U.S. patent application number 17/679503 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for packaging including pitch determination for saw chain.
The applicant listed for this patent is Oregon Tool, Inc.. Invention is credited to Derek VLCKO.
Application Number | 20220267071 17/679503 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006224906 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220267071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VLCKO; Derek |
August 25, 2022 |
PACKAGING INCLUDING PITCH DETERMINATION FOR SAW CHAIN
Abstract
Embodiments provide for a saw chain packaging that includes one
or more features integral to the packaging that enable a customer
to determine whether a chain not included in the saw chain
packaging has one or more attributes that are the same as a saw
chain included in the saw chain packaging. As one example, the one
or more features include a pitch measurement section and a gauge
measurement section, and the one or more attributes include saw
chain pitch and saw chain gauge. In this way, customers may readily
appreciate whether a particular saw chain will be appropriate for
their particular saw, without having to purchase any tool or rely
on any product material other than the saw chain (or portion
thereof) the customer is seeking to replace.
Inventors: |
VLCKO; Derek; (West Linn,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oregon Tool, Inc. |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006224906 |
Appl. No.: |
17/679503 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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63153300 |
Feb 24, 2021 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2575/565 20130101;
B65D 75/522 20130101; B65D 75/366 20130101; B65D 75/566
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/36 20060101
B65D075/36; B65D 75/52 20060101 B65D075/52; B65D 75/56 20060101
B65D075/56 |
Claims
1. A packaging for a first saw chain, comprising: a receptacle that
houses the first saw chain within the packaging; and one or more
chain comparison sections integral to the packaging that can be
used to determine whether a second saw chain not included within
the receptacle has one or more attributes that are the same as
those of the first saw chain.
2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the one or more attributes
further comprises a pitch of the second saw chain; and wherein the
one or more comparison sections is comprised of a pitch measurement
section for determining the pitch of the second saw chain.
3. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the pitch measurement section
includes two or more rivet alignment features for physically
aligning two or more rivets associated with the second chain with
the two or more rivet alignment features.
4. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the pitch measurement section
includes two rivet alignment features; wherein the two rivet
alignment features correspond to a first rivet that couples a first
drive link of the saw chain to a cutter link, and a third rivet
that couples a second drive link to a tie strap; and wherein the
first drive link and the second drive link comprise consecutive
drive links, and wherein there is just one rivet between the first
rivet and third rivet of the second saw chain.
5. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the pitch measurement section
includes three rivet alignment features that correspond to three
consecutive rivets of the second saw chain.
6. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the two or more rivet
alignment features comprise notches in an edge of the packaging,
where the notches do not impinge on the receptacle.
7. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the two or more rivet
alignment features comprise holes in a portion of the packaging
separate from that of the receptacle.
8. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the one or more attributes
further comprises a gauge of the second saw chain; and wherein the
one or more comparison sections is comprised of a gauge measurement
section for determining the gauge of the second saw chain.
9. The packaging of claim 8, wherein the gauge measurement section
is comprised of a notch or a void in the packaging into which a
lower section of a drive link of the second saw chain can be
inserted thereto, the notch or void in no way breaching the
receptacle; and wherein the gauge of the second saw chain is the
same as that of the first saw chain when a thickness of the lower
section of the drive link substantially matches a distance between
two opposing walls of the notch or the void in the packaging.
10. The packaging of claim 1, further comprising a visual image
included as part of the packaging for instructing a customer how to
properly use the one or more chain comparison sections in
conjunction with the second saw chain.
11. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the visual image is
comprised of at least a portion of a representative saw chain.
12. A packaging for a first saw chain, comprising: a cavity that
houses the first saw chain, the cavity enclosed by physically
coupling a first portion of the packaging to a second portion of
the packaging, the packaging further comprised of a border region
that defines an outer perimeter of the packaging; and wherein the
border region includes two or more rivet alignment features for
physically aligning two or more rivets associated with a second
chain with the two or more rivet alignment features.
13. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the border region includes
two rivet alignment features, wherein the two rivet alignment
features correspond to a first rivet that couples a first drive
link of the saw chain to a cutter link, and a third rivet that
couples a second drive link to a tie strap; wherein the first drive
link and the second drive link comprise consecutive drive links;
and wherein there is just one rivet between the first rivet and
third rivet of the second saw chain.
14. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the border region includes
three rivet alignment features that correspond to three consecutive
rivets of the second saw chain.
15. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the two or more rivet
alignment features comprise two or more notches in the border
region that are continuous with the outer perimeter of the
packaging.
16. The packaging of claim 15, wherein the two or more notches each
correspond to at least half of a circumference of each of the two
or more rivets associated with the second saw chain.
17. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the two or more rivet
alignment features comprise two or more voids in the border region,
the two or more voids being separate and non-continuous with any
portion of the outer perimeter of the packaging.
18. The packaging of claim 17, wherein each of the two or more
voids have dimensions corresponding to at least a circumference of
each of the two or more rivets associated with the second saw
chain.
19. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the packaging further
comprises a visual image for instructing a customer how to align
the two or more rivets associated with the second chain with the
two or more rivet alignment features.
