Vehicular auger implement

Abstract

A mobile auger implement is used with an auger bit and a motor for driving the bit. The implement includes an adjustable base, a central articulating section having a double 4-bar linkage connected to the adjustable base and providing a range of movement, and an auger support and control section connected to the central articulating section and providing an operator handle for guiding the bit. The double 4-bar linkage includes central, base, and distal links and four bars each having a fixed length and being connected to the central link. The first and second bars are parallel to one another at all times, and the third and fourth bars are parallel to one another at all times. The base link is unable to tilt relative to the distal link, such that the auger maintains an angular orientation. Adjustment of the adjustable base affects the angular orientation of the auger.

Claims

1. An auger implement for vehicular attachment comprising: a vehicular mount section having an adjustable base, the adjustable base including: a proximal end piece extending along a longitudinal axis; a vertical piece having first and second ends, the first end pivotally connected to the proximal end piece, the first end of the vertical piece rotating with respect to a lateral axis, the lateral axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a distal end piece extending longitudinally and pivotally connected to the vertical piece at the second end of the vertical piece, the distal end piece rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis; a central articulating section formed from a double 4-bar linkage and rotatable with respect to a vertical axis, the vertical axis being perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis, the double 4-bar linkage providing a range of movement along the longitudinal axis, the central articulating section being connected to the distal end piece of the adjustable base at a first end of the central articulation section; an auger section having a motor and an auger bit driven by the motor; and an auger support and control section connected to the central articulating section and the auger section, the auger support and control section providing an operator handle for guiding the auger section within the range of movement along the longitudinal axis.

2. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the distal end piece of the adjustable base further includes a support plate being parallel with the lateral axis and at least one parallel plate that extends from the support plate along the longitudinal axis, the at least one parallel plate further including an aperture that is sized and shaped to receive a shaft located on the first end of the central articulating section.

3. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the vertical piece and the proximal end piece of the adjustable base are connect by a gimbal link.

4. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the double 4-bar linkage is counter balanced with springs.

5. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the double 4-bar linkage is counter balanced with gas shocks.

6. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the auger support and control section further comprises a hand-operated switch for energizing the motor.

7. The auger implement of claim 6, wherein the hand-operated switch is configured for energizing the motor in a forward and in a reverse direction.

8. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor.

9. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the first end of the central articulating section is counterbalanced by a spring.

10. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the first end of the central articulating section is counterbalanced by a gas shock.

11. The auger implement of claim 1, wherein the proximal end piece further includes a tongue that is sized and shaped to mate with a vehicular tow receiver.

12. A mobile auger implement, comprising: an adjustable base including: a proximal end piece extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis and sized and shaped for mounting to a vehicle hitch receiver; a vertical piece pivotally connected to the proximal end piece at a first end of the vertical piece, the vertical piece rotating with respect to a lateral axis, the lateral axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a distal end piece extending longitudinally and pivotally connected to the vertical piece at a second end of the vertical piece, the distal end piece rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis; a central articulating section formed from a double 4-bar linkage, the double 4-bar linkage providing a range of movement along the longitudinal axis, the central articulating section being connected to the distal end piece of the adjustable base at a first end of the central articulation section, the central articulating section further rotating about a third axis, the third axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the third axis being further defined as the distal end piece rotates about the longitudinal axis; an auger section having a motor and an auger bit driven by the motor; and an auger support and control section connected to the central articulating section and the auger section, the auger support and control section providing an operator handle for guiding the auger section within the range of movement along the longitudinal axis.

13. The mobile auger implement of claim 12, wherein the adjustable base is configured to be attached to at least one item selected from the group consisting of: an ATV, a UTV, and a tractor.

14. The auger implement of claim 12, wherein the double 4-bar linkage is counter balanced with springs.

15. The auger implement of claim 12, wherein the double 4-bar linkage is counter balanced with gas shocks.

16. An auger implement for vehicular attachment comprising: a vehicular mount section having an adjustable base, the adjustable base including: a proximal end piece extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis; a vertical piece pivotally connected to the proximal end piece at a first end of the vertical piece, the vertical piece rotating with respect to a lateral axis, the lateral axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a distal end piece extending longitudinally and pivotally connected to the vertical piece at a second end of the vertical piece, the distal end piece rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis, and includes a support plate being parallel with the lateral axis and at least one parallel plate that extends from the support plate along the longitudinal axis; a central articulating section formed from a double 4-bar linkage, the double 4-bar linkage providing a range of movement along the longitudinal axis, the central articulating section being connected to the distal end piece of the adjustable base at a first end of the central articulation section, and wherein the at least one parallel plate further including an aperture that is sized and shaped to receive a shaft located on the first end of the central articulating section; an auger section having a motor and an auger bit driven by the motor; and an auger support and control section connected to the central articulating section and the auger section, the auger support and control section providing an operator handle for guiding the auger section within the range of movement along the longitudinal axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. A1 show a prior art two-man auger;

