sawmill

Abstract

A sawmill frame includes a modular work surface supported by a frame. The modular work surface includes a first side, a second side, and a central section. The modular work surface is configured to move between a compact configuration and an extended configuration. In the compact configuration, the first and second sides are adjacent to each other to provide a compact worktable, and the central section is located below the compact worktable. In the extended configuration, the first and second sides are spaced apart from each other, and the central section is located between the first and second sides to create an extended worktable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a saw horse. More specifically, this invention relates to an expandable saw horse having modular working surfaces that can be used for compact or extended orientations. Background Technology

[0002] Sawmills with two pairs of legs and crossbeams are known. This equipment is used by carpenters and other workers to support workpieces such as timber, panels, and pipes at a convenient height, allowing the worker to stand while performing operations on the object. U.S. Patent Application 2008 / 0302604 discloses a sawmill that can extend via a telescopic crossbeam. However, the supporting legs do not extend accordingly, thus creating a potential instability in the sawmill. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a sawmill that can be converted from a compact configuration to an extended configuration and is properly supported in both configurations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, a sawmill frame with a modular working surface is provided, the modular working surface having a first side, a second side, and a central portion. The modular working surface is configured to move between a compact configuration and an extended configuration. In the compact configuration, the first and second sides are adjacent to each other to provide a compact worktable, and the central portion is located below the compact worktable. In the extended configuration, the first and second sides are spaced apart from each other, and the central portion is located between the first and second sides to create an extended worktable. Attached Figure Description

[0004] This invention is described herein by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0005] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the sawmill in its compact state;

[0006] Figure 2 This is a detailed perspective view of the first end of the sawmill;

[0007] Figure 3 It is a detailed partial perspective view of the modular working surface when the sawmill is in its compact configuration;

[0008] Figure 4 This is a detailed perspective view of the second end of the sawmill;

[0009] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the sawmill in its first central position;

[0010] Figure 6 This is a detailed partial perspective view of the modular working surface when the sawmill is in its first intermediate configuration;

[0011] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the sawmill in its second middle position;

[0012] Figure 8 This is a detailed partial perspective view of the modular working surface when the sawmill is in its second intermediate configuration;

[0013] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the sawmill in its extended configuration;

[0014] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of two connected sawmills, both in their extended configuration.

[0015] Figure 11 It is a detailed partial perspective view of the modular working surfaces of two connected saw frames;

[0016] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the sawmill in its compact and folded configuration;

[0017] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of two connected sawmills, both in their compact and folded configuration; and

[0018] Figure 14 This is a detailed view of the first end of two connected sawmills, both in their compact and folded configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 A sawmill 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in its compact configuration. The sawmill includes a modular work surface 12 supported by a frame 13. The modular work surface 12 includes a first side 16, a second side 18, and a central portion 20. The modular work surface is configured to move between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration. In the compact configuration, the first side 16 and the second side 18 are adjacent to each other to create a compact workbench, and the central portion 20 is located below the compact workbench. In the expanded configuration, the first side 16 and the second side 18 are spaced apart from each other, and the central portion 20 is located between the first side 16 and the second side 18 to create an expanded workbench.

[0020] The frame 13 of the sawmill may include a support rod 22 spanning two support mechanisms 14a, 14b. Each support mechanism may include a housing 15 and a plurality of legs 17 attached to the housing 15. Preferably, each support mechanism includes two legs 17. The housing 15 may define a pivot 19 about which the legs 17 are movable between an extended position and a folded position. In the extended position, the legs 17 can support the sawmill frame 10. The legs 17 may also include a spring-biased lock or detent lock 21 configured to engage with a locking opening 23 defined by the housing 15. When the detent lock 21 engages with the locking opening 23, the legs 17 are locked in the extended or folded position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the housing 15 may define two locking openings 23 for each leg 17.

[0021] To facilitate movement of the modular working surface 12 between its compact and extended configurations, the first side 16 and the second side 18 can be horizontally slidably engaged with the support rod 22. A first intermediate position of the saw frame is shown. Figure 5 As best shown, the first side 16 and the second side 18 can be fixed to two support mechanisms 14a and 14b, respectively. The overall length of the saw frame 10 increases as the modular working surface moves from its compact configuration to its extended configuration. The central portion 20 is configured to rotate about the support rod 22 and selectively engage with the support rod 22 via an axial sliding engagement. Each of the first side, the second side, and the central portion can be defined with slots 24, 26, and 28, respectively, configured to facilitate engagement of the first side, the second side, and the central portion with the support rod 22. A connector 30 facilitates the rotational engagement of the central portion 20 about the support rod 22.

[0022] The connector 30 is configured to allow selective rotation of the central portion 20 about the support rod 22, while holding the central portion 20 below the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 in both the compact configuration and the first intermediate configuration (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the second intermediate position, the central portion 20 rotates about the support rod 22 such that the central portion 20 is above the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 (see...). Figure 7 Finally, as Figure 9 As shown, in the extended configuration, connector 30 does not engage with support rod 22. Instead, slot 28 of central portion 20 engages with support rod 22, and central portion 20 is on the same plane as first side portion 16 and second side portion 18.