20. The packaging of claim 19, wherein the visual image is
comprised of at least a portion of a representative saw chain; and
wherein the visual image includes two or more lines and/or arrows
stemming from corresponding rivets of the representative saw chain
and pointing to the two or more rivet alignment features.
21. A packaging for a saw chain, comprising: a pitch determining
section and a gauge determining section, each of the pitch
determining section and the gauge determining section integral to
the packaging; and one or more visual images included as part of
the packaging that alert a customer how to use each of the pitch
determining section and the gauge determining section with a
separate saw chain not included in the packaging.
22. The packaging of claim 21, wherein the pitch determining
section includes two or more rivet alignment features for measuring
a saw chain pitch; and wherein the gauge determining section
includes a notch or a void for measuring a saw chain gauge.
23. The packaging of claim 21, wherein the one or more visual
images include at least a portion of a representative saw chain.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of the earlier
filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/153,300, filed
Feb. 24, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments herein relate to the field of saw chains, and
more specifically, to saw chain packaging that incorporates one or
more physical structures for measuring one or more saw chain
attributes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Chain saws typically include a housing containing a driving
device (e.g., an engine), a guide bar extending from the housing,
and a saw chain loop that is driven by the driving device and
disposed to articulate around the perimeter of the guide bar. The
saw chain generally includes various links, such as cutter links,
drive links, and tie straps, coupled to one another by rivets. The
rivets are disposed in rivet holes of one or more of the links.
Accurate sizing of replacement saw chain is critically dependent on
knowledge of chain size, including measurements of pitch and/or
gauge, which may not be known to a customer seeking to replace a
saw chain. A lack of knowledge of chain size may cause frustration
when attempting to purchase a saw chain and/or may result in
inadvertent purchase/use of an incorrect saw chain and, in turn,
customer dissatisfaction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
and the appended claims. Embodiments are illustrated by way of
example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the
accompanying drawings.
[0005] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate saw chains with a pitch of 0.375''
(FIG. 1A) and 0.325'' (FIG. 1B), according to embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates a saw chain guide bar, guide bar rail,
and guide bar groove, in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative view of the guide bar
rail and guide bar groove of the saw chain guide bar of FIG.
2A;
[0008] FIG. 2C illustrates a drive link of a saw chain of the
present disclosure, viewed from two different angles;
[0009] FIG. 3A depicts a high-level illustration of a saw chain
packaging of the present disclosure that includes a pitch
measurement section and a gauge measurement section;
[0010] FIG. 3B shows a section of a saw chain illustrating how two
rivets can be used with the pitch measurement section of the
packaging shown at FIG. 3A, to measure saw chain pitch;
[0011] FIGS. 3C-3G illustrate various examples of the pitch
measurement section of FIG. 3A, according to embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 3H-3I illustrate two different examples of the gauge
measurement section of FIG. 3A, according to embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate two different examples of saw chain
packaging, each having a visual image that illustratively guides a
customer as to how to use the pitch measurement section associated
with the packaging, according to embodiments;
[0014] FIGS. 5A-5C depict images showing proper alignment between
rivets of a saw chain with a 0.325'' pitch and rivet alignment
features of a pitch measurement section of a saw chain packaging
for housing a saw chain having a 0.325'' pitch;
[0015] FIGS. 5D-5F depict images showing misalignment between
rivets of a saw chain with a 0.375'' pitch and rivet alignment
features of a pitch measurement section of a saw chain packaging
for housing a saw chain having a 0.325'' pitch;
[0016] FIGS. 6A-6B depict images showing proper alignment between
rivets of a saw chain with a 0.375'' pitch and rivet alignment
features of a pitch measurement section of a saw chain packaging
for housing a saw chain having a 0.375'' pitch; and
[0017] FIGS. 6C-6E depict images showing misalignment between
rivets of a saw chain with a 0.325'' pitch and rivet alignment
features of a pitch measurement section of a saw chain packaging
for housing a saw chain having a 0.375'' pitch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which
are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced.
It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
structural or logical changes may be made without departing from
the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to
be taken in a limiting sense.
[0019] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete
operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in
understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should
not be construed to imply that these operations are
order-dependent.
[0020] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such
as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are
merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to
restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.
[0021] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their
derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms
are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular
embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more
elements are in direct physical contact with each other. "Coupled"
may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact.
However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not
in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or
interact with each other.
[0022] For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form
"A/B" or in the form "A and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For
the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "at least one
of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and
C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of the description, a phrase
in the form "(A)B" means (B) or (AB) that is, A is an optional
element.
[0023] The description may use the terms "embodiment" or
"embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or
different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising,"
"including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to
embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as "open"
terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).
[0024] With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms
herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural
to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is
appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for
sake of clarity.
[0025] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a packaging for a
first saw chain comprises a receptacle that houses the first saw
chain within the packaging, and one or more chain comparison
sections that can be used to determine whether a second saw chain
not included within the receptacle has one or more attributes that
are the same as those of the first saw chain.
