Chainsaw mount

Abstract

The invention provides a method and system, as well as apparatus, for storing a chainsaw as normally available in the trade. Chainsaws have a standard basic design and herein is provided a chainsaw mounting bracket to attach a chainsaw to a substantially vertical surface for storage of the chainsaw when attached to the bracket. A method of storing a chainsaw and a system for storing a chainsaw are also provided.

Description

[0001] CHAINSAW MOUNT

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to the storage of a chainsaw when not in use, in particular the invention relates to a chainsaw mount.

[0004] Background

[0005] Storage of chainsaws in a storage area has normally been rather haphazard such as simply leaving the chainsaw on the floor or workbench in a garage. The practice has its problems. Safety concerns arise where the garage or other storage area is accessible by children as is known to happen.

[0006] Chainsaws loosely placed on floors or benches in garages are also known to be common targets for thieves.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a system for storage of a chainsaw which goes at least some way towards ameliorating the problems in the prior art.

[0008] The invention provides a method and system, as well as apparatus, for storing a chainsaw as normally available in the trade. Chainsaws have a standard basic design. A chain rotating on a bar extending forwardly from a housing in which an engine and fuel tank (when petrol driven) are located, and to which are fixed two handles, a rear handle and a forward handle for manual handling of the chainsaw and a base of the housing and rear handle configured to support the chainsaw when placed on a surface such as ground, such that the chain is not in contact with that surface. Felling dogs are commonly present, extending forwardly from the housing, which anchor the chainsaw into a tree or log to provide control over a cut.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a chainsaw mounting bracket comprising a backing member having a means for enabling the member to be attached to a substantially vertical surface for storage of the chainsaw when attached to the bracket, a first locating means positioned towards an upper part of the backing member when attached to the surface and configured to receive a rear part of the chainsaw when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket, and a second locating means positioned towards the lower part of the backing member and providing a surface on which a forward part of the housing of the chainsaw is positioned when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket, the first and second locating means being further configured to retain the chainsaw in its substantially vertical stored position on the bracket when attached to a vertical surface. In this specification the term "retain" means that the chainsaw is stable when mounted on the bracket against normal vibrations likely to occur at that location. In at least a preferred form of the invention the chainsaw is retained on the bracket when stored even against severe shaking sometimes encountered in day to day operations.

[0011] Each locating means is configured to receive two separate parts of the chainsaw, a first complementary part for that part of the chainsaw which is received by the first locating means and a second complementary part for that part of the chainsaw which is received by the second locating means.

[0012] In an example the first complementary part of the chainsaw may be the rear part of the chainsaw received by the first locating means which may be part of the base of the chainsaw located beneath the rear handle. In an example the first complementary part may be the lower part of the rear handle broadening out to a width greater than the rest of that handle.

[0013] In an example the first locating means may be configured to retain the first complementary part of the chainsaw when stored on the bracket to restrict lateral movement of that part.

[0014] In an example the first locating means may be configured to retain the first complementary part of the chainsaw when stored on the bracket to restrict outward movement of that part.

[0015] In an example the first locating means may be configured to retain the first complementary part of the chainsaw when stored on the bracket to restrict both lateral and outward movement of that part.

[0016] In an example the first locating means may have two parts, spaced laterally apart and configured to receive the first complementary part of the rear part of the chainsaw and to retain the chainsaw when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket.

[0017] In an example the two parts of the first locating means may be a first part located on or towards a side edge at or towards an upper part of the backing member and configured to receive the first complementary part of the chainsaw and to restrict movement of that complementary part outwardly and laterally in a direction away from the centre of the backing member, and a second abutment part spaced laterally apart from the first part and configured to further restrict lateral movement of the complementary part in a direction, away from the centre of the backing member generally opposite to the direction of movement restricted by the first part, when the chainsaw is placed in its stored position on the bracket.

