AU2013101181A4 - A Ground Fixing Driver Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a ground fixing driver apparatus arranged for attachment to a tractor or the like. The ground fixing driver apparatus includes a frame 10 and a ground fixing driver head 100 attached to the frame 10. The frame 10 includes a movable arm 16. The ground fixing driver head 100 is arranged so that it can be manipulated to possible ground fixing locations located within an area of sweep of the movable arm 16. ( D ( ) C

Description

1 A Ground Fixing Driver Apparatus Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a ground fixing driver apparatus of the type used to locate a ground fixing for a post of a movable race track running rail. Background of Invention [0002] Turf race tracks suitable for horse racing are prepared carefully to ensure that the track surface meets racing industry policy. For example, in Victoria tracks are ideally prepared so that they are rated as GOOD 3 as per Racing Victoria Limited's policy. This means that the track is considered as ideal, with some give. [0003] On a busy racecourse, the damage to the turf caused by training and racing is very high and this problem is addressed by shifting the race track across the track field. Movable running rails are used on such tracks and they are shifted to allow different sections of the width of the overall track to be used at any one time. This allows the remaining sections of the width of the track to regenerate before they are next used. [0004] Movable running rails are quite common at busy racecourses. However, they require considerable manpower to shift and this manpower is costly. When shifting the running rail the existing ground fixings locating the posts must be removed and then reinstalled at the required location. Accurate placement of the ground fixings is important. [0005] Currently, depending on ground hardness, either an electric or pneumatic jack hammer is used to install each ground fixing. A dolly is firstly locked into the jack hammer. The jack hammer is then lifted by the operator to locate the dolly over the end of the ground fixing before the ground fixing is hammered into the ground. The operator is required to manipulate the dolly and jack hammer equipment as they move around the track installing the ground fixings. This is very tiring and time consuming work and there is a high risk of operator injury. [0006] US patent 7,296,636 describes a post driver unit that includes a frame for quick connect attachment to a front end loader or to the three point hitch of a tractor.

2 The post driver incorporates an impact driver 75 to hammer a fence post 80 into the ground. The position of the fence post 80 prior to being hammered into the ground can be adjusted by rotation of the mast extension 28 about the mast 26 and thus the post 80 can be located on the line of the arc of rotation of the boom 50 connected to the mast extension 28. However, there is no ability to adjust the width distance between the fence post 80 and the mast 26 as this is set by the length of the boom 50. Accordingly, the front end loader or tractor to which the post driver unit is connected must be very accurately positioned to ensure that the required final position of the fence post 80 is achieved. This means that where the final positioning of the fence post 80 is critical, the driver of the front end loader or tractor may be required to move the same a number of times before the fence post 80 is finally in position ready to be driven into the ground. [0007] The present invention seeks to provide a ground fixing driver apparatus that enables easy installation of ground fixings of the type used to secure posts of a movable race track running rail or the like. [0008] The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application. Summary of Invention [0009] According to the present invention there is provided a ground fixing driver apparatus arranged for attachment to a tractor or the like, the ground fixing driver apparatus including a frame and a ground fixing driver head attached to the frame, the frame including a movable arm and wherein the ground fixing driver head can be manipulated to possible ground fixing locations located within an area of sweep of the movable arm. [0010] Preferably the ground fixing driver head is attached to an outer end of the frame. The frame preferably includes a cross member, an upright member and the movable arm is arranged to be pivotally connected to the upright member. The cross member and upright member preferably being arranged for connection to the tractor 3 or the like. Preferably, the cross member and upright member are arranged for connection to a three point hitch of a tractor. [0011] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the movable arm is arranged to pivot about a first axis so as to sweep across a substantially horizontal plane and over a generally semi-circular shaped area. [0012] The movable arm preferably includes an inner arm frame and an outer arm frame arranged to be joined by an elbow. The elbow establishing a second axis about which the outer arm frame is preferably arranged to pivot. The ground fixing driver head being attached to the outer arm frame. [0013] The ground fixing driver head is arranged to drive a ground fixing into a ground surface. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the ground fixing driver head includes an actuator with a ram operable to drive a ground fixing into a ground surface. The actuator may be hydraulically or pneumatically driven and a free end of the ram may be shaped or include an attachment for locating over the upper end of the ground fixing. [0014] The ground fixing driver apparatus preferably further includes componentry enabling connection of the ground fixing driver head to a power supply for powering the same. The power supply is preferably located on or incorporated in the tractor, but other arrangements are envisaged. Brief Description of Drawings [0015] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0016] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a frame of a ground fixing driver apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The frame is shown at maximum extension; [0017] Figure 2 is a side view of the ground fixing driver apparatus shown in Figure 1; and [0018] Figure 3 is a plan view of the frame shown in Figure 1. The frame is shown in a condition of non-maximum extension.

