Patent Application
20250084604
Sheet piling driver adapters that can be used with post drivers, allowing them to drive sheet piles, are described.
A lot of land is not suitable on its own to support buildings; hence, piles are used to provide the support. Conventional post drivers can be used with piles shaped like posts but are not suitable for sheet pilings. Further, sheet pilings for seawalls or bulkheads often need large, heavy machinery, such as excavators, tractors, vibratory pile hammers, and sheet pile pushers, which can be difficult to position in small spaces and can cause damage the surrounding environment, such as lawns and landscaping. Consequently, there is a need for sheet piling driver adapters that can be used with conventional post drivers.
Provided herein are systems and methods for sheet piling driver adapters, which can be used with conventional post drivers. In a specific embodiment, a sheet piling driver adapter includes: a body, where the body includes: a cuboid rectangular shape and one or more holes; and one or more finger bars, where the finger bars include: a cuboid rectangular shape and one or more holes, and where the sheet piling driver adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a post pile driver and a sheet pile so the post driver can drive a sheet pile into the ground.
In another specific embodiment, a method for driving a sheet pile into the ground with a post driver includes: releasably attaching a sheet piling driver adapter to a sheet pile, where the sheet piling driver includes: a body, where the body includes: a cuboid rectangular shape and one or more holes; and one or more finger bars, where the finger bars includes: a cuboid rectangular shape and one or more holes, and where the sheet piling driver adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a post pile driver and a sheet pile so the post driver can drive a sheet pile into the ground; and engaging a post driver to drive the sheet pile into the ground.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended.
In one or more embodiments, the sheet piling driver adapter can include, but is not limited to: one or more adapters, one or more bodies, one or more shield plates, one or more holes, one or more openings, one or more finger bars, and one or more engaging members. In one or more embodiments, the one or more components of the sheet piling driver adapter can be coupled to and/or integrally formed with any other of the one or more components.
The sheet piling driver adapter and any of its components can be made from one or more suitable materials. The one or more components of the sheet piling driver adapter can made from any one or more metals (such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, black oxide metal), metal alloys, concretes, fiberglass, wood, cast plastic, molded fiber-reinforced nylon, composite materials (such as ceramics, wood/polymer blends, cloth/polymer blends, etc.), and plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylethylketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide resins (such as nylon 6 (N6), nylon 66 (N66)), polyester resins (such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene isophthalate (PEI), PET/PEI copolymer) polynitrile resins (such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS), methacrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, methacrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymers; and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)), polymethacrylate resins (such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyethylacrylate), cellulose resins (such as cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate butyrate); polyimide resins (such as aromatic polyimides), polycarbonates (PC), elastomers (such as ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM), styrenic block copolymers (SBC), polyisobutylene (PIB), butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, halobutyl rubber and the like)), and mixtures, blends, or copolymers of any and all of the foregoing materials.
The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can include, but is not limited to: a first adapter, a second adapter, a third adapter, fourth adapter, or more adapters. For example, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 can include a first adapter 102 and a second adapter 110, as shown in
The length of the body 104 can vary widely. For example, the length of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the length of the body 104 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The width of the body 104 can vary widely. For example, the width of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the width of the body 104 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The height of the body 104 can vary widely. For example, the height of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the height of the body 104 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The thickness of the body 104 can vary widely. For example, the thickness of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the thickness of the body 104 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4.0 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
The diameter of the body 104 can vary widely. For example, the diameter of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the diameter of the body 104 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100.0 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
The weight of the body 104 can vary widely. For example, the weight of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 kg, about 10 kg, or about 2.0 kg, to a high of about 5.0 kg, about 10.0 kg, or about 100 kg. In another example, the weight of the body 104 can be from about 0.1 kg to about 100.0 kg, about 0.2 kg to about 2.0 kg, about 0.4 kg to about 4.0 kg, about 0.5 kg to about 5 kg, about 1 kg to about 10 kg, about 0.8 kg to about 3.3 kg, or about 1.5 kg to about 20 kg.
The one or more holes 108 or/and opening can include, but are not limited to: a first hole or/and opening, a second hole or/and opening, a third hole or/and opening, a fourth hole or/and opening, a fifth hole or/and opening, a six hole or/and opening, a seventh hole or/and opening, eighth hole or/and opening, ninth hole or/and opening, tenth hole or/and opening, eleventh hole or/and opening, twelfth hole or/and opening, thirteenth hole or/and opening, fourteenth hole or/and opening, fifteenth hole or/and opening, sixteenth hole or/and opening, and more holes or openings. The hole 108 and/or opening can include, but is not limited to: a length, height, width, radius, first end, front side, second end, back side, right side, left side, top side, bottom side, outer surface, inner surface, and interior space. The hole 108 and/or opening can include a threaded hole or/and opening. The hole 108 and/or opening can be countersunk. The hole 108 and/or opening can be disposed anywhere on the sheet piling driver adapter 100. The hole 108 and/or opening can be threaded so the sheet pile adapter 100 can be releasably attached to the pile driver, a second body, a second adapter, and/or the pile. In some embodiments, the sheet pile adapter 100 can include attachment holes 108 located on the four corners. In some embodiments, holes 108 can be positioned towards the center outer edge near the finger bars 106 position to accommodate and enable attachments of round wooden and/or metal post adapters.
