings of the quad wedge also include a number of dimples and cooperating grooves. These structures help to reduce the overall mass of the blades as they pass through the log. This helps to reduce the amount of force necessary to accomplish the desired splits, and adds to the efficiency of the log splitter. 
   In addition to the structures outlined above, the log splitter also includes a very efficient log stripper to deal with jamming and wedging of log pieces. The log stripper is attached to the cylinder housing, and is positioned to receive the quad wedge when the piston is retracted. More specifically, the stripper is specifically configured with an opening to act as a garage for the quad wedge when retraced. The quad wedge uniquely fits within recesses in the stripper. This configuration causes any lodged wood to contact a stripper face when the quad wedge is retracted. In operation, when a jam is encountered the user will simply reverse the direction of the piston, causing the quad wedge to retract toward the stripper. As the quad wedge enters the recess in the stripper, the jammed log will encounter the stripper face, causing it to be pushed out of the quad wedge. In this manner, jammed logs can be easily cleared by the user without placing their hands or feet near the splitting blades. This obviously provides safety and helps to prevent injury. Additionally, the efficiency of the splitter is enhanced as jams can be removed without stopping the splitter or shutting it down. 
   The invention will be further described with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a log splitting device in a horizontal orientation in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the log splitting device in a vertical orientation in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a quad wedge and cylinder assembly in a position extended away from a stripper of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the quad wedge and cylinder assembly in a retracted position. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the quad wedge and cylinder assembly in the retracted position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the quad wedge and cylinder assembly in the retracted position. 
       FIG. 7  is a front plan view of the quad wedge in the retracted position as housed within the stripper of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the quad wedge of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the quad wedge of the present invention with the horizontal wings removed and recessed mounting means. 
       FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the stripper of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown one embodiment of a quad wedge tip up log splitter  10  positioned in a horizontal orientation in accordance with the present invention. Similarly,  FIG. 2  depicts log splitter  10  positioned in a vertical orientation. Log splitter  10 , in both the horizontal and vertical orientations, includes a support framework  12  that forms a splitting zone  14 , a drive mechanism  16  connected to support framework  12 , a quad wedge  18  connected to drive mechanism  16 , and a stop  20 . Log splitter  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are trailer-type log splitters having a hitch  22  and wheels  24  in order to couple log splitter  10  to a transport vehicle, allowing the splitter to be moved from location to location. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that log splitter  10  can be stationary, variable in size and/or designed to be disassembled into smaller components for transportation, storage, etc. and reassembled when necessary for use. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is shown a more detailed view of quad wedge  18  in an extended position. It is easily appreciated that these components are attached or cooperating with the framework which is not shown. As shown, quad wedge  18  is connected to drive mechanism  16  which provides for controlled movement. Quad wedge  18  is more specifically connected to an extendable member  28  that is driven vertically or horizontally through splitting zone  14  (not shown). The figures depict drive mechanism  16  as a hydraulic cylinder and extendable member  28  as a piston. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that any type of mechanism can be used provided that it is capable of driving quad wedge  18  vertically or horizontally through a log. Some such drive mechanisms  16  may include, but are not limited to; wheel drives mechanisms, screw or worm drives, and the like. 
   Quad wedge  18  has one main blade portion  30  supported by a slidable base  31 . Two cutting wings  32  are mounted on opposite sides of main blade portion  30  such that cutting wings  32  extend perpendicular to main blade portion  30 . Stripper  26  has a substantially cross-shaped area  34  for receiving quad wedge  18 .  FIG. 4  shows quad wedge  18  in a retracted position such that it is housed partially within stripper  26 . Main blade portion  30  and cutting wings  32  are retracted within cooperating structures of stripper  26 . Slidable base  31  extends below stripper  26  such that a bottom edge  36  of stripper  26  is above, but not contacting, a top surface  38  of slidable base  31 . As discussed in further detail below, stripper  26  is very beneficial for dislodging any wood that is jammed or stuck in quad wedge  18 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a top view of the quad wedge  18  retracted within stripper  26 . Curved portions  42  of cutting wings  32  protrude slightly from flat surfaces  40  on stripper  26 . A blade tip  44  on main blade portion  30  also protrudes slightly from flat surfaces  40  on stripper  26 . 
   As better illustrated in  FIG. 8 , blade tip  44  on main blade portion  30  protrudes farther toward splitting zone  14  than curved portions  42  of cutting wings  32 . Accordingly, blade tip  44  is the first part of quad wedge  18  to contact a piece of wood being cut. In use, this allows blade tip  44  to be easily lodge in a log when splitting operations are begun. This establishes solid contact, and minimizes the initial force required at the start of the splitting operations. 
   Referring now to cutting wings  32 , end tips  46  are positioned at the outer edges of curved portion  42 . These structures are specifically configured to maintain a log or other piece of wood within splitting zone  14 . Curved portion  42  also includes a curved center portion  48  that protrudes the least from flat surface  40  at a point adjacent end tips  46  and increasingly protruding such that the farthest protrusion point is a center portion  48  of cuttings wings  32 . In this manner, center portion  48  of cutting wings is the second part of quad wedge  18  to contact a piece of wood being cut with end tips  46  being the third portion of quad wedge  18  to contact the wood as drive mechanism  16  pushes quad wedge  18  through the wood. This configuration effectively manages the loads encountered as the quad wedge  18  is advanced into the wood. This configuration also effectively manages the loads encountered as the quad wedge  18  is advanced into the wood. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown more detail regarding the shape of main blade portion  30 . Main blade portion  30  includes a curved blade having a wood guide tip  52  at its end opposite slidable base  31 . Wood guide tip  52  protrudes to a point slightly behind blade tip  44 , such that blade tip  44  is the first part of quad wedge  18  to contact a piece of wood being cut. Wood guide tip  52  is thus the next portion to contact the wood. Curvature of main blade portion  30  in combination with wood guide tip  52  minimizes undesirable moments of force and holds the wood in splitting zone  14  as quad wedge  18  is pushed through the wood by drive mechanism  16 .  FIG. 6  also depicts a hitch means  50  used to connect drive means  16  to support framework  12 . As illustrated, this hitch  50  (or connection mechanism) is positioned in line with the hydraulic cylinder so that forces are centered along an axis of cylinder  16 . 