[0018] In an example the first part of the first locating means may be a C-channel section opening inwardly in a direction towards the centre of the backing member, into which the first complementary part of the chainsaw is slidable and configured to restrict both outward movement of the complementary part and further lateral movement of that complementary part in a direction away from the centre of the backing member. In an example the first complementary part may be a loose fit within the C- channel section to provide for ease of sliding of the complementary part into that space within the C- channel section and for ease of removing the chainsaw after storage on the bracket, but not so loose as to shake free under normal vibrations at that site.

[0019] In an example the second part of the first locating means may be an abutment projection extending outwardly from the backing member surface and located along or towards the edge of the backing member generally opposite the location of the C-channel section on its side edge of the backing member. In an example the projection may be a flange and of a height, length and angle of projection from the plane of the backing member, sufficient for the first complementary part of the chainsaw to abut against and be inhibited against further lateral movement of that complementary part in a direction away from the C-channel section.

[0020] In an example the complementary part of the chainsaw may then sit neatly within the space provided between the back part of the C-channel section (while underneath the free arm of the C- channel) and the outwardly projecting abutment projection. In an example the space may be dimensioned and shaped to functionally accommodate two or more similarly dimensioned and shaped types of chainsaws.

[0021] In an example, since parts of chainsaws may vary, individual brackets may need to be made for different chainsaws to accommodate such variations. In an example a kit of two or more brackets may then be provided, with each bracket being differently configured in shape and size on which a different chainsaw may be stored.

[0022] In an example the second complementary part of the chainsaw that is to be positioned on the second locating means may be a forward face of the housing.

[0023] In an example the second locating means may be a projection extending outwardly from the backing member generally horizontally onto which the second complementary part of the chainsaw may rest when stored on the bracket.

[0024] In an example the projection may extend sufficiently outwardly to support the resting chainsaw and be configured to generally maintain it safely in its stored position with the rear end of the chainsaw located in the first locating means on the bracket secured to a vertical surface.

[0025] In an example the front edge of the projection may be upwardly bent forming an upwardly extending lip starting from part way along that edge and increasing in height until ending at the side edge of the projection. In an example this upward lip may be at an angle between a vertical and the horizontal plane of the projection which may assist in keeping the second complementary part of the chainsaw on the projection when stored in the bracket, and to assist in the first complementary part of the chainsaw being retained in the first locating means.

[0026] In an alternative example, the projection may be inclined upwardly from the left hand edge to the right hand edge or in a further alternative example, there may be present an upstanding protrusion or protrusions towards the right hand edge of the projection on which, in each of these alternative examples, the forward face of the housing may rest, when the chainsaw is positioned in its stored position on the bracket.

[0027] The invention includes all examples, but in making any particular bracket the ease of manufacture may lead to choosing one type of projection in preference to the others.

[0028] The invention provides a storage bracket that enables a chainsaw to be stored in position on a bracket without the need for any additional securing devices such as a belt, chain, strap, or bar to hold the rear part of the chainsaw in place within the first locating means. Such additional securing devices, optionally including a locking device, such as a padlock, may still be provided to users to attach to the chainsaw on the bracket, to inhibit unauthorised removal of the chainsaw such as theft.

[0029] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of storing a chainsaw comprising attaching at a predetermined position, a chainsaw mounting bracket, as set forth in the first aspect, to a substantially vertical surface of a wall located at a predetermined site, inverting a chainsaw with the chain bar pointing downwardly, placing the rear part of the chainsaw within the first locating means and resting a forward part of the housing, downwardly located and spaced apart from the rear part, on the second locating means, with all parts of the bracket being configured to retain the chainsaw in place.

[0030] In an example this method may include attaching a securing device with a locking member to lock the chainsaw in place to inhibit unauthorised detachment of the chainsaw.

[0031] In a third aspect there is provided a system for storing a chainsaw on a vertical surface at a site comprising a chainsaw mounting bracket as set forth in the first aspect and attachment means for attaching the bracket to the surface.

