Improvements in or relating to chainsaw support apparatus, and associated methods

Abstract

A chainsaw support apparatus 1 for securing a chainsaw 30 comprises a support with a first region 9 for receipt of a body of the chainsaw, and a second region 6 for receipt of a guide bar 32 of the chainsaw, the second region securing the guide bar. A method for sharpening and / or conducting maintenance on a chainsaw using said apparatus is provided, wherein the body of the chainsaw is located on the first region, and the guide bar of the chainsaw is brought into proximity with the second region and is secured prior to the sharpening / maintenance. A method of mounting a support apparatus by adjusting at least one dimension of the apparatus to adjust its length and / or width and mounting the apparatus to a surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface is further provided. A clamp 6 may secure the guide bar, and a third region 10 may receive a distal end of the bar. The distances between the regions may be adjustable and the support may comprise telescopic or overlapping members.

Description

The present invention relates to a chainsaw support apparatus, for securing a chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance, and an associated method. The invention also relates to methods for use and mounting such an apparatus to a surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface, or (flat) surface. At present, sharpening one’s chainsaw away from the equipment of one’s workshop is more difficult as it is harder to secure the chainsaw whilst the teeth are sharpened. So-called chainsaw sharpening vices are simple, portable objects that are known in the art, and include one or more spikes on a lower edge, so as to secure the vice to a log or stump, and a vice or clamp part, which includes a screw threaded member and block for clamping a guide bar of the chainsaw. The spike(s) allow the vice to be used in the field, and it can be hammered from above into a log or stump, and the chainsaw subsequently clamped. However, use of such a chainsaw sharpening vice can be problematic, as only the guide bar of the chainsaw is in any way clamped or secured, and one must then rest other parts of the chainsaw on the log or stump - often uneven surfaces -or leave other parts of the chainsaw unsupported. Neither way is satisfactory and / or safe, since neither adequately supports the whole chainsaw. Accordingly, the chainsaw can move around during sharpening and is, therefore, at risk of damage through falling or otherwise coming away from the simple vice. There is, also, an increased risk of injury to a user. Further, location of the log I stump dictates the location of the vice and, thereby, the user during sharpening. One can only use this vice if an appropriate log I stump is available, and often means the user must be on or near the floor, bent over whilst sharpening. The present invention is aimed at providing an improved chainsaw support apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention provides a chainsaw support apparatus, for securing a chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance, the apparatus comprises support means, for mounting upon a surface, wherein the support means comprises: a first region, for receipt of a body of said chainsaw; and a second region, for receipt of a guide bar of said chainsaw, and comprising means for securing said guide bar of said chainsaw. Preferably, the means for securing substantially prevents lateral and / or longitudinal movement of said guide bar of said chainsaw. Most preferably, the means for securing prevents untoward lateral and / or longitudinal movement of said guide bar and, thereby, said chainsaw. Preferably, the support means comprises a third region, for receipt of a distal end of said guide bar of said chainsaw. Preferably, the second region of the support means is located between first and third regions thereof. Preferably, the support means is adjustable, being capable of: adjusting a distance between the first and second regions, and / or the second and third regions; and / or adjusting a width of the support means. Preferably, the support means is adjustable so as to adequately support chainsaws of different sizes. Preferably, the support means comprises telescopic or otherwise overlapping members between: the first and second regions; and / or the second and third regions, for adjusting and securing the distance between respective regions. Preferably, a width is adjustable using telescopic or otherwise overlapping members. Preferably, the means for securing comprises: a slot, for receipt of said guide bar of said chainsaw; clamp means, for contacting respective sides of said guide bar of said chainsaw; and / or a tether, strap or lashing, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the slot comprises a transition fit, allowing mounting / dismounting of said chainsaw. Preferably, the clamp means comprises: a pistol grip clamp; a screw-threaded clamp; and / or a self-adjusting I auto-adjusting clamp. Preferably, the support means comprises: means for mounting the support means to said surface, whether planar or otherwise; and / or means for mounting the support means to a tailgate of a vehicle, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface. Preferably, the support means comprises means for mounting the support means to a flat surface. Preferably, the means for mounting comprises a profiled lower surface configured to be received on a stump or log. Preferably, the means for mounting comprises one or more lips, for contacting an edge of said surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface. The one or more lips may be used for contacting an edge of a workbench, worksurface, table-top or other household surface. Preferably, the support means comprises one or more fasteners, for securing the support means to said surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface. Preferably, the support means comprises a framework. Preferably, the first region comprises a first plinth, capable of receiving an engine cowling unit of said chainsaw. Preferably, the third region comprises a second plinth, capable of receiving one or more teeth of said guide bar of said chainsaw. Preferably, the second plinth is configured to prevent movement of teeth of said chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance. Preferably, the chain may still rotate around the guide bar so as to move away from the environs of the clamp teeth which have been sharpened, and replace those with teeth requiring sharpening. Preferably, the first and / or second plinth(s) comprise: durable and / or resilient material; anti-slip material; nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, composite plastics, or other plastics material. Preferably, at least parts of the first and second plinths are substantially in-line with the means for securing said guide bar of said chainsaw, so as to support the chainsaw in three locations. Preferably, the first and second plinths are configured to raise the level of lower teeth of said chainsaw above the support means at the second region and, thereby, prevent their being fouled by the support means I framework. