Vibratory post driving device

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device for driving a post into the ground that has: a mounting assembly for mounting the device onto a support vehicle; a mast assembly connected to the mounting assembly and a driving assembly slidably connected to the mast to slide axially thereon. The driving assembly has a vibrator and a support cup operatively connected to the vibrator that is capable of receiving an end of the post. The device drives a post into the ground by the application of vibratory and constant downward force onto the post. This invention also discloses a method of driving a post into the ground. The device of this invention is robust, sturdy and easy to use and repair.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vibratory devices for driving a post into the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is generally known to employ vibratory means to drive a post, pile and the like, into the ground, and that by adjusting the frequency and/or amplitude of the vibration, penetration into various different ground types can be achieved. It is also generally known to employ a series of vertical blows to a post, as by hammering, to drive the post into the ground. Post-driving devices such as the above have been designed for attachment to a variety of support vehicles, at the front, back or side of the vehicle. Often, the equipment is hydraulically powered using fluid from a source located on the support vehicle.

[0003] Current devices that are used for driving posts into the ground are generally difficult to mount onto and remove from a support vehicle. What is needed is a device that is simple to mount and remove from a support vehicle, so that the support vehicle can be used midstream for other applications during post installation. Many of the devices are also difficult to operate. In particular, aligning the post for insertion, or securing the post to the device before insertion, is complicated, making the entire insertion process complicated and time consuming. What is needed is a machine that is simple and quick to use. Many of the devices are themselves complex, comprising many parts, or many relatively weak pivot points, or pinch points, and therefore are less sturdy than is optimal and relatively difficult fix, should they break down. What is needed is a device that is simple and sturdy, comprising a small number of sturdy components that are easy to repair or replace.

[0004] Many of the devices use hammering to provide vertical downwards force to drive the post into the ground. Hammering creates a significant amount of noise, which is a nuisance particularly to the operator of the device. Additionally, there is some risk to the personal safety of the operator of such hammering devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides an improved post-driving device for driving posts and the like into the ground. The improved device is simple and sturdy in design. The device of this invention is readily and detachably mounted to a vertically-adjustable support on a support vehicle, and operation of the device to drive a post into the ground is simple and quick. A post is driven into the ground using a combination of vibration and constant, rather than intermittent, downward force.

[0006] In one aspect, this invention is a device for driving a post into the ground comprising:

[0007] A device for driving a post into the ground comprising:

[0008] (a) a mounting assembly for mounting the device onto a support vehicle;

[0009] (b) a mast having a base;

[0010] (c) a vibrator slidably connected to the mast to slide axially thereon;

[0011] (d) a support cup operatively connected to the vibrator and capable of receiving an end of the post; and

[0012] (e) a force applying means operable to apply constant force to the vibrator to urge it towards the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the vibrator is slidably connected to the mast by means of a sleeve that surrounds the mast, and which is connected to the vibrator.

[0014] In one embodiment the support cup is operatively connected to the vibrator by attaching the support cup to the bottom of the vibrator.

[0015] In one embodiment the means for applying constant downward force is a hydraulic cylinder assembly. The hydraulic cylinder assembly may be located in the mast or alongside the mast.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the driving assembly is caused to slide axially along the mast by a hydraulic cylinder assembly.

[0017] In another aspect, this invention relates to a method for driving a post into the ground comprising:

[0018] (a) placing a first end of the post onto the surface of the ground at a point where the post will be inserted into the ground;

[0019] (b) inserting a second end of the post into a support cup that is positioned substantially above the point, the support cup:

[0020] (i) comprising an edge sized to extend around the second end of the post, and

[0021] (ii) comprising a top surface that will transmit vibratory and constant downward force onto the second end of the post,

[0022] (c) applying vibratory and constant downward force by means of the top surface to the second end of the post, such that the post is driven into the ground;

[0023] (d) ceasing the application of the vibratory and constant downward force when the post is inserted a selected distance into the ground.

