Hollow boring auger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hollow boring auger for use for poles, including a first and second mounting part moveably connected, one to the other, to substantially encircle the pole. A first and second auger part are also included, correspondingly attachable to the first and second mounting part, to substantially encircle the pole, A rotation apparatus associated with the mounting parts and the auger parts is included such that in use the auger parts can be rotated about the pole to bore a hollow trench about the pole. The invention also relates to a method of use.

Claims

1. A hollow boring auger for use in boring a hollow trench about a pole, the hollow boring auger including: a first mounting part and a second mounting part connected one to the other and movable between an open state and a closed state enabling the first and second mounting parts to be closed around the pole, encircling the pole, wherein the first mounting part and the second mounting part form an upper portion of the hollow boring auger; a first auger part and a second auger part attachable to the first mounting part and second mounting part and forming in the closed state the hollow boring auger encircling the pole and projecting downwardly from the first and second mounting parts, wherein the first auger part and the second auger part form a lower portion of the hollow boring auger; a first semi-circular attachment plate attachable between the corresponding first mounting part and the first auger part and a second semi-circular attachment plate attachable between the corresponding second mounting part and the second auger part, and once attached the opening and closing of the first mounting part and the first auger part, and the second mounting part and the second auger part, is together, so as to create jaws which can be closed about a base of the pole; a rotation apparatus configured to rotate the auger about the pole to bore a hole, wherein the rotation apparatus is housed in the first and second mounting parts; a cylindrical collar projecting upwardly from the first and second mounting parts and configured to encircle the pole in the closed state, wherein the collar extends at least 250 millimeters along a length of the pole, in use; wherein the upper portion of the hollow boring auger and the lower portion of the hollow boring auger are removably attached to one another by fixings via the first semi-circular attachment plate and the second semi-circular attachment plate.

2. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein each of the first mounting part and the second mounting part include a semi-circular part such that the first mounting part and second mounting part in the closed state form a circular aperture to closely surround a circular perimeter of the pole.

3. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting part and the second mounting part are hinged together to form jaws.

4. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting part and the second mounting part are attached to a hydraulics system of an attached vehicle and the opening and closing of the first mounting part and the second mounting part is controlled from a cabin of the attached vehicle.

5. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein once attached together moving between the open and closed state of the first mounting part and second mounting part will also open and close the first auger part and the second auger part together.

6. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the rotation apparatus includes a composite bearing arrangement adapted to enable rotation of the first auger part and the second auger parts together.

7. The hollow boring auger according to claim 6, wherein the composite bearing arrangement is included between the first mounting part and the first auger part, the composite bearing arrangement including a pair of sprockets within a chain arranged so that rotation of at least one of the sprockets translates to rotation of the chain, which in turn is translated to rotation of the first auger part by a cooperating portion on the first auger part.

8. The hollow boring auger according to claim 7, wherein the cooperating portion is a toothed portion on the first auger part that is caused to rotate due to cooperation with a proximal section of chain, when it is also rotating and there is a second sprocket, and the at least one of the sprockets and the second sprocket define an outer perimeter of an opening for the pole.

9. The hollow boring auger according to claim 6, wherein the composite bearing arrangement is included between the second mounting part and the second auger part, the composite bearing arrangement including a pair of sprockets within a chain arranged so that rotation of at least one of the sprockets translates to rotation of the chain, which in turn is translated to rotation of the second auger part by a cooperating portion on the second auger part and the cooperating portion is a toothed portion on the second auger part that is caused to rotate due to cooperation with a proximal section of chain, when it is also rotating.

10. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the rotation apparatus includes one or more hydraulic motors, and as the hydraulic motors are operated corresponding sprockets rotate so as to rotate chains between a pair of sprockets associated with that chain, causing the associated coordinating part of the auger part to rotate together with the other auger part to bore the hollow trench.

11. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the mounting parts form a frame for attachment of a drive mechanism of a vehicle and the auger parts rotate within the frame, in use.

12. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the hollow trench is dug around a base of the pole by the auger so that there is minimum effort and disturbance to surrounding ground.

13. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting part and the second mounting part are used with more than one size of first and second auger parts for digging holes of different diameters.

14. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein companion plates are attached to the mounting parts and/ or auger parts.

