Sawmill carriage, sawing mill carriage kit and method of using same

Abstract

The sawmill carriage comprises: a frame having a handle; a translating structure connected to the frame toward a lateral side of the frame; a wood sawing machine head; and a pair of transport wheels rotatably connected to the frame toward a longitudinal end of the frame. The translation structure may be mounted on a guide rail of a log support structure that may support logs. The guide rail extends in the longitudinal direction and enables the sawing machine carriage to travel in the longitudinal direction when the sawing machine carriage is mounted on the guide rail. The sawing head has a saw blade, a portion of which may be positioned to cut the log on the log support structure when the sawing carriage is mounted on the guide rail and the sawing carriage travels in the longitudinal direction. The handle is positioned such that the sawing machine carriage can be tilted and / or transported. In addition, kits and methods of using the sawmill carriage are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sawmills. In particular, the present disclosure relates to sawmill slides, sawmill slide kits, and methods of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Transporting trees for processing is costly, dangerous, and labor intensive. It is desirable to locate a sawmill close to where the trees are felled so that the trees can be processed prior to transport. Current methods of transport require that the log support structure be located close to where the trees are felled by mounting the entire sawmill on a trailer structure. Such sawmill-trailers have the disadvantage that they are difficult to transport through wooded areas and are bulky and inconvenient to store or transport, for example by aircraft or ship.

[0003] Another method is to transport the sawmill in separate parts, then mount a frame to the log support structure and secure the sawmill head to the frame to receive the logs and saw them into planks. When it is desired to move the sawmill to another location, the sawmill head must be removed from the frame, the frame must be removed from the log support structure, and then the sawmill head, log support structure and frame must be moved to the new location and reassembled. This process of moving the sawmill is time consuming and can result in injuries to workers performing these tasks due to the weight and bulk of the components.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the sawmill to make it more convenient to transport. Summary of the invention

[0005] The systems and methods described in the present disclosure provide one or more efficient technical solutions that can be performed.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a sawmill carriage is provided, comprising: a frame having a handle; a first translation structure connected to the frame toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second translation structure connected to the frame toward a second lateral side of the frame opposite to the first lateral side, the first translation structure being configured to be mounted on a first guide rail of a log support structure, the second translation structure being configured to be mounted on a second guide rail of the log support structure, the log support structure being configured to support logs, the first guide rail and the second guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction and being mounted on the first translation structure and the second translation structure, respectively. a first guide rail and a second guide rail configured to enable the sawmill carriage to move in a longitudinal direction when the sawmill carriage is on the first guide rail and the second guide rail; a sawmill head fixed to the frame, the sawmill head having a saw blade, a portion of the saw blade being positionable to cut logs located on the log support structure when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are respectively mounted on the first guide rail and the second guide rail and the sawmill carriage moves in the longitudinal direction; and a pair of transport wheels, the pair of transport wheels being rotatably connected to the frame toward the longitudinal ends of the frame, wherein the handle is positioned to enable the sawmill carriage to be tilted and / or transported when the sawmill carriage rests on the pair of transport wheels.

[0007] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the first translation structure includes a first pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and the second translation structure includes a second pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first pair of track wheels and the second pair of track wheels can be respectively mounted on the at least one planar surface.

[0008] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the first translation structure includes a first sliding component and the second translation structure includes a second sliding component, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first sliding component and the second sliding component can be respectively mounted on the at least one planar surface.

[0009] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the longitudinal end of the frame is a first longitudinal end, and wherein at least one of each of the first pair of track wheels and at least one of the second pair of track wheels are positioned toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0010] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the longitudinal end of the frame is a first longitudinal end, and the span of the first translation structure and the second translation structure along the longitudinal axis (or the longitudinal axis) contacts the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively, and the span of the retainer structure along the longitudinal axis is positioned or positionable on the frame to abut against a stop connected to the first guide rail and / or the second guide rail when the sawmill slide is mounted on the log support structure, thereby preventing the sawmill slide from being accidentally removed from the log support structure.

[0011] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the retainer structure includes a first L-shaped bracket positioned toward a first lateral side of the frame and a second L-shaped bracket positioned toward a second lateral side of the frame.

[0012] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket are removably coupled to the frame.

[0013] In some or all examples of the first aspect, a spacing between the pair of transport wheels is greater than a width of a combination of the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

[0014] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the frame includes a pair of plate-like members toward a first lateral side of the frame, and the first pair of track wheels are rotatably mounted between the pair of plate-like members.

