Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02288575 1999-11-08
BLOCK SPLITTING DEVICE
CROSS-REFERBNGE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)
None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to as apparatus for splitting masonry blocks,
such as those commonly used in construction.
Blocks may be used to construct walls. Such walls typically serve
as landscape retaining walls or structural walls in buildings. Often, blocks
must be
cut to the proper size during construction. : Sometimes, a builder or
installer will be
able to plan for custom-sized mamtffactured concrete blocks and have them pre-
ordered to fit. However, this is not always possible. While the maauihctiuas
that
pmduco blocks have the necessary equipmem for cutting the blocks down to size,
it is not always comronient for the installer to wait for blocks that are
being
processed at the maaufscturiag facility. Thus, an apparatus that will allow an
installer to customize blocks on-situ offers great utility.
While prior art products have attempted to meet this need, they have
all had associated disadvantages. For example, a sputter produced by Park
Industries weighs close to 400 pounds. Thus, it is cumbersome and di~cult to
move around the job site, requiting several people to maneuver it into
position This
device also uses a hydraulic cylinder to lift a block into place. After some
use, the
hydraulic seals start to look and the device requires a relatively high degree
of
maintenance. Thus, there is a need for a lightweight and easy-to-maintain
block
splitting device. Additionally, in operation, the height setting must be
readjusted
behweea splits. The need to lower and raise the frame between each use
decreases
the user's productivity and causes additional wear on the device. Thus, there
is a
need for a durable block splitting device that will allow the user to split
tmmerous
blocks in quick succession without repositioning the setting of the device
between
each block.
Another device is produced by Probst, a G~maa company. While
it is a lightweight unit that can be easily moved around a job site, it is
di~cult to use.
CA 02288575 1999-11-08
The height of the lower frame is adjusted by two cranks on either side of the
frame.
If the user does not turn the croaks on both the sides at exactly the same
rate, the
frame bas a tendency to bind. Thus, there is a need for a splitting device
that adjusts
height settings smoothly and evenly.
An additional disadvantage of the prior art products is that the
cutting blades are generally di~cult or expensive to replace. Because the
blades are
a primary wear item, it is desirable to have ~ blade that is durable and
easily, quickly,
and relatively inexpensively replaced.
BRIEF SLIN1~IARY OF THE IZ~1VEN'1ZON
The pnosent invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art
by providing a block splitting device which is easily maneuverable around a
construction site, easily adjusted to accommodate different sized products to
be
split, durable, and inacpeasive and simple to use sad maintain. It can be used
with
any type of block or stone material such as natural stone, concrete block,
masonry
block or brick, cement block, or the like.
The presatt imretttion consists essentially of a frame, a movable lower
blade carrier and a splitting mechanism. The lower blade carrier supports a
block
table and both move vertically toward the splitting mechanism. The splitting
mechanism includes an upper blade sad a handle assembly. The block table and
lower blade carrier are raise without tilting by two threaded rods linked by a
roller
chain The block is split whd~ the handle assembly is turned, applying pressure
oa
the block generated by a slight movement of the upper blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWll~tGS
The present ikon will be further explained with reference to the
atta~chWfigutea, wherein like sttucdirea are referred to by like numerals
throughout
the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block splitting device embodying
the present ipvmtion.
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3
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the block splitting device before
the block table is raised.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the block splitting device with the
block table raised.
FIG. 4 is a exoss-sectional view of the block splitting device taken
along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the block splitting device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of tho cam of the upper blade carrier.
While the above~identified drawings set forth one preferred
embodime~, other embodiments of the present imrention are also contemplated,
as
noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments of
the
present invention by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other
modifications sad embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which
fall
within the scope and spirit of the principles of this inve~ion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in FIG. 1, block splitting dcvicx 10 embodying the present
iron includes base member 12, lower blade carrier 14, block table 16, frame
18,
which houses upper blade carrier 20 (not visible in FIG. 1), handle assembly
22
comprising handle attachment 24 and handle 26, and creak 28. Frame 18 further
includes front rod housing 30 and rear rod housing 32. Hasp 12 includes a pair
of
wheels 34, preferably with rubber tires, and handle receiving member 36. Lower
blade carrier 14 also includes table mourns 38 and compression spriqgs 40, on
which
block table 16 is mounted. Lower blade carrier 14 carries lower blade 42.