The one or more holes 108 and/or one or more openings can be disposed on any of the surfaces of the body. For example, the holes 108 and/or openings can be disposed on the body 104, finger bars 106, and the second adapter 110. In another example, the holes 108 and/or openings can be disposed on the top, bottom, and/or side of the body 104. The holes 108 and/or openings can be positioned on a surface of the body from a distance from a top edge, a bottom edge, or a side edge to a center of the hole 108 or opening. In another example, the hole or opening can have a distance from an edge to a center of the hole 108 or opening from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the hole or opening can have a distance from an edge to a center of the hole 108 or opening from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100.0 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
In some embodiments, the hole 108 and/or opening can pass through the body 104 and/or penetrate into the body 104. The hole 108 and/or opening can have a depth into and/or through the body 104 that can vary widely. The hole 108 and/or opening can have a depth into and/or through the body 104 from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the hole 108 and/or opening can have a depth into and/or through the body 104 from can be have depth can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The holes 108 and/or openings can include one or more diameters. For example, the hole 108 and/or opening can include one or more inner diameters or one or more outer diameters. The hole 108 and/or opening can include one or more diameters that varies widely. For example, the diameter of the hole 108 or opening can be from a low of about 0.001 cm, about 0.010 cm, or about 0.1 cm, to a high of about 2.0 cm, about 10.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the diameter of the hole 108 or opening can from about 0.001 cm to about 100 cm, about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 0.001 cm to about 0.01 cm, about 0.01 cm to about 0.1 cm, about 0.05 cm to about 1.0 cm, 0.5 cm to about 1.0 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm.
The one or more finger bars 106 can include, but are not limited to: a first finger bar, a second finger bar, a third finger bar, a fourth finger bar, a fifth finger bar, a six finger bar, and more finger bar. The finger bar 106 can include, but is not limited to: a length, height, width, radius, first end, front side, second end, back side, right side, left side, top side, bottom side, outer surface, inner surface, and interior space. The finger bar 106 can include one or more holes 108 and/or one or more openings. The finger bar 106 can include a wide variety of shapes. For example, the finger bar 106 can include, but is not limited to: a cuboid rectangular hexahedron shape, rectangular cuboid, trigonal trapezohedron, trigonal trapezohedron, quadrilateral frustum, parallelepiped, rhombohedron, and combination thereof.
The length of the finger bar 106 can vary widely. For example, the length of the finger bar 106 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the length of the finger bar 106 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The width of the finger bar 106 can vary widely. For example, the width of the finger bar 106 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the width of the finger bar 106 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The height of the finger bar 106 can vary widely. For example, the height of the finger bar 106 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the height of the finger bar 106 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The thickness of the finger bar 106 can vary widely. For example, the thickness of the finger bar 106 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the thickness of the finger bar 106 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The diameter of the finger bar 106 can vary widely. For example, the diameter of the finger bar 106 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the diameter of the finger bar 106 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The weight of the finger bar 106 can vary widely. For example, the weight of the finger bar 106 can be from a low of about 0.1 kg, about 10 kg, or about 2.0 kg, to a high of about 5.0 kg, about 10.0 kg, or about 100 kg. In another example, the weight of the finger bar 106 can be from about 0.1 kg to about 100.0 kg, about 0.2 kg to about 2.0 kg, about 0.4 kg to about 4.0 kg, about 0.5 kg to about 5 kg, about 1 kg to about 10 kg, about 0.8 kg to about 3.3 kg, or about 1.5 kg to about 20 kg.