[0032] In an example the system may also include a securing device and locking member to lock the chainsaw in the bracket. In a fourth aspect there is provided a chainsaw mounting bracket for storing a chainsaw , comprising a backing plate of strong rigid material such as having an outer shape generally similar to the silhouette of the chainsaw housing when in an inverted disposition with the chain pointing downwardly, the backing plate having, when viewed in front elevation, at a position at or towards its upper part, a first locating means to receive the rear part of the chainsaw, and at a position at or towards its lower part, a second locating means, the first locating means having an inwardly facing C- channel section, at or towards a first side edge of the upper part of the plate configured to receive a first side edge of the rear part of the chainsaw and having, at or towards the opposing second side edge of the plate, an abutment projection, such as a flange, against which a part of a second side edge of the rear part of the chainsaw, generally opposite to the first side edge, may abut to prevent further lateral movement of that complementary part of the chainsaw, the second locating means having a projection, such as a flange, at least partially generally horizontal and extending outwardly when the bracket is viewed in front elevation, forming a ledge, on which a forward part of the chainsaw (downwardly disposed from the rear part of the chainsaw) may rest when the chainsaw is in a stored position, the first and second locating means being further configured to retain the chainsaw in its substantially vertical stored position on the bracket when attached to a vertical surface.

[0033] In an example the bracket may be of a rigid strong material such as 2mm stainless steel. In an example the whole bracket may be formed integrally by first cutting from a sheet according to a template and shaping each of the locating means through a pressing process as will be well known to artisans in that industry.

[0034] In an example the bracket may alternatively be made modular with the backing member and the first and second locating means being made and supplied separately along with parts, and, if necessary, directions, to securely attach the first and second locating means to the backing member such as by welding or any other strong joining method.

[0035] In an example the bracket may have means enabling its attachment to the vertical surface such as predrilled holes, to receive screws or nails, in a predetermined position. In an example the bracket may be removably attached to a surface.

[0036] In an example the surface itself may be a wall at a suitable height within a storage area such as within a garage to position the chainsaw at a desired height such as out of the reach of children. In an example the surface may be on any solid surface such as a wall, pole, or post. In an example the chainsaw when in place may have additional attachments to lock the chainsaw in place for security. In an example, the two parts of the first locating means may have slots through which a sliding bar may fit which may be padlocked as an anti-theft measure.

[0037] The foregoing brief summary broadly describes the features and technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention. Further technical advantages will be described in the detailed description of the invention and examples that follows.

[0038] Novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description of the invention when considered in connection with any accompanying figures and examples. However, the figures and examples provided herein are intended to help illustrate the invention or assist with developing an understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention's scope.

[0039] Detailed Description

[0040] Drawings

[0041] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic view of one standard type of currently marketed chainsaw.

[0043] Figure 2 is a plan view, from above, of the rear end of the chainsaw forward of the line II - II shown in Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of one type of bracket of the invention.

[0045] Figure 4 is a front elevation view of another type of bracket of the invention.

[0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view of Figure 3.

[0047] Figure 6 is a perspective view of Figure 4.

[0048] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of one type of bracket showing an outline of a chainsaw mounted on the bracket shown in Figure 3.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1 a standard chainsaw has a chain 1 having cutting teeth and moving over a bar 2. The bar extends forwardly in the view shown in Figure 1 from a housing 3 which contains the fuel tank (for a petrol driven chainsaw) and engine. Extending rearwardly from the housing 3 is a rear handle 4. Attached to and rising above the housing 3 is a forward handle 5. An operator can grip by hand the rear handle 4 and the forward handle 5 for manual control of the chainsaw. A hand protector 7 extends from the front part of the housing 3 to protect the hand of an operator when the chainsaw is in use. Commonly extending forwardly from the housing may be a felling dog or dogs (not shown) which anchor the chainsaw in use, when cutting a tree or log to provide control over the cut.