Frame
18 encloses the mechanisms for moving block table 16 and upper blade carrier
20
(not visible in FIG. 1). Crank 28 is used for moving block table 16 up and
down.
Frame 18 also includes handle backstop 46.
In operation, a user slides masonry block 48 onto block table 16,
which is initially held slightly above the cutting surface of lower blade 42
by springs
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40 (see FIG. 2). This features allows block 48 to be slid onto block table 16
without
obstruction by lawet blade 42. The user then lifts handle assembly 22 to raise
upper
blade carrier 20, which carries upper blade 44, to position upper blade 44 for
cutting
(this step can also be performed prior to loading block table 16 with block
48).
When handle assembly 22 reaches handle backstop 46, upper cutting blade 44 is
in
a raised position. Backstop 46 prevents handle assembly 22 from being moved so
far that handle assembly 22 contacts crank 28, thereby prevecaing possible
damage
to crank 28.
With handle assembly ZZ in the upcxght position, the user turns crank
28 to lift block table 16. Block table 16 ascends along with lower blade
carrier 14,
which slides up along front and rear rod housings 30 and 32 of upper frame 18
until
the upper surface of block 48 nearly contacts upper blade 44 (see FIGS. 3 and
4).
Both ends of lower blade cattier 14 ascend evenly and uniformly without
tilting or
bindia$. The user than lowers handle asaembly 22 to lower upper blade carrier
20
and upper blade 44. The downward force ofupper blade 44, along with the weight
of block 48, causes compression of springs 40, resulting in contact betmeen
lower
blade 42 and the bottom surface of block 48 (lower blade 42 projects through
slot
50 is block table 16, as seen is FIGS. 1, 4 and 5).
Upper blade 44 is aligned in a vertical plane with lower blade 42.
As handle assembly 22 is pulled down, upper blade 44 only moves down a
fraction
of an inch, and block 48 is split along the plane de5ned by the cutting edge
of upper
blade 44 and the cutting edge of lower blade 42.
FIG. 2 shows a side elavational view of block splitting device 10
befort block table 16 is raised. It shows base 12 with handle-receiving member
36
and rubber tire wheols 34. Lower blade carrier 14 further includes lower blade
retainers 52 and U-shaped end sections 54. End sections 54 of lower blade
carrier
14 include threaded yoke members 56.
CA 02288575 1999-11-08
Frame 18 includes front rod housing 30, rear rod housing 32, upper
housing 58, and cover 60. Prod rod housing 30 includes front threaded rod 62
sad
two sits 64 which expose rod 62. Rest rod housing 32 includes rear threaded
rod
66 sad two slits 64 which acpose rod 66. Upper housing 58 iacludea cam 68,
upper
5 blade carrier 20, roller chain 70, and handle attachment 24. Upper blade
carrier 20
includes upper blade 44, upper blade retainers 74, and blade leveling studs
76.
Rubber tire wheels 34 are provided on base i2 to allow block
splitting device 10 to be easily moved as seeded. Extension 78 on the rear of
base
12 provides stability when sputter 10 is in use and prevents the device from
tipping
over from the force used to turn handle assembly 22. Handle-receiving member
36
is positioned on base 12 opposite wheels 34. Block sputter 10 is maneuvered by
mounting handle 64 on handle receiving number 36. The user uses handle 26 to
tip block splitter 10 up onto wheels 34 by lifting the front and of block
sputter 10.
The user can then maneuver block spJitter 10 as ha or she would move a
wheelbarrow, for example.
One or more table mounts 38 are attached to the lower blade cattier
14. A compression spring 40 is placed behween each table mount 38 and block
table
16, along spring stabilizer rod 80, which is effaced to block table 16 at
upper end
81A, exta~ds through a hole in respective table mount 38, and has at its lower
end
24 head 81B. (FIGS. 2 and 3). Iowa blade 42 sits in lower blade carrier 14 and
is held
in place by one or more lower blade retainers 52. U-shaped end sections 54
extend
from both aides of lower blade carrier 14 and receive rod housings 30 and 32
of
frame 18. lend sections 54 slide up and down along rod housings 30 and 32.