[0026] In an example, the one or more attributes further comprise a
pitch of the second saw chain. In such an example, the one or more
comparison sections is comprised of a pitch measurement section for
determining the pitch of the second saw chain. In embodiments, the
pitch measurement section includes two or more rivet alignment
features for physically aligning two or more rivets associated with
the second chain with the two or more rivet alignment features. As
one example, the pitch measurement section includes two rivet
alignment features, wherein the two rivet alignment features
correspond to a first rivet that couples a first drive link of the
saw chain to a cutter link, and a third rivet that couples a second
drive link to a tie strap, wherein the first drive link and the
second drive link comprise consecutive drive links, and wherein
there is just one rivet between the first rivet and third rivet of
the second saw chain. In another example, the pitch measurement
section includes three rivet alignment features that correspond to
three consecutive rivets of the second saw chain. In embodiments,
the two or more rivet alignment features comprise notches in an
edge of the packaging, where the notches do not impinge on the
receptacle. In other embodiments, the two or more rivet alignment
features comprise holes/voids in a portion of the packaging
separate from that of the receptacle.
[0027] In embodiments, the one or more attributes further comprises
a gauge of the second saw chain, wherein the one or more comparison
sections is comprised of a gauge measurement section for
determining the gauge of the second saw chain. In an example, the
gauge measurement section is comprised of a notch or a void in the
packaging into which a lower section of a drive link of the second
saw chain can be inserted thereto. In examples, the notch or void
in no way breaches the receptacle. In examples, the gauge of the
second saw chain is the same as that of the first saw chain when a
thickness of the lower section of the drive link substantially
matches a distance between two opposing walls of the notch or the
void in the packaging.
[0028] In embodiments of the packaging, the packaging further
comprises a visual image included as part of the packaging for
instructing a customer how to properly use the one or more chain
comparison sections in conjunction with the second saw chain. In
examples, the visual image is comprised of at least a portion of a
representative saw chain.
[0029] In another aspect, a packaging for a first saw chain
comprises a cavity that houses the first saw chain, the cavity
enclosed by physically coupling a first portion of the packaging to
a second portion of the packaging, the packaging further comprised
of a border region that defines an outer perimeter of the
packaging, and wherein the border region includes two or more rivet
alignment features for physically aligning two or more rivets
associated with a second chain with the two or more rivet alignment
features.
[0030] In embodiments, the border region includes two rivet
alignment features, wherein the two rivet alignment features
correspond to a first rivet that couples a first drive link of the
saw chain to a cutter link, and a third rivet that couples a second
drive link to a tie strap. The first drive link and the second
drive link may comprise consecutive drive links, and there may be
just one rivet between the first rivet and the third rivet of the
second saw chain.
[0031] In embodiments, the border region includes three rivet
alignment features that correspond to three consecutive rivets of
the second saw chain. In embodiments, the two or more rivet
alignment features comprise two or more notches in the border
region that are continuous with the outer perimeter of the
packaging. In an example, the two or more notches each correspond
to at least half of a circumference of each of the two or more
rivets associated with the second saw chain.
[0032] In embodiments, the two or more rivet alignment features
comprise two or more voids in the border region, the two or more
voids being separate and non-continuous with any portion of the
outer perimeter of the packaging. In examples, each of the two or
more voids are of a dimension corresponding to at least a
circumference of each one of the two or more rivets associated with
the second saw chain.
[0033] In embodiments, the packaging further comprises a visual
image for instructing a customer how to align the two or more
rivets associated with the second chain with the two or more rivet
alignment features. In an example, the visual image is comprised of
at least a portion of a representative saw chain. The visual image
may include two or more lines and/or arrows stemming from
corresponding rivets of the representative saw chain and pointing
to the two or more rivet alignment features.
[0034] In another aspect, a packaging for a saw chain comprises a
pitch determining section and a gauge determining section, each of
the pitch determining section and the gauge determining section
integral to the packaging, and one or more visual images included
as part of the packaging that alert a customer how to use each of
the pitch determining section and the gauge determining section
with a separate saw chain not included in the packaging.
[0035] In an embodiment, the pitch determining section includes two
or more rivet alignment features for measuring a saw chain pitch,
and the gauge determining section includes a notch or a void for
measuring a saw chain gauge.
[0036] In an embodiment, the one or more visual images include at
least a portion of a representative saw chain.
[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates a saw chain 100 that includes cutter
links 130, tie straps 140, and drive links 150. The cutter link 130
of the saw chain 100 includes a cutting edge 132 and a depth gauge
134 separated by a gullet 136. The cutter link 130 of the saw chain
100 may be coupled with a drive link 150 via, for example, a rivet
138 passing through rivet holes (not specifically shown). A
longitudinal first center line 160 is depicted as passing through a
center of adjacent rivet holes. A second line 163 parallel to the
longitudinal first center line 160 may extend from a top corner 133
of cutting surface 132 of cutter link 130. The distance between the
first longitudinal center line 160 and the parallel line 163 can be
used to define cutter height 166. A second set of center lines 167
and 168 perpendicular to the longitudinal first center line 160 may
extend from a center of rivets 138, and can be used to define a
distance between three rivets. The "pitch" of the chain 100, as
herein used, is the distance 170 between three successive rivets
divided by 2. In FIG. 1A, the distance 170 between the second set
of center lines 167 and 168 divided by 2 is 0.375'', hence the
pitch of chain 100 is 0.375''.