[0015] In some or all examples of the first aspect, the handle is located toward a longitudinal end of the frame.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a sawmill carriage kit for a sawmill carriage is provided, comprising: a frame having a handle; a first translation structure connected or connectable to the frame toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second translation structure connected or connectable to the frame toward a second lateral side of the frame opposite to the first lateral side, wherein when connected to the frame, the first translation structure is configured to be mounted on a first guide rail of a log support structure, and the second translation structure is configured to be mounted on a second guide rail of the log support structure, the log support structure is configured to support logs, the first guide rail and the second guide rail extend in a longitudinal direction and are mounted between the first translation structure and the second translation structure. The structure enables the sawmill carriage to move in the longitudinal direction when it is mounted on the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively; a sawmill head of the sawmill carriage, the sawmill head is fixed or can be fixed to the frame, and the sawmill head has a saw blade, a part of the saw blade can be positioned to cut logs located on the log support structure when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are mounted on the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively and the sawmill carriage moves in the longitudinal direction; and a pair of transport wheels, the pair of transport wheels are rotatably connected to the frame toward the first longitudinal end of the frame, wherein the handle is positioned to enable the sawmill carriage to be tilted and / or transported when the sawmill carriage rests on the pair of transport wheels.

[0017] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the first translation structure includes a first pair of track wheels rotatably connected or capable of being rotatably connected to the frame, and the second translation structure includes a second pair of track wheels rotatably connected or capable of being rotatably connected to the frame, and wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and when the sawmill slide is assembled, the first pair of track wheels and the second pair of track wheels can be respectively mounted on the at least one planar surface.

[0018] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the first translation structure includes a first sliding component, and the second translation structure includes a second sliding component, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first sliding component and the second sliding component can be respectively mounted on the at least one planar surface.

[0019] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the longitudinal end of the frame is a first longitudinal end, and wherein at least one of each of the first pair of track wheels and at least one of the second pair of track wheels are positioned or positionable toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0020] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the longitudinal end of the frame is a first longitudinal end, and the span of the first translation structure and the second translation structure along the longitudinal axis (or the longitudinal axis) contacts the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively, and the span of the retainer structure along the longitudinal axis is positioned or positionable on the frame to abut against a stop connected to the first guide rail and / or the second guide rail when the sawmill slide is mounted on the log support structure, thereby preventing the sawmill slide from being accidentally removed from the log support structure.

[0021] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the retainer structure includes a first L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a second lateral side of the frame.

[0022] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket are removably coupled or removably coupleable to the frame.

[0023] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the pair of transport wheels are spaced apart when rotatably connected to the frame greater than a width of a combination of the first rail and the second rail.

[0024] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the frame includes a pair of plate-like members toward a first lateral side of the frame, and the first pair of track wheels are rotatably mounted between the pair of plate-like members.

[0025] In some or all examples of the second aspect, the handle is located toward a longitudinal end of the frame.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for using a sawmill slide is provided, which includes: rolling the sawmill slide on a pair of transport wheels rotatably connected to the frame via a handle of a frame of the sawmill slide, the handle and the pair of transport wheels being positioned toward a longitudinal end of the frame, the sawmill slide having a first translation structure connected to the frame toward a first lateral side of the frame, the sawmill slide having a second translation structure connected to the frame toward a second lateral side of the frame opposite to the first lateral side, the sawmill slide having a saw head fixed to the frame, the saw head having a saw blade, a portion of the saw blade being exposed and positioned to cut logs located on the log support structure when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are respectively mounted on a first guide rail and a second guide rail of a log support structure, the first guide rail and the second guide rail extending in the longitudinal direction to enable the sawmill slide to travel in the longitudinal direction when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are respectively mounted on the first guide rail and the second guide rail; and tilting the sawmill slide via the handle to mount the first translation structure and the second translation structure on the first guide rail and the second guide rail, respectively.

[0027] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the longitudinal end is a first longitudinal end, and wherein the frame includes a first track cleaner and a second track cleaner positioned toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end to guide the first translation structure and the second translation structure onto or over the first guide rail and the second guide rail, and wherein tilting the sawmill slide includes positioning the first track cleaner on the first guide rail and positioning the second track cleaner on the second guide rail.

[0028] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the first translation structure includes a first pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and the second translation structure includes a second pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first pair of track wheels and the second pair of track wheels can be respectively mounted on the at least one planar surface.

[0029] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the first translation structure includes a first sliding component, and the second translation structure includes a second sliding component, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first sliding component and the second sliding component can be respectively mounted on the at least one planar surface.

[0030] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the longitudinal end of the frame is a first longitudinal end, and wherein at least one of each of the first pair of track wheels and at least one of the second pair of track wheels are positioned toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0031] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the first translation structure and the second translation structure are in contact with the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively along the span of the longitudinal axis (or the longitudinal axis), and the retainer structure along the span of the longitudinal axis is positioned or positionable on the frame to abut against a stop connected to the first guide rail and / or the second guide rail when the sawmill slide is mounted on the log support structure, thereby preventing the sawmill slide from being accidentally removed from the log support structure.

[0032] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the retainer structure includes a first L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a second lateral side of the frame.

[0033] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket are removably coupled to the frame.

[0034] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the method further includes coupling the retainer structure to the frame when mounting the sawmill carriage on the first rail and the second rail.

