HYDRAULIC POLE TAMPER HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND ADAPTER KIT

Abstract

A hydraulic pole tamper handle kit having an extended ergonomic handle including a frame and hose clamps to extend the life of the hose by securing the hoses to the frame and to improve the handle, orientation, safety, and usability of the pole tamper. The pole tamper is used to tamp or compact the dirt around a pole which has been set into a hole in the ground to fixedly secure the pole vertically in the ground.

Claims

1. A hydraulic pole tamper handle and adapter for a hydraulic pole tamper comprising an elongated conduit member extending from a longitudinal cylindrical housing and including means for cooperatively connecting a pair of hydraulic hoses extending upward from said longitudinal cylindrical housing, a drive connecting said longitudinal cylindrical housing to a tamper adapted to reciprocate relative to said housing and apply pressure to a surface, and a wobble connection between said drive and said tamper, wherein said wobble connection comprises a wobble plate and is adapted to reciprocate relative to said longitudinal cylindrical housing, applying pressure to compact a surface such as dirt or rock: an improvement consisting of: a removable handle frame adapter fixedly connected to a top of said longitudinal cylindrical housing, said removable handle frame adapter including a horizontal handle grip member, an open ended cylindrical base with a first open end at a top of said cylindrical base and a second open end at a bottom of said cylindrical base, said cylindrical base having a diameter sized to fit down onto a top of said longitudinal cylindrical housing, said handle having two ends, a first end of said handle connected to a top edge of said cylindrical base by a first longitudinal strip, a second end of said handle connected to a top edge of said cylindrical base by a second longitudinal strip at a point opposite of said first longitudinal strip, said first and said second longitudinal strips having a gap there between, said gap being bridged by a cross member, said cross member including at least a pair of apertures formed therein; two hydraulic hoses cooperatively engaging said at least a pair of apertures; retainer means for fastening said two hydraulic hose clamps with hoses to said cross member; and said means for connecting a pair of hose connections of said hydraulic hoses comprising spring loaded quick connect couplings affixed to said distal end of said hydraulic hose for cooperatively engaging a nipple extending from said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

2. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, wherein a holding means comprises a block including cylindrical through holes mounting to said cross member.

3. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle grip member comprises a straight cylindrical member connecting said longitudinal strips.

4. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle grip member comprises a downward extending curved member connecting said longitudinal arms.

5. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said means for mounting to said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper comprises at least one split ring defining a collar comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws, said collar affixed to a bottom distal end of said longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

6. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said means for mounting to said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper comprises at least a pair of spaced apart split rings defining a pair of aligned collars comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws, said collar affixed to a bottom distal end of said longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

7. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, including a cylindrical sleeve disposed between a top distal end of said longitudinal cylindrical housing and said cylindrical base.

8. A hydraulic pole tamper and handle frame assembly comprising: a hydraulic pole tamper comprising an elongated conduit member extending from a housing and including means for cooperatively connecting a pair of hydraulic hoses extending upward from said housing, a drive connecting said housing to a tamper adapted to reciprocate relative to said housing and apply pressure to a surface, and a wobble connection between said drive and said tamper, wherein said wobble connection comprises a wobble plate and adapted to reciprocate relative to said housing applying pressure to compact a surface such as dirt or rock; said removable handle frame assembly attaching to a top portion of said upper end of said elongated conduit member, said removable handle frame assembly including a handle frame comprising a pair of spaced apart aligned longitudinal arms extending upward from a bottom portion and including removable means for mounting comprising a cylindrical base attaching to said elongated conduit member, said longitudinal arms including an upper portion having a pair of spaced apart aligned distal ends connecting to a handle grip member extending there between, said cylindrical base including a first open end at a top of said cylindrical base and a second open end at a bottom of said cylindrical base, said cylindrical base having a diameter sized and shaped for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper, said cylindrical base extending around and shielding at least a portion of said means for connecting said hydraulic hoses to said upper end of said elongated conduit member, said removable handle frame assembly including at least one cross member disposed between said longitudinal arms at a position above said means for removably securing said hydraulic hoses, and hydraulic hoses holding means attaching to said at least one cross member for holding said hydraulic hoses in vertical alignment with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper, said hydraulic hoses holding means attaching to said handle frame at a position above said cylindrical base, and said hydraulic hoses extending through an upper end of said cylindrical base removably attaching to said hydraulic hoses holding means; and said means for connecting a pair of hose connections of said hydraulic hoses comprising spring loaded quick connect couplings affixed to said distal end of said hydraulic hose for cooperatively engaging a nipple extending from said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

9. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 8, wherein a holding means comprises a block including cylindrical through holes mounting to said cross member.

10. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said handle grip member comprises a straight cylindrical member connecting said longitudinal strips.

11. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said handle grip member comprises a downward extending curved member connecting said longitudinal arms.

12. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said cylindrical base means for mounting comprises at least one split ring defining a collar comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws, said collar affixed to a bottom distal end of said longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

13. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said means for mounting to said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper comprises at least a pair of spaced apart split rings defining a pair of aligned collars comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws, said collar affixed to a bottom distal end of said longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

14. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 8, including a cylindrical sleeve disposed between a top distal end of said longitudinal cylindrical housing and said cylindrical base.

15. A hydraulic pole tamper and handle frame assembly, comprising: a hydraulic pole tamper comprising an upper end defining an elongated conduit member including means for cooperatively connecting a pair of hydraulic hoses extending upward from a housing, a drive connecting the housing, a tamper adapted to reciprocate relative to the housing and apply pressure to a surface, and a wobble connection between the drive and the tamper, wherein the wobble connection comprises a wobble plate, wherein a first end portion of the tamper is at a side of the wobble plate adapted to reciprocate relative to the housing and apply pressure to a surface such as dirt or rock; and a removable handle assembly for cooperatively engaging said elongated conduit member of said hydraulic tamper pole, comprising a handle frame comprising a pair of spaced apart aligned longitudinal arms extending upward from removable means for mounting coaxially affixed to and mounted on an upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper, said removable means for mounting extending around and shielding at least a portion of said means for connecting said hydraulic hoses to said upper end of said elongated conduit member, said longitudinal arms having a pair of spaced apart aligned distal ends connecting to a handle grip member extending there between, holding means attaching to said longitudinal arms at a position above said means for connecting said hydraulic hoses for removably securing said hydraulic hoses in vertical alignment with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper, said removable means for mounting having a diameter sized and shaped for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper, said removable means for mounting extending around and shielding at least a portion of said means for connecting said hydraulic hoses to said upper end of said elongated conduit member, said handle frame assembly including at least one cross member disposed between said longitudinal arms at a position above said means for connecting and removably securing said hydraulic hoses, and hydraulic hoses holding means attaching to said at least one cross member for holding said hydraulic hoses in vertical alignment with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper, said hydraulic hoses holding means attaching to said handle frame at a position above said sleeve, and said hydraulic hoses extending through an upper end of said sleeve removably attaching to said hydraulic hoses means; and said means for connecting a pair of hose connections of said hydraulic hoses comprising spring loaded quick connect couplings affixed to said distal end of said hydraulic hose for cooperatively engaging a nipple extending from said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

16. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 15, wherein a holding means comprises a block including cylindrical through holes mounting to said cross member.

17. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 15, wherein said handle grip member comprises a straight cylindrical member connecting said longitudinal strips.

18. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 15, wherein said handle grip member comprises a downward extending unitary curved member connecting said longitudinal arms.

19. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 15, wherein said cylindrical base means for mounting comprises at least one split ring defining a collar comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws, said collar affixed to a bottom distal end of said longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

20. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 15, wherein said means for mounting to said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper comprises at least a pair of spaced apart split rings defining a pair of aligned collars comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws, said collar affixed to a bottom distal end of said longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with said upper end of said elongated conduit member of said pole tamper.

21. The hydraulic pole tamper handle assembly of claim 1, including a cylindrical sleeve disposed between a top distal end of said longitudinal cylindrical housing and said cylindrical base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional hydraulic pole tamper;

[0026] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the hydraulic hose connections to the pole tamper of FIG. 1, showing a pair of threaded couplings attaching the hoses connecting to quick disconnect couplings such as HANSON fittings which cooperatively engage nipples extending from the top distal end of the pole tamper;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the pole tamper including the handle and adapter assembly including the handle frame and hose clamp improvements;

[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged in view of the hose clamp with the elastomeric bushing;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the pole tamper showing the HANSON fittings quick disconnect fittings on the distal ends of the hydraulic hoses extending from the pole tamper hoses;