[0038] FIG. 1B depicts another example of a saw chain 180. In this
example, the distance 190 between the second set of center lines
167 and 168 divided by 2 is 0.325, hence the pitch of chain 180 is
0.325''. FIGS. 1A-1B are shown for illustrative purposes, and it
may be understood that chains having different pitches than 0.375''
and 0.325'' are within the scope of this disclosure, for example
pitches of 0.5'', or 0.25'', etc.
[0039] Turning to FIG. 2A, depicted is representative chain saw
guide bar 205. Inset 202 illustrates guide bar groove 210, and
guide bar rail 215. For reference, cartesian coordinate system 212
is shown. FIG. 2B depicts chain saw guide bar 205 viewed along the
x-axis (refer to axes 212). Chain saw guide bar groove 210 has a
groove thickness 220. The guide bar groove 210 receives a portion
of the drive links (e.g., drive link 150 at FIGS. 1A-1B). FIG. 2C
depicts drive link 150 in a same configuration as that shown at
FIGS. 1A-1B, and also rotated 90.degree. about the y-axis. Drive
link 150 may be comprised of an upper section 225, and a lower
section 227. In examples, and as shown in the 90.degree.-rotated
view of drive link 150, upper section 225 may be of a greater
thickness than lower section 227. As used herein, a "gauge" of a
chain refers to a drive link thickness 230, which as shown
corresponds to the lower section 227 of drive link 150. Thus, the
gauge of a saw chain refers to the thickness of its drive links,
more specifically, the thickness of its drive links that just fits
into the groove (e.g., groove 210) of the guide bar (e.g., guide
bar 205), without excessive wiggle-room. It may thus be understood
that drive link thickness 230 may be just slightly less in
thickness than groove thickness 220. Chain gauge is generally
expressed in thousandths of an inch, for example 0.050'', or
0.063''. The gauge measurement provides information about the
strength of a chain's drive links. Chain gauge examples include,
but are not limited to, 0.043', 0.050'', 0.058'', and 0.063''.
[0040] Thus, accurate knowledge of pitch and gauge are important
determinants of whether a particular saw chain will work with a
particular chainsaw (e.g., particular chainsaw bar). These
specifications may not be readily available to a customer seeking
to purchase a replacement chain. This may cause frustration to such
a customer, and in some examples may lead to the customer
inadvertently purchasing a chain that does not work properly with
their particular chainsaw bar. In addition to being frustrating,
purchase of an incorrect chain may result in lost time,
dissatisfied clients (in a case where the user of the chainsaw is
performing a job for a client), and the like.
[0041] It is herein recognized that packaging used to house new saw
chains for purchase may serve a dual purpose by including as an
integral part of the packaging, one or more measurement features
that enable a customer to readily identify pitch and/or gauge
associated with the chain they are seeking to replace. Such
packaging may be useful to customers who bring the used chain
(e.g., chain desired to be replaced) to a store at which they are
seeking to purchase the replacement chain. Discussed herein, one or
more measurement features included as an "integral part of" or
"integral to" the packaging refers to an aspect of the packaging
that can be used to physically measure one or more saw chain
attributes (e.g., saw chain pitch and/or gauge), and which
comprises a physical shape/structure and/or void in the packaging
material itself, for which a chain not included in the packaging
can be physically aligned with and/or inserted thereto. In
examples, the packaging may be first produced, and then the one or
more measurement features integrated thereto by manipulating the
packaging (e.g., notching, perforating, and the like) to integrally
incorporate the one or more measurement features into the
packaging. In other examples, the one or more measurement features
may be incorporated into the packaging during production of the
packaging.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 3A, depicted is a high-level illustration
depicting an example saw chain packaging 300, in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. Broadly speaking, saw chain
packaging 300 includes a receptacle 305 that houses a new saw chain
(not shown at FIG. 3) for purchase. Receptacle 305 may comprise any
object or space capable of housing a new saw chain. Examples
include but are not limited to a bag, cavity, pouch, and the like.
Receptacle 305 may be of any shape (e.g., circular, rectangular,
square, triangular, trapezoidal, irregular, and the like), and any
corresponding volume, sufficient for securely housing the saw chain
within packaging 300. In examples, packaging 300 is comprised of
two separate pieces of packaging material (e.g., plastic) that,
when coupled together, sandwich the saw chain between the two
separate pieces, thereby sealing the saw chain within receptacle
305. In other examples, the packaging may be comprised of one
continuous piece having a first section and a second section
capable of moving relative to one another to alternatively open and
close the packaging, thereby unsealing and sealing, respectively,
the saw chain within receptacle 305. Thus, in embodiments at least
a portion of packaging 300 that does not comprise receptacle 305
may comprise a region or regions where the separate pieces or
separate sections of packaging 300 are coupled together to seal the
saw chain within receptacle 305. The separate pieces or separate
sections of packaging 300 may be coupled together to seal the saw
chain within receptacle 305 by an adhesive (e.g., glue), or by
another manner such as a snap-fit coupling, and the like.