4 Detailed Description [0019] A ground fixing driving apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a frame 10 as shown in the Figures. As will be described in more detail subsequently, the ground fixing driving apparatus further includes an arrangement configured to drive a ground fixing for a moveable running rail (or the like) into a ground surface. To this end, the Figures also schematically illustrate a ground fixing driver head 100 attached to the frame 10. It will be appreciated that the ground fixing driver head 100 may adopt different forms and that various componentry enabling connection of the ground fixing driver head 100 to a power supply necessary to power the ground fixing driver head 100 is not illustrated. The power supply for powering the ground fixing driver head 100 would typically be taken from the tractor's power pack. Such componentry, being well understood by a person skilled in the art. [0020] The frame 10 is arranged to be connected to a standard three point hitch or linkage of a tractor or the like (not illustrated). The connection of the frame 10 to the three point hitch of the tractor occurs at points A, B and C as marked on Figures 1 and 2. Any suitable connection means can be used to connect the frame 10 to the tractor's three point hitch. [0021] The frame 10 may adopt different configurations but in the simple form illustrated includes a cross member 12, an upright member 14 and a movable arm 16. Arm 16 includes an inner arm frame 16a and an outer arm frame 16b joined by an elbow 16c. The inner arm frame 16a is connected to the upright member 14, for example as shown in Figure 2. The outer arm frame 16a is connected to or has mounted thereon the ground fixing driver head 100. [0022] As depicted, each of the inner and outer arm frames 16a, 16b is made from four members joined to form a rectangular shaped frame. Although not depicted, each of the inner and outer arm frames 16a, 16b may include at least one bracing member to strengthen each frame 16a, 16b. For example, each frame 16a, 16b may further include a diagonal member. [0023] Elbow 16c may adopt different forms but must ensure that the inner and outer arm frames 16a, 16b can move relative to one another such that the required range of movement of the ground fixing driver head 100 can be achieved.

5 [0024] The frame 10 of the described embodiment is arranged such that the arm 16 is movable about two vertical axes. The location of these vertical axes is shown in Figures 2 and 3. Inner arm frame 16a is arranged so that it can be rotated about first axis A, and as generally indicated by the double headed arrows in Figure 3. Elbow 16c establishes the second axis A 2 and is arranged so that the outer arm frame 16b can be rotated about the second axis A 2 whereby the outer arm frame 1 6b can assume different positions relative to the inner arm frame 16a. [0025] Also schematically shown in Figure 3 is the location of two exemplary ground fixing location points P 1 and P 2 . It should be appreciated that the ground fixing driver head 100 can be positioned by an operator to align with the top of the ground fixing location point P 1 by grasping the ground fixing driver head 100 and manually directing it towards location point P 1 . This will cause the outer arm frame 16b to rotate in a generally counter clockwise direction about second axis A 2 whilst at the same time, the inner arm frame 16a will rotate in a generally clockwise direction about first axis A 1 . This will effectively increase the width distance x (see x axis marked on an imaginary horizontal plane centred on A 1 ) of the ground fixing driver head 100 from the first axis A 1 . It will also increase the distance y (see y axis marked on the imaginary horizontal plane centred on A1) of the ground fixing driver head 100 from the first axis A 1 . The ground fixing driver head 100 can be moved from above ground fixing location point P 1 to above ground fixing location point P 2 by grasping the ground fixing driver head 100 and directing it towards the ground fixing point P 2 . This will cause the outer arm frame 16b to rotate in a generally clockwise direction about second axis A 2 whilst at the same time, the inner arm frame 16a will rotate in a generally counter clockwise direction about first axis A 1 . This will effectively decrease the width distance x of the ground fixing driver head 100 from the first axis A 1 . It will also decrease the distance y of the ground fixing driver head 100 from the first axis

A

1 . It will be appreciated that the inner and outer arm frames 16a, 16b will be movable into a variety of different relative positions about the second axis A 2 much like a pair of wings. [0026] From the above it will be understood that the ground fixing driver head 100 can be positioned by an operator to align with most possible ground fixing locations located generally within the area of the sweep of the fully extended movable arm 16. The movable arm 16 being shown fully extended in Figure 1. The area of the sweep 6 of movement of arm 16 being generally semi-circular in shape and covering from when the movable arm 16 extends substantially parallel to the cross member 12 at a twelve o'clock position to a six o'clock position when viewed from above and on the side of the frame 10 distal to the tractor. [0027] It is envisaged that the ground fixing driver head 100 includes an actuator 102 with a ram 102 operable to drive a ground fixing into the ground. The actuator 102 may be hydraulically or pneumatically driven and may be operated to drive the ground fixing into the ground by either the operator who manually aligned the ground fixing driver head 100 over the ground fixing or by the tractor driver. Accordingly, a controller to operate the actuator 102 may be located on the frame 10 or on the ground fixing driver head 100 or alternatively within reach of the tractor driver or other operator. The free end of the ram 102 may be shaped or include an attachment for locating over and/or attachment to the upper end of a ground fixing to be driven into the ground. [0028] Once the ground fixing driver apparatus is connected to the tractor and all necessary connections made to provide drive power to the ground fixing driver head 100, the ground fixing driver apparatus is ready for use. In use, the tractor is driven to a position adjacent to where a first ground fixing is to be driven into the ground. The exact positioning of the tractor relative to the required ground fixing position is not that important because of the ability of the ground fixing driver head 100 to be manipulated by movement of the frame 10 to the required position. The height of the free end of the ram 102 above the ground 200 can be adjusted by the tractor operator by operation of the three point hitch. [0029] Once the tractor is in position, manipulation of the ground fixing driver head 100 to a point immediately above the ground fixing location is typically performed manually by an operator stationed on the track adjacent the ground fixing position. The operator stationed on the ground may be the same person who operates the tractor. However, for increased efficiency, it is envisaged that one operator would drive the tractor and a second operator would manually manipulate the ground fixing driver head 100 to the required ground fixing position. The second operator would also control operation of the ground fixing driver head 100 to drive the ground fixing into the ground surface to the required depth.

7 [0030] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, the ground fixing driver apparatus includes a positioning controller for controlling and driving movement of the frame so that the tractor operator or another operator can operate the positioning controller to position the ground fixing driver head 100 to the required position. Such an arrangement avoids the need for manual manipulation of the ground fixing driver head 100 and the attached movable arm 16. The positioning controller may further include a camera and camera display so that the tractor operator can view the positioning of the ground fixing driver head 100 relative to the ground fixing and also determine when the ground fixing had been driven into the ground 200 to the required depth. [0031] The present invention provides a simple apparatus for driving a ground fixing into a ground surface. An operator is not required to manually handle a jack hammer or other similar device for driving a ground fixing into the ground and thus there is reduced risk of operator injury. Further, the ability to manipulate the positioning of the ground fixing driver head through movement of the frame means that the exact location of the tractor relative to the required position of the ground fixing is not crucial. This means that the tractor operator does not need to waste time carefully aligning the tractor with the required ground fixing position and must simply drive the tractor to a position roughly approximate to the required position of the ground fixing. This saves considerable time and prevents driver frustration. [0032] The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged. [0033] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future applications. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

Claims (11)

1. A ground fixing driver apparatus arranged for attachment to a tractor or the like, the ground fixing driver apparatus including a frame and a ground fixing driver head attached to the frame, the frame including a movable arm and wherein the ground fixing driver head can be manipulated to possible ground fixing locations located within an area of sweep of the movable arm.

2. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ground fixing driver head is attached to an outer end of the frame.

3. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the frame includes a cross member, an upright member and the movable arm is arranged to be pivotally connected to the upright member.

4. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the cross member and upright member are arranged for connection to the tractor or the like.

5. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the cross member and upright member are arranged for connection to a three point hitch of a tractor.

6. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the movable arm is arranged to pivot about a first axis so as to sweep across a substantially horizontal plane over a semi-circular shaped area.

7. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the movable arm includes an inner arm frame and an outer arm frame arranged to be joined by an elbow.

8. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the outer arm frame is arranged to pivot about a second axis.

9. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ground fixing driver head is arranged to drive a ground fixing into a ground surface and includes an actuator with a ram operable to drive the ground fixing into the ground surface. 9

10. A ground fixing driver apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the ram includes a free end shaped or including an attachment for locating over and/or attachment to the upper end of the ground fixing.

11. A ground fixing driving apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further including componentry to power the ground fixing driver head so as to be able to drive a ground fixing into the ground surface.