[0030] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the handle and adapter frame including cross members and brace including the apertures for attachment of at least one clamp for securing an electric cord in electrical communication with a pole tamper and an electric power source;

[0031] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the modified handle and frame assembly mounted to a hydraulic pole tamper showing the attachment and fasteners fixing the lower cylindrical portion of the handle frame distal end of the upper conduit or shaft of pole tamper;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handle assembly kit showing the handle and frame mounting to the upper portion of the pole tamper including an alternate hose clamp design for utilizing set screws to removably secure the hoses immovably within a holding block mounted to the frame and an a pair of attachment rings or collars having set screws to removably attach the lower portion of the handle frame to the cylindrical upper body handle portion of a conventional tamper;

[0033] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a handle assembly adapter kit including the handle and attachment frame including ring clamps for attachment to the upper end of the elongated conduit member of the pole tamper and a hose retaining or holding block; and

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pole tamper handle assembly having a curved ergonomic handle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0036] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0038] Spatially relative terms, such as inner, outer, beneath, below, lower, above, upper, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the example term below can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a hydraulic pole tamper 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-10. The pole tamper 1 as shown in the figures include a longitudinal cylindrical body 4, a tamper head 8 at the bottom end, two hydraulic hoses 9. The improvement comprises the a handle assembly 10 having a frame 12 including a handle grip 14 at the top end with hydraulic hose clamps holding brackets 16 for attachment of hose clips 18 mounting to the hoses 9 for removably mounting the hoses 9 in spaced apart alignment. The nipples 3 extending from the distal end of the upper end of the elongated conduit member 4 from a hose junction 2 are connected to spring loaded quick disconnect couplings 5 such as HANSON fitting attaching to the distal end of the hoses 9. The upper end of the elongated conduit member defining a longitudinal cylindrical body 4 includes a hydraulic impact unit 7 including a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly 8 and base tamping member or foot 8.

[0040] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0041] The handle assembly 12 kit for the pole tamper 1 includes handle frame 12 and handle grip 14 connected to the upper end of the elongated cylindrical body 4. The handle assembly 10 includes a frame 12 comprising a pair of elongated spaced apart aligned longitudinal straps or arms 20 and 22 extending upward from a cylindrical attachment base defining a sleeve 26 which coaxially and cooperatively engages the upper end of the elongated conduit member 4 of the pole tamper 1. It is contemplated that the cooperatively engaging member can comprise straps or another portion of the frame extending downward for fixed engagement with the conduit member 4 and held thereto by rivets, bolts, clamps, or a friction fit. The cylindrical base 26 has at least a bottom portion with an inner diameter large enough to firmly slide down over the top end of the longitudinal cylindrical housing 4. Original equipment manufactures may also weld the base of the handle assembly to the conduit member 4. As shown in the drawings the frame members 22,24 diverge or spread apart. The frame members 122, 124 may be formed of straight longitudinal members and spread apart at a selected angle to converge at the upper distal end for joining by a downwardly curved handle grip member 114 as shown in FIG. 10; or the frame members 22,24 may diverge at inwardly and outwardly at selected positions to provide attachment points and an upper end which terminates at an handle grip portion 14 which comprises a generally straight cylindrical member at a top distal end extending across and joining frame arms 20 and 22 as shown in FIG. 7. The handle grip portion 14, 114 may be affixed to the frame arms 22, 24 by bolts, pins, welding, friction fit or other attachment means or be formed as an integral portion of the frame 12 as shown in FIG. 10.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-10, the pair of vertically oriented longitudinal members or arms 20, 22 extend upward from the cylindrical sleeve 26 which slides over and cooperatively engages the pole tamper cylindrical body 4. The members 20, 22 are spread apart at a selected acute angle for connecting to a handle grip member 14 of a selected length to enable the user to twist the handle grip and control the orientation of the foot shaped tamper or shoe 8 and to twist the pole tamper 1 or lift it in and out of the hole. The sleeve 26 may comprise a solid member include apertures therein. At least a portion of the top end or a side must include an opening 11 large enough to accommodate connection of the hoses to the nipples or threaded end members 3 extending upward from the hose junction 2 of the distal end of the pole tamper conduit 4. An important consideration is the capability of the sleeve 26 to protect the hose connection fittings and protects the user from leaking fluid should one of the hose connections leak or break.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-10, holding means 13 such as a rods, pins, bolts, or welding connects the handle grip member 14 to the distal ends of the arm members 20 and 22 or the handle grip member 14 can be formed integral with the arms 22 and 24. The side members 20 and 22 are connected at the ends of the handle 14 and taper downward to the top circular edge of cylinder 26. A pair of cross members 24, 25 extend between the arm members 20 and 22 at selected points to provide lateral stability for the frame 12 and attachment points for the hose clips 18 in order to hold the distal ends of the hose 9 in vertical alignment for attachment to the nipples 3 of the pole tamper 1 eliminating stress on the hoses and connection points due to the weight of the hoses during use.