[0043] In examples, packaging 300 may be comprised of polymers or
polymer blends (e.g., plastics). Examples include but are not
limited to one or more of polystyrene, polyester, poly-vinyl
chloride, polyethylene (e.g., high or low density), polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene, and the like, including blends
thereof. Additionally or alternatively, packaging 300 may be
comprised of biodegradable polymers, including but not limited to
poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and their
copolymers--poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) or poly(l-lactic acid)
(PLLA), polydioxanone (PDO), poly(caprolactone) (PCL),
poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its copolymers,
polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polycarbonate, copolymers of
trimethylene carbonate and glycolide, natural polymers including
but not limited to polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose,
and the like, and blends thereof.
[0044] In examples, packaging 300 may include a hang tab 310 for
hanging packaging 300 for display to customers. Such hang tab 310
may comprise a hole, perforation, cavity, etc., whereby packaging
300 may be attached, hung, fastened, fixed, secured, or otherwise
positioned for display, for example via coupling hang tab 310 to a
peg, pin, fastener, hook, hanger, nail, spike, tack, and the like.
However, in some examples packaging 300 may lack hang tab 310,
without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0045] Packaging 300 may include one or more measurement features
(e.g., chain comparison sections) that enable a customer to readily
determine one or more of a pitch and/or gauge of a saw chain. The
one or more measurement features may be integrated into packaging
300, in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of
receptacle 305. In other words, the one or more measurement
features may be used without opening packaging 300. In examples,
the one or more measurement features comprise pitch measurement
section 315 and/or gauge measurement section 320. Pitch measurement
section 315 may enable a customer to readily assess pitch of an old
chain (e.g., chain that is desired to be replaced). Gauge
measurement section 320 may enable a customer to readily assess
gauge of an old chain. In some examples, packaging 300 includes
just the pitch measurement section 315. In other examples,
packaging 300 includes just the gauge measurement section 320. In
other examples, packaging 300 includes both the pitch measurement
section 315 and the gauge measurement section 320.
[0046] In an embodiment, the pitch determining section 315 may be
comprised of two or more rivet alignment features 316. The two or
more rivet alignment features may enable a customer to physically
line up two or more rivets on their old chain with the two or more
rivet alignment features, so as to enable the customer to visually
infer whether their old chain pitch matches that of the new chain
included within the packaging used for the rivet alignment.
[0047] Turning briefly to FIG. 3B, a section of a saw chain is
depicted. Shown are a first rivet 351, second rivet 352, third
rivet 353, and fourth rivet 354. As discussed above, pitch is
determined by measuring a distance between three consecutive rivets
divided by 2. In an example where packaging 300 includes just two
rivet alignment features 316, the rivet alignment features may be
separated by a first distance 360 corresponding to the length
between the first rivet 351 and the third rivet 353, or by a second
distance 361, corresponding to the length between the second rivet
352 and the fourth rivet 354, where the first distance 360 and the
second distance 361 are the same. In examples where packaging 300
includes three rivet alignment features 316, the rivet alignment
features may correspond to three consecutive rivets, for example
first rivet 351, second rivet 352, and third rivet 353, or,
alternatively, second rivet 352, third rivet 353, and fourth rivet
354. Thus, in no example does the pitch determining section 315
include rivet alignment features 316 corresponding to rivets
coupled to just the cutter link 130, or just the tie straps 140.
Regardless of whether the pitch determining section 315 includes
two rivet alignment features, or three rivet alignment features, at
least one rivet alignment feature corresponds to a rivet associated
with the cutter link 130, and at least one rivet alignment feature
corresponds to a rivet associated with a tie strap 140. However, in
a case where the pitch determining section 315 includes just two
rivet alignment features 316, it may be understood that the rivet
alignment features 316 do not correspond to consecutive rivets, but
rather correspond to one on the cutter link 130 and another on the
tie strap 140.
[0048] Returning to FIG. 3A, the rivet alignment features 316 are
depicted as notches in packaging 300. The notches are illustrated
as semicircular, enabling ease of alignment with rivets, which are
circular as shown. When semicircular, dimensions of the notches may
be equal to or slightly greater than half of a circumference of
rivets on a saw chain. However, it is within the scope of this
disclosure that the notches be of a different shape, for example an
open square shape, or an open triangular shape, such as depicted at
FIGS. 3C-3D. In a packaging of the present disclosure where the
notches are of a different shape than semi-circular, in examples
the shapes may be large enough to fittingly accommodate a diameter
of the rivets 138 (e.g., where the rivets are circular).
Accordingly, depicted at FIGS. 3C-3D are rivets 138 and
corresponding rivet alignment features 316 for reference.
[0049] In another embodiment, the rivet alignment features 316 may
be different. For example, rather than notches, the rivet alignment
features may comprise holes or voids in packaging 300, such that a
saw chain (e.g., saw chain 100 at FIG. 1A) can be placed underneath
the pitch determining section 315, and visualized from above in
order to determine proper alignment. FIG. 3E depicts such an
example where the rivet alignment features 316 are circular, FIG.