Each
end section 54 further includes a threaded yoke member 56, which receives one
of
threaded rods 62 or 66. Yoke members 56 extend through rod housings 30 and 32
of frame 18 via slits 64, and yoke members 56 move vertically within rod
housings
sad 32 along the length of slits 64.
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Upper housing 58 of frame 18 houses the splitting aad cranking
mechanisms. Cam 68 is positioned within upper blade carrier 20. Cam 68 is
coupled to handle attachment 24 and rotates within upper blade carrier 20 as
handle
attachment 24 is turned. Roller chain 70 connects front threaded red 62 and
rear
threaded rod 66, sync)no~~i~ing their rotation. Cover 60 encloses upper
housing 58
and its contents and allows dank 28 to communicate with front threaded rod 62.
FIG. 2 shows the position of block table 16 relative to lower blade
42 before block 48 contacts upper blade 44. In this position, the cuttiag edge
of
lower blade 42 is slightly below the table surfs~ce of block table 16. The
mechanisms
of the device will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except a section of block table 16 has
hem removed, exposiag lower blade 42, to illustrate the configuration of the
cutting
mechanism. Block table 16 is now raised so that the upper surface of block 48
almost contacts upper blade 44, and upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44
are
about to be lowered. ?his lowering is accomplished by the t<u~ning of cam 68
(shown
in detail in FIG. 6) via handle assembly 22, which causes upper blade carrier
20 and
upper blade 44 to move downward, putting pressure on block 48. This downward
prese~ue causes compression of springs 40 and dowmvard movement of block table
16 so that lower blade 42 contacts the bottom surface of block 48 as blade 42
extends through slot 50 of block table 16. This pressure also causes head 81B
of
each stabilizer rod 80 to extend beyond and below its respective table mount
38, as
seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additional pressure, exerted by manual maaipulatioa of
cam
68 through handle assombly 22, urges upper blade 44 and lower blade 42
together,
causing block 48 to split along the plane defined by the cutting edges of
blades 42
and 44.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of block splitting device 10 taken
along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and shows plane A-A along which block 48 splits.
Lower
blade 42 and upper blade 44 are preferably formed from pieces of heat treated
or
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hardened steel. In a preferred embodiment, blades 42 and 44 bout square-shaped
cross-sections (see FIGS. 4 and 5). With this configuration, they easily fit
into v-
shaped troughs 82 and 84 defined in lower and upper blade carriers 14 and 20,
respectively, Each ninety-degree corner of blades 42 and 44 is sharpened, so
that
when an aige becomes dull, the blade can be simply flipped 90° or
180° to reveal a
new edge. Thus, each blade has four cutting surfaces that can be used before
the
blade must be replaced. Wha~ replacement becomes necessary, the task requires
only a few s'smple steps using common tools. The user first removes blade
retainers
52 or 74. In a preferred embodiment, the user can simply unbolt and unscrew
retainers 52 or 74. Thaw the user removes the old blade, puts a now blade in
the
trough (or rotates the old blade to present a new cutting edge), and replaces
the
blade retainers. It is obvious to users skilled is the art that other cross-
sectional
shapes may be used for the blades and corresponding troughs.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of block splittia8 device 10.
Front threaded rod 62 and rear threaded rod 66 are disposed is front rod
housing
30 and rear rod housing 3Z, respectively. Front threaded rod 62 and rear
threaded
rod 66 are both screwed into their respective threaded yoke members 56. Yoke
members 56 ride up and down threaded rods 62 and b6 as threaded rods 62 and 66
rotate. Yoke membars 56 are fixed within notches 86 of U-shaped end sections
54
of louver blade carrier 14. Roper chain 70 connects front threaded rod 62 and
rear
threadal rod 66 so that the rods 62 and, 66 rotate at tho same rate. Thus,
whey front
and rear threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate, yoke members 56 ride up and down
along
screws 62 and 66 uniformly, thereby lifting and lowering lower blade carrier
14
smoothly and without tilting or binding. Fbrthermore, since lower blade
carrier 14
supports block table 16, as threaded rods 62 and 66 rotate, block table 16
moves up
and down.