[0044] The cross member 24, 25 as shown in the FIG. 6, includes at least one vertical brace 23 connecting the two spaced apart cross members 24 and 25 stretching from side member 20 to side member 22. A cross members 24, 25 and/or brace 23 includes clamp holding means 16 defining apertures located at the junction of the center member 23 and the cross member braces 24 and 25, for the purpose of attaching hose clamps 18. While the holding means 16 in the instant embodiment is provided by the cross members 24 or 25 or brace 23, it is contemplated that a loop, hook, flange, or other projection can be affixed by bolts or welding to a longitudinal arm 20, 22, 120, 122 providing a support for affixing the hose clamps 18 thereto. As shown, the upper portion of the handle and adapter frame include cross members and a brace for attachment of at least one clamp for securing an electric cord 21 in electrical communication with an electric pole tamper and an electric power source.

[0045] FIGS. 8-10 show embodiments of the handle assembly 100 frame including a frame 112 and handle grip portion 114. At least one cross member 124 comprising a metal strip connects longitudinal arms 20 and 22 as shown in FIG. 8 and longitudinal arms 120 and 122 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0046] Two apertures 28 are present in the sidewall of the cylindrical base 26 for fasteners such as screws 30 which rigidly hold the handle frame 12 to the top of the cylindrical housing 4.

[0047] Two hose clamps 18 are included and used to fasten the hydraulic hoses 9 to the handle frame 12 for lateral support. The hose clamps 18 include elastomeric bushings 19 to cushion the hoses 9. The clamps 18 are fastened to the handle frame 12 at the apertures 16 with fasteners such as screw and nut combinations. The clamps enable the hose to bent at a 90 degree angle at a section of the hose other than the distal end connecting to the hydraulic tamper connections. Constant vibration and twisting tends to weaken the hoses at the connection joint to the fittings with conventional tamper tools because the connection point and the bending point are at the same junction which leads to premature failure of the connections and hoses, damage to same, downtime, and potential hazards to the tamper user. Applicants improved orientation handle and design minimize the stress on the hoses, the fittings, and the worker orienting and lifting the tamper during use.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the present embodiment can be made available as a kit to retrofit an existing conventional pole tamper wherein the handle is defined by a cylindrical shaft extending upward from the tamping unit. The handle kit 100 includes a generally cylindrical handle 14 which may include a straight handle grip portion 14 or a curved handle grip portion 114 to forming a loop handle. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-10 include a hose retaining or holding block 116 having vertical oriented through bores 117 there through. The holding block 116 is attached to a brace 123 by screws or welding and extends between the longitudinal arms 120 and 122. The holding block comprises two portions which are split providing means for insertion of the hose therein and holding the hoses in position with respect to the handle frame 112.

[0049] Means for removably mounting to the upper end of the elongated conduit member of the pole tamper comprises at least one split ring defining a collar 126 comprising two semicircular portions adjustably held together by set screws. The collar is affixed to a bottom distal end of the longitudinal arms having a diameter sized for coaxial engagement with the upper end of the elongated conduit member of the pole tamper. One preferred embodiment includes a pair of spaced apart collars or split ring members 102 and 104 are disposed between the proximate ends of the longitudinal arms 120 and 122 forming the lower portion of the handle body. The rings 102 and 104 clamp the handle frame 112 to the upper longitudinal conduit 4 of the post tamper 1. A cylindrical sleeve 128 may optionally be inserted between the collar 126 and conduit 4 providing a protective shield against leaking hydraulic fluid from a broken line.

[0050] The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.