3F depicts such an example where rivet alignment features 316 are
square, and FIG. 3G depicts such an example where rivet alignment
features 316 are triangular. Other shapes can be used without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. Shown for reference
are rivets 138 which align with each of the rivet alignment
features 316. In each of the examples of FIGS. 3E-3H, an entire
circumference of the rivets 138 can just be seen through the
holes/voids.
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 3H, depicted is a top-down
three-dimensional rendering of an embodiment of packaging 300 that
includes gauge measurement section 320. Also shown for reference is
receptacle 305, and hang tab 310. In this example illustration,
receptacle 305 (e.g., a cavity) is shown extending downward away
from face 350 of packaging 300. Thus, in this example illustration
shown at FIG. 3H, it may be understood that receptacle 305
comprises a volume beneath face 350 which holds the saw chain (not
shown).
[0051] At FIG. 3H, gauge measurement section 320 is shown as a
notch or cutout in a side of packaging 300. The notch is sized such
that lower section 227 of a drive link may slide into the notch of
gauge measurement section 320, as depicted by arrow 352. In this
way, the gauge of the chain which a customer is desiring to replace
with a new chain of the same gauge may be determined readily.
Specifically, under conditions where the thickness of the notch
corresponding to the gauge measurement section 320 is such that the
notch fittingly engages sides of lower section 227 of drive link
150, then the gauge of the chain being measured via the packaging
300 is the same as that of the gauge of the chain housed in the
receptacle 305 of packaging 300. It may be understood that the
notch fittingly engages the sides of lower section 227 when there
is very little to no gap between the opposing sides/walls of the
notch corresponding to the gauge measurement section 320 and the
sides of lower section 227 of drive link 150. Alternatively, in a
case where there is substantial wiggle room between opposing sides
of the notch corresponding to the gauge measurement section 320 and
the sides of lower section 227 of drive link 150, then the gauge of
the chain being measured via the packaging 300 is not the same as
that of the gauge of the chain housed in the receptacle 305 of
packaging 300. It may be understood that substantial wiggle-room
implies that the lower section 227 of drive link 150 can readily be
moved back-and-forth within the notch of gauge measurement section
320 such that alternate sides of the notch are alternatingly
engaged with sides of the lower section 227 of drive link 150, and
when one side of lower section 227 of drive link 150 is touching
one side of the notch of gauge measurement section 320, then there
is a substantial gap between the other side of lower section 227 of
drive link 150 and the opposing side of the notch of gauge
measurement section 320. For example, the gap may be readily
visible by eye to a customer relying on the packaging 300 for
measuring gauge of the chain for which the customer desires to
replace and/or the customer may readily appreciate that the notch
does not fittingly engage the lower section 227 of drive link 150
when the drive link 150 is moved in a manner such that the two
sides of lower section 227 alternately engage the opposing sides of
the notch corresponding to gauge measurement section 320. For
reference, in the example illustration depicted at FIG. 3H, the
drive link 150 may be moved back-and-forth (exemplified by arrow
355) in a manner such that the drive link 150 is alternately
positioned closer to an upper edge 360 of packaging 300 and then
closer to a lower edge 362 of packaging 300. If very little to no
movement is possible with lower section 227 of drive link 150
inserted into the notch of gauge measurement section 320, then the
customer may appreciate that the gauge of the chain being measured
is the same as that of the chain in the packaging 300.
Alternatively, if it is possible to readily wiggle the lower
section 227 of drive link 150 back and forth and thereby
alternatingly touching opposing walls of the notch of gauge
measurement section 320, then the gauge of the chain being measured
is smaller than that of the chain in the packaging 300. Still
further, if the lower section 227 of drive link 150 cannot be
inserted into the notch of gauge measurement section 320, then the
gauge of the chain being measured is greater than the gauge of the
chain in the packaging 300.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 3I, another example illustration of
packaging 300 is shown, where gauge section 320 is not continuous
with the outer edge of packaging 300, but rather comprises a void
in the, for example, face 350 of packaging 300. In this example,
rather than slidingly engaging drive link 150 with a notch
corresponding to gauge measurement section 320 as shown at FIG. 3H,
lower section 227 of drive link 150 is instead inserted into the
void corresponding to gauge measurement section 320, as illustrated
by arrow 370. Other than the difference in placement of gauge
measurement section 320 between FIG. 3H and FIG. 3I, other
functional aspects as to how gauge can be measured are similar to
the description provided with regard to FIG. 3H. It may be
understood that with regard to each of FIG. 3H and FIG. 3I, lower
section 227 of drive link 150 may engage with gauge measurement
section 320 in two different orientations (compare drive link 150
with drive link 150a). For example, at FIG. 3I, lower section 227