[0023] like Figure 3 and Figure 8As best shown, the sawmill may also include one or more intra-horselatch mechanisms 38. The intra-horselatch mechanisms 38 are configured to secure the modular working surface 12 in its compact configuration. Figure 3 ) or its extended configuration ( Figure 8 Those skilled in the art will recognize that, Figure 3 and Figure 8 The internal latching mechanisms are essentially the same except for the fixed parts. Therefore, the reference numerals in each figure will be the same. The internal latching mechanism 38 may include a lever 39 and a wire loop 41 on the first part and a protrusion 43 on the second part. Figure 3 As shown, both the lever 39 and the loop 41 are rotatably attached to the first side 16, and the protrusion 43 is on the second side 18. When it is desired to secure the first side 16 to the second side 18, the two portions (sides) are moved adjacent to each other, and the loop 41 is rotated to engage with the protrusion 43. When this occurs, the lever 39 is normally rotated to a position away from the first side (not shown), and wherein the lever 39 is not in the same plane as the first side 16 and the second side 18. Applying force to the lever causes the lever to rotate back toward the first side 16 and into the plane of the first and second sides, subsequently causing the loop 41 to drag the protrusion 43 toward the first side 16 (see...). Figure 3 Those skilled in the art will recognize that the internal latching mechanism 38 can be of various different known configurations without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] like Figure 11 and Figure 14 As best shown, the sawmill may also include one or more inter-horse latch mechanisms 40. The inter-horse latch mechanism 40 is configured to secure one sawmill 10 to another. More specifically, the inter-horse latch mechanism 40 secures a second side 18 of one sawmill 10 to a first side 16 of another sawmill 10. The inter-horse latch mechanism 40 may be configured in a side-by-side configuration. Figure 10 ) or back-to-back configuration ( Figure 13 Connect the two sawmills 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inter-sawmill latching mechanism 40 may include the same elements and operate as the in-sawmill latching mechanism 38. The inter-sawmill locking mechanism 40 may include an operating lever 45 and a loop 47 on the first part and a protrusion 49 on the second part. Figure 11 and Figure 14As shown, both the lever 45 and the loop 47 are rotatably attached to the first side 16, and the protrusion 49 is located on the second side 18. When it is desired to secure the first side 16 to the second side 18, the two portions (sides) are moved adjacent to each other, and the loop 47 is rotated to engage with the protrusion 49. When this occurs, the lever 45 is typically rotated to a position away from the first side (not shown), wherein the lever 45 is not in the same plane as the first side 16 and the second side 18. Applying a force to the lever causes it to rotate back toward the first side 16 and into the plane of the first and second sides, subsequently causing the loop 47 to drag the protrusion 49 toward the first side 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inter-shelf latching mechanism 40 can be of various different known constructions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0025] The sawmill 10 may also include various other features that enhance its practicality. For example, ground-mounted wheels 42 and handles 46 can facilitate the transport of the sawmill 10. One or more locking mechanisms 44 may also be included to further secure the parts together in a compact configuration, an extended configuration, or a side-by-side configuration of two sawmills. The locking mechanism 44 may include a swivel lock 48 on the first part and an engagement post 50 on the second part. When the two parts are adjacent to each other, the swivel lock 48 can rotate to engage with the engagement post 50, thereby restricting horizontal movement between the two parts. See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 , Figure 11 A locking mechanism 44 is shown that secures two saw frames in a side-by-side configuration.

[0026] Another feature that the sawmill 10 may include is a toothed track. The first side 16, the second side 18, and the central section 20 may each include toothed tracks 32, 34, and 36, respectively. In a compact configuration, the toothed track 32 of the first side 16 and the toothed track 34 of the second side 18 combine to form an uninterrupted toothed track 37. In an extended configuration, the toothed tracks 32 of the first side, 34 of the second side, and 36 of the central section all combine to form a single uninterrupted toothed track 37. The uninterrupted toothed track in either the compact or extended configuration facilitates the movement of automatically or otherwise controlled motor-driven devices (such as automatic measuring units).

[0027] Industrial applications

[0028] The operation of the saw frame 10 according to the present invention will now be described. From as... Figure 13The folded tandem pair shown begins, and the operator can transport the tandem pair to the work site using handle 46 and ground engagement wheels 42. Once the pair of sawframes is in the desired position, the operator disengages the inter-frame latch 40. More specifically, the operator raises the lever 45, which is connected to the first side 16 of the bottom sawframe, causing the wire loop 47 to disengage from the protrusion on the second side 18 of the top sawframe. The operator repeats this process on the opposite sides of the tandem pair to completely separate the two sawframes from each other.

[0029] Once the saw frame 10 is separated, the operator moves the legs 17 from their folded position to their unfolded position. This is done by retracting the stop lock 21 from the locking opening 23 in the housing 15. Once the stop lock 21 is retracted, the legs 17 can rotate about their pivot 19 to the unfolded position. This process is then repeated for each of the remaining legs 17.