[0035] In some or all examples of the third aspect, a spacing between the pair of transport wheels is greater than a width of a combination of the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

[0036] In some or all examples of the third aspect, the frame includes a pair of plate-like members toward a first lateral side of the frame, and the first pair of track wheels are rotatably mounted between the pair of plate-like members.

[0037] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after understanding the specific implementation methods of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate example embodiments of the present application, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a front, top, and right side perspective view of a sawmill carriage according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side elevation view of a sawmill carriage.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a sawmill carriage from above.

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front, top and left side perspective views of a sawmill carriage.

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Elevation view of a sawmill carriage.

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Rear elevation view of a sawmill carriage.

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Rear, top and right side perspective views of a sawmill carriage.

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the sawmill carriage.

[0047] Fig.9A Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage rests on transport wheels and brackets.

[0048] Fig. 9B Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually tilted so that the frame of the sawmill carriage lies on the transport wheels.

[0049] Fig. 9C Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is moved manually to position the front pair of track wheels on the rails of the log support structure.

[0050] Fig.9D Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually pivoted about the front pair of track wheels, thereby aligning the carriage to receive the guide rails.

[0051] Fig.9E Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually translated so that the rear pair of track wheels are located on the guide rails of the log support structure.

[0052] Fig.9F Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually translated along the guide rails via track wheels.

[0053] Fig.10 yes Figures 1 to 8 Cross-section of a sawmill carriage mounted on a log support structure.

[0054] Fig.11 is used Figures 1 to 8 Flow chart of a general method of sawmill carriage.

[0055] Fig. 12A Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage rests on the transport wheels and plate components of the sawmill carriage frame.

[0056] Fig. 12BShows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually tilted so that the frame of the sawmill carriage lies on the transport wheels.

[0057] Fig. 12C Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is moved manually to position the front pair of track wheels on the rails of the log support structure.

[0058] Fig.12D Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually pivoted about the front pair of track wheels so that the rear pair of track wheels can be mounted on the guide rails.

[0059] Fig.12E Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually translated so that the rear pair of track wheels are located on the guide rails of the log support structure.

[0060] Fig.12F Shows Figures 1 to 8 The sawmill carriage is manually translated along the guide rails via track wheels.

[0061] Fig.13 A sawmill carriage according to another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0062] Similar reference numerals may be used in different drawings to denote similar components. Unless otherwise specifically noted, items depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, many different embodiments may be used, and therefore, this description should not be understood to be limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present application comprehensive and complete. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same elements, and apostrophes are used to represent similar elements, operations or steps in alternative embodiments. The separation boxes or illustrated separations of the functional elements of the illustrated systems and devices do not necessarily require the physical separation of these functions, because the communication between these elements may occur without any physical separation. Therefore, these functions do not necessarily have to be implemented on a physically or logically separated platform, although for ease of explanation, these functions are described separately herein. Different devices may have different designs. Finally, elements indicated in the singular may be plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise clearly or inherently indicated in the context.

[0064] A sawmill carriage is disclosed herein having a pair of transport wheels to facilitate transport of the sawmill carriage and mounting and dismounting of the sawmill carriage on rails of a log support structure configured to support logs to be cut by the sawmill carriage 20 .

[0065] Figures 1 to 8 A sawmill carriage 20 of a sawmill system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The sawmill carriage 20 includes a frame 24 supporting a sawmill head 28. The frame 24 is configured to be removably mounted on a pair of rails 92 of a log support structure of the sawmill system (see FIG. Fig.9E ) to position the sawmill head 28 to cut the logs positioned on the log support structure 96 (see Fig. 9C ) on the rails 92. Such a design allows the sawmill system to be easily repositioned by configuring the sawmill carriage to be easily installed on and removed from the rails 92, and to be easily repositioned after being removed from the rails. The frame 24 is constructed to support the weight of the sawmill head 28 in a suitable position so that the sawmill head 28 receives and cuts the logs as the sawmill carriage 20 moves along the rails. In particular, the two sets of vertical members 32, 34 of the frame 24 are located toward the lateral sides LS of the frame 24 and extend vertically to lift the sawmill head 28. The chassis is located toward the lower vertical end LVE of the frame 24 and includes a pair of plate members 36, which are fixed to each lateral side of the vertical members 32, 34 toward each lateral side LS of the frame 24 to sandwich the vertical members 32, 34.

