AU2014100050A4 - Driver Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a driver apparatus (10) of the type used to locate a ground fixing, such as a pin, for a post of a movable race track running rail or the like. The driver apparatus (10) includes an upright (16), a movable arm (20) arranged for connection to the upright (16) and a tool balancer (300). The tool balancer (300) is arranged in use for connection between the movable arm (20) and a driver (100). The driver (100) is preferably a pneumatic hammer.

Description

1 Driver Apparatus Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a driver apparatus of the type used to locate a ground fixing for a post of a movable race track running rail or the like. 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. The post driver incorporates an impact driver 75 to hammer a fence post 80 into the 2 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] Australian innovation patent 2013101181 by the present applicant describes a 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. The present invention seeks to provide an alternative and improved arrangement for enabling the easy installation of such ground fixings. [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 driver apparatus including an upright, a movable arm arranged for connection to the upright and a tool balancer, the tool balancer arranged in use for connection between the movable arm and a driving tool. [0010] The driving tool is preferably a hand operated tool such as a hammer or screwdriver. [0011] The tool balancer is preferably of a type arranged to hold a normally hand held and hand-operated tool in a pre-set position so as to minimise operator effort. A retractable cord or the like extending from the tool balancer and connecting the 3 driving tool thereto enables the user to use the driving tool and to move it through a required range of movements. [0012] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the movable arm is arranged to be connected to the upright about a first axis so that in use it can sweep across a substantially horizontal plane and over a preferably generally circular shaped area. [0013] The movable arm preferably includes an inner arm and an outer arm arranged to be joined by a connector. The connector establishing a second axis about which the outer arm frame is preferably arranged to pivot. The tool balancer is preferably attached to the outer arm. To this end, the tool balancer is preferably attached by a hook type connection. [0014] The driver apparatus is arranged in use to drive a ground fixing into a ground surface. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the driving tool includes a hammer operable to drive a ground fixing, such as a simple pin, into a ground surface. The hammer may be hydraulically or pneumatically driven and a free end of the hammer may be shaped to or include an attachment for locating over the upper end of the ground fixing. Such an attachment is commonly referred to as a dolly. [0015] The driver apparatus preferably further includes componentry enabling connection of the driving tool to a power supply for powering the same. The power supply is preferably arranged to be located on a platform to which the upright is arranged to be secured, but other arrangements are envisaged. Brief Description of Drawings [0016] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0017] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a driver apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention fitted to a vehicle; [0018] Figure 2A is a top plan view of the platform of the driver apparatus shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2B is an end view of the platform; 4 [0019] Figure 3 is top plan view showing the arm of the driver apparatus of Figure 1 in a first position; [0020] Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the arm of the driver apparatus of Figure 1 in a second position; and [0021] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an alternative arrangement for the circled part of the arm shown in Figure 1. Detailed Description [0022] A driver apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in the Figures. As will be described in more detail subsequently, the driver apparatus 10 is configured to drive a ground fixing, such as a pin, for a post of a moveable running rail (or the like) into a ground surface. To this end, Figure 1 also schematically illustrates a driving tool, in the form of a pneumatic hammer 100, attached to the apparatus 10 and thereby forming part thereof. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not restricted to use with such pneumatic hammers and that other forms of driving tools or equipment may be used. [0023] Figure 1 also depicts the driver apparatus 10 mounted in a vehicle 200. Although any suitable vehicle may be used, it is envisaged that the vehicle is preferably a vehicle of the type commonly referred to by the trade name GATOR. Such vehicles have a rear tray into which a platform 12 of the driver apparatus 10 can be placed and then secured thereto. A power supply 14 for powering the pneumatic hammer 100 is preferably mounted on the platform 12 as shown schematically in Figure 1. [0024] The platform 12 is best illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. The platform 12 is configured so that it can be readily lifted by a fork lift (not shown) by locating the forks of the fork lift within the fork apertures 1 2A. [0025] Connected to and extending generally vertically upwardly from the platform 12 is an upright 16. Connected to the upright 16 is a movable arm 20. Movable arm 20 may adopt different forms but is illustrated as including an inner arm 20a pivotally connected to an outer arm 20b by a connector 20c. The inner arm 20a is pivotally connected to the upright 16 by connector 20d. The free end of the outer arm 20b is 5 arranged so that a tool balancer 300 can be connected thereto and the pneumatic hammer 100 can then be attached to the tool balancer 300. In this way, the pneumatic hammer 100 is effectively suspended from the movable arm 20. A retractable cord 302 extending from the tool balancer 300 enables the user to use the hammer 100 and to move it through a required range of movements. When the operator releases the hammer 100, the weight of the hammer 100 is automatically taken up by the tool balancer 300 so that the hammer 100 is safely suspended at the original distance above the ground. [0026] Tool balancers 300 may come in different forms and are commonly referred to as spring balancers, pneumatic balancers and electric balancers. Such balancers hold a normally