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for sharpening and / or conducting maintenance on a chainsaw using a chainsaw support apparatus, the apparatus comprises support means, for mounting upon a surface, wherein the support means comprises: a first region, for receipt of a body of the chainsaw; and a second region, for receipt of a guide bar of the chainsaw, and comprising means for securing the guide bar of the chainsaw, wherein the method comprises mounting the chainsaw comprising, in either order or at the same time: locating a body of the chainsaw on a first region of the apparatus; and bringing into proximity the guide bar of the chainsaw and the second region, and securing the guide bar, prior to conducting sharpening and / or maintenance. Preferably, the method comprising locating a distal end of the guide bar of the chainsaw on a third region of the apparatus. Preferably, the chainsaw contacts the third region at around the same time as contacting the first region, both being after the guide bar has been brought into proximity with at least part of the second region. Preferably, the method comprising passively securing the guide bar, through use of a transition fit configuration of means for securing. Preferably, the method comprising actively securing the guide bar, by clamping and / or gripping at least part of the guide bar. Preferably, rotating at least part of a treaded fastener to secure the guide bar at the second region. Preferably, the method comprising adjusting a length and / or width of the chainsaw apparatus to adjust its dimensions, either prior to, or after, mounting the chainsaw. According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for mounting a chainsaw support apparatus, for securing a chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance, the apparatus comprises support means, for mounting upon a surface, wherein the support means comprises: a first region, for receipt of a body of the chainsaw; and a second region, for receipt of a guide bar of the chainsaw, and comprising means for securing the guide bar of the chainsaw, wherein the method comprising, in either order: adjusting at least one dimension of the chainsaw apparatus to adjust its length and / or width; and mounting the apparatus to a surface, tailgate, flatbed or planar vehicular surface. Preferably, the surface may be any relatively flat surface. Preferably, adjusting a distance between first and second regions, or between the second region and a third region, providing support for a distal end of the chainsaw. Advantageously, the present invention provides improved safety and security when sharpening a chainsaw, or conducting other maintenance. The chainsaw is secured through clamping or otherwise securing the guide bar of the chainsaw in a central location, and the chainsaw is additionally supported beneath the engine cowling unit and, preferably, beneath a distal end of the chain I guide bar. Advantageously, the invention provides a comfortable and safe place to carry out maintenance. Provision of two supports already provides an improvement over the prior art, as this helps to resist untoward movement of the chainsaw during sharpening or other maintenance; however, this is further improved by provision of three supports. Once opened, the tailgate 20 provides a relatively horizontal surface of about waist height, being both a comfortable and useful height for sharpening a chainsaw efficiently and safely. This provides a very useful and convenient way of sharpening a chainsaw in the field, requiring minimal or no bending over or sitting down whilst working - making the procedure far more ergonomic. The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a chainsaw support apparatus, for receiving a chainsaw, shown in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1, shown in an open configuration; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1, mounted to a tailgate of a vehicle. As shown in the Figures, the chainsaw support apparatus, generally identified by reference 1, includes a framework 2. The framework 2 includes first and second longitudinal members 3a; 3b, first and second crossmembers 4a; 4b, and a central crossmember 5. The longitudinal members 3a; 3b and the crossmembers 4a; 4b provide a substantially rectangular framework 2, for supporting a chainsaw 30 in use, and the central crossmember 5 is located at approximately mid-points of the longitudinal members 3a;3b. Each of the longitudinal members 3a; 3b and the crossmember 4a; 4b are box section steel - although this is not essential - and are welded together. The central crossmember 5 is also steel - again not essential -and welded in situ. Figure 3 shows the chainsaw 30 secured to the chainsaw apparatus 1. Just for reference, the chainsaw 30 includes: an engine cowling unit 31; and a guide bar 32, which receives and guides around its perimeter a chain 33. The chain includes a plurality of teeth 34, requiring sharpening. The chainsaw 30 is standard and known in the art; however, it is included for context. The central crossmember 5 (second region) includes the means for securing a bar of a chainsaw, which is provided in this exemplary embodiment by a clamp 6, having a first upright member 6a, which extends away from the framework 2 and provides at its distal end a screw threaded clamp member 7, which is movable in a traverse manner to the first upright member 6a. The clamp 6 also includes a second upright member 6b, which again extends away from the framework 2 - parallel