[0066] The first translation structure is connected to the plate member 36 toward a first lateral side LS of the frame 24, and the second translation structure is connected to the plate member 36 toward a second lateral side LS of the frame 24 opposite the first lateral side LS. The first and second translation structures facilitate the travel of the sawmill carriage 20 along the track 94 provided by the upper surface of the guide rail 92 of the log support structure 96. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second translation structures includes a pair of track wheels 40, one of which is rotatably connected to the frame 24 toward the rear longitudinal end RLE of the frame 24, and the other track wheel 40 is rotatably connected to the frame 24 toward the front longitudinal end FLE of the frame 24, particularly as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown. The track wheel 40 can be made of any suitable durable material, such as, for example, metal, hard plastic or other polymers. The track wheel 40 has a lateral movement limiting feature to prevent or inhibit lateral movement of the track wheel 40 when the track wheel 40 is mounted on the track 94 of the guide rail 92 of the log support structure 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral movement limiting feature includes a circumferential groove 44, which is positioned to receive and engage the rib of the guide rail 92. The track sweeper 48 is positioned longitudinally forward of the track wheel 40, toward the front longitudinal end FLE of the frame 24, located between the pair of plate members 36, and can be used to guide the track wheel 40 onto or above the guide rail of the log support structure 96 and clear debris generated during sawing on the track 94 so that the track wheel 40 can travel unimpeded on the track 94. Track sweepers 48 are made of some suitable durable material, such as, for example, metal or ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene (PE), which has strong wear resistance and low friction coefficient with various metals and other materials. Figure 1 ) is aligned with the circumferential groove of the track wheel 40.

[0067] The retainer structure includes a carriage retainer 56 positioned toward each lateral side of the frame 24 to retain the track wheels 94 of the sawmill carriage 20 in contact with the rails 92 when the sawmill carriage 20 is mounted on the log support structure 96. In addition, the carriage retainer 56 is positioned along the rails 92 against one or more stops (e.g., one at each end of a desired range of travel) to prevent the sawmill carriage 20 from being accidentally removed from the rails 92 when mounted thereon. The retainer structure is preferably positioned between each pair of track wheels 40 along the longitudinal axis LA. By retaining the track wheels 40 in contact with the rails 92, a substantially planar cut can be made with the saw blade when the sawmill carriage 20 travels along a plane, and inadvertent removal of the sawmill carriage 20 from the log support structure 96 can be avoided. In the present embodiment, the carriage retainer 56 includes an L-shaped bracket that is bolted to at least one of the plate members 36 toward each lateral side LS of the frame 24. The carriage retainer 56 is a separate element that is removably coupled to the chassis to facilitate installation and removal of the sawmill carriage 20 on the log support structure 96 .

[0068] The carriage 24 includes a handle in the form of a handlebar 60, located toward a rear longitudinal end RLE of the carriage 24 opposite the front longitudinal end FLE and toward an upper vertical end UVE of the carriage 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar 60 is a crossbar extending generally between the lateral sides LS of the carriage 24.

[0069] The sawmill head 28 is connected and fixed to the frame 24 and is positioned between each pair of track wheels 40 along the longitudinal axis LA of the sawmill carriage. The band saw blade 64 of the sawmill head 28 is mounted around a pair of pulleys (not shown), at least one of which is driven by a motor (also not shown). The pulleys and motor are enclosed in a sawmill housing having a blade guard cover 68 that is removably attached to facilitate servicing of the sawmill. The blade guard 72 can slide sideways / laterally to expose or cover the band saw blade 64. In this embodiment, the motor of the sawmill head 28 is pneumatically powered, and a lubricating oil tank 76 is mounted on the frame 24 to provide lubricating oil to the sawmill head motor.

[0070] The frame 24 includes a vertically adjustable sawhead support that can be moved upward or downward along the vertical members 32, 34 via a lift crank handle 80. The manually operated lift crank handle 80 can vertically adjust the position of the sawhead mounted on the sawhead support to facilitate cutting along different vertical planes to cut boards from logs.

[0071] A control in the form of a push handle 84 extending from the frame 24 enables manual forward and rearward movement of the sawmill carriage 20 along the guide rails 92 and controls operation of the sawmill head motor.

[0072] A pair of transport wheels 88 that facilitate transport of the sawmill carriage when off the rails are rotatably coupled to the chassis of the frame 24 toward the rear longitudinal end RLE of the frame 24. In particular, the transport wheels 88 are coupled laterally outwardly to the plate member 36 to position the transport wheels laterally away from the log support structure 96 when the sawmill carriage is positioned on the log support structure 96. The transport wheels 88 may be made of any suitable material, such as rubber or an elastomeric polymer. The spacing S between each transport wheel 88 is 1 / 400 mm. RELW Greater than the combined width of the rails 92 to allow the transport wheels 88 to be located laterally outside the rails 92. As described below, the position of the transport wheels 88 allows the frame 24 to be located above the transport wheels 88 when the sawmill carriage 20 is tilted.

[0073] Fig.9A The sawmill carriage 20 is shown resting on a flat surface FS. The sawmill carriage 20 is supported by transport wheels 88 and a carriage holder 56. In this orientation, the center of mass of the sawmill carriage is located in a lateral and longitudinal position between the transport wheels 88 and the carriage holder 56.

[0074] To reposition the sawmill carriage 20 or to mount the sawmill carriage 20 on the rails, the handle 60 of the sawmill carriage 20 may be grasped and moved (i.e., tilted or pivoted in a first angular direction FAD about the transport wheels 88) to position the weight of the sawmill carriage 20 above the transport wheels 88 in the transport orientation, such as Fig. 9B In the transport orientation, the sawmill carriage 20 can be easily relocated to another location by simply rolling the sawmill carriage 20 via the handle 60.