     FIG. 7  depicts a front plan view of quad wedge  18  in a retracted position within stripper  26 . Cutting wings  32  are positioned more than half way above a vertical midpoint of main blade portion  30  and above the point where extendable member  28  is connected to quad wedge  18 . This design is also configured to reduce or eliminate undesirable moment of force as quad wedge  18  is pushed through the wood by drive mechanism  16 . There is also shown more detail about one embodiment of slidable base member  31 . In this embodiment, slidable base  31  includes two opposing L-members  54  that extend longitudinally along and under the outer edges of slidable base  31 . L-members  54  are configured to communicate with an I-beam shaped portion of support framework  12  in order to provide support for quad wedge  18  while allowing quad wedge  18  to freely move back and forth through splitting zone  14 . Those skilled in the art can appreciate that various shaped support members and framework members can be used, provided that they support quad wedge  18  while allowing quad wedge  18  to freely move back and forth through splitting zone  14 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a perspective view of quad wedge  18  detailing the design of cutting wings  32 . A front portion  60  of cutting wings  32  is much thinner than a back portion  62  and has an upwardly ramped configuration. Specifically, cutting wings  32  also include an upward angle blade  64  from front portion  60  to back portion  62  with elongate dimples  58  cut into the portion of angle blade  64  that meets back portion  60 . This configuration for cutting wings  32  also has a substantially flat bottom surface. This is specifically designed to avoid potential for jamming of wood pieces during splitting operations. That is, the flat bottom portion of cutting wings  32  is parallel to the upper side of slidable base  31 . This creates a space there between with constant distances and avoids an inherent clogging point. 
   Main blade portion  30  also has elongate dimples  58  parallel to elongate dimples  58  in cutting wings  32 . Main blade portion  30  has opposing angle blades  66  that extend from either side of blade tip  44  out toward opposing back portions  68  of main blade portion  30 . These design features, in combination, minimize undesirable moments of force and hold the wood in splitting zone  14  as quad wedge  18  is pushed through the wood by drive mechanism  16 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there are shown mounting means  56  used to secure slidable base  31  to L-members  54 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , the heads of mounting bolts  56  are visible from the top surface  38  of slidable base  31 , however are recessed within the structure of slidable base  31 . This embodiment avoids resistance as quad wedge  18  is pushed through the wood by drive mechanism  16 . While the figures depict bolts as attachment mechanisms, those skilled in the art can appreciate that various mounting structures  56  can be used to secure slidable base to L-members  54 , including slidable base  31  integrally including L-member  54 . 
   Referring now only to  FIG. 9 , quad wedge  18  is shown with cutting wings  32  removed. In one embodiment, cutting wings  32  can be integrally joined to main blade portion  30 . In another embodiment, cutting wings  32  can be removably attached to main blade portion  30  so cutting wings  32  can be removed for replacement, sharpening, maintenance, and the like. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that cutting wings  32  can be mounted to main blade portion  30  using any type of mounting means  56 , as previously discussed with regard to slidable base  31 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  shows recesses  70  in main blade portion  30  that are configured to receive cutting wings  32  in order to mount cutting wings  32  to main blade portion  30 . Alternately, cutting wings  32  can be mounted to a surface of main blade portion  30  rather than within recesses  70 . Whatever the attachment configuration, care is taken to insure smooth transitions between the various surfaces so that catch points are avoided. 
     FIG. 10  depicts stripper  26  of the present invention in greater detail. As previously discussed with regard to  FIG. 3 , stripper  26  has a substantially cross-shaped area  34  configured to receive main blade portion  30  and cutting wings  32 . Stripper  26  also has mounting brackets  72  for attaching stripper  26  to support framework  12 . While not specifically illustrated, stripper  26  is directly attached to cylinder  16 , so that forces can be easily managed. More specifically, forces against the stripper which are created when the cylinder is retracted are transmitted directly to the cylinder housing due to the direct connection between these two components. Again, as discussed above, various mounting means  56  can be used to secure stripper  26  on log splitter  10 , but care must be taken to manage stripping forces. Stripper  26  also has an extendable member receiving opening  74  configured such that extendable member  28  can freely move back and forth there within. 
   In operation, referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , log splitter  10  is positioned in the vertical or horizontal orientation depending on the size and shape of a piece of wood being cut. In addition, depending on the size and shape of the wood and the desired number of finished, split pieces, cutting wings  32  can be mounted to main blade portion  30  or removed. The wood is then placed against stop  20 . An operator initiates splitting process by manual or automated extension of extendable member  28  from stripper  26  through splitting zone  14  and into the wood. If the wood catches on quad blade  18 , the operator can reverse the direction of extendable member  28  to retract quad wedge  18  within stripper  26  thereby dislodging the wood from quad wedge  18 . 
   It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the claims to determine the scope of the present invention.