METHOD OF ANCHORING POSTS

Abstract

A method of ground anchoring a plurality of posts (11), especially to erect a fence or barrier. The method includes anchoring a first plurality of posts (11) into the ground, preferably simultaneously, using a plurality of post anchoring stations (50) located on at least one movable platform (10) that can be moved along a path, and then anchoring a second plurality of posts (11), again preferably simultaneously, into the ground using the plurality of post anchoring stations (50). In a preferred form there is a plurality of movable platforms which are mechanically independent of each other but operatively connected to each other through a communication system.

Claims

1. A method of ground anchoring a plurality of posts, the method comprising: anchoring a first plurality of posts into the ground using a plurality of post anchoring stations, the post anchoring stations being located on at least two movable platforms; moving the at least two movable platforms along a predetermined path; and anchoring a second plurality of posts into the ground using the plurality of post anchoring stations, wherein: the at least two movable platforms form a series of mechanically independent movable platforms operatively connected to each other through a communication system; the at least two movable platforms are aligned along the predetermined path; and the at least two movable platforms are configured to follow along the predetermined path by being operatively connected to each other through the communication system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication system comprises wireless communication.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication comprises a spatial positioning and guidance system.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication comprises GPS.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication comprises a laser positioning and guidance system.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two movable platforms has a propulsion unit configured to move the movable platform along the predetermined path.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the propulsion unit is manually driven.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the propulsion unit is semi-autonomously driven.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the propulsion unit is fully autonomously controlled to follow or substantially follow the predetermined path.

10. A multi vehicle train configured to anchor posts, the multi vehicle train comprising: a plurality of operatively connected movable platforms; and a plurality of post anchoring stations, each post anchoring station comprising a post anchoring mechanism, wherein: the plurality of post anchoring stations is located on at least two of the plurality of movable platforms; the at least two movable platforms form a series of mechanically independent movable platforms operatively connected to each other through a communication system; the at least two movable platforms are aligned along the predetermined path; and the at least two movable platforms are configured to follow along the predetermined path by being operatively connected to each other through the communication system.

11. The multi vehicle train of claim 10, wherein the communication system comprises wireless communication.

12. The multi vehicle train of claim 11, wherein the wireless communication comprises a spatial positioning and guidance system.

13. The multi vehicle train of claim 11, wherein the wireless communication comprises GPS.

14. The multi vehicle train of claim 11, wherein the wireless communication comprises a laser positioning and guidance system.

15. The multi vehicle train of claim 10, wherein each of the at least two movable platforms has a propulsion unit configured to move the movable platform along the predetermined path.

16. The multi vehicle train of claim 15, wherein the propulsion unit is manually driven.

17. The multi vehicle train of claim 15, wherein the propulsion unit is semi-autonomously driven.

18. The multi vehicle train of claim 15, wherein the propulsion unit is fully autonomously controlled to follow or substantially follow the predetermined path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] An embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a movable platform according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 2 is a side view of a series of trailers shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a movable platform according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0049] FIGS. 4A to 4D show a series of steps to anchor a number of posts into the ground for erecting a fence;

[0050] FIGS. 5A to 5C show a series of steps to erect a fence;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a movable platform according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of plurality of movable platforms as illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the plurality of movable platforms of FIG. 7 anchoring a number of posts into the ground for erecting a fence;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a movable platform with multiple anchoring stations according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of plurality of movable platforms as illustrated in FIG. 9; and

[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the plurality of movable platforms of FIG. 10 anchoring a number of posts into the ground for erecting a fence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Like numerals have been used to describe like components in the description below.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a movable platform 10 that has been configured to anchor posts into the ground quickly, easily and accurately.

[0059] The movable platform 10 includes a movable platform 20 formed by a chassis 30 on which is mounted a floor 40. The chassis 30 includes four rear wheels 31 mounted adjacent the end of the floor 40 and two front wheels 32 located forward of the floor 40. The distance between the front wheels 32 and the rear wheels 31 can be adjusted using a telescopic arm 33. A trailer hitch 34 is located at the adjacent the front wheels 32 and a tow ball 35 is located adjacent the rear wheels 31.