[0050] Underneath the housing 3 and the rear handle 4 is a base surface indicated by arrow 8. The housing has a forward face 6.

[0051] As shown in plan in Figure 2 in one design of chainsaw, the lower part 8A broadens in width to provide a foot part to rest on a surface such as ground when the chainsaw is temporarily not in use. On the rearward end on one side of that broadened part 8A, a lip can be provided. The side edges 9 and 10 of the broadened lower part may taper rearwardly.

[0052] Directions used in this specification.

[0053] Reference is made to various directions throughout this specification. Some of these are explained as follows:

[0054] Rear end of housing, that part of the housing 3 from which the rear handle 4 extends.

[0055] Forward end of housing, that part of the housing from which the chain 1 and bar 2 extend,

[0056] Rearwardly and forwardly consequently mean directions towards the rear handle and towards the chain bar respectively.

[0057] Other directions will be explained later.

[0058] Referring now to Figures 1 - 4, the chainsaw mounting bracket (the bracket) is indicated by arrow 11 having an elongated flat plate section 12 and having towards the upper part a first locating means indicated by arrows 13 and towards the lower part a second locating means indicated by arrow 14. The flat plate section 12 may be formed from a rigid material of a strength and dimension to effectively support the chainsaw, when mounted in the bracket attached to a surface, such as 2-inch- thick stainless-steel plate.

[0059] The plate section 12 may be shaped and sized to generally match the silhouette of a chainsaw housing 3 and rearwardly extending handle 4, when the chainsaw is in its inverted disposition. The plate 12 may have several predrilled holes, such as 15a and 15b, for fixing the plate to a surface, with nails or screws or other fastening means. Further holes can be seen in each Figure. Sufficient holes are provided to ensure the bracket is securely fixed to the surface. The bracket may also be removably fixed to the surface. The first locating means 13 may have two parts, a first C-channel section part 17 rising outwardly from the plane of the plate, from a first side edge 19 (Figures 3 and 5) or C-channel section part 18 extending laterally and rising outwardly from the plane of the plate, from a first side edge 20 (Figures 4 and 6). Each C-channel section part 17 or 18 is configured with a depth to receive the side edge 9 of the lower part 8A of the rear handle 4. The two C-section parts 17 and 18 shown in figures 3 to 6 are exemplary of the first part of the first locating means that may be used in this invention.

[0060] The small extension of the C-channel section 18 from the side edge 20, shown in Figure 4, may be increased further than that as shown, to accommodate chainsaws with wider bodied rear handle bases.

[0061] The second part, which is termed an abutment part, is shown as item 21 (Figures 3 and 5) and as item 22 (Figures 4 and 6) and is a projection generally outwardly extending from the plane of the plate 12 from a second side edge 23 ( Figures 3 and 5) or second side edge 24 (Figures 4 and 6) at a position generally opposite the position of each of the C-channel section parts 17 or 18 respectively. The abutment part may extend generally at a suitable angle from the plane of the plate 12 such as a right angle (Figures 3 and 5) or at an obtuse angle (Figures 4 and 6). This angle may vary along with the height and length of each abutment part 21 or 22 while ensuring the part effectively limits further lateral travel of a side part 10 of the lower part 8A of the rear handle 4 (Figures 1, 2 and 3) when stored in the bracket and abutting against the abutment part, while allowing the chainsaw to be placed in its stored position on the bracket as will be discussed later in this specification.

[0062] The width of the free arm of the C-channel section 18 or 19 may be up to about half of the distance between the rear surface of the C-channel section and the abutment part 21 or 22 respectively. The length of that free arm may be up to about two thirds of the distance from the rearward end of the chainsaw to the rearward face of the housing of the chainsaw.

[0063] The dimensions and shape of all the parts of the bracket will vary to accommodate different dimensions in chainsaws and to permit the chainsaw to be fitted onto and be retained on the bracket for storage.

