Double-Drive Backpack Power Unit

Abstract

A portable backpack-borne power unit used for concrete vibration and consolidation, that is switchable between left-handed and right-handed applications. The power unit can transmit motor-generated power to a variety of tools with various power cables known in the art. For concrete vibration, power is transmitted to a vibrator that is immersed within green concrete. The instant design enables the power connection at the power unit to be secured on either side of the backpack, effectively facilitating either left-handed or right-handed operation.

Claims

1. A backpack power unit for concrete vibrators: a back plate; straps secured to the back plate for securing the unit; a pair of arcuate shoulder braces for transferring weight to a user; supports extending rearwardly from the back plate for mounting a standard internal-combustion engine and its accessories; and, power output system comprising a pair of oppositely directed coupling bodies that enable a power vibrator shaft to be coupled in either a left-handed or right-handed configuration.

2. The backpack unit as defined in claim 1 further comprising: an axle splined to a drive pulley that is locked with a collet; a drive shaft; a drive belt entrained over the drive shaft; and, said drive shaft extending between both said coupling bodies.

3. The backpack unit as defined in claim 1 further comprising wherein a lower portion of said back plate supports an arcuate, torso engaging brace that embraces the wearer's lower torso above the hips.

4. The backpack unit as defined in claim 3 further comprising: an axle splined to a drive pulley that is locked with a collet; a drive shaft; a drive belt entrained over the drive shaft; and, said drive shaft extending between both said coupling bodies.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a Double-Drive Backpack Power Unit constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view thereof;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective view of the drive unit of a prior art “single sided” unit;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the unit of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the double sided drive unit, taken generally from circled region “5” in FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

[0027] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the double ended drive; and,

[0028] FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of the drive of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Initially referencing FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a “Double-Drive Backpack Power Unit” constructed in accordance with the best mode known at this time has been generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Basic details as to backpack type portable concrete vibrators are discussed in the Iskco LTD U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,829,874, and 5,716,131. cited earlier, that are hereby incorporated by reference for purposes of disclosure.

[0030] The backpack power unit 10 comprises a backpack 12 that has a resilient, generally rectangular back plate 14 from which conventional straps 15 project (FIG. 1). There are a pair of upper, arcuate shoulder braces 16 (FIG. 2) for transferring weight to the users shoulders and upper torso. The lower portion of back plate 14 may support an arcuate, torso engaging brace 18 that embraces the wearer's lower torso above the hips.

[0031] Importantly there are a pair or rigid, arcuate supports 20 and 21 extending rearwardly from the back plate 14 for mounting a standard internal-combustion engine 24 of the type described in the above-referenced Iskco patents, along with motor accessories and its important drive output. The preferably belt-driven power output system 30 is preferably shrouded within a protective, plastic enclosure 32. As seen in FIGS. 4-7 for example, the power output system 30 terminates in a pair of oppositely directed coupling bodies 36 and 37 that enable the power vibrator shaft to be coupled in either e left-handed or right-handed configuration. If FIG. 3 a portion of a prior art Iskco back pack vibrator shows only one coupling body 35, emanating from the older power output system 30A that includes shroud 32B.

[0032] The belt-driven power output system 30 a rigid, supportive mounting plate 40 acting as a supportive frame that is somewhat shaped like an oval. Plate 40 supports an axle 42 splined to a drive pulley 43 that is locked with a collet 44. A drive belt 46 is entrained over a drive shaft 47, that forms part of the double drive transmission 48 (FIG. 7). Drive shaft 47 extends between both couplings 36, 37.

[0033] With concurrent reference now directed to FIGS. 7-9, the “double drive” transmission 48 comprises suitable “pass through” orifices 51 (FIG. 9) for component clearance. Shaft 47 has a belt-driven drive portion 48 integral with a terminal end 49 that passes through aligned concentric bearings 52 and longitudinally connects with a drive joint 53 extending into housing 54 of coupling 37. On the other side a shaft 60 with a longitudinal coupling end 61 passes through mounting flange 63 to longitudinally connect with opposite shaft end 64 for axial rotation. Shaft 60 (FIG. 9) passes through bearings 70, 71 and half shaft drive joint 72 that passes through flange 78 on housing 89.

[0034] The mounting plate 40 is machined for “pass through” double ended shaft (female end) which is machined with RH threads and the male end of shaft is machined with LH threads. This feature allows for the opposite rotation always tightening components during loading.

[0035] Drive joint 53 is machined with RH threads and 9mm square drive. The drive joint 72 is machined with LH threads and ¼″ square drive. Either drive joint can be machined to fit any brand vibrator shaft in the industry.

[0036] From a distributor standpoint #5 Mount Flange can be moved from side to side allowing a distributor to sell either right, left or double sided product by adding or removing a bolt on cover (not shown).

[0037] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

[0038] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.

[0039] As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.