to the first upright member 6a - and provides at its distal end a clamping block 8, towards and away from which the threaded clamp member 7 may move. Upright members 6a; 6b define a slot 6c, for receipt of the guide bar 32 prior to clamping. The clamp member 7 is moveable between a closed configuration shown in Figure 1 and an open configuration shown in Figure 2, and a tip 7a of the clamp member 7 and clamping block 8 are provided so as to contact opposed sides of the guide bar 32, in use. The clamp 6 is also steel - although not essential - and is welded to the central crossmember 5. Cross member 4a includes a first support block 9 (first region) for receipt of the engine cowling unit 31 of the chainsaw 30 and cross member 4b includes a second support block 10 (third region) for receipt of the chain 33 / edge of the guide bar 32. Each of the support blocks 9; 10 is provided to support respective ends of the chainsaw 30 from beneath, whilst the clamp 6 is provided to (further) secure the chainsaw, to substantially prevent untoward movement during sharpening and / or other maintenance. The first and second support blocks 9; 10 are provided with sufficient height with respect to the clamp 6 such that, when the chainsaw 30 is placed between upright members 6a; 6b, the chain 33 does not foul the central crossmember 5. Alternatively, and or in addition, a slot formed by the upright members 6a; 6b may be dimensioned to have sufficient depth not to foul the chain 33. Longitudinal member 3b includes an elongate lip 11, extending along the length of the longitudinal member 3b - although this is not essential - and extending beneath the framework 2 so as to contact an edge of a surface upon which the chainsaw apparatus 1 is to be placed. Prior to use, the chainsaw apparatus 1 is mounted to such a surface - which could be a desk of a workshop or a tailgate 20 of a vehicle 23, the latter of which is shown in Figure 3. Once opened, the tailgate 20 provides a relatively horizontal surface 21 of about waist height, being both a comfortable and useful height for sharpening a chainsaw efficiently and safely. The chainsaw apparatus is mounted to the surface 21 by being placed thereupon, and the elongate lip 11 is brought into contact with an edge 22 of the tailgate 20 / surface 21, which prevents further movement towards the vehicle 23. Sharpening is typically conducted in direction in which the force is away from a person conducting the sharpening. If one stands at the tailgate of a vehicle, or near another form of surface, the sharpening force will be usually away from the body and towards the vehicle I surface. As such, through the lip preventing the apparatus 1 moving towards the vehicle or surface, preferably no further fastener is required. In addition, the weight of the chainsaw itself helps to resist untoward movement. Once the chainsaw apparatus 1 has been mounted, the chainsaw 30 is secured to the chainsaw apparatus 1. Starting from the open configuration of Figure 2, a central region of guide bar 32 is lowered into the slot 6c, formed by the upright members 6a; 6b, and the engine cowling unit 31 is brought to rest upon the first support block 9 and, ideally at the same time, teeth 34 of the chain 33 are brought to rest upon the second support block 10. Clamp member 7 is moved through a rotational movement indicated by reference 12, and tip 7a is brought into contact with a first side 35 of the guide bar 32 and the clamping block 8 is brought into contact with a second side (not shown) of the guide bar 32, where sufficient clamping force is used to secure the chainsaw 30, without damaging it. Although clamp 6 provides a clamping force preventing movement of the chainsaw 30, supports blocks 9; 10, individually or both, provide resistance to movement of the chainsaw, through receipt of the engine cowling unit 31 and / or the teeth 341 chain 33. Sharpening of the teeth 34 may now take place and / or other maintenance may be undertaken whilst the chainsaw 30 is securely held by the chainsaw apparatus 1. Sharpening is typically conducted on teeth adjacent or near to the clamp 6, although this is not essential. If a user stands at the tailgate 20 of the vehicle 23, the sharpening force will be away from the body and towards the vehicle 23. The lip prevents the apparatus 1 from moving towards the vehicle 23, providing a stable platform for the chainsaw 30. Following sharpening I maintenance, the clamp member 7 is rotated in an opposite direction, releasing the guide bar 32, allowing the chainsaw 30 to be lifted off the chainsaw apparatus 1. Dismounting the chainsaw apparatus 1 is very simple, requiring it to be just lifted off the tailgate 20. Although the invention has been described above and is shown in the Figures mounted to a tailgate of a vehicle, the invention would be equally at home mounted to a workbench, worksurface, table-top or other household surface. Resistance to movement is increased if the apparatus includes a second support region 10; however, in an alternative configuration, the framework 2 could provide only a clamp 6 and first support region 9, for supporting the engine cowling unit. Those two alone provide additional support when compared to the prior art, providing an immediate improvement in security and support for the chainsaw, although this is considered a somewhat inferior arrangement to that discussed in relation to the Figures above. Although a clamp member and clamping block are shown in the Figures, the present invention may be achieved through providing a simple upright slot of appropriate size and dimensions so as to prevent movement of the guide bar, whilst not actively clamping the guide bar as such - so-called passively secured. The 5 internal surfaces of the upright slot providing a transition fit, allowing the guide bar and slot to be well mated substantially preventing untoward movement, but allowing required movement for mounting / dismounting the chainsaw. The clamping member and clamping block of Figures 1 to 3 may be replaced with an alternative form of clamping means, such as a pistol-grip clamp, or a tether, 10 strap or lashing, without deviating from the invention. It should be noted that one could change the underside of the framework so as to provide a curved or profiled receipt surface, for mounting the apparatus onto a curved item or surface, for example a log.