[0075] When it is desired to mount the sawmill carriage 20 on the rails 92 of the log support structure 96 extending in the longitudinal direction LD, the sawmill carriage 20 is tilted by the operator OPER to position the track sweeper 48 and / or the front track wheel 40 on top of a corresponding one of the rails 92, such as Fig. 9C Then, while being supported by the track sweepers 48 and / or the front track wheels 40 on the guide rails 92, the sawmill carriage 20 is raised by the handle 60 in the second angular direction SAD until the rear track wheels 40 of each pair of track wheels 40 are at the height of the guide rails 92. Then, as Fig.9D As shown, the sawmill carriage 20 translates forward. The sawmill carriage 20 continues to translate along the guide rail 92 in the longitudinal direction LD so that the carriage holder 56 is positioned around the guide rail 92 and the second pair of track wheels 40 on each lateral side can be positioned on the guide rail 92, as shown in FIG. Fig.9E As also shown, in front of the sawmill carriage 20, the logs 100 to be sawn are positioned on a log support crossbunk 104. The log support crossbunk 104 is fixedly connected to the guide rails 92 and spans between the guide rails 92. The log support crossbunk 104 is characterized by supporting the logs 100 and preventing the lateral or longitudinal movement of the logs 100 when the logs 100 are placed on the log support crossbunk 104 and are sawn into boards. The log support structure 96 can be mounted on a base 108 so that the log support structure 96 can be lifted as needed. By lifting the guide rails 92 of the log support structure 96, the travel of the slide retainer 56 can be unimpeded.

[0076] Once the sawmill carriage 20 is mounted on the guide rail 92 and positioned sufficiently forward, a stop 112 may optionally be secured to the guide rail 92 by any suitable means to prevent the sawmill carriage 20 from traveling rearwardly away from the log support structure 96. Alternatively, a stop may be positioned high enough below the guide rail to prevent the slide retainer 56, and therefore the sawmill carriage 20, from traveling rearwardly.

[0077] like Fig.9FAs shown, the sawmill carriage 20 can then roll forward on the track wheels 40 so that the band saw blade moves toward the log 100 to be cut. The height of the sawmill head 28 and the height of the band saw blade 64 can be adjusted as needed to cut a board of desired thickness. The forward movement in the longitudinal direction LD can be achieved by manually holding the push handle 84 of the sawmill carriage 20 and pushing the sawmill carriage 20 in the longitudinal direction LD. After the cutting is completed, the sawmill carriage 20 can be rolled backward along the guide rails to return to the position in the working orientation (in the working orientation, each pair of track wheels 40 is mounted on the guide rails 92), as shown in FIG. Fig.9E As shown, for example, by adjusting the height of the band saw blade 64, preparation is made for the next cut.

[0078] Fig.10 The sawmill carriage 20 is shown mounted on the rails 92 of the log support structure 96 to show the longitudinal ribs 112 of each rail 92 being received in the grooves 52 of the track cleaner 48 and in the circumferential grooves of a corresponding one of the track wheels 40. The rails 92 have a flat surface FS along which the track wheels 40 can travel along the tracks 94 of the rails 92. It is shown that when the first and second translation structures are mounted on the first and second rails, respectively, a portion of the band saw blade 64 is exposed by the retraction of the blade guard 72 and is positioned to receive a log positioned on the log support structure and the sawmill carriage travels in the longitudinal direction. It will be appreciated that while the blade guard 72 is shown as partially exposing the band saw blade 64, in normal operation the blade guard 72 is fully retracted to expose the entire band saw blade extending between the lobes of the sawmill housing.

[0079] Fig.11 Shows the use of Figures 1 to 8 A general method 200 of moving a sawmill carriage. The method 200 begins with rolling the sawmill carriage on transport wheels to reposition / relocate the sawmill carriage (210). The sawmill carriage may be repositioned so that the sawmill carriage moves toward a log support structure where wood is to be cut into planks, and Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram of a sawmill carriage. The sawmill carriage is tilted to mount the sawmill carriage on the rails of the log support structure (220). Fig. 9C and Fig.9D This is illustrated by way of example. First, the sawmill carriage is tilted in a first angular direction FAD to raise the front longitudinal end of the sawmill carriage above the rails of the log support structure. Then, the sawmill carriage is tilted in a second angular direction SAD to raise the rear longitudinal end of the sawmill carriage so that the sawmill carriage can be mounted on the rails. Fig.9E and Fig.9FAs shown, the sawmill carriage can then be used to saw the logs.

[0080] As will be apparent from the above description and accompanying drawings, in order to remove the sawmill carriage from the log support structure to reposition the sawmill carriage 20 and possibly the log support structure 96, the steps for installing the sawmill carriage 20 on the log support structure 96 are performed in reverse.