15. The hollow boring auger according to claim 1, wherein the fixings are nut and bolt arrangements.

16. A method of using a hollow boring auger, the hollow boring auger including a first mounting part and a second mounting part connected one to the other and movable between an open state and a closed state enabling the first and second mounting parts to be closed around a pole, encircling the pole, wherein the first mounting part and the second mounting part form an upper portion of the hollow boring auger, the first and second mounting parts attached correspondingly to a first auger part and a second auger part forming in the closed state the hollow boring auger circling the pole and projecting downwardly from the first and second mounting parts, wherein the first auger part and the second auger part form a lower portion of the hollow boring auger, and a first semi-circular attachment plate attachable between the corresponding first mounting part and the first auger part and a second semi-circular attachment plate attachable between the corresponding second mounting part and the second auger part, and once attached the opening and closing of the first mounting part and the first auger part, and the second mounting part and the second auger part is together, so as to create jaws which can be closed about a base of the pole, wherein the upper portion of the hollow boring auger and the lower portion of the hollow boring auger are removably attached to one another by fixings via the first semi-circular attachment plate and the second semi-circular attachment plate, the method including the following steps: a. positioning the attached first mounting part and first auger part and second mounting part and second auger part close to a base of the pole; b. closing jaws created by the first mounting part, first auger part, and the attached second mounting part and second auger part, about the base of the pole; and c. operating a rotation apparatus whereby the first and second auger parts rotate to create a hollow trench, about the base of the pole, wherein the rotation apparatus is housed in the first and second mounting parts, and wherein a cylindrical collar of the hollow boring auger projects upwardly from the first and second mounting parts and is configured to encircle the pole in the closed state, and wherein the collar extends at least 250 millimeters along a length of the pole, in use.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fixings are nut and bolt arrangements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a hollow boring auger according to a preferred embodiment of the invention as would, in use, surround a power pole and be attached to the hydraulic system of a vehicle, such as digger, or telescopic handler, however the power pole and vehicle are omitted for ease of illustration;

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow boring auger of FIG. 1, again with the hydraulics of the drive mechanism from the vehicle and the pole itself omitted for clarity of illustration;

(4) FIG. 3 is a view from above of the hollow boring auger of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an open state; and

(5) FIG. 4 is a view from below hollow boring auger of FIGS. 1 to 3, in the closed state, illustrating the rotating bearing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, INCLUDING A BEST MODE

(6) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where hollow boring auger apparatus 1 has first part 10 and second part 12, each with collar 13a and 13b, attached at hinge 14.

(7) Hinge 14 is a strong pivot hinge, moveable between an open state and a closed state so as to be able to surround the base of the pole. The particular form of hinge 14 can be varied, to be suitable to move between the open and closed state. In the open state there is a gap between the open jaws of the first part 10 and the second part 12 to enable these jaws to surround the pole in use. The jaws close from the open state to the closed state to closely surround the circular perimeter of the pole. In the closed state first part 10 and second part 12 are closed together, which will enable the hollow to be dug as described below.

(8) First part 10 and second part 12 are generally mirror images of one another internally, shaped to form a frame around the pole in use. Circular aperture 15 (refer FIG. 4) is formed when parts 10 and 12 are closed together. Circular aperture 15 is such that it has the dimensions very similar to a standard power pole or similar. Extension, companion plates or other plates can be used with the apparatus to increase or decrease the size of the circular aperture to match the diameter of the pole to be excavated. It is a key further inventive advantage to be able to vary the equipment readily to suit different sizes of pole without the need for different equipment sets. Once mounted on a vehicle, for example the equipment may be used continually to check multiple poles, even if these are of different diameters, without the need to remove the equipment from the vehicle to do so. Separately, where larger or smaller poles are used suitable sized spiral parts 22a and 22b can be used instead and attached to first part 10 and 12 by nuts and bolts as described below. In this way first part 10 and second part 12 can be used with a range of sizes of auger or spiral drills 22 to suit use for different diameter poles. The adaptability of the apparatus is a further significant advantage, for use with a single frame arrangement but different auger attachments.

(9) As parts 10 and 12 surround the pole closely, the excavation dug around the base will be also be very close to the outer surface of a the pole, allowing close inspection of the base of the pole itself, and minimised dirt removal. Parts 10 and 12 are shown made of a strong steel as is suitable to the application. Other materials could be used instead such as other metals or a combination of suitable materials.

(10) Collars 13a and 13b extend up to surround more of the pole. Collars 13a and 13b are beneficial in the circumstance where the excavation does reveal that a pole is rotten or otherwise undermined. The excavation around the base of the pole could lead to instability where the pole is weak. To act against loss of stability of the pole collar 13a and 13b surround the pole and assist to hold it strongly in the grip of the vehicle. As shown collar 13a and 13b are short. However, a taller collar would be most beneficial to assist to support the pole during the excavation process. Quite extended collars are also envisaged as part of the invention for use with poles at a high risk of underlying damage and instability.