The finger bar 106 can be disposed on any of the surfaces of the body. In some embodiments, the finger bar 106 can be disposed on the top, bottom, and/or side of the body 104. In some embodiments, the finger bar 106 can be positioned on a surface of the body 104 from a distance from a top edge, a bottom edge, or a side edge to a center of the hole 108 or opening. In some embodiments, there can be two adjustable rectangular shaped 1.9 cm (0.75 inches)×8.9 cm (3.5 inches)×5.1 cm (2 inches) finger bars 106 located on the bottom of the body 104 and/or shield plate. In some embodiments, the finger bar 106 can have a distance from an edge to a center of the hole 108 or opening from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the finger bar 106 can have a distance from an edge to a center of the hole 108 or opening from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100.0 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
In some embodiments, the finger bar 106 can be adjustable and/or reconfigurable, allowing them to fit of different sheet piling thicknesses. For example, the finger bars 106 can insert in and/or interlock with the sheet piling. In some embodiments, two or more finger bars 106 can be adjusted and/or reconfigured by bolting them into different orientation using the openings 108 on the body 104. For example, two or more finger bars 106 can be adjustable and/or reconfigurable by changing a distance between them. In another example, the two or more finger bars 106 can have a distance measured from a side of a first finger bar to a side of a second finger bar can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, two or more finger bars 106 can have a distance measured from a side of a first finger bar to a side of a second finger bar from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100.0 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
The finger bar 106 adjustable and/or reconfigurable by changing an angle of the finger bars 106. For example, a long side length of the finger bar 106 and a long side length of a body 104 can form an angle. The angle between the long side length of the finger bar 106 and the long side length of a body 104 can vary widely. For example, the angle between the long side length of the finger bar 106 and the long side length of a body 104 can be from a low of about 1°, about 2°, about 5°, and a high of about 180°, about 240°, or about 359°. In another example, the angle between the long side length of the finger bar 106 and the long side length of a body 104 can be from about 1° to about 359°, about 1° to about 45°, about 1° to about 90°, about 1° to about 160°, about 45° to about 90°, about 60° to about 180°, about 120° to about 240°, about 120° to about 240°, or about 180° to about 359°. In some embodiments, when detaching and turning the finger bars by 160°, the holes 108 on the bottom of the finger bars 106 align and attach at an inner pair of holes 108.
In some embodiments, the finger bar 106 can assist in keeping the vertical stationary position sheet piling driver adapter 100 in a vertical or upright position. In some embodiments, the finger bar 106 can allow for the up-and-down motion of the post pile driver.
In some embodiments, eight countersunk threaded holes 108 can be positioned towards the center outer area of the body 104. In some embodiments, the holes 108 can be aligned in alternating pairs. The four holes 108 on the outside or offset with the inner four holes. These holes 108 can allow for attachment of two 1.9 cm (0.75 inches)×8.9 cm (3.5 inches)×5.1 cm (2 inches) adjustable finger bars 106 with two matching pairs of holes 108 located at the bottom of each finger bars 106. In some embodiments, lock washers and/or fasteners, such as LOCTITE® coated fasteners, can be used to attach the finger bars 106 to the body 104. In some embodiments, the holes can be disposed near the four corners of the body 104. In some embodiments, the holes 108 can be used to attach the sheet piling driver adapter 100 to an 8.9 cm (3.5 inch) by 8.9 cm (3.5 inch) square post. In some embodiments, the holes 108 can be used to attach a sheet piling driver adapter 100 to a 6.4 cm (2.5 inch) by 6.4 cm (2.5 inch) square post with a rounded top. In some embodiments, the holes 108 can be used to attach a sheet piling driver adapter 100 to larger post pilings both with and without rounded tops. In some embodiments, four holes 108 could be positioned towards the center outer edge boarding the finger bars 106 to accommodate and enable attaching to round post adapters.
The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be configured to attached to piles of a wide variety shapes. In some embodiments, adjusting and/or reconfiguring the finger bars 106 on the various holes 108 can accommodate sheet pilings of various thicknesses, such as 0.25 inch, 0.355 inch, and 0.46 inch. For example, attaching the finger bars 106 using four inner holes 108 provides an opening gap of 0.25 inch. By leaving one finger bar 106 attached to the inside pair of holes 108 and attaching the other finger bar 106 to the outside hole, a gap measuring about 0.355 inch can be obtained. Attaching both finger bars 106 to the outside pairs of holes 108 allows an opening gap measuring about 0.46 inch. In some embodiments, the adjustable finger bars 106 can include a female or male connection to accommodate a variety of sheet pilings.
The one or more engagement members can include, but are not limited to: a first engagement member, a second engagement member, a third engagement member, a fourth engagement member, a fifth engagement member, a six engagement member, and more engagement member. The engagement member can include, but is not limited to: a length, height, width, radius, first end, front side, second end, back side, right side, left side, top side, bottom side, outer surface, inner surface, and interior space.
The engagement member can include a wide variety of shapes. For example, the engagement member can include, but is not limited to: a cuboid rectangular hexahedron shape, rectangular cuboid, trigonal trapezohedron, trigonal trapezohedron, quadrilateral frustum, parallelepiped, rhombohedron, and combination thereof.