[0081] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F Shown installing and removing from log support structure Figures 1 to 8 Another method of mounting the sawmill carriage 20, wherein the carriage holder 56 is removed when the sawmill carriage 20 is not mounted on the rails 92 of the log support structure 96. The fixing holes 254 shown are empty, and the carriage holder 56 can be attached to the fixing holes 254 via bolts.

[0082] Fig. 12A The sawmill carriage 20 is shown resting on a flat surface FS. The sawmill carriage 20 is supported by transport wheels 88 and the plate member 36 of the frame 24. In this orientation, the center of mass of the sawmill carriage is located laterally and longitudinally between the transport wheels 88 and the plate member 36.

[0083] In order to reposition the sawmill carriage 20 or to install the sawmill carriage 20 on the guide rails, the handle 60 of the sawmill carriage 20 can be grasped so that the sawmill carriage 20 is tilted or pivoted about the transport wheels 88 in the first angular direction FAD, thereby positioning the weight of the sawmill carriage 20 above the transport wheels 88 in the transport direction, such as Fig. 12B In the transport orientation, the sawmill carriage 20 can be easily relocated to another location by simply rolling the sawmill carriage 20 via the handle 60.

[0084] When it is desired to mount the sawmill carriage 20 on the rails 92 of the log support structure 96 extending in the longitudinal direction LD, the sawmill carriage 20 is tilted by the operator OPER to position the track sweeper 48 and / or the front track wheel 40 on top of a corresponding one of the rails 92, such as Fig. 12C Then, while being supported by the track sweepers 48 and / or the front track wheels 40 on the guide rails 92, the sawmill carriage 20 is raised by the handle 60 in the second angular direction SAD until the rear track wheels 40 of each pair of track wheels 40 are at the height of the guide rails 92. Then, as Fig.12D As shown, the sawmill carriage 20 is translated forward. The sawmill carriage 20 continues to translate along the guide rail 92 in the longitudinal direction LD so that the second pair of track wheels 40 on each lateral side can be positioned on the guide rail 92, as shown in FIG. Fig.12EIn addition, when the fixing hole 254 moves beyond the stopper 258 fixed to the guide rail 92, the carriage holder 45 can be fixed to the plate member 36 via the fixing hole 254 to hold the sawmill carriage 20 to the log support structure 96. The abutment of the carriage holder 56 and the stopper 258 limits the rearward travel of the sawmill carriage 20 on the guide rail 92, thereby preventing the sawmill carriage 20 from being accidentally removed from the log support structure 96.

[0085] like Fig.12F As shown, the sawmill carriage 20 can then roll forward on the track wheels 40 so that the band saw blade moves toward the log 100 to be cut. The height of the sawmill head 28 and the height of the band saw blade 64 can be adjusted as needed to cut a board of desired thickness. The forward movement in the longitudinal direction LD can be achieved by manually holding the push handle 84 of the sawmill carriage 20 and pushing the sawmill carriage 20 in the longitudinal direction LD. After the cutting is completed, the sawmill carriage 20 can be rolled backward along the guide rails and returned to the position in the working orientation (in the working orientation, each pair of track wheels 40 is mounted on the guide rails 92), as shown. Fig.12E As shown, for example, by adjusting the height of the band saw blade 64, preparation is made for the next cut.

[0086] Fig.10 The sawmill carriage 20 is shown mounted on the rails 92 of the log support structure 96 to show the longitudinal ribs 112 of each rail 92 being received in the grooves 52 of the track sweeper 48 and in the circumferential grooves of a corresponding one of the track wheels 40. The rails 92 have a flat surface FS along which the track wheels 40 can travel along the tracks 94 of the rails 92. It is shown that a portion of the band saw blade 64 is exposed by the retraction of the blade guard 72 and is positioned to receive a log positioned on the log support structure and the sawmill carriage travels in the longitudinal direction when the first and second translation structures are mounted on the first and second guide rails, respectively. It will be appreciated that while the blade guard 72 is shown as partially exposing the band saw blade 64, in normal operation the blade guard 72 is fully retracted to expose the entire band saw blade extending between the lobes of the sawmill housing.

[0087] Fig.13 FIG. 3 shows a sawmill carriage 300 according to another embodiment, wherein the first and second translation structures include a pair of sliding members 304. In particular, the sliding members 304 in this embodiment replace the Figures 1 to 8The longitudinally extending track cleaner in the illustrated embodiment. The sliding member 304 can be made of any suitable material, for example, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE). Each guide rail has at least one planar surface to form a track, and the first sliding pad and the second sliding pad can be positioned on the track respectively, and wherein each of the first sliding member and the second sliding member has a lower friction coefficient with the first guide rail and the second guide rail respectively.

[0088] In various embodiments, such as Fig.13 As shown, the retainer structure is positioned along the span SP of the longitudinal axis or the retainer structure is positioned on the span SP of the longitudinal axis, and the translation structure is in contact with the rail along the span SP of the longitudinal axis or the translation structure is in contact with the rail with the span SP of the longitudinal axis.