of drive link 150 may be inserted into the void corresponding to
gauge measurement section 320 from above face 350, exemplified by
arrow 370, or from below face 350. One advantage of engaging the
lower section 227 with the gauge measurement section 320 in the
manner shown via the orientation of drive link 150a is that the gap
(or lack thereof) may be more readily viewable to a customer using
the packaging 300 to measure gauge and/or the customer may be able
to view the gap (or lack thereof) while simultaneously viewing a
portion of the packaging on the face 350 that includes instructions
(e.g., written wording and/or visual depiction) as to whether the
gauge of the saw chain being measured corresponds to the gauge of
the saw chain housed by packaging 300. That said, it is also within
the scope of this disclosure that such instructions be placed, for
example, on a lower face (not numbered at FIG. 3H and FIG. 3I) of
packaging 300, or other location. Furthermore, while just a gauge
measurement section 320 is included in the packaging 300
illustrated at FIG. 3H and FIG. 3I, in alternative embodiments such
packaging can also include a pitch measurement section (e.g., pitch
measurement section 315) as discussed above.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 4A, depicted is an example embodiment of
a packaging 400 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. Packaging 400 includes hang tab 410, and two rivet
alignment features 416. In this example, each of the two rivet
alignment features 416 are semi-circles continuous with an outer
perimeter (e.g., outer edge) 402 of packaging 400. Packaging 400
also includes a visual image 440 showing a portion of a saw chain,
and indicator lines 441 and 442 stemming from two rivets associated
with the depicted portion of the saw chain corresponding to the
visual image 440. The indicator lines stem from each of the
corresponding rivets, and point to each of the two rivet alignment
features 416. Although not shown at FIG. 4A, in examples, the
packaging insert 445 that includes the visual image 440 and other
relevant information (including but not limited to brand,
specifications, and the like) may include written instructions in
addition to the visual image 440, to provide a customer with
relevant details concerning how to use the packaging to measure
pitch of the saw chain they are desiring to replace.
[0054] Depicted at FIG. 4A, and as elaborated in more detail below,
packaging 400 may include a border region 443, used herein to refer
to a portion of packaging 400 (or other packaging embodiments) that
is substantially flat, which includes one or more of a pitch
measurement section (e.g., pitch measurement section 315 at FIG.
3A) and a gauge measurement section (e.g., gauge measurement
section 320 at FIG. 3A), and which frames the cavity (e.g.,
receptacle 305 at FIG. 3A). In this example embodiment, the pitch
measurement section may be understood to comprise the two rivet
alignment features 416. It is within the scope of this disclosure
that the border region include the hang tab (e.g., hang tab 410 at
FIG. 4A) as well. It may be understood that the cavity (e.g.,
receptacle 305) is not viewable at FIG. 4A, but is behind packaging
insert 445.
[0055] In the example packaging 400 depicted at FIG. 4A, just two
rivet alignment features 416 are included. Indicator line 441 stems
from first rivet 450 that links a first drive link 430 to cutter
link 431. Indicator line 442 stems from third rivet 452 that links
a second drive link 432 to tie strap 433. The first drive link 430
and the second drive link 432 are consecutive, meaning that they
are adjacent one another without intervening drive links. As shown,
there is no rivet alignment feature for second rivet 454. In this
way, a customer may rely on visual image 440 to properly align
rivets associated with the saw chain they are measuring with rivet
alignment features 416, to determine whether the pitch of the saw
chain they are measuring corresponds to the pitch of the saw chain
housed in packaging 400.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 4B, depicted is another example
embodiment of a packaging 475. Packaging 475 is the same as
packaging 400, except for the nature of the rivet alignment
features 455. Rivet alignment features 455 in this example
packaging 475 comprise voids (e.g., holes) in border region 443. It
may be understood that the voids may be substantially the same
overall circumference as that of the rivets being measured, or may
be slightly larger so as to just surround the rivets when a saw
chain and corresponding rivets are placed underneath the voids. In
this way, a customer may position a saw chain underneath the voids
in a manner as shown by the visual image 440, to determine whether
the pitch of the saw chain they are measuring corresponds to the
pitch of the saw chain in the packaging 475.
[0057] FIG. 5A depicts an illustrative example of a packaging 500
having three rivet alignment features 505. In this example,
packaging 500 includes a saw chain with a pitch of 0.325'', as
shown. Consecutive rivets 511, 512, and 513 of saw chain 510
properly align with the three rivet alignment features 505,
indicating that the saw chain being measured (e.g., saw chain 510)
has a pitch of 0.325''. Accordingly, a customer may know based on
the alignment that the saw chain included in packaging 500 has a
same pitch as that of the saw chain being measured (e.g., saw chain
510). Also shown at FIG. 5A is border region 522, which frames
(e.g., borders) cavity 520 (e.g., receptacle 305 at FIG. 3A).