hand-operated tool in a pre-set position to minimise operator effort during use of the tool. Such balancers allow the operator to readily lift the load and to also "float" the load. This allows for precise manual movement. [0027] As depicted in Figure 1, each of the inner and outer arms 20a, 20b is made from a length of tube, preferably rectangular shaped tube. However, the outer arm 20b may adopt different forms and configurations and may adopt a stepped configuration as shown in Figure 5. This stepped configuration includes a first part and a second part. The second part establishes an increased or greater vertical distance between the ground and the underside of the second part of the outer arm 20b as compared to the vertical distance between the ground and an underside of the first part of the outer arm 20b. This provides greater work height there between than would be provided as per the arrangement shown in Figure 1. This establishes a greater vertical distance for the operator to move about under the second part of the outer arm 20b minimising their risk of accidentally striking the second part of the outer arm 20b. It is envisaged that the configuration and construction of both the inner and outer arms 20a, 20b may vary. [0028] The movable arm 20 of the described embodiment is arranged such that the arm 20 is movable with respect to two vertical axes. The location of these vertical axes is shown in Figure 1. Inner arm 20a is arranged so that it can be rotated about first axis A 1 established by the connector 20d. The connector 20c establishes the second axis A 2 and is arranged so that both the inner arm 20a and the outer arm 20b 6 can be rotated about the second axis A 2 . This enables the outer arm 20b to assume different positions relative to the inner arm 20a. [0029] Schematically shown in Figures 3 and 4 are two exemplary positions of the inner and outer arms 20a, 20b. It will be appreciated that two axes A, and A 2 enable the inner and outer arms 20a, 20b to be moved through a variety of positions. This enables an operator to position the hammer 100 (whilst attached to the apparatus 10) so that it generally aligns with the top of a pin (not shown) that is to be hammered into the ground within the working area of the arm 20 without significant effort. The hammer 100 can be moved from one pin position to another within the working area of the arm by grasping the hammer 100 and directing it towards the required next pin position. It will be appreciated that the inner and outer arms 20a, 20b will be movable into a variety of different relative positions. Furthermore, as the hammer 100 is suspended from the arm 20 via the tool balancer 300, the operator is not required to continually carry or lift the weight of the hammer 100 and thus movement of the hammer 100 can be achieved with relative ease. Operator fatigue and risk of injury is also greatly minimised. [0030] From the above it will be understood that the hammer 100 can be positioned by an operator to align with possible ground fixing locations located generally within the area of working sweep of the fully extended movable arm 20. [0031] The movable arm 20 is shown fully extended in Figure 1. The working area or area of working sweep of the arm 20 is very roughly equal to the full area covered by the sweep of the arm 20 when fully extended, less any overlapping area covered by the vehicle 200 and less any area too close to the vehicle 200 for the hammer 100 to be safely operated in. It will be appreciated that the area of sweep of the movable arm 20 will depend on the nature and positioning of its connection to the upright 16 which may be such as to prevent the area of sweep being completely circular due to possible contact with the upright 16. Accordingly, the area of sweep is referred to hereafter as being generally circular. [0032] The driver apparatus 10, preferably with hammer 100 already attached, can be loaded onto the bed of a trailer or the bed of a GATOR vehicle using a forklift. Once properly positioned, the platform 12 should be secured to the vehicle 200. As 7 stated previously, the power supply 14 for the hammer 100 is preferably mounted onto the platform 12 (before loading onto the bed of the vehicle 200). Pneumatic lines extend from the power supply 14 to the hammer 100 and may be secured to the upright 16 and movable arm 20 to keep them clear of the operator. [0033] In use, the vehicle 200 is driven to a position adjacent to where a first ground fixing or pin is to be driven into the ground. The exact positioning of the vehicle 200 relative to the required ground fixing position is not that important because of the ability of the arm 20 with hammer 100 suspended therefrom to be manipulated across the area of sweep. [0034] Once the vehicle 200 is in position, manipulation of the hammer 100 to a point immediately above the ground fixing location is performed manually by the operator. The operator pulls the hammer 100 to the required position causing the inner and outer arms 20a, 20b to pivot about axes A 1 and A 2 . The operator then properly holds the hammer 100 ready for use and then operates the hammer 100 to drive the pin into the ground to the required depth. When the pin is hammered to the required depth, the operator stops hammering and can then release the hammer 100. The tool balancer 300 will return the hammer 100 to the original or pre-set position hung from the movable arm 20. The hammer 100 can then be moved to a point above the next pin to be hammered into the ground. Movement to this next position may require the vehicle 200 to firstly be moved to a new position. [0035] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention that is not illustrated, it is envisaged that it would be advantageous to enable adjustment, either manual or automatic, of the angle of the upright 16. As mentioned previously, the upright 16 is preferably orientated substantially vertically during operation of the driver apparatus 10. However, it will be appreciated that when the vehicle 200 to which the driver apparatus 10 is mounted is located on sloping ground, the upright 16 will no longer extend substantially vertically. Accordingly, it is envisaged that the upright 16 may be mounted to the platform 12 or directly to the vehicle 200 so that the angle of the upright 16 is adjustable. For example, the upright 16 may be pivotally connected to the platform 12 or vehicle 200 and held at the required angular orientation by an adjustable support. Adjustment of the support resulting in a change in the orientation of the upright 16 bringing it back to a substantially vertical orientation.