Claims

1.) A chainsaw support apparatus, for securing a chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance, the apparatus comprises support means, for mounting upon a surface, wherein the support means comprises:a first region, for receipt of a body of said chainsaw; anda second region, for receipt of a guide bar of said chainsaw, and comprising means for securing said guide bar of said chainsaw.2.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for securing substantially prevents lateral and / or longitudinal movement of said guide bar of said chainsaw.3.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support means comprises a third region, for receipt of a distal end of said guide bar of said chainsaw.4.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second region of the support means is located between first and third regions thereof.5.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims, or as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the support means is adjustable, being capable of: adjusting a distance between the first and second regions, and / or the second and third regions; and / or adjusting a width of the support means.6.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support means comprises telescopic or otherwise overlapping members between:the first and second regions; and / or the second and third regions,for adjusting and securing the distance between respective regions.7.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for securing comprises:a slot, for receipt of said guide bar of said chainsaw;clamp means, for contacting respective sides of said guide bar of said chainsaw; and / ora tether, strap or lashing, or combinations thereof.8.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the slot comprises a transition fit, allowing mounting I dismounting of said chainsaw.9.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp means comprises:a pistol grip clamp;a screw-threaded clamp; ora self-adjusting I auto-adjusting clamp.10.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises:means for mounting the support means to said surface, whether planar or otherwise; and / ormeans for mounting the support means to a tailgate of a vehicle, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface.11.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for mounting comprises one or more lips, for contacting an edge of said surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface.12.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises one or more fasteners, for securing the support means to said surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface.13.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more threaded fasteners...14.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises a framework.15.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first region comprises a first plinth, capable of receiving an engine cowling unit of said chainsaw.16.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein the third region comprises a second plinth, capable of receiving one or more teeth of said guide bar of said chainsaw.17.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second plinth is configured to prevent movement of teeth of said chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance.18.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first and / or second plinth(s) comprise:durable and / or resilient material;anti-slip material;nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, composite plastics, or other plastics material.19.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein at least parts of the first and second plinths are substantially in-line with the means for securing said guide bar of said chainsaw, so as to support the chainsaw in three locations.20.) A chainsaw apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the first and second plinths are configured to raise the level of lower teeth of said chainsaw above the support means at the second region.21.) A method for sharpening and / or conducting maintenance on a chainsaw using a chainsaw support apparatus, the apparatus comprises support means, for mounting upon a surface, wherein the support means comprises:a first region, for receipt of a body of the chainsaw; anda second region, for receipt of a guide bar of the chainsaw, and comprising means for securing the guide bar of the chainsaw, wherein the method comprises mounting the chainsaw comprising, in either order or at the same time:locating a body of the chainsaw on a first region of the apparatus; andbringing into proximity the guide bar of the chainsaw and the second region, and securing the guide bar, prior to conducting sharpening and / or maintenance.22.) A method as claimed in claim 21 comprising locating a distal end of the guide bar of the chainsaw on a third region of the apparatus.23.) A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22 comprising:actively securing the guide bar, by clamping and / or gripping at least part ofthe guide bar; and / orpassively securing the guide bar, through use of a transition fit configuration of means for securing.24.) A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 comprising adjusting a length and / or width of the chainsaw apparatus to adjust its dimensions, either prior to, or after, mounting the chainsaw.25.) A method for mounting a chainsaw support apparatus, for securing a chainsaw during sharpening and / or maintenance, the apparatus comprises support means, for mounting upon a surface, wherein the support means comprises:a first region, for receipt of a body of the chainsaw; anda second region, for receipt of a guide bar of the chainsaw, and comprising means for securing the guide bar of the chainsaw, wherein the method comprising, in either order:adjusting at least one dimension of the chainsaw apparatus to adjust its length and / or width; andmounting the apparatus to a surface, tailgate, flatbed or other planar vehicular surface.

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