[0064] The second locating means 14 is located at or towards the bottom side edge of the plate 12 and may form a ledge like projection 25 on which a forward face 6 of the housing 3 of the chainsaw (Figure 1) may rest.

[0065] The angle at which the projection 25 extends outwardly may be generally at a right angle to the plane of the plate 12 and generally horizontal or any angle such that the chainsaw when stored on the bracket is stable. The stability of the chainsaw when stored may be enhanced by a part 26 of the front edge of the projection 25 being upturned to form an upwardly extending I ip, starting from partway along the edge and increasing in height until ending at or towards the side edge 27. The upturn 26 may further assist in the lower part 8A of the rear handle 4(Figure 2), being retained in the C-channel section in the first locating means 13 as described above.

[0066] Referring to Figure 7, a chainsaw 28 is shown in ghost lines mounted on the bracket shown in Figure 3. The lower part 8A of the rear handle 4 having side edges 9 and 10 fits in the space between the C- channel section and the abutment projection 21. The forward face of housing 3 rests on ledge 25 and on the rim of the upturned lip 26. This results in the chainsaw twisting in an anticlockwise direction and driving the rearward part 8A into the C-channel sectionl7 or 18.

[0067] Directions for other parts

[0068] All other directions are relative to the front elevation view of the flat plate 12 of the brackets in Figures 3 to 7:

[0069] The upper and lower parts are where the first and second locating means are located respectively,

[0070] Lateral movement is towards the side edges 19, 20 in one direction and 23 and 24 in the opposite direction away from the vertical axis of the plate, and

[0071] Outward movement is forward out of the plane of the plate.

[0072] The bracket may be made by cutting a sheet of suitable strong material according to a template and then shaping the locating means by pressing. Alternatively, both the backing plate and the individual parts of each locating means may be preformed separately and sold with directions for joining the parts to the backing plate such as by welding or other secure means.

[0073] The storage of the chainsaw on the bracket will be described by reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 7.

[0074] The bracket is secured to a vertical surface. The chainsaw is inverted with the chain bar pointing downwardly. The chainsaw is tilted sideways with the edge 9 of the lower part 8A of the rear handle 4 lower than the opposing edge 10 (Figure 2) so that the lower part 8A of the rear handle 4 can clear the upper lip of the projection 21. The chainsaw can then be manually moved sideways so that the edge 9 slides within the C- channel section until the edge 10 clears the upstanding projection 21, the chainsaw is tilted back so that edges 9 and 10 are substantially level and the underneath surface 8 of the housing 8 positioned on the surface of the plate 13. The chainsaw may need to be first rotated in a clockwise direction so that the chain bar 2 is clear of the projection 25, as the lower part 8A is slid into its complementary C-channel section, and then rotated anticlockwise for the forward face 6 of the housing to be positioned resting on the projection 25.

[0075] There may be a degree of tolerance allowing movement of the lower part 8A of the rear handle 4 within the C-channel section when the chainsaw is in its stored position so as to permit one bracket to be usable for more than one design of chain saws. In some cases, a bracket may need to be custom designed for each different individual chainsaw and this may require a variation in the size, shape and other parameters of the first and second locating means and the distance between the two means.

[0076] Referring to Figure 6, depending on brand and model of chainsaw, the bottom projection 25 will vary in length (D1) and width (D3) to accommodate variation in chainsaw dimensions and retain the chainsaw in an upright position on the bracket fixed to a solid wall or structure. The upturned and angled lip 26 assists in keeping the rear part of the chainsaw secured within the C-channel section 18. The lip may run the entire length of the projection 25 or to a point a distance D2 from the corner with the left hand edge that minimises interference with the felling dogs when present when fitting the chainsaw to the bracket. The angle "A" of the lip may be up to and including 90 degrees depending on chainsaw but is typically at a 45 degree angle from the plane of the upper surface of the projection 25. This angle can then be any value above zero and increasing in 1 deg C increments up to 90 degrees C. The height H of lip 26 may be determined by the brand and model of chainsaw to be stored on the bracket and may be up to and including 50mm tapering down to 0mm depending on the size of felling dogs fitted to the chainsaw and ensuring that the twisting of the chainsaw when stored is sufficient to drive the rear part 8A into the C-channel section as discussed previously.