[0060] It would be appreciated that there are many ways to create a movable platform that would be known to a person skilled in the art. The representation of the wheels as a method providing movement as shown is purely for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of the movable platform. Other forms can include continuous rubber tracked or steel plate tracked mechanisms such as found on skid steer equipment and bulldozers.

[0061] An interconnected movable platform configuration has been illustrated, however the invention should not be limited to this configuration, as it is described in this specification and intended and claimed that each movable platform can be autonomous and independently capable of substantially following the path of the at least one other leading movable platform. Where there are more than two movable platforms it is claimed that each movable platform is capable of following substantially along the same path as the first leading movable platform and capable of operating substantially in unison with each of the other movable platforms even though they are not connected in a similar fashion as that of a train.

[0062] An anchoring station 50 is located on the floor 40 of the movable platform 10. The anchoring station 50 includes a post anchoring mechanism 51 located adjacent one end of the floor 40 and a safety railing 52 located adjacent the front of the floor 40. Posts 11 to be anchoring into the ground are located on the floor 40 adjacent the anchoring mechanism 51. It would be appreciated that there are many types of anchoring mechanisms 51 that would be known to a person skilled in the art. The representation shown is purely for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of anchoring mechanisms 51 than may be used.

[0063] The anchoring station 50 also includes a rotatable body 57 that is used to mount the post anchoring mechanism 51 via a series of movable arms 58. The rotatable body 57 is connected to the floor 40. A motor 56 is connected to the rotatable body to enable rotation of the rotatable body 57 and hence the post anchoring mechanism 51. Accordingly, the post anchoring mechanism 51 can be rotated, extended, and/or titled with respect to the movable platform 10 using the arms 58. This enables that a post 11 can be anchored into the ground at a desired angle (which is normally vertical).

[0064] To anchor a post 11 into the ground, an operator (not shown) who is located on the floor 40, picks up a post 11 located on the trailer 10. The post 11 is placed within the post anchoring mechanism 51. The post anchoring mechanism 51 is then activated, and then the post 11 is anchored into the ground at the desired orientation along a fence line.

[0065] FIG. 2 shows how trailers 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be connected together using trailer hitches 34 and tow balls 35 of adjacent trailers 10. The trailer 10 may come in a variety of different formats. For example, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a trailer 10 where the floor 40 of the movable platform 20 is smaller and the chassis 30 is slightly different. The anchoring station 50 is slightly different with the post anchoring mechanism 51 being automated and including an automatic loader 53 for posts 11. Both the automatic loader 53 and post anchoring mechanism 51 are located on a circular dolly 54 which is mounted to the floor 40 and moved by a motor 56.

[0066] As the loader 53 and post anchoring mechanism 51 are both automated, a user is not required to be located on the floor 40 of the trailer 10. That is, a post 11 can be loaded and driven into the ground remotely. The circular dolly 54 can be rotated to allow a greater level of movement of the anchoring mechanism 51 if required. FIG. 4A to 4D show a vehicle train 1 that is used to anchor posts into the ground to erect a fence. The vehicle train 1 includes a powered vehicle 2, such as a tractor, and a series of interconnected trailers shown in FIG. 1.

[0067] In use, an operator stands on each trailer and loads a post 11 into their respective anchoring mechanism 51. The post anchoring mechanisms 51 are, therefore, ready to anchor the posts 11 into the ground, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0068] The powered vehicle 1 leads the trailers 10 along a predetermined fence line. When the powered vehicle 1 is in a desired position, the vehicle stops, and the operators are told they are in the correct position. The operators then simultaneously anchor in the posts 11 into the ground using their respective anchoring mechanisms 51, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0069] Once all of the posts 11 have been anchored to the ground, and the anchor mechanism 51 has been withdrawn from the anchored posts 11, the powered vehicle 1 moves to the next desired location. Simultaneously, the posts 11 are loaded, by the operators, into the empty post anchoring mechanisms 51 on each trailer as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0070] When the next location along the fence line is reached by the powered vehicle 1, this is again indicated to the operators, and posts are anchored into the ground by the operators using the anchoring mechanisms 51 as shown in FIG. 4D. This process is repeated until the posts for fences are all anchored into the ground.