Upper blade carrier 20 also houses a mller bearing 88 adjacent cam
68. Upper blade 44 is held in upper blade carrier 20 by upper blade rctaiaers
74.
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Additional roller bearings 90 are placed on cam abaft 108 of cam 68, oa both
sides
of upper blade carrier 20. Upper blade carrier 20 also carries blade leveling
studs
76. This upper blade carrier assembly is housed in upper housing 58 of frame
18.
A flange bushing 92, thrust washer 94, rod bearing block 96, and
sprocket 98 or 99 are placed oa each of frost and rear threaded rods 62 and
66.
Rod bearing blocks 96 help to provide stability to respective threaded rods 62
or 66
by )moping the threaded rode straight sad centered as they rotate. Sprockets
98 and
99 are coupled to their respective threaded ends 62 and 66 by roll pins 100.
An
endless roller chain 70 Qactenda between sprocket 98 on threaded and 62 and
sprocket 99 on threaded rod 66. A cover 60 is placed over upper housing 58,
and
crank 28 is attached to front threaded rod 62. Handle attachment 24 couples to
cam
shaft 108 of cam 68, and handle 26 is retnovably attached to beadle attachment
24.
In use, an operator slides a block 48 to be cut oho black table 16.
The user lifts handle assembly 22 to raise upper blade carrier 20, and thereby
raise
upper blade 44, to position it for cutting. The operator then turns crank 28
to lift
block table 16, and thereby lift block 48. In a preferred embodiment, a square-
shaped hole 102 in crank 28 mates with a squared tip 104 of front threaded rod
62
(see FIG. 5). Thus, when creak 28 is turned, front threaded rod 62 and its
respective sprocket 98 also turn Roller chain 70 connecting sprocket 98 on
threaded rod 62 to sprocket 99 on threaded rod 66 causes rear threaded rod 66
to
turn at the same rate as front threaded rod 62. As threaded rode 62 and 66
rotate
together, they cause both ends of lower blade carrier 14, and thus block table
16, to
move up sad down uniformly (via yoke members 56 connected to lower blade
carrier 14) without tilting.
The operator turns creak 28 so as to move block table 16 up so that
upper blade 44 nearly contacts the upper surface of block 48. The operator
then
lowers handle assembly 22, turning cam 68. Cam 68 causes upper blade carrier
20,
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and thus upper blade 44, to move downward. Once block 48 is split along plane
A-A defined by the cutting edge of upper blade 44 and the cutting edge of
lower
blade 42, the operator returns handle assembly 22 to the upright position,
raising
upper blade carrier 20 and upper blade 44. Then the operator may remove the
pieces of now-split block 48 and insert another block for splitting. The
operator
splits the new block by simply pulling down on handle assembly ZZ. The present
invention allows a user to split numerous blocks of the same height in quirk
succession because the operator does not need to adjust the height of block
table 16
between each block.
To work with different sized blocks, the operator can adjust the
position of block table 16. The operator turns crank 28 to lower or raise
block table
16. Block table 15 descends and ascends without tilting or binding as the
synchronic rotation of threaded rods 62 and 66 causes threaded yoke members 56
to move uniformly downward or upward.
FIG. 6 .is a perspective view of cam 68 of upper blade carrier 20,
illustrating the offset nature of tho cam. Cam 68 comprises cam body 105 and
cam
shaft 108.
In inclusion, the present imremioa provides a lightweight, effective,
durable, economical and easy to use block. splitting device. While the
principles of
this invention have been described in connection with a specific embodiment,
it
should be clearly undeurstood that those descriptions are made only by way of
example and are not intended to limit the scope of the imrention. Workers
skilled
in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form sad detail without
departing from the spirit sad scope of the invention. For instance, while a
manually
25. operative block aplitter is disclosed, it is understood that other force
application
arrangements (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, motorized, etc.) would since.