[0077] The right-hand side projection (21 and 22) has a size, width, and length determined by the size, shape and brand of chainsaw to be stored on the bracket. This may include from a 30mm projection to a projection that may run the entire length of the of the right-hand side of the plate 12 provided.it does not interfere with the placement of the chainsaw on the bracket.

[0078] All of these dimensions for the bracket parts are variable to enable a particular chainsaw to be readily placed in position on the bracket and be retained in use as discussed above.

[0079] A set of brackets, such as in a kit, may be supplied to match a range of different shapes and sizes of chainsaws. As used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended rather than exclusive. Specifically, when used in this specification, including the claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps, or components are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0080] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0081] While this invention has been described with reference to specific features and steps it is not to be construed as being limited thereto. Furthermore, where equivalent features and steps are known to exist to specific features and steps referred to herein, such equivalent features and steps are included herein as if specifically set forth.

Claims

Claims1. A chainsaw mounting bracket comprising a backing member having a means for enabling the member to be attached to a substantially vertical surface for storage of the chainsaw when attached to the bracket, a first locating means positioned towards an upper part of the backing member and configured to receive a rear part of the chainsaw when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket, and a second locating means positioned towards the lower part of the backing member and providing a surface on which a forward part of the chainsaw is positioned when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket, the first and second locating means being further configured to retain the chainsaw in its substantially vertical stored position on the bracket when attached to a vertical surface.

2. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first locating means is configured to receive a lower part of a rear handle of the chainsaw.

3. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first locating means is configured to retain a first complementary part of the chainsaw, when stored on the bracket, and to restrict lateral movement of that part.

4. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first locating means is configured to retain a first complementary part of the chainsaw, when stored on the bracket, and to restrict outward movement of that part.

5. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first locating means is configured to retain a first complementary part of the chainsaw, when stored on the bracket, and to restrict both lateral and outward movement of that part.

6. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first locating means has two parts, spaced laterally apart and configured to receive the first complementary part of the rear part of the chainsaw and to retain the chainsaw when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket.

7. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 6 wherein a first part of the first locating means is located on or towards a side edge at or towards an upper part of the backing member and is configured to receive the first complementary part of the chainsaw and to restrict lateral movement, in a direction away from the centre of the backing member, and outward movement of the complementary part, and a second abutment part spaced laterally apart from the first part and configured to further restrict lateral movement of the complementary part, in a direction, away fromthe centre of the backing member, in a direction generally opposite to that restricted by the first part, when the chainsaw is in its stored position on the bracket.

8. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first part of the first locating means is a C-channel section opening inwardly in a direction towards the centre of the backing member, into which the first complementary part of the chainsaw is slidable, and configured to restrict both outward movement of the complementary part and further lateral movement of that part in a direction away from the centre of the backing member.

9. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first complementary part of the chainsaw is a loose fit within the C-channel section for ease of sliding the complementary part into that space within the C-channel section, and for ease of removing the chainsaw after storage, but not so loose as to allow the complementary part to shake free under normal vibrations at the site of storage.

10. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 9 wherein the second part of the first retaining means is an abutment projection extending outwardly from the backing member surface and located along or towards the side edge of the backing member generally opposite the location of the C-channel section on its side edge of the backing member.

11. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 10 wherein the projection is a flange of a height, length and angle of projection from the plane of the backing member, sufficient for the first complementary part of the chainsaw to abut against and be inhibited against further lateral movement in a direction away from the C-channel section.

12. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the chainsaw has a housing from which the first complementary part of the chainsaw projects rearwardly and which has a forward face which is the second complementary part of the chainsaw that is to be positioned on the second locating means.

13. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first complementary part is a base part of a rear handle of the chainsaw extending rearwardly from the housing.

14. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the second locating means is a projection extending, generally horizontally, and outwardly from the backing member onto which the second complementary part of the chainsaw rests when stored on the bracket.

15. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 14 wherein the projection extends sufficiently outwardly to support the resting chainsaw and configured to retain the chainsaw safely in its stored position when the first complementary part of the rearward end of the chainsaw is located in the first locating means.

16. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 15 wherein the front edge of the projection forming the second locating means is upwardly bent to form an upwardly extending lip starting from part way along that edge and increasing in height until ending at or towards the side edge of the projection.

17. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 16 wherein the upwardly extending lip is at an angle between a vertical and the horizontal plane of the projection to assist in maintaining the first complementary part of the chainsaw in position in the first locating means, when the chainsaw is stored on the bracket.

18. A chainsaw mounting bracket for storing a chainsaw , comprising a backing plate of strong rigid material, and when viewed in front elevation, having at a position at or towards its upper part a first locating means to receive a first rear part of the chainsaw, and at a position at or towards its lower part a second locating means, the first locating means having an inwardly facing C-channel section at or towards a first side edge of the upper part of the plate configured to receive a first side edge of a first complementary part of the rear part of the chainsaw and having, at or towards the opposing side edge of the plate, an abutment projection against which a part of a second side edge of the rear part of the chainsaw, generally opposite to the position where the first side edge of the first complementary part of the rear part of the chainsaw engages with the C-section, abuts to prevent further lateral movement of the complementary part, the second locating means having a projection at least partially substantially horizontal when the bracket is viewed in front elevation, and extending outwardly forming a ledge, and having a front edge bent upwardly to form a lip starting part way along the front edge and increasing in height until ending at or towards the side edge of the projection on which a forward second complementary part of the chainsaw rests when the chainsaw is in a stored position.

19. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 made of a rigid strong material such as 2mm stainless steel.

20. The chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 formed integrally by first cutting a required shaped plate according to a template and shaping each of the locating means through a pressing process.

21. A chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 made modular with the backing member and each of the locating means being made and supplied separately, along with parts and if necessary, the directions required to securely attach both the two-locating means to the backing member such as by welding or other strong joining method.

22. A chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 in which slots are provide in the first locating means through which a bar can be slid to secure the chainsaw to the bracket together with a padlock to lock the bar in place.

23. A method of storing a chainsaw, comprising attaching at a predetermined position, a chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 to a substantially vertical surface at a site, inverting a chainsaw so that the chain bar is pointing downwardly, placing the rear part of the chainsaw within the first locating means and resting a forward part of the housing, downwardly located and spaced apart from the rear part, on the second locating means, with all parts of the bracket being configured to retain the chainsaw in place.

24. A method of storing a chainsaw comprising attaching at a predetermined position, a chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in claim 23 to a substantially vertical surface at a site, inverting a chainsaw so that the chain bar is pointing downwardly, tilting the chainsaw so that the first side edge of the rear part of the chainsaw is lower than the second side edge, moving the chainsaw sideways into the C-channel section and at the same time or subsequently rotating the chainsaw in an anticlockwise direction so that the chain bar clears the lip on the projection forming the second locating means., then rotating the chainsaw back to a vertical disposition and then or at the same time reversing the tilting motion such that the chainsaw housing sits in a stable position on the lip on the projection with the rearward part of the chainsaw sitting within the space between the C-channel section and the abutment projection.

25. A system for storing a chainsaw on a vertical surface at a site comprising a chainsaw mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 and attachment means for attaching the bracket to the surface.

26. A system as claimed in claim 25 including a locking device for locking the chainsaw to the bracket.

Images