[0030] After all legs 17 have moved to their extended positions, make the saw frame 10 as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it stands upright. In this compact configuration, sawmill 10 is usable. However, to have an extended working surface, the operator may wish to convert sawmill 10 to an extended configuration. The first step is to release the internal latch 38. See also... Figure 3 The internal latch 38 is released by rotating the lever 39 to disengage the loop 41 from the protrusion 43. In addition to disengaging the internal latch 38, the operator may also need to disengage the locking mechanism 44. This is accomplished by rotating the rotary lock 48 to disengage it from the engaging pin 50.

[0031] Once the internal latch 38 and locking mechanism 44 disengage, the operator can separate the first side 16 from the second side. Specifically, the two sides 16 and 18, respectively attached to the support mechanisms 14a and 14b, are slid along the support rod until the sawmill reaches the first intermediate position. See also Figure 5 In this position, the connector holds the central portion 20 below the support rod 22 and the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18. From this position, the central portion 20 rotates to a position above the support rod 22. See also Figure 7 Connector 30 facilitates this rotation. Once the central portion 20 is rotated above the support rod 22, the operator pushes the central portion 20 downwards, causing the slot 28 to engage with the support rod 22 via an axial sliding engagement. The central portion 20 slides into the same plane as the first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18. The first side portion 16 and the second side portion 18 are then moved to contact their respective opposite ends of the central portion 20. The internal latch 38 and the locking mechanism 44 can then be engaged to secure the first side portion 16 to the central portion 20, and the central portion 20 to the second side portion 18, respectively. See also Figure 9Where a larger working surface is required, one or more additional sawing frames 10 can be attached via inter-frame latches 40, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10 .

[0032] It should be understood that although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sawing frame (10), comprising: A modular working surface (12) is supported by a frame (13); and The modular work surface (12) includes a first side (16), a second side (18), and a central portion (20), wherein the modular work surface (12) is configured to move between a compact configuration and an extended configuration, wherein in the compact configuration the first side (16) and the second side (18) are adjacent to each other to provide a compact worktable and the central portion (20) is located below the compact worktable, and in the extended configuration the first side (16) and the second side (18) are spaced apart from each other and the central portion (20) is located between the first side and the second side to create an extended worktable; The first side portion (16) and the second side portion (18) are horizontally slidably engaged with the support rod (22) of the frame (13), and the central portion (20) is configured to rotate about the support rod (22) and selectively engage with the support rod (22) via an axial slidable engagement.

2. The saw frame according to claim 1, wherein, The support rod (22) spans two support mechanisms (14a, 14b), each of which includes a housing (15) and a plurality of legs (17) attached to the housing (15).

3. The sawing frame (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The first side portion (16), the second side portion (18) and the central portion (20) each define a groove (24, 26, 28) configured to engage with the support rod (22).

4. The saw frame (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The central portion (20) also includes a connector (30) configured to facilitate rotation of the central portion (20) about the support rod (22).

5. The saw frame (10) according to claim 4, wherein, When the modular working surface (12) is in its compact configuration, the connector (30) is further configured to hold the central portion (20) below the first side portion (16) and the second side portion (18).

6. The sawmill (10) of claim 1 further includes one or more in-frame latching mechanisms (38) configured to secure the modular working surface (12) in its compact configuration or the extended configuration.

7. The sawmill (10) according to claim 1, further comprising one or more inter-sawmill latching mechanisms (40) configured to secure the sawmill (10) to another sawmill (10).

8. The sawing frame (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more inter-frame latching mechanisms (40) are configured to connect two saw frames (10) oriented side by side.

9. The saw frame according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more inter-frame latching mechanisms (40) are configured to connect two saw frames (10) oriented back to back.

10. The sawing frame (10) according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of legs (17) is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the folded position the leg (17) is substantially parallel to the saw frame (10) and does not support the saw frame (10), and in the unfolded position the leg (17) is substantially perpendicular to the saw frame (10) and is able to support the saw frame (10).

11. The sawmill (10) according to claim 1, further comprising one or more ground-mounted wheels (42) configured to facilitate rolling transport of the sawmill (10).

12. The sawing frame (10) according to claim 1, further comprising one or more locking mechanisms (44) configured to selectively connect portions of the modular working surfaces (12) to each other or to connect two sawing frames (10) together.

13. The saw frame (10) according to claim 1 further includes a handle (46) configured to facilitate the transport of the saw frame (10).

14. The saw frame (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The first side portion (16), the second side portion (18), and the central portion (20) each further include toothed tracks (32, 34, 36), wherein when the modular working surface (12) is in the compact configuration, the toothed tracks (32, 34) of the first side portion (16) and the second side portion (18) are configured to connect and create an uninterrupted toothed track (37) spanning the entire length of the modular working surface (12), and wherein when the modular working surface (12) is in the extended configuration, the toothed tracks (32, 34, 36) of the first side portion (16), the second side portion (18), and the central portion (20) are configured to connect and create an uninterrupted toothed track (37) spanning the entire length of the modular working surface (12).

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