(11) Hydraulic ram 16 is used to open and close first part 10 and second part 12 about a pole (not shown throughout) at hinge 14. The opening and closing will be activated and controlled by the attached hydraulic device (not shown) via hydraulic pipes 18, as is particularly convenient. The hydraulic mechanism of a vehicle such as a digger is used to control hollow boring auger 1 and is connected in the usual manner. The hydraulic controls in the cab of the vehicle are used to open and close parts 10 and 12 around a pole. Use of hydraulic controls are known as simple control mechanisms such as for scooping or tipping of buckets of diggers. Other methods of opening and closing could be used instead, such mechanical pulleys, or electric actuators.

(12) Shaft 20 attaches hollow boring auger device 1 to the vehicle before use, in the same manner as buckets or excavators. Shaft 20 provides support to move and manipulate hollow boring auger 1 to be positioned at the base of the pole before use, in the usual fashion. Once positioned at the base of the pole the jaws can be controlled by the digger operator, using hydraulic ram 16 so the base of the pole is surround. The hydraulic controls are usually associated with the support shaft to protect them from damage during use.

(13) Spiral drill 22 can be seen to be formed in two parts 22a and 22b to surround the pole. Each of parts 22a and 22b of spiral 22 together each have back plate 24 and blade 26, which together form spiral drill 22, until end 28. End 28 is shaped to assist spiral 22 cutting into the ground on activation of the rotation mechanism.

(14) Attachment plates 30 are used to attach parts 22a and 22b or spiral drill 22 to first part 10 and second part 12 respectively. Numerous nut and bolt arrangements, together labelled 32, effect the attachment between parts 10 and 12 to the spiral drill parts 22a and 22b. Attachment can occur during manufacturer, or where the parts are supplied separately by the user. Attachment plates 30 are shown as a pair of strong steel semi-circular plates with steel nut and bolt attachments 32 to strongly attach the frame formed by first part 10 and 12 to spiral drill 22 formed of parts 22a and 22b. The connection of parts 10 and 12 to spiral drill parts 22a and 22b by attachment plates 30 and nut and bolt arrangements 32 forms a strong and functional auger, about the pole. Auger apparatus 1 is now ready for use to excavate or bore the soil around the base of the pole.

(15) Important to the invention is the rotation mechanism that rotates spiral drill 22 relative to the frame, formed by parts 10 and 12, to dig the hole. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 4, sprockets 34, 36, 38 and 40 are included with idler gears 42 and 44. Chains 46 and 48 are looped with sprockets 34 and 36, and 38 and 40 and corresponding idler gears 42 and 44 within each loop. Toothed sections 50 and 52 on spiral drill parts 22a and 22b respectively correspond and cooperate with the each within chains 46 and 48. On operation of hydraulic motors 54 and 56 chains 46 and 48 are moved by sprockets 34, 36, rotating, and in turn sprockets 38 and 40, and the chain around idler gears 42 and 44. In turn the toothed sections 50 and 52 are caused to move whereby the attached spiral drill or auger 22 rotates. In this way the earth is cut into by end 28 and a hole bored around the base of the pole. Hydraulic motors 54 and 56 are controlled from the cabin of the vehicle in the usual manner for hydraulic tools, eg off and on. More sophisticated control can also be made such as to control the speed of rotation depending on the activation of the hydraulics and can include reverse.

(16) A further advance of the invention is the use of the new bearing arrangement for rotation of spiral 22. In this new bearing system one half of the bearing (chains 46 and 48) is attached to parts 10 and 12, the outer frame of the apparatus. The other half of the bearing (toothed parts 50 and 52) is attached to spiral 22 with oiled sprockets 34-38 between to run in the created track. The smooth rotation of spiral 22 is achieved readily through rotation of sprockets 34 and 40 turned by hydraulic motors 56 and 54 respectively. These turn chains 46 and 48, which catch on toothed regions 50 and 52 to correspondingly turn spiral 22 to dig into the ground. Idler gears 42 and 44 assist the smooth rotation and help to protect against loss of tension or problems with chains 46 and 48.

(17) The invention includes several new and inventive features of great benefit. The open jaws allow the auger to surround the pole, the clever bearing mechanism rotates the auger in the closed state to dig a small neat hole which can then be readily filled in after inspection.

(18) The clever invention solves a specific problem but has many applications. On use to dig around power poles and the like there will be a significant cost saving as the time and disturbance will be greatly reduced over the prior art.

(19) It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

(20) TABLE-US-00001 1 Hollow Boring Auger 10 First Part 12 Second part 13a/b Collar 14 Hinge 15 Circular Aperture 16 Hydraulic ram 18 Hydraulic pipes 20 Shaft 22a/b Spiral 24 Back plate 26 Blade 28 Spiral end 30 Attachment plates 32 Nut and bolt arrangement 34 Sprocket 36 Sprocket 38 Sprocket 40 Sprocket 42 Idler gear 44 Idler gear 46 Chain 48 Chain 50 Toothed part 52 Toothed part 54 Hydraulic motor 56 Hydraulic motor