[0024] In one embodiment, the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of the present invention, in any of the embodiments listed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of this invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of this invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the support cup useful in this invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the device of this invention mounted on a support vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 to 4. The post-driving device 10 of this invention comprises a mounting assembly 12, a mast assembly 14 and a post driving assembly 16. Mounting assembly 12 comprises a mounting plate 18, which preferably reversibly attaches to a vertically-adjustable support on a support vehicle. Mast assembly 14 comprises a base 20 and a mast 22, and supports driving assembly 16, which is slidably mounted thereon. Driving assembly 16 comprises a vibrator 24 and a support cup 26, which together drive a post 50 into the ground by the application of vibration and constant vertical downward force.

[0030] As used herein “post” includes a pole, a pile and other like elongate objects of varying size and dimensions that are inserted into the ground. “Post” includes objects of a variety of cross-sections including circular, square, oval, T- or H-shaped, objects made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal and polymers, and objects with a variety of shapes at either end, including rounded, pointed or flat ends.

[0031] Mounting assembly 12 mounts device 10 onto a vertically-adjustable support 46 that is attached to a support vehicle 48. As used herein “support vehicle” means a truck, tractor, agricultural vehicle or other vehicle that can be used to carry device 10 from one location to another. Vertically-adjustable support 46 can be permanently or reversibly attached to support vehicle 48 and functions in the context of this invention, to lift device 10 off the ground, to enable transport of the device from one site to another. Preferred support vehicles include conventional tractors known to those skilled in the art, such as bulldozers, which have a vertically-adjustable support to which device 10 can be mounted. Particularly preferred is a skid steer tractor, such as a Bobcat™ tractor. As is appreciated, other support vehicles with vertically-adjustable supports can be used, or designed for use, with device 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting assembly 12 comprises a mounting plate 18 and support tubing 28. Mounting plate 18 can be a variety of dimensions and can comprise a variety of mounting capabilities, depending upon the size and type of vertically-adjustable support 46 to which it is attached. Mounting plate 18 is preferably reversibly attached to a support vehicle 48, for example by means of bolts that extend through selected holes in mounting plate 18 to engage cooperating holes in the vertically-adjustable support 46. In one embodiment, an adaptor 19 is used between mounting plate 18 and vertically-adjustable support 46, in order to facilitate or enable attachment of the mounting assembly to the vertically-adjustable support.

[0032] In addition to a carrying function, the vertically-adjustable support 46 may be used to adjust the angle at which device 10 contacts the ground surface, to ensure that the post is driven substantially vertically into the ground. In this regard, vertically-adjustable support 46 may comprise at least one additional pivot that will enable the fine-tuning of the vertical position of device 10. This feature may be useful for example, when the support vehicle is to be used to install posts into the ground on a hill. Vertically-adjustable supports with an additional pivot are known in the art, for example in conventional tractors, such as front-end loaders or backhoes.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting assembly 12 additionally comprises support tubing 28. Support tubing 28 is connected to both mounting plate 18 and to mast assembly 14. Support tubing 28 provides support for mounting plate 18 and for the base of mast assembly 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, support tubing 28 is offset from the center vertical line of mounting plate 18, to counterbalance the weight of driving apparatus 16, which is positioned on the opposite side of mast 22.

[0034] As is apparent, in other embodiments of the device of this invention (not shown), mounting plate 18 may be directly connected to mast assembly 14 without the use of support tubing 28. Embodiments of this type might be used, for instance, if mounting plate 18 and mast 22 are sufficiently strong so that the additional support provided from support tubing 28 is not needed, or if the driving assembly is mounted on the front face of device 10 (i.e. facing away from the support vehicle).

[0035] Mast assembly 14 comprises base 20 and mast 22. Base 20 is directed towards the ground, and may rest on the ground, when device 10 is being used. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mast 22 extends substantially normally from a footplate 21. Footplate 21 functions to provide a flat extended base that supports mast 22 on the surface of ground and that dissipates the downward forces generated when device 10 is in use, thereby preventing substantial penetration of mast 22 into the ground. Footplate may be any of a number of shapes, including square, rectangular, triangular, oblong, and may even have a three-dimensional shape (i.e. it may not be flat). Additionally, footplate 21 may engage the surface of the ground, as by cleats 23 or other such protruding elements, to prevent substantial horizontal movement of mast 22, when device 10 is in use. Alternatively, base 20 may comprise cleats 23 or other such protruding elements, without a footplate 21 intermediate therebetween.

[0036] Mast 22 interacts with driving assembly 16. When device 10 is in use, base 20 or footplate 21 rest on the surface of the ground, and mast 22 extends upwards therefrom. Driving assembly 16 slides axially along mast 22. Accordingly, mast 22 supports driving assembly 16 and directs and controls the vertical movement thereof when device 10 is being used to insert a post into the ground. Mast 22 can have a variety of shapes in cross section, including square, circular, rectangular and triangular, provided that it is otherwise sturdy enough to support driving assembly 16 and direct and control the movement thereof.

[0037] Driving assembly 16 is slidably mounted onto mast 22. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 driving assembly 16 has an elongate sleeve 30 that fits snugly about mast 22, and slides thereon in a telescoping manner. Although shown in this embodiment as covering the entire length of mast 22, sleeve 30 may be shorter than mast 22. In this embodiment, mast 22 and sleeve 30 are essentially rectangular or square, in cross section. This feature prevents driving assembly 16 from rotating about mast 22, which aids in keeping vibrator 24 and hence support cup 26 engaged over the post that is being inserted into the ground. As is apparent, other means of slidably mounting driving assembly 16 onto mast 22 can be used, for example, a tongue and groove type of arrangement. These other means are intended to be included herein.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, driving assembly 16 is mounted to a bracket 40 that is connected to a hanger 38, which is connected to sleeve 30. As is apparent, there are other means of connecting driving assembly 16 to sleeve 30, and these means are intended to be included herein.

[0039] Axial movement of driving assembly 16 along mast 22 is facilitated by means of a hydraulic cylinder assembly 42. Preferably hydraulic cylinder assembly 42 is mounted inside mast 22 and sleeve 30, however it may be mounted on the outside of mast 22 and sleeve 30. Preferably hydraulic cylinder assembly 42 is mounted along the center longitudinal axis of mast 32.

[0040] The hydraulic cylinder assembly is mounted between the mast assembly and the driving assembly, to move the driving assembly along the mast. In particular, the hydraulic cylinder assembly moves the driving assembly substantially upwards, and forces the driving assembly substantially downwards onto the end of the post, when device 10 is being used. The hydraulic cylinder assembly may be a dual action type, so that it can be used to drive movement in two directions. In particular, one end of the hydraulic cylinder can be fixed releasably or permanently to mast 22, and the opposite end (i.e. the piston rod) extending from the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder can engage, releasably or permanently, the elongate sleeve 30 which rides along the mast. This-dual action hydraulic cylinder assembly therefore both forces sleeve 30 and hence driving assembly 16 upwards when actuated by hydraulic fluid in one direction, and pulls the driving assembly downwards when actuated by hydraulic fluid in the other direction. Therefore, the downward force is controlled by the operator.

[0041] In this embodiment, the fluid direction to either port on the cylinder is controlled by a directional valve. The directional valve is an electric over hydraulic valve, which is activated by a three-way momentary switch, which is preferably mounted on the support vehicle and accessible to the operator of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is powered by a slip stream of hydraulic fluid from the flow to vibrator 24, which fluid is controlled by the directional valve, as described.

[0042] In another embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder assembly may be a single-action type, attached as described above for the dual-action type, but with a spring that forces sleeve 30, and hence driving assembly 16, downwards, when the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder is released or abated. As is apparent, other means of moving the driving assembly axially along the mast can be used, such as for example other types of hydraulic means, or a winch/cable mechanism. These other means are intended to be included herein.

[0043] Driving assembly 16 may be mounted on a side of mast 22 or on the front (i.e. away from the support vehicle) of mast 22. The preferred location of driving assembly 22 is to one side of mast 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, because it enables the operator to see the height of the driving assembly when the device is being used.

[0044] Vibrator 24 comprises a housing within which is disposed one or more hydraulic motors that cause rotation of one or more weights that are eccentrically mounted on shafts within the vibrator housing. Rotation of the eccentrically mounted weight(s) causes vibration of the vibrator, which is transferred to the post via a vibrating surface 32 and the support cup 26. Details of the vibrator are not shown as such units are well known in the art.

[0045] A remotely located hydraulic pump and source of hydraulic fluid, supply hydraulic fluid under pressure via hydraulic lines, to both vibrator 24 and hydraulic cylinder assembly that moves the driving assembly 16 along mast 22. Preferably the hydraulic pump and source of hydraulic fluid are located on the support vehicle. The hydraulic pump and associated lines and controls are not shown in the drawings, since these are well known in the art.

[0046] Vibrator 24 is operatively connected to vibrating surface 32, which can be integral to the vibrator itself or which can be attached, releasably or permanently, to vibrator 24, so that it vibrates therewith. Vibrating surface 32 may be located below vibrator 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These Figures show that in this embodiment, vibrating surface 32 is formed from the bottom of the vibrator housing. However as is apparent, a separate plate may be attached, as by bolting, to the bottom of vibrator 24, or elsewhere on vibrator 24, for example to the side or front of, or to the side (or front) of and below or above the vibrator. The location of vibrating surface 32 is not critical, provided that its location will permit the transmission of both vibration and downward force, to the end of a post.

[0047] Support cup 26 is operatively connected to vibrator 24. Support cup 26 functions to hold, via its edge 34, the end of the post, and therefore to keep the post in a substantially vertical orientation during its insertion into the ground. Accordingly support cup 26 must be large enough for the end of the post to be insertable therein.

[0048] Edge 34 of support cup 26 also controls the amplitude of vibration. In particular, support cup 26 can be of varying diameters, which will permit different amplitudes of vibration to be applied to the post that is being inserted. For example, if the diameter of the cup is made larger, the amplitude of vibration will be greater, meaning that there is more side-to-side movement of the post, which may or may not be desired, depending upon the type of ground into which the post is being inserted.

[0049] The top surface 36 of support cup 26 transmits both vibrations from vibrator 24 and downwardly directed force from the hydraulic cylinder assembly, to the post that is being inserted into the ground. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top surface 36 is a portion of vibrating surface 32. As is appreciated, if vibrating surface 32 extended sideways or frontward of vibrator 24, support cup 26 would extend from underneath the sideways (or frontward)-displaced vibrating surface 32.

[0050] In another embodiment (not shown), top surface 36 is vibrating surface 32. In this embodiment support cup 26 is a cylindrical structure that is operatively attached, as by welding or bolting, to vibrator 24, for example to the side or front of vibrator 24.

[0051] As shown in the Figures, support cup can be in the shape of a hollow cylinder that is attached to vibrating surface 32 or to vibrator 30. This is a preferred structure. However as is apparent, support cup 26 could be a structure that functions in an analogous way to that shown in FIGS. 1-3. For example, support cup 26 could be an indentation into vibrating surface 32 or alternatively a ring attached as by posts, to vibrating surface 32. Structures that function in an analogous way (i.e. they have an edge and a top surface, as described above) to the support cup shown in FIGS. 1-3 are intended to be included herein.

[0052] Preferably, to provide a compact and sturdy design, support cup 26 is positioned underneath vibrator 24, and the top surface 36 of support cup 26 is formed from a portion of vibrating surface 32. However as is apparent, support cup 26 could extend from a side or from the front of vibrator 24 (not shown), either as an independent structure, or mounted beneath a vibrating surface 32. Support cup 26 is preferably circular in cross section, however it could be another shape, such as oval.

[0053] In operation, device 10 of this invention is first detachably mounted onto vertically-adjustable support 46 of support vehicle 38. The hydraulic connections between the device 10 and the hydraulic pump, preferably located on support vehicle 48, are then made. Once thus mounted on support vehicle 48, device 10 can be operated by controls that are accessible to the operator of the support vehicle. Support vehicle 48 is then driven to the location where the setting and driving of post 50 is to be carried out. Device 10, and more specifically, support cup 26, is then positioned generally above the site at which post 50 will be inserted into the ground. At this point, device 10 may be lowered so that base 20 engages the ground surface, but it may also remain off of the ground. Hydraulic fluid is then delivered to the hydraulic cylinder assembly to raise driving assembly 16 a sufficient height to allow post 50 to be inserted vertically under support cup 26. Hydraulic fluid is then delivered to the hydraulic cylinder assembly to lower driving assembly 16 until top surface 36 of support cup 26 contacts the top of the post. The hydraulic cylinder assembly continues to provide downwards force against the post and vibrator 24 is activated. The post is driven into the ground a distance selected by the operator of the device, by continuous downwards force and vibration. Device 10 may comprise markings that are visible to the operator of the device, to assist with determination of when the post is inserted a sufficient distance into the ground. Driving assembly 16 is then lifted upwards to release support cup 26 from the top of post 50.

Claims

1. A device for driving a post into the ground comprising:

(a) a mounting assembly for mounting the device onto a support vehicle;

(b) a mast having a base;

(c) a vibrator slidably connected to the mast to slide axially thereon;

(d) a support cup operatively connected to the vibrator and capable of receiving an end of the post; and

(e) a force applying means operable to apply constant force to the vibrator to urge it towards the base.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the vibrator is slidably connected to the mast by means of a sleeve that surrounds the mast, and which is connected to the vibrator.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the support cup is operatively connected to the vibrator by attaching the support cup to the bottom of the vibrator.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for applying constant downward force is a hydraulic cylinder assembly.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the hydraulic cylinder assembly is located inside the mast.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the driving assembly is caused to slide axially along the mast by a hydraulic cylinder assembly.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein a footplate is attached to the base.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein one or more projections extend from the base.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein one or more projections extend from the footplate.

10. A method for driving a post into the ground comprising:

(a) placing a first end of the post onto the surface of the ground at a point where the post will be inserted into the ground;

(b) inserting a second end of the post into a support cup that is positioned substantially above the point, the support cup:

(i) comprising an edge sized to extend around the second end of the post, and

(ii) comprising a top surface that will transmit vibratory and constant downward force onto the second end of the post, p1 (c) applying vibratory and constant downward force by means of the top surface to the second end of the post, such that the post is driven into the ground;

(d) ceasing the application of the vibratory and constant downward force when the post is inserted a selected distance into the ground.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 1.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 2.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 3.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 4.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 5.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 6.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 7.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 8.

19. The method of claim 10 wherein the vibratory and constant downward force is applied by the device of claim 9.

20. A device for driving a post into the ground comprising:

(a) a mounting assembly for mounting the device onto a support vehicle;

(b) a mast assembly having a footplate and a rigid central mast extending therefrom;

(c) a vibrator slidably connected to the mast to slide axially thereon;

(d) a support cup operatively connected to the vibrator and capable of receiving an end of the post; and

(e) a hydraulic cylinder assembly for applying constant force to the vibrator to urge it towards the footplate.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein the support cup is underneath the vibrator.

22. The device of claim 20 wherein the hydraulic cylinder assembly is inside the mast.

23. The device of claim 20 additionally comprising projections extending from the footplate.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a mounting plate for mounting the device onto the support vehicle.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the mounting plate is capable of engaging an adaptor provided by an adjustable support on the support vehicle.