Tool driving or impacting – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-02-06
Smith, Scott A. (Department: 3721)
Tool driving or impacting
Processes
C173S032000, C173S122000, C173S124000, C173S117000, C173S203000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182772
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to post driving methods and portable apparatus to perform such functions.
BACKGROUND ART
For centuries, posts have been driven into the ground by applying an essentially downward force at or near the top of a post. Humans may apply intermittent, brute force with sledgehammers or similar instruments. Machines may apply such force continuously or intermittently so long as the total energy imparted is sufficient to embed the post to a desired depth while not damaging the post. Pistons, actuated mechanically or hydraulically, may lack portability, be unwieldy, or cause post damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments of the present invention solve problems associated with the prior art. Embodiments afford, for example, easy handling by an operator and a hammering force intended to decrease the chance of post damage.
Accordingly, a portable apparatus for driving a post into the ground is provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus has a base which is removably attachable to the post and a hammer module which is tethered to the base. The hammer module is so tethered to permit vertically reciprocating motion relative to the base and has a face for transmitting force to the top of the post. The base and the hammer module constitute an assembly which includes a drive arrangement to cause vertical reciprocation of the hammer module. In an embodiment, the assembly includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, an axle coupled to the motor, and a cam mounted on the first axle. In another embodiment of the invention, the assembly also includes a second axle having a second cam mounted on it. The axles and the motor have axes of rotation which are parallel to a reference axis. The second axle is coupled to the motor to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of the first axle. Centroids of the cams are, alternately, simultaneously above and simultaneously below the axes of rotation of the first and second axle, so as to cause the hammer module to reciprocate vertically.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the hammer module has two ends and is elongate essentially along a long axis that is generally horizontal and transverse to the axes of rotation with the face proximate a working end of the hammer module. The base has a body and an arm that is pivotally attachable to a pivoting end of the hammer module, so that it is the working end which reciprocates vertically. The apparatus may also include a damping mechanism coupled between the base and the working end. A constraint upon vertical reciprocation may, in this way, be provided.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for driving a post into the ground including providing an apparatus in accord with a previously described embodiment, positioning it so that its face engages the top of the post, and powering the drive arrangement of the apparatus.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2927773 (1960-03-01), Wilke
patent: 3139944 (1964-07-01), Smith
patent: 3543868 (1970-12-01), Drake
patent: 3612188 (1971-10-01), Ono
patent: 3937286 (1976-02-01), Wagner
patent: 3961672 (1976-06-01), Welsch et al.
patent: 4135585 (1979-01-01), Wagner
patent: 4665994 (1987-05-01), Snider
patent: 4732220 (1988-03-01), Johnsson
patent: 4984640 (1991-01-01), Gillan et al.
patent: 5088567 (1992-02-01), Schnell et al.
patent: 5819857 (1998-10-01), Rohrer
Lagasse Charles A.
Sheldon James R.
LandOfFree
Apparatus and method for driving posts into the ground does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus and method for driving posts into the ground, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus and method for driving posts into the ground will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2589464