[0089] In other embodiments, lateral movement of the sawmill carriage may be prevented by other structures. For example, the transport wheels 88 may be separated by a gap having a width approximately equal to the width of the log support structure rails, and thus, when the sawmill carriage is mounted on the rails, the transport wheels may be limited in lateral movement. Any other suitable lateral movement prevention structure may also be used.

[0090] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the track is provided by a guide rail having a unique structure compared to the rest of the log support structure, but in other embodiments, the track may be provided in a variety of ways and in other forms. For example, the track may be provided by a lateral / transverse portion of a board to which the log engaging structure is mounted. In another embodiment, the track may be toothed and the sawmill carriage may have a translatory structure in the form of a tooth having a corresponding toothed periphery.

[0091] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the sawmill carriage has a single handle for repositioning and tilting the sawmill carriage, but in other embodiments the sawmill carriage may have two or more handles that perform the same function in combination or alternately.

[0092] Although in the above-described and illustrated embodiments the sawmill carriage has a band saw blade, in other embodiments the sawmill carriage may have a different blade, such as a chain saw blade, to perform the same function.

[0093] The steps (also referred to as operations) in the flowcharts and drawings described herein are for illustration only. Without departing from the present disclosure, these steps / operations may have many variations. For example, these steps may be performed in different orders, and these steps may be added, deleted, or modified as appropriate.

[0094] Although in the above described and illustrated embodiments the sawmill carriage comprises two transport wheels, in other embodiments the sawmill carriage may comprise more than two transport wheels or even a single roller acting as a wheel.

[0095] Overview

[0096] Although the systems, devices, and processes disclosed and shown herein may include specific multiple elements, the systems, devices, and assemblies may be modified to include more or fewer such elements. Although several example embodiments are described herein, modifications, adjustments, and other embodiments are also possible. For example, the elements shown in the accompanying drawings may be replaced, added, or modified, and the example methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, or adding steps to the disclosed methods.

[0097] Features in one or more of the above embodiments may be selected to create alternative embodiments consisting of sub-combinations of features that may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features in one or more of the above embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments consisting of combinations of features that may not be explicitly described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, after reading the entirety of this disclosure, that features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations are apparent.

[0098] In addition, many specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be implemented without these specific details. In addition, well-known methods, procedures, and elements are not described in detail herein to avoid obscuring the example embodiments described herein. The subject matter described herein and in the claims cited herein is intended to encompass and include all suitable variations of the technology.

[0099] The present invention may also be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example embodiments should be considered in all respects to be merely illustrative and not restrictive. The present disclosure is intended to cover and include all appropriate changes in technology. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is described by the appended claims rather than the above description. The scope of the claims should not be limited to the embodiments in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire description.

Claims

1. A sawmill carriage, comprising: a frame having a handle; a first translating structure connected to the frame toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second translating structure connected to the frame toward a second lateral side of the frame opposite the first lateral side, the first translating structure being configured to be mounted on a first rail of a log support structure, the second translating structure being configured to be mounted on a second rail of the log support structure, the log support structure being configured to support logs, the first rail and the second rail extending in a longitudinal direction and enabling the sawmill carriage to travel in the longitudinal direction when the first translating structure and the second translating structure are mounted on the first rail and the second rail, respectively; a sawmill head secured to the frame, the sawmill head having a saw blade, a portion of the saw blade being positionable to cut a log on the log support structure when the first and second translation structures are mounted on the first and second rails, respectively, and the sawmill carriage travels in a longitudinal direction; and a pair of transport wheels rotatably connected to the frame toward a first longitudinal end of the frame, Wherein, the handle is positioned to enable the sawmill carriage to be tilted and / or transported when the sawmill carriage rests on the pair of transport wheels.

2. The sawmill carriage according to claim 1, wherein: The first translation structure includes a first pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and the second translation structure includes a second pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first pair of track wheels and the second pair of track wheels can be mounted on the at least one planar surface respectively.

3. The sawmill carriage according to claim 1, wherein: The first translation structure comprises a first sliding component and the second translation structure comprises a second sliding component, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface on which the first sliding component and the second sliding component are respectively mountable.

4. The sawmill carriage according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of each of the first pair of track wheels and at least one of the second pair of track wheels are positioned toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end.

5. A sawmill carriage according to claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first and second translation structures are in contact with the first and second guide rails, respectively, along a span of the longitudinal axis, and the retainer structure is positioned or positionable on the frame along the span of the longitudinal axis to abut against a stop connected to the first and / or second guide rails when the sawmill carriage is mounted on the log support structure, thereby preventing the sawmill carriage from being accidentally removed from the log support structure.

6. The sawmill carriage according to claim 5, wherein: The retainer structure includes a first L-shaped bracket positioned toward a first lateral side of the frame and a second L-shaped bracket positioned toward a second lateral side of the frame.

7. The sawmill carriage according to claim 6, wherein: The first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket are removably coupled to the frame.