[0058] FIG. 5B illustrates a close-up view of the alignment between
rivet alignment features 505 and rivets 511, 512, and 513 of saw
chain 510. FIG. 5C illustrates a view from a side of packaging 500,
showing saw chain 510 not yet properly aligned with the three rivet
alignment features 505. To enable each of rivets 511, 512, and 513
to fittingly align with each of the three rivet alignment features
505, it may be understood that a width of border region 522, as
illustrated by line 523 at FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C, must be greater
than a cutter height length (refer to cutter height length 166 at
FIG. 1A), at least in the region of the pitch measurement section
(e.g., pitch measurement section 315 at FIG. 3A) that includes the
rivet alignment features. If not, then the cutter link (not shown
at FIGS. 5A-5C, but refer to cutter link 130 at FIG. 1A) may abut
against a wall 540 corresponding to cavity 520, which would impede
proper alignment of the rivets and rivet alignment features.
Similar logic applies to a case where, rather than notches, the
rivet alignment features comprise holes/voids (refer to, for
example, FIG. 4B). In such an example, the width of the border
region (e.g., border region 522) may be such that, when rivets are
aligned with the rivet alignment features, cutter height does not
result in any part of the cutter link (e.g., cutter link 130)
impinging upon any aspect of the cavity (e.g., receptacle 305)
housing the new saw chain.
[0059] FIG. 5D depicts another example of packaging 500 including a
saw chain with a pitch of 0.325'', as shown. However, in this
example illustration of FIG. 5D, a different saw chain 550 is being
measured, and saw chain 550 has a pitch of 0.375''. Accordingly,
rivets 551, 552, and 553 do not properly align with rivet alignment
features 505, as depicted. Hence, a customer seeking to replace saw
chain 550 may readily appreciate that the saw chain included in
packaging 500 is not an appropriate replacement for saw chain 550.
FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F show close up views of the rivet alignment
features 505 and improper alignment with rivets 551, 552, and 553
of saw chain 550. As can be seen at FIGS. 5D-5F, view of portions
of rivets 552 and 553 is obstructed because of the overall
misalignment of saw chain 550 with rivet alignment features
505.
[0060] FIG. 6A depicts an illustrative example of a packaging 600
having three rivet alignment features 605. In this example,
packaging 600 includes a saw chain with a pitch of 0.375'', as
shown. Consecutive rivets 551, 552, and 553 of saw chain 550
properly align with the three rivet alignment features 605,
indicating that the saw chain being measured (e.g., saw chain 550)
has a pitch of 0.375''. Accordingly, a customer may know based on
the alignment that the saw chain included in packaging 600 has the
same pitch as that of the saw chain being measured (e.g., saw chain
550). FIG. 6B shows a close-up view of the alignment between rivet
alignment features 604 and rivets 551, 552, and 553 of saw chain
550.
[0061] FIG. 6C depicts another example of packaging 600 that
includes a saw chain with a pitch of 0.375'', as shown. However, in
this example illustration of FIG. 6C, a different saw chain 510 is
being measured, and saw chain 510 has a pitch of 0.325''.
Accordingly, rivets 511, 512, and 513 do not properly alight with
rivet alignment features 605, as depicted. Accordingly, a customer
seeking to replace saw chain 510 may readily appreciate that the
saw chain included in packaging 600 is not an appropriate
replacement for saw chain 510. FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E show close up
views of the rivet alignment features 605 and improper alignment
with rivets 511, 512, and 513 of saw chain 510.
[0062] It is herein recognized that in addition or alternative to
the embodiments disclosed above, there may be other options for
rivet alignment features (e.g., rivet alignment features 316 at
FIG. 3). As one example, rivet alignment features may comprise
compressible bubbles that may compress when a saw chain and
corresponding rivets are placed on the bubbles. In the event of
rivet misalignment, the bubbles may not be uniformly compressed,
but rather, only portions of the bubbles may be compressed (for
example one bubble may be uniformly compressed whereas other
bubbles may not be uniformly compressed. Alternatively, in an
example where the rivets of a saw chain being measured align with
the bubbles, then when pressed down upon the bubbles, the bubbles
may each compress uniformly. Following use, a customer may reset
the bubbles by using their finger (or other means of pressing) to
press on an opposing side of the bubbles, thereby pushing the
bubbles back into their original, pre-compressed conformation.
[0063] In this way, a customer seeking to replace a saw chain with
a new saw chain may readily appreciate one or more relevant saw
chain attributes (e.g., pitch and/or gauge) prior to purchase of
the new saw chain. The customer may do so even under conditions
where help is not available or is causing undesired delay in the
customer's schedule (e.g., exorbitant wait time to speak with an
employee), where the manual corresponding to the chainsaw for which
the customer is seeking to replace the saw chain is not available
(e.g., borrowed chainsaw), or any other reason for which the
customer is not aware of the particular attributes of the saw chain
they are desiring to replace. By including chain comparison
sections on a packaging of a new saw chain, use of resources may be
reduced because separate tools (and their packaging and
manufacture) can be largely avoided, and customer satisfaction may
be improved by avoiding inadvertent purchase of an incorrect saw
chain. Furthermore, the notches and/or voids associated with the
pitch measurement sections and gauge measurement sections discussed
herein may readily be integrated into the packaging subsequent to
or during packaging manufacture, requiring simple tools and no
additional materials, thus making the inclusion of chain comparison
sections in the packaging of the present disclosure
cost-effective.
[0064] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent
embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same
purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described
without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will
readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very
wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.
Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited
only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *