The present invention relates to portable augers. More specifically, the invention relates to portable augers powered by a two-stage hydraulic pump.
Augers are used for earth boring activities. They have to be efficient at boring or digging in a wide variety of different soil types such as dirt, gravel, and sand. For some jobs, the auger may need to be transported from site to site over different type of terrain. One or more individuals may transport the auger by wheeling it either by manpower alone or with assistance from a powered drive. Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a portable auger with a power source that enables the portable auger to be transported at both slow and high speeds over varied terrain and to dig in various substances.
The portable auger may also be moved or towed by a machine, such as a truck, from site to site. If a powered drive is used, the powered drive unit must be disengaged from each wheel that it is driving to avoid damage to the drive unit when moving the auger with another machine. One object of the present invention is to provide a transport system for a portable auger that has a dedicated powered drive unit for wheeled, power-assist by an individual. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an uncomplicated means for allowing the power-driven wheels to freewheel when the portable auger is moved by another machine.
The portable auger made in accordance with the present invention has a frame comprising a lever tube, a frame for mounting a power system connected to one end of the lever tube and a pivot tube rigidly connected to the lever tube. An auger is pivotally connected to the end of the lever tube opposite the power system frame. The auger is connected to an auger drive powered by a power system. The power system comprises a two-stage hydraulic pump and a power source that drives the pump. The power system is pivotally attached to the power system frame which ensures that the power system maintains a horizontal orientation when raised off the ground.
An axle housing is attached to the end of the pivot tube opposite the lever tube. In some embodiments of the invention, both wheels of the portable auger are freewheeling. In such embodiments, a freewheeling axle is attached to the axle housing. The freewheeling axle includes means for attaching a wheel on each end protruding from the axle housing. Alternatively, a freewheeling axle maybe be connected to each side of the axle housing.
In other embodiments, at least one wheel of the portable auger is driven by a transport powered drive unit having a power output shaft. The transport powered unit is mounted inside the axle housing and is linked to a two-stage hydraulic pump. A powered wheel axle is connected to the power output shaft at one end and has a drive hub inserted on the other end. The drive hub may freewheel about the powered wheel axle or may be locked to the axle. A wheel is connected to the drive hub. The second wheel of a portable auger may either be power driven or freewheeling.
Other aspects of the invention are set forth in this specification.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in the figures one example of the transport system for a portable auger of the present invention. In
One or more chain brackets 24 are suitably attached to the front end of power source frame 16. In other examples of the invention, a tow bar is attached to the front end of the power source frame. When towed by another machine, such as a truck, a connecting means, such as a chain, can be attached between the truck and chain brackets 24 or tow bar. In tow mode, the portable auger is generally oriented in the horizontal position shown in
Axle housing 20 has a number of housing plates suitably attached to it (e.g., by welding) for mounting associated components. In some embodiments of the present invention, freewheeling axles 46a and 46b are suitably connected to the housing plates at each end of the axle housing 20. The wheels (not shown) are attached to freewheeling axles 46a and 46b. Alternatively, a single freewheeling axle may be used.
In the preferred embodiment, a transport powered drive unit 30 is suitably mounted to the axle housing. For example, as shown in the figures, transport powered drive unit 30 is suitably mounted to the axle housing. For example, as shown in the figures, transport powered drive unit 30 is attached to axle housing plate 20a by screws and lock washers 60a and 60b, respectively. Output shaft 32 of the transport powered drive unit is rigidly connected to powered w heel axle 34 by suitable means. For example, as shown in the figures, connecting sleeve 36 slips over mating ends of output shaft 32 and axle 34. Screws 62a pass through holes 36a, 32a and 34c, in the connecting sleeve, output shaft and axle, respectively and mate with nuts 62b to hold the output shaft and axle rigidly together. In this non-limiting example of the invention a pair of flange bearing assemblies 38 are used to support drive wheel axle 34. The inner bearing assembly is attached to axle housing plate 20b by screws and nuts 64a and 64b, respectively. Outer bearing assembly is attached to axle housing plate 20c by screws and nuts 66a and 66b, respectively. Plate 20c also serves as an end plate of the axle housing in this example of the invention. Drive hub 40 is suitably attached to the end of drive wheel axle 34 so that it will freewheel if hub locking pin 42 is not inserted through holes 40a in the drive hub and hole 34a in the drive wheel axle. One means of attaching drive hub 40 to the end of drive wheel axle 34 is by use of a nut 44 threaded onto drive wheel axle 34, as shown in
In another example of the invention, in addition to the drive hub locking and unlocking means, separate means may be provided for securely locking the output of the transport powered drive unit. As illustrated in
In operation, when transport system 10 is being wheeled by an individual with powered assist from the transport powered drive unit, hub locking pin 42 is inserted through openings 40a in drive hub 40 and opening 34a in drive wheel axle 34. The hub locking pin may be secured in this position by using a suitable fastener, such as cotter pin 42a.
If the optional means for locking the output of the transport powered drive unit is provided, when the transport powered drive unit is being used, drive axle pin 48 is not inserted through openings 20d in axle housing 20 and opening 34b in drive wheel axle 34, and the drive axle pin may be attached by a chain, or similar fastener, to the axle housing and stowed in a hole in a tow bar, if used, or in optional pin holder 50.
In operation, when the transport powered drive unit is not being used, hub locking pin 42 is not inserted through openings 40a in drive hub 40 and opening 34a in drive wheel axle 34. Hub locking pin 42, and its fastener, if used, may be attached by a chain, or other suitable fastener, to the axle housing, and stowed in a hole in a tow bar, if used, or in an optional pin holder on the structural frame of the transport system.
If the optional means for locking the output of the transport powered drive unit is provided, when the transport powered drive unit is not being used, drive axle pin 48 is inserted through openings 20d in axle housing 20 and opening 34b in drive wheel axle 34.
In the present example of the invention, only one of the two wheels used in the transport system is power driven by the transport powered drive unit. Alternatively, both wheels may be power driven, and a drive axle pin and hub locking pin can be provided for each of the two power driven wheels.
The utilized power system may be any power system that can be self-contained on the transport frame, such as an electrical or hydraulic system. In the preferred example of the invention, the power system is hydraulic. As shown in
Preferably, the hydraulic pump 70 is a two stage hydraulic pump. A high torque may be required when the portable auger is used to dig in a hard soil or if it is transported uphill. When high torque is required, both stages of the pump can be employed to supply adequate pressure. On the other hand, a single stage of the pump is used when a lower torque is sufficient. The variable capacity of the two-stage pump provides flexibility and improves fuel economy and performance.
The foregoing examples do not limit the scope of the disclosed invention. The scope of the disclosed invention will be further covered in the claims of an application claiming priority of this document.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60442252 | Jan 2003 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10763797 | Jan 2004 | US |
Child | 11676093 | Feb 2007 | US |