8 [0036] The present invention provides a simple apparatus for driving a ground fixing or pin into a ground surface. More significantly, as the hammer 100 is suspended from the apparatus using a tool balancer 300, the operator is not required to manually lift the hammer 100 onto the top of the pin, nor is the operator required to physically carry the hammer 100 (with dolly attached) from one hammering point to another. This provides significant health and safety improvements. Further, the ability to manipulate the positioning of the hammer 100 through movement of the movable arm 20 means that the exact location of the vehicle relative to the required position of the ground fixing or pin is not crucial. This means that the vehicle operator does not need to waste time carefully aligning the vehicle 200 with the required ground fixing position and can simply drive the vehicle 200 to a position roughly approximate to the required position of the ground fixing. This saves considerable time and prevents driver frustration. [0037] The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged. 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 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 claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

Claims (17)

1. A driver apparatus including an upright, a movable arm arranged for connection to the upright and a tool balancer, the tool balancer arranged in use for connection between the movable arm and a driving tool.

2. A driver apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the movable arm is arranged to be connected to the upright about a first axis so as to sweep across a substantially horizontal plane.

3. A driver apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the movable arm is arranged to sweep over a generally circular shaped area.

4. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the movable arm includes an inner arm and an outer arm arranged to be joined by a connector.

5. A driver apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the connector establishes a second axis about which the outer arm is arranged to pivot.

6. A driver apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the tool balancer is arranged to be connected to the outer arm.

7. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the driving tool is a hammer operable to drive a ground fixing into a ground surface.

8. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the driving tool is hydraulically or pneumatically driven.

9. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a free end of the driving tool is shaped to establish or is arranged to be attached to a dolly for locating over an upper end of a ground fixing.

10. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further including a platform to which the upright is arranged to be attached.

11. A driver apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the platform is configured for mounting in or on a vehicle. 10

12. A driver apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the platform includes at least one fork aperture to enable lifting of the platform by a fork lift.

13. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further including a power supply for powering the driving tool.

14. A driver apparatus according to claim 13 when dependent on any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the power supply is arranged to be located on the platform.

15. A driver apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the outer arm adopts a stepped configuration.

16. A driver apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the outer arm includes a first part and a second part and wherein the second part has a greater vertical distance between the ground and an underside of the second part than the vertical distance between the ground and an underside of the first part.

17. A driver apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the orientation of the upright is adjustable so that in use the upright extends substantially vertically.