[0071] The distance that the powered vehicle 1 moves largely depends on the spacing between the posts 11 and the number of anchoring stations 50. For example, if the fence posts 11 are to be anchored at seven-metre centres, and there are seven anchoring stations, the powered vehicle will anchor forward 49 metres and stop. The seven operators on each of the trailers 10 would then each install one post per anchoring station using the associated anchoring mechanism.

[0072] This method enables seven posts 11 to be installed substantially at one time covering 49 meters, with all posts being installed substantially in alignment with the desired fence line, with each post being substantially perpendicular. It would be appreciated that the spacing between the anchoring stations may be varied by the length of the telescopic arm.

[0073] It is envisaged that each trailer may have one, two or three anchoring stations 50 and therefore can anchor one, two or three posts substantially at the same time. The fence posts are be installed substantially IN-LINE along a predetermined fence line. It would also be appreciated that designated strainer posts or in-line mid strainer posts can be installed, when required, by any of the various anchoring stations.

[0074] It would also be appreciated that the trailer shown in FIG. 3 may replace the trailers shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to perform the described installation method. The only difference between the methods being the actions performed by the operators on the trailers would be performed automatically and controlled by an operator normally located in the powered vehicle 1.

[0075] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C show a further embodiment of a vehicle train 1. In this embodiment, this last trailer is used to mount a barrier material feeder 60. The barrier material feeder 60 feeds material 61 out of the barrier material feeder 60 when the powered vehicle 1 is anchored forwards as shown in FIG. 5B. The barrier material feeder does not feed barrier material out when posts are being anchored (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C). The barrier material feeder 61 can feed the desired barrier material depending on the desired fence.

[0076] The barrier material 61 is strained at appropriate locations using strainer posts (not shown) that would be evident to a person skilled in the art. The barrier material is then connected to posts 11 that have been anchored into the ground to complete installation of a fence.

[0077] FIG. 6 shows an autonomous or semi-autonomous movable platform 10 having a control and steering unit 90 configured to steer the front wheels 32. The control and steering unit 90 may be in communication, preferably wireless communication, with a remote control station and/or other movable platforms 10. The control and steering unit 90 can be utilised to manoeuvre the movable platform 10 independently, and preferably autonomously, from other movable platforms.

[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of autonomous or semi autonomous movable platforms 10 in series. Although there is no mechanical interconnection, the movable platforms 10 are operatively connected via wireless communication to operate collaboratively. FIG. 8 illustrates the autonomous or semi autonomous movable platforms 10 in operation.

[0079] FIG. 9 shows an autonomous or semi-autonomous movable platform 10 having multiple anchoring stations, namely a first anchoring station 51A and a second anchoring station 51B. It should be appreciated that further anchoring stations could be located on a single movable platform if desired. It should also be appreciated that although an autonomous or semi-autonomous movable platform is illustrated, a plurality of anchoring stations could be provided on platforms that are operatively connected through mechanical means as described earlier.

[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of the movable platforms 10 of FIG. 9 in a series. FIG. 8 illustrates the autonomous or semi autonomous movable platforms 10 in operation.

[0081] This method of anchoring posts into the ground to erect a fence or the associated method of erecting a fence can be formed substantially quicker than current methods. This is due to a large number of posts being able to be anchored into the ground simultaneously at a desired spacing along a predetermined fence line.

[0082] In this specification, the terms comprise, comprises, comprising or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0083] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0084] It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.