IE85794B1 - Improvements in and relating to post-drivers - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT A post driver (200-500), for example. for driving posts such as fence posts into the ground, is provided with adjustable wear means (272-572), such as wear pads. The post driver (200-500) comprises at least one telescopic means (270-570) and at least one wear means (272-572) or resilient means disposed or adapted to cooperate or interact with the telescopic means. The wear means (272-572) comprise a plurality of wear pads, provided in a side wall(s) and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to post drivers, for example, for driving posts such as fence posts into the ground. The invention also relates to wear means, such as wear" pads, which. may be used in or ’with‘ such post drivers. The invention also relates to a-method of using such a post driver.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Post drivers usually consist of a vertical pillar or column guiding a falling weight that is lifted by hydraulic power from, for example, a tractor on which the post driver is mounted. A small ram, working through a lifting mechanism, may pull a rope_over a pulley at the top of the pillar or column so as to lift the weight in order that it may then be dropped onto a post.

However, euisting post drivers suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, existing post drivers have difficulty in. ground driving posts in difficult conditions. In addition, to properly align existing post drivers, a connected tractor needs to be moved backwards and forwards to correctly position the post driver. Such movement of the tractor‘ can. lead to excessive. clutch wear. In swinging arm type mechanisms, the side shift needs to be used every time the arm is moved forwards or backwards. It is also difficult to obtain small movements of the tractor on uneven ground.

A, also .by the present Applicant, discloses an improved post driver. The post driver comprises: a frame supported on a plurality of legs: a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; I V wherein there are positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; wherein the mast is telescopic; and the post driver comprises a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

GB 2 423 549 A discloses telescopic members for a back shift and for a side shift of the post driver. The present Inventor has identified that this may give rise to problems.

GB ’2 420 367 A (BRENNAN and BRENNAN) discloses a post driver comprising: a three point linkage mounting means for securing the support frame to the three point linkage of a tractor; a main mast mounted on the support frame; a support mast slidably mounted on the main mast; a pile driving hammer slidably mounted on a hammer guide rail on the support mast,- a pulley adjacent the upper free end of the support mast; a flexible connector connected to the hammer and to the main mast via the pulley; a hydraulic ram connected between the support mast and the pulley for raising the mast; and a post holder comprising a flat plate carrying a depending post engaging spike, the plate fast on a support member, slidably mounted on the main mast.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems .

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a post driver which provides improved characteristics over the prior art . ~adapted to -cooperate or .thereof, SUMMBRY OF INVENTIO$ According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a post driver, comprising at least one telescopic means and at least one adjustable wear means or resilient means, wherein the at least one adjustable wear means or resilient means is disposed or interact, -in Use, telescopic means, wherein _further the at least one telescopic means" comprises a back/forward shift and a’ side/side-to—side shift of the post driver, wherein the/each telescopic means comprises at least one outer ’ member and a respective at least one inner member, such that the at least one adjustable wear means or resilient means allows for desired relative movement of the inner and outer ‘member 'and/or desired relative positioning" and wherein the adjustable wear means is provided in a side wall of the telescopic means and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means.

Adjustment means may be provided ‘for adjusting or moving the wear means.

.The/each at least one wear means or resilient means may comprise a wear pad.

The/each outer member may comprise a tubular member Vadapted to slidably receive the respective inner member.

The/each outer _member may be — substantially rectilinear (box) in cross-section. with the‘ inner The/each member may be substantially rectilinear (box) in cross—section.

Each of a back shift and/or a side shift may comprise first and second of the at least one telescopic b means .

Each pair of the first and second telescopic means may be disposed relative to one another and adapted to operate in unison. » The wear means may comprise a plurality of wear means.

The wear' means may be provided. in a wall of the outer member such that the wear means protrudes into an inside of the outer member. vIn this way a planar surface of the wear means may rest, brush or rub against an_outer surface of the inner member, in use.

An. opposing pair of adjustable wear means may be provided, e.g. on opposing side walls and/or top and bottom walls of the outer member.

The inner and/or outer tubular members may be made from a metallic material. ' .The wear means may comprise a cylindrical member.

The cylindrical member_may comprise at one end the planar surface, and may comprise at another end means for substantially. engaging a tool to assist in rotation of the cylindrical member, in use.