(2) FIG. A2 shows a prior art auger connected to a three-point hitch on the rear of a tractor having a mechanical power take-off shaft;

(3) FIG. 1 is a side view of a first preferred vehicular auger implement 100 having a vehicular mount 100 with a proximal end comprised of a tongue 110 for attachment to the vehicle's tow hitch receiver (not shown), a distal end 115, and three pivot connections 161, 162, 163, a central articulating section 120 that connects to the mount's distal end 115 and is uniquely formed from a double 4-bar linkage arrangement 121, 122, an auger support and control section 130 including a mounting plate 131 and a handle 132, and an auger 140 including a hydraulic motor 141 and an auger bit 142;

(4) FIG. 1B shows an alternative embodiment where a single connecting mechanism 164 provides a full gimbal base 164;

(5) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vehicular auger implement 100 of FIG. 1 mounted to a tow receiver 11 located at the rear of an ATV 10;

(6) FIG. 3 is a right side view of the vehicular auger implement 100 of FIG. 1 mounted to the rear of the ATV 10;

(7) FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the vehicular auger implement 100 of FIG. 1 mounted to the rear of the ATV 10;

(8) FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the vehicular auger implement 100 of FIG. 1 mounted to a tow receiver 11 located at the front of a side-by-side UTV 10;

(9) FIG. 6 is a left side view of the vehicular auger implement 100 of FIG. 1 mounted to the front of the UTV 10;

(10) FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the vehicular auger implement 100 of FIG. 1 mounted to the front of the UTV 10; and

(11) FIGS. 8A and 8B collectively illustrate how the central articulating section 120 vertically guides the auger bit 142 into and out of the soil.

(12) The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(13) A presently preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in the figures, is an auger implement 100 for a vehicle such as an ATV 10 (FIGS. 2 to 4) or UTV 10 (FIGS. 5 to 7, plus 8A and 8B). In more detail, the auger implement 100 comprises a central articulating section 120 formed from a spring or gas shock counter balanced double 4 bar linkage that pivotally mounts onto a vehicular mount 110 that provides a 2 axis base 100 or, alternatively, a full gimbal base. This complete unit is then mounted to a mobile power source such as an ATV, UTV, or tractor having a power source, e.g. a hydraulic power take-off arrangement, or for that matter any vehicle, allowing for a single operator to drill vertical holes independent of the slope of the terrain the vehicle is on.

(14) FIG. 1 is a side view of a first preferred vehicular auger implement 100. As shown and starting from the vehicle and moving outward, it comprises four portions, a vehicular mount 110 that provides an adjustable base 160, a central articulating section 120 formed from a double 4 bar linkage, an auger support and control section 130, and an auger 140. FIGS. 2 to 4 show the vehicular auger implement 100 attached to the rear of an ATV 10, while FIGS. 5 to 7 show the vehicular auger implement 100 attached to the front of a UTV 10. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the motion constraint provided by the overall implement 100, particularly by the central articulating section 120.

(15) The presently preferred vehicular mount 110 has an adjustable base 160 that comprises a two axis base or a full gimbal base. FIG. 1 depicts the case of an adjustable base 160 provided as a two axis base, one where suitable mechanical arrangements are made to provide a pivotal connection 161 about one axis (e.g. about the longitudinal axis relative to the vehicle or roll) and a pivotal connection 162 about another axis (e.g. about the lateral axis relative to the vehicle, or pitch).

(16) FIG. 1B shows an alternative embodiment where a single connecting mechanism 164 provides a full gimbal base 164. In such case, the full gimbal base permits simultaneous rotation in any direction and about any desired axis when released, and then locks in place using, for example, a foot pedal arrangement (not shown).

(17) FIG. 2 shows two arcuate double-arrowed arcs R, P to identify the roll and pitch motions to be provided by the two-axis base formed by pivotal connections 161, 162, respectively. The pivotal connections 161, 162 can be provided by simple mechanical arrangement involving plates, bolts, etc., or with a more sophisticated arrangement that does not require tools for adjustment. Through this unique arrangement, even when the vehicle is parked on a slope and is not level relative to the earth, an operator can reposition the adjustable base 160 and compensate for that fact before beginning to manipulate the auger bit 142 and bore a vertical hole notwithstanding the slope.

