LOG SAW PUSHER ASSEMBLY
The unitary pusher arms of the present invention may be easily and quickly changed out of a receptive base to accommodate different log saw configurations. The increased modularity is an improvement over prior art pusher arms, which are difficult to change and generally require the loosening and fastening of several different fasteners. Not only are the present arms easy to change out, they may also be color coordinated with different product types so that an operator may quickly and easily identify the appropriate size and shaped pusher to be used with a given product. These advantages improve operational efficiency, reduce the likelihood of mismatched pusher and log size, and increase operator safety.
1 . A log saw pusher assembly comprising a unitary pusher arm having a substantially vertical arm, a paddle and a base portion, the paddle and base integrally formed with the arm; a pusher arm holder adapted to receive the base portion and a means for fastening the base to the holder.
2 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for fastening the base to the holder is selected from a threaded fastener, a mechanical fastener, and deformable locking member.
3 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for fastening the base to the holder is a mechanical fastener comprising a spring biased fastener.
4 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for fastening the base to the holder consists of a threaded screw or threaded bolt and the holder comprises a threaded recess adapted to receive the screw or bolt.
5 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a substantially rectangular central depressed section bonded on at least two of its sides by an overhanging shoulder, the holder adapted to receive the base in a slidable arrangement.
6 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a substantially rectangular planar plate having a front edge and a mounting flange extending from the front edge and the holder has a recessed portion disposed along its front face, the recessed portion adapted to receive the mounting flange.
7 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly is formed from a non-metallic material.
8 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 7 wherein the non-metallic material is selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane-based resin, an olefin-based resin, a styrene-based resin, an acrylic resin, and an amide resin.
9 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 8 wherein the pusher assembly is formed by injection molding.
10 . A log saw pusher assembly comprising a substantially vertical arm having a first end and a second end, a paddle disposed at the first end and a base portion disposed at the second end, the paddle and base integrally formed with the arm to form a unitary pusher arm; a pusher arm holder adapted to receive the base portion and a fastener for releasable joining of the holder and the unitary pusher arm.
11 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 10 wherein the fastener comprises a threaded screw or threaded bolt and the holder comprises a threaded recess adapted to receive the screw or bolt.
12 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 10 wherein the holder comprises a substantially rectangular central depressed section bonded on at least two of its sides by an overhanging shoulder, the holder adapted to receive the base in a slidable arrangement.
13 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 10 wherein the base comprises a substantially rectangular planar plate having a front edge and a mounting flange extending from the front edge and the holder has a recessed portion disposed along its front face, the recessed portion adapted to receive the mounting flange.
14 . An apparatus for conveying a tissue log comprising:
a. a continuous endless belt driven between a pair of wheels;
b. a pusher assembly disposed on the continuous endless belt, the pusher assembly comprising a unitary pusher arm comprising a substantially vertical arm, a paddle and base, and a pusher arm holder adapted to receive the base; and
c. a pair of spaced apart links shaped to support a tissue log, the links sufficiently spaced to facilitate the passage of the pusher assembly there between.
15 . The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the pusher assembly further comprises a means for fastening the base to the holder.
16 . The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for fastening the base to the holder is selected from a threaded fastener, a mechanical fastener, and a deformable locking member.
17 . The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for fastening the base to the holder is a mechanical fastener comprising a spring biased fastener.
18 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 15 wherein the means for fastening the base to the holder consists of a threaded screw or threaded bolt and the holder comprises a threaded recess adapted to receive the screw or bolt.
19 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 14 wherein the holder comprises a substantially rectangular central depressed section bonded on at least two of its sides by an overhanging shoulder, the holder adapted to receive the base in a slidable arrangement.
20 . The log saw pusher assembly of claim 14 wherein the base comprises a substantially rectangular planar plate having a front edge and a mounting flange extending from the front edge and the holder has a recessed portion disposed along its front face, the recessed portion adapted to receive the mounting flange.