The cylindrical member may also comprise a helical thread on an outer cylindrical surface thereof.

The wear means may be made from a plastics material.

A sleeve may be provided in a" wall of theouter member for receiving the -wear means.

The sleeve may have an internal helical thread adapted to engage that of the cylindrical member.

In a first embodiment there are provided a plurality of adjustable ‘wear means on top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer members of the -side shift.

In a second embodiment there A are provided a plurality of adjustable wear means on the ‘top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer members of the side shift. There are also provided a plurality of adjustable wear means on top and side surfaces or walls of the outer members of the back shift.

In a third embodiment there are provided a plurality of adjustable wear pads on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member of the side shift (and optionally also single outer member of the back shift).

The post driver may comprise one or more of: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; the mast is optionally telescopic; and the post driver comprising a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

The positioning’ means allowing the positioning of the mast: to be optimised and adapted may comprise the back shift and the side shift.

The back shift and side shift allows the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the frame itself or a connected tractor.

The back shift and side shift are preferably at substantially 90° to one another thereby allowing the mast to be moved over a full range of directions.

The back shift and side shift may be hydraulically operated thereby allowing easy and accurate adjustments [of the position of the mast to be made. > The back shift and side shift'may.haye a range of. travel of about 100 to 1,000 mm.

The back shift and side “shift may each comprise _telescopic members; The mast may be tiltable, e.g. by means of a tilt ram. vThere may be provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is connected to an inner member of the side shift, and is slidable therewith in and out of an outer member of the side shift.

The mast tilt ram bracket may be provided slidably above an upper wall of an outer member of the side shift, and optionally one end of the mast tilt ram may be connected to one end of the mast tilt ram bracket, and another end of the mast tilt ram may be connected to the" mast.

Optionally the post driver may comprise: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are provided positioning means ‘to enable the position of the mast to‘ be optimised and adapted for alignment mith a post to be driven, the positioning means comprising_ a _back ‘shift and a side shift;' and wherein the legs are independently hydraulically operable.

There is provided a nest tilt ram bracket which is slidable in and out into the side shift and is not attached to outer blocks of a side shirt slide.

The wear means may be movable, such as longitudinally, by adjustment means, e.g. rotary adjustment means.

There may be provided a plurality of adjustable wear means or resilient means which may be longitudinally spaced in a_side wall of the telescopic means and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a wear means or pad adapted for use in an agricultural machine such asia post driver according to the first aspect of the present inventiono According to a third aspect of the present invention .there is provided a method. of driving a post into the ground using a post driver according to the first aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: I a view from one side. of. a post Figureil driver according to the prior art invention will now be_ Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figures 10(a) and (b) Figure a view from another side of the post driver of Figure 1; a rear view of the post driver of Figure 1; a front view of the post driver of Figure 1; a top View of the post driver of Figure 1; a partial front view of the post driver of Figure 1 in operation; a partial side View of the post driver of Figure 1; the post driver of Figure 1 in a first position connected to a tractor; the post driver of Figure 1 in a second position connected to a tractor; simplified side and. perspective views of a side shift of the post driver of Figure 1; a simplified side view of a side shift of a post driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 Figures 13(a) to (c) Figures 14(a) and (b) Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure an exploded view of a wear means of the side shift of the post driver of Figure 11; partial views of a side shift of a post driver according to a second embodiment of the present invention; partial views of a back shift of the post driver of Figures 13(a) to (C); a simplified side view of a side shift of a post driver according to a third embodiment of the present invention; a simplified side view of a side or back shift of a post driver according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; a simplified cross—sectional end view of part of the side or back shift of the post driver of Figure 15; a simplified cross-sectional side view of part of the side or _ becoming ‘bogged down‘ in damp conditions. back shift of the post driver of Figure 16; Figure 19 a further simplified cross- sectional end view of port of the side or back shift of the post driver of Figure 16; and Figure 20 plan. views of first and second shims for use with the post driver of Figure 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Referring initially to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a post driver, generally designated 100, according to the prior art. The post driver 100 comprises three legs 102, 104, 106. Leg 104 113 a parking leg, and is used to stabilise the post driver 100 when parked. As shown in Figure 1, the legs 102, 104, 106 also comprise skid pads 108, 110, 112 which provide a stable platform for the post driver 100 to operate on. The skids 108, 110, 112 help to prevent the post driver 100 from The legs 102, 104, 106 are hydraulically operated and may be adjusted to any required level.