(18) The preferred mount 100 further comprises a proximal tongue 111 that extends horizontally and is sized and shaped (made e.g. of 22 tubing) for sliding and pinned attachment to a vehicle's tow hitch receiver (although other methods of attachment may be employed, including essentially permanent attachment), a vertical section 112, and a distal end 115 that supports the central articulating section 120 and provides a third connection 163 that permits rotation about a third axis (i.e. about a vertical axis relative to the vehicle, or yaw).

(19) As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 115 is formed from a support plate 116 welded to the vertical section 112, and two parallel plates 117 that extend from the support plate 116, the parallel plates 117, 117 providing aligned apertures for pivotally receiving a shaft extending from the central articulating section 120. The result is a pivoting connection 163. The central articulating section 120 in turn supports, at its distal end, an auger support and control section 130 including a mounting plate 131 and a handle 132, the mounting plate 131 in turn supporting an auger 140 including a hydraulic motor 141 and an auger bit 142.

(20) The central articulating section 120 being formed from a double 4-bar linkage is a key part of the preferred embodiment. The first 4-bar linkage is generally designated as item 121, and the second 4-bar linkage is generally designated as item 122. As further shown, the first 4-bar linkage is formed by two elongated members connected to a base link 123 and a central link 124. The second 4-bar linkage, in turn, is formed by two elongated members connected between the central link 124 and a distal link 125. In the preferred embodiment, the two 4-bar linkages 121, 122 share the central connecting link 124. In addition, suitable springs or gas shocks 151, 152 are installed, as shown, to aid in the movement of the overall mechanism created by the first and second 4-bar linkages 121, 122.

(21) In any 4-bar linkage, parallel bars necessarily remain parallel to one another as the linkage is moved. Consequently, if a base bar of the 4-bar linkage is held vertical, the parallel bar will also remain vertical throughout the entire range of motion of the overall linkage. Here, in this dual 4-bar linkage arrangement 120, the linkage will be movable throughout a predetermined range of motion that is a function of the geometry chosen and, of significance, will tend to guide the auger bit vertically if properly adjusted before drilling.

(22) It is presently contemplated that when the vehicle (ATV, tractor, etc.) is parked on a slope, the auger implement 100 would be prepared for use by coarsely manipulating the mechanism 130 to roughly position the tip of the auger bit 142 over the intended hole, and then manipulating the adjustable base 160 to compensate for the slope. In one possible approach to readying the implement 100 for use, the operator would place a bubble level (not shown) on the flat top of the common link 124 (see FIG. 2), and manipulate the adjustable base 160 until the link 124 is level relative to the earth. The operator may then finely re-position the auger tip. At that point, the pre-positioned, pre-leveled link system 120 will inherently guide the auger bit 142 vertically into and out of the soil all under the guidance of a single operator as suggested somewhat by FIGS. 8A and 8B.

(23) As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7, the preferred auger support and control section 130 comprises a two-way hand control 133 and suitable linkage 134 in order to permit the operator to control the speed and/or direction of the hydraulic motor 141. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic motor 141 is reversible in order to make it easier to withdraw the auger bit 142 from the soil or other substrate.

(24) The central articulating section 120 movably connects to the mount's distal pivot connection 115 and, in the preferred embodiment, features a spring or gas shock counter balanced double 4 bar linkage. The spring or gas shock counter balanced arrangement beneficially relieves the single operator from heavy lifting. Moreover, owing to the double 4 bar linkage, the single operator can easily position the auger implement 100 within its range and then keep the auger bit 142 vertical as the bit 142 goes deeper and deeper into the soil (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). FIGS. 8A and 8B show the auger implement 100 being used to bore a vertical hole while the vehicle 10 is on level ground. If the vehicle 10 were parked on a slope, the operator would simply reposition the adjustable base 160 (as suggested by the multi-axis or gimbal arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 1A, or other suitable mechanism) in order to compensate for the slope before boring the hole.

(25) The unit 100 being mounted to a vehicle (e.g. ATV 10 or UTV 10) makes for much safer operation in that the torque induced by the hydraulic motor 141 is resisted by the weight of the vehicle and not the operator. This also allows for the safe use of more powerful hydraulics. An auger implement 100 made according to the embodiment of this new invention is cheaper than a comparable powered auger, safer to use, and much easier to use alone. It is truly a one man operational machine and allows the single operator to work for much long periods as it is less demanding on the operator.

(26) Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

(27) The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

(28) The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

(29) Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

(30) The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.