8. A sawmill carriage according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The distance between the pair of transport wheels is greater than the width between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

9. A sawmill carriage according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The frame includes a pair of plate members toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a first pair of track wheels are rotatably mounted between the pair of plate members.

10. A sawmill carriage kit for a sawmill carriage, comprising: a frame having a handle; a first translation structure connected or connectable to the frame toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second translation structure connected or connectable to the frame toward a second lateral side of the frame opposite the first lateral side, the first translation structure being configured to be mounted on a first rail of a log support structure when connected to the frame, and the second translation structure being configured to be mounted on a second rail of the log support structure, the log support structure being configured to support logs, the first rail and the second rail extending in a longitudinal direction and enabling the sawmill carriage to travel in the longitudinal direction when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are mounted on the first rail and the second rail, respectively; a saw head of the sawmill carriage, the saw head being fixed or securable to the frame and the saw head having a saw blade, a portion of which is positionable to cut a log located on the log support structure when the first and second translation structures are mounted on the first and second guide rails, respectively, and the sawmill carriage travels in a longitudinal direction; as well as a pair of transport wheels rotatably connected or rotatably connectable to the frame towards a first longitudinal end of the frame, Wherein, the handle is positioned to enable the sawmill carriage to be tilted and / or transported when the sawmill carriage rests on the pair of transport wheels.

11. The sawmill carriage kit according to claim 10, wherein: The first translation structure comprises a first pair of track wheels rotatably connected or capable of being rotatably connected to the frame, and the second translation structure comprises a second pair of track wheels rotatably connected or capable of being rotatably connected to the frame, and wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and when the sawmill slide is assembled, the first pair of track wheels and the second pair of track wheels can be mounted on the at least one planar surface respectively.

12. The sawmill carriage kit of claim 11, wherein: At least one of each of the first pair of track wheels and at least one of the second pair of track wheels is located or positionable toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end.

13. A sawmill carriage kit according to claims 10 to 12, wherein: The first and second translation structures are in contact with the first and second guide rails, respectively, along a span of the longitudinal axis, and the retainer structure is positioned or positionable on the frame along the span of the longitudinal axis to abut against a stop connected to the first and / or second guide rails when the sawmill carriage is mounted on the log support structure, thereby preventing the sawmill carriage from being accidentally removed from the log support structure.

14. The sawmill carriage kit of claim 13, wherein: The retainer structure includes a first L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a second lateral side of the frame.

15. The sawmill carriage kit of claim 14, wherein: The first L-shaped bracket and the second L-shaped bracket are removably coupled or removably coupleable to the frame.

16. A sawmill carriage according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The frame includes a pair of plate members toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a first pair of track wheels are rotatably mounted between the pair of plate members.

17. A method of using a sawmill carriage, comprising: a handle of a frame of the sawmill carriage for rolling the sawmill carriage on a pair of transport wheels rotatably connected to the frame, the handle and the pair of transport wheels being positioned toward a first longitudinal end of the frame, the sawmill carriage having a first translation structure connected to the frame toward a first lateral side of the frame, the sawmill carriage having a second translation structure connected to the frame toward a second lateral side of the frame opposite to the first lateral side, the sawmill carriage having a saw head fixed to the frame, the saw head having a saw blade, a portion of the saw blade being exposed and positioned to cut a log located on the log support structure when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are respectively mounted on a first guide rail and a second guide rail of the log support structure, the first guide rail and the second guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction to enable the sawmill carriage to travel in the longitudinal direction when the first translation structure and the second translation structure are respectively mounted on the first guide rail and the second guide rail; as well as The sawmill carriage is tilted via the handle to mount the first and second translation structures on the first and second guide rails, respectively.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The frame includes a first track cleaner and a second track cleaner positioned toward a second longitudinal end of the frame opposite the first longitudinal end to guide the first and second translating structures onto or over the first and second guide rails, and wherein tilting the sawmill carriage includes positioning the first track cleaner on the first guide rail and positioning the second track cleaner on the second guide rail.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The first translation structure includes a first pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and the second translation structure includes a second pair of track wheels rotatably connected to the frame, and wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail has at least one planar surface, and the first pair of track wheels and the second pair of track wheels can be mounted on the at least one planar surface respectively.

20. The method according to claims 17 to 19, wherein: The first and second translation structures are in contact with the first and second guide rails, respectively, over a span of the longitudinal axis, and the retainer structure is positioned or positionable along the span of the longitudinal axis to abut against a stop connected to the first and / or second guide rails when the sawmill carriage is mounted on the log support structure, thereby preventing the sawmill carriage from being accidentally removed from the log support structure.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The retainer structure includes a first L-shaped bracket positioned or positionable toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a second L-shaped bracket positioned toward a second lateral side of the frame.

22. The method of claims 20-21, further comprising coupling the retainer structure to the frame when mounting the sawmill carriage on the first and second rails.

23. The method according to claims 17 to 22, wherein: The frame includes a pair of plate members toward a first lateral side of the frame, and a first pair of track wheels are rotatably mounted between the pair of plate members.

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