Figure 1 also shows that the post driver 100 comprises a counterbalance 114 which helps to stabilise .the post driver 100 fore and aft.- the post driver 100 during use. Of a similar size to the‘ counterbalance 114, and as shown in Figure 1, there is a hitting hammer 116 which moves up and down along a mast . The hitting hammer 116 is connected to a pulley 119 .via a rope 121. The rope 121 is connected to‘ driving means in the post driver 100 which provides the driving force for the post driver 100.

Figure 2, which is a View of the other side of the post driver 100 shown in Figure 1, clearly shows that there are two receiving members 118 within which pallet forks_from a forklift truck may be inserted allowing the post driver 100 to be easily lifted.

Figures 6 and 7 show operation of a back shift off ‘the post driver 100. The back shift controls movement of hitting hammer 116 positioned slightly above a post cap 126. The back shift comprises telescopic means which comprises two back shift inner sliding members 122 which are movable in and out of back shift (receiving) members . A hydraulic cylinder 124 operates the back shift. bfigure 6 also shows the hydraulic controls 120 which are used to. obtain » the necessary adjustment in the positioning of the mast 117..

Figure 6_shows a post 125 out of alignment with the mast.117. The post 125 will not be properly driven in using this incorrect ‘alignment. To obtain a correct Figure 6 shows the. alignment of'the_ post 125 with the mast -117, .tn<-,4 back ' shift of the post driver 100 is operated with the effect that the back shift inner sliding members 122 are moved slightly into the receiving nembers 123. As shown in Figure 7, once the bach shift has been operated, the post 125 is now in substantial alignment with the mast 117, thereby allowing ‘the post driver 100 to operate in a required. manner. This is an important function of the post driver 100 as this allows the post 125 to be correctly aligned with the mast.l17 without the need to move a tractor — e.g. to which the post driver 100 is mounted or hitched. Small movements of a tractor can be extremely difficult — especially so on uneven ground - and can also lead to excessive clutch wear.

A side shift (not shown) of the post driver 100 is of a similar telescopic nature to the back shift. ‘The side shift controls movement of the post driver 100 side to side.

The side shift comprises inner (sliding) members 128 and outer members 129. The side shift allows the mast 117 to be pulled out to a position where a post 125 is to be driven in. The side shift is activated by another hydraulic cylinder.

By using the back shift and the side shift, it is possible to obtain complete movement of the mast 117 to thereby" allow the mast 117 to be correctly positioned with a post 125 without the need for moving a tractor.

Referring to Figures 10(a) and (b), the side shift comprises at least one, and in this embodiment, a pair of telescopic members. The telescopic members each comprise an outer member 129 and an inner member 128, the inner member being slidable in and out relative to the outer member 129. One of the inner members 128 is attached to a tilt ram support bracket 136. The inner members 128 are connected together at ends thereof by a cross member 128’.

The outer member{s) 129 is/are tubular, and in this embodiment of rectilinear (box) cross-section. The inner members 128 fits within the inner bore of the outer member 129 and are slidable therewithin. The inner member(s) 128 are in this embodiment of rectilinear (box) cross—section, and are also beneficially tubular.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is illustrated a side shift of a post driver 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 200 is similar to the post driver 100 of Figures 1 to 10 in many respects, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "100".

The post ‘driver 200 comprises at "least one telescopic means 270 and at least one wear means 272.

H The/each at least one wear‘ means 272' comprises a wear pad 273. The ‘at least one telescopic means 270 comprises a back shift and/or a side shift of the post driver 200. The/each telescopic means 270 comprises at least one outer member 229 and a respective at least one inner member 228. The/each outer member 229 comprises a tubular member adapted to slidably-receive the respective member 229 is inner member 228. The/each outer substantially rectilinear (box) in cross—section.

The/each. inner member 228 is substantially rectilinear (box) in cross-section.

Each of the back shift and/or the side shift comprises first and second telescopic means 270. Each pair of the first and second telescopic means 270 is disposed relative to one another, and adapted to_operate in unison.

The wear means 272 comprises a plurality of wear means. For example, wear means 272 is provided in a side wall 274 of the telescopic means 270 and/or on a top wall 276 of the telescopic means 270.

The wear means 272 is provided in a through hole or aperture 278 in a wall of the outer member 229 such that the wear means 272 (adjustably) protrudes.into an inside of the outer member 229. In this way, a planar surface ' of the wear means 272 rests, brush or rub ,against an outer surface of the inner member 228, in use. By such arrangement the wear means 272 allows for desired relative movement of the inner and outer members 228,229 and/or desired relative positioning thereof. ‘ In a modification an opposing pair of wear means 272 can be provided, e.g. on opposing side walls 274 and/or top and bottom walls 276 of the outer member 229.2 The wear means 272 comprises a substantially cylindrical member 282. The cylindrical member 282 comprises at one end a planar surface 280, and can comprise at another end Ineans 284. such as an elongate ‘ recess for engaging. a tool (not shown) to assist in rotation of the cylindrical member 282, in use. The cylindrical member 282 comprises a helical thread 286 on an outer cylindrical surface thereof.

The wear means 272 is typically made from a plastics material.

A sleeve 288 is provided in a wall of the outer member 229 for receiving the wear means 272. The sleeve 228 has an internal helical thread.290 adapted to engage that of the cylindrical member 282.

In this first embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear means 2'72 on top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer member 229 of the side shift.

Referring to Figures 13(a) to 14 (b), there is shown a side shift and a back shift of a post driver 300 embodiment of the present according to a second invention. The post driver 300 is similar to the post drivers of Figures 1 to 10, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "200".

In this second embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear means 372 on the top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer members 329 of the side shift. There are also provided a plurality of wear means 372 on top and side surfaces or walls of the outer members 329 of the back shift.

Referring to Figure 15 there is shown a side shift of a post driver 400 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 300 is similar to the post driver of Figures 1 to 10, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "300".

In this third embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear pads 473 on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member 429 of the side shift (and optionally also single outer member of the back shift).

Referring now to Figures 16 to 20, there is shown various views of a side and/or' back shift of a post driver 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 500 is similar to the post driver of Figures 1 to 10, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "400".

In this embodiment as well as the "rotary" wear pads 573, there are provided further wear means such as first and second static wear pads 592,594.

First static wear‘ pads 592 are provided, e.g. at spaced intervals, on outer walls of the inner member 528 of the side and/or back shift. The first static wear pads 592 are provided thereon in a fixed recessed manner.

The second static wear pads 594 are similarly provided, e.g. at spaced intervals on inner walls of the outer member 519 of the sided and/or back shift. The second static wear‘ pads 594 are provided thereon in a fixed recessed manner. In this manner when the inner and outer members 528, 529 are slid relative to one another, in use, the first and second wear pads 592, S94 assist in ease of such movement with reduced friction.

In Figures 16 to 20 a gap is shown between the inner and outer members 528, 529 for ease of explanation.

However, it will be appreciated that in reality such gap will not be as exaggerated herein shown.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention are given by way of example only, and are not meant to be limiting to the scope thereof in any way. For example, the mast of the post driver may be fixed or telescopic. Further, the mast may comprise one or nmre pulleys. Provision of nmltiple pulleys allows the mast to be adapted for use with different heights of posts to be hammered into the ground.

Claims (38)

1. l. A post’ driver comprising at ‘least one telescopic means and at least one adjustable wear means or resilient means, wherein the at least one adjustable wear means or Aresilient means is disposed to cooperate or adapted to interact, in use, with the at least one telescopic means, wherein further the at least one telescopic‘ means comprises a back/forward shift and a side/side-to—side shift of the post driver, wherein the/each telescopic means comprises at least one outer member and a respective at least one inner member, such that the at- least one adjustable wear means or resilient means allows for desired relative movement of -the inner end _outer member and/or desired relative positioning thereof, and wherein the adjustable wear means is provided in a side wall of the telescopic means and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means.

2. A post driver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the/each at least bone wear means or resilient means comprises a wear pad.

3. A post driver as claimed in clahn 1 or claim 2,. wherein the/each outer member comprises a tubular member adapted to slidably receive the respective inner member.

4.’ A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each outer member is substantially rectilinear in cross—section.

5. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claimr wherein the/each inner member is" substantially rectilinear in cross-section.

6. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the at least ’one telescopic means comprises first and second telescopic means.

7. A post driver as claimed in claim 6, wherein each . pair of first and second telescopic means is disposed relative to one another and adapted to operate in unison.

8. A8. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wear means comprises a plurality of wear means .

9. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wear means is provided in a wall of the outer . member such that the wear means protrudes into an inside of the outer member.

10. A post driver as claimed in claim 9, wherein a planar surface of the wear means rests, brushes or rubs against an outer surface of the inner member, in use.‘

11. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one opposing pair of adjustable wear means is provided, such as on opposing side walls and/or top and bottom walls of an/the outer member.

12. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner member and/or outer member of the/each at least one telescopic means each comprise tubular member optionally is made from a metallic material.

13. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, . wherein the/each .wear means" comprises a substantially cy1indrical'member.

14. A. post driver as claimed in claim l3, ‘wherein the/each cylindrical member I comprising a/the planar surface, ands optionally at another end for engaging a tool to assist in rotation of the cylindrical member, in use.

15. A post driver as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14, wherein the cylindrical member also comprises a helical thread on an outer_cylindrical surface thereof.

16. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each wear means is made fromi a plastics material.

17. A post driver‘ as claimed in any’ preceding claim, wherein a sleeve is provided in a wall of a/the outer member of the at least one telescopic means for receiving the wear means.

18. A post driver as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sleeve has an internal helical thread adapted to engage that of a/the cylindrical member of the wear means.‘ comprises at one end

19. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is provided a plfirality of adjustable wear means on top and side surfaces or walls of a/the outer members of the side shift.

20. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is provided a plurality of adjustable wear means on a/the top and side surfaces or walls of a/the outer members of the side shift.

21. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are provided a plurality of adjustable wear means on a/the top and side surfaces or walls of a/the outer members of the back shift.

22. A post driver as claimed in any preceding clahm wherein there are provided a plurality of adjustable wear means or wear pads on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member of the side shift, and optionally also on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member of the back shift.

23. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises one or more of: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down: A positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be_driven; the mast-is optionally telescopic; and the post driyer comprising a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

24.. A post driver as claimed in claim 23, wherein the positioning means allowing the positioning of the mast to be optimised and adapted comprises the back shift and the side shift.

25. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back shift and side shift allow the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the frame itself or a connected tractor.

26. post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back - shift and side substantially 90° to .one another thereby "allowing the mast to be moved over a full range of directions.

27. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back shift and side shift are hydraulically operated thereby allowing adjustments of the position of the mast to be made.

28. "28. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back shift and side shift each have a range of travel of about 100 to 1,000 mm.

29. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back shift and side shift each comprise telescopic members.

30. A post driver as claimed in claim 23, wherein the mast is tiltable, such as by means of a tilt ram.

31. A post driver as claimed ix: any’ preceding claim; wherein there are provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is connected to an inner member of the side shift, and is. shift are at slidable therewith in and out of an outer member of the side shift.

32. =A post driver as claimed in claim 31, wherein the mast tilt ram bracket is provided slidably above an upper wall of an outer member of the-side shift, and optionally‘ one end of the mast tilt ram is connected tc: one end of the mast tilt_ram bracket, and another end of the mast tilt ram is connected to the mast.

33. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and- down; wherein there are provided positioning means to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, the positioning means comprising a back shift and a side shift; and wherein . the legs are independently hydraulically operable: and wherein there is provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is slidable in and out into-the side shift and is.nAot_ attached to outer blocks of a side shift slide.

34.A A post driver as claimed in any prececiing claim, wherein adjustment means are provided for adjusting or moving the wear means.

35. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 1 to 33, wherein the wear means is movable, ‘such as longitudinally, by rotary adjustment means.

36. A post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, 3‘ wherein there is provided a plurality of adjustable wear means or resilient means longitudinally spaced in a side wall of the telescopic means and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means.

37. A wear means or resilient means when used in a post driver according to any of claims 1 to 35.

38. A method of driving a post into the ground using a post driver according to any of claims 1 to 34. driver "as ’hereinbefore described with_ 30 reference to