The length of the engagement member can vary widely. For example, the length of the engagement member can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the length of the engagement member can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The width of the engagement member can vary widely. For example, the width of the engagement member can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the width of the engagement member can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The height of the engagement member can vary widely. For example, the height of the engagement member can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the height of the engagement member can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The thickness of the engagement member can vary widely. For example, the thickness of the engagement member can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the thickness of the engagement member can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The diameter of the engagement member can vary widely. For example, the diameter of the engagement member can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the diameter of the engagement member can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The weight of the engagement member can vary widely. For example, the weight of the engagement member can be from a low of about 0.1 kg, about 10 kg, or about 2.0 kg, to a high of about 5.0 kg, about 10.0 kg, or about 100 kg. In another example, the weight of the engagement member can be from about 0.1 kg to about 100.0 kg, about 0.2 kg to about 2.0 kg, about 0.4 kg to about 4.0 kg, about 0.5 kg to about 5 kg, about 1 kg to about 10 kg, about 0.8 kg to about 3.3 kg, or about 1.5 kg to about 20 kg.
In some embodiments, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be used with a second or more bodies and/or a second or more adapters. In some embodiments, the first adapter 102 can be releasably attached to a second adapter 110. In some embodiments, the first adapter 102 can be positioned adjacent to or on top of the second adapter 110 when in use. In some embodiments, the top of the body 104 of the first adapter 102 can be releasably attached to a bottom of a second adapter. In some embodiments, the top end of the second adapter can include a male shape, which can be inserted into the housing chamber of the traditional post driver. In some embodiments, the finger bars 106 of the first adapter can be used to releasable attach to the sheet piling driver, such as in
The one or more second adapter 110 can include a wide variety of shapes. For example, the second adapter 110 can include, but is not limited to: a cuboid rectangular hexahedron shape, rectangular cuboid, trigonal trapezohedron, trigonal trapezohedron, quadrilateral frustum, parallelepiped, rhombohedron, and combination thereof. The second adapter 110 can include, but is not limited to: a length, height, width, radius, first end, front side, second end, back side, right side, left side, top side, bottom side, outer surface, inner surface, and interior space. The second adapter 110 can include one or more holes 108 and/or one or more openings. In some embodiments, a second adapter can include square shaped so that it can fit into a square shaped pile driver chamber. In some embodiments, a second adapter can include round shaped so that it can fit into a round shaped pile driver chamber. The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can accommodate round chamber post drivers by adding holes 108 on the body 104 of the sheet piling driver adapter 100.
The length of the second adapter 110 can vary widely. For example, the length of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the length of the second adapter 110 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The width of the second adapter 110 can vary widely. For example, the width of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the width of the second adapter 110 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The height of the second adapter 110 can vary widely. For example, the height of the second adapter 110 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9 cm, about 15 cm, or about 100 cm. In another example, the height of the second adapter 110 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9 cm.
The thickness of the second adapter 110 can vary widely. For example, the thickness of the second adapter 110 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the thickness of the second adapter 110 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4.0 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
The diameter of the second adapter 110 can vary widely. For example, the diameter of the second adapter 110 can be from a low of about 0.1 cm, about 1.0 cm, or about 1.0 cm, to a high of about 9.0 cm, about 15.0 cm, or about 100.0 cm. In another example, the diameter of the second adapter 110 can be from about 1.27 cm to about 8.89, about 1.3 cm to about 8.9 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 100.0 cm, about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, about 0.2 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.0 cm to about 2.0 cm, about 0.6 cm to about 4 cm, or about 1.1 cm to about 9.0 cm.
The weight of the second adapter 110 can vary widely. For example, the weight of the body 104 can be from a low of about 0.1 kg, about 10 kg, or about 2.0 kg, to a high of about 5.0 kg, about 10.0 kg, or about 100 kg. In another example, the weight of the second adapter 110 can be from about 0.1 kg to about 100.0 kg, about 0.2 kg to about 2.0 kg, about 0.4 kg to about 4.0 kg, about 0.5 kg to about 5 kg, about 1 kg to about 10 kg, about 0.8 kg to about 3.3 kg, or about 1.5 kg to about 20 kg.
In one or more embodiments, a method of using a sheet piling driver adapter for driving a sheet pile into ground with a post pile driver can include, but is not limited to: releasably attaching a sheet piling driver adapter to a sheet pile, where the sheet piling driver includes: a body, where the body includes: a cuboid rectangular shape and one or more holes; and one or more finger bars, where the finger bars includes: a cuboid rectangular shape and one or more holes, and where the sheet piling driver adapter is configured to be releasably attached to a post pile driver and a sheet pile so the post pile driver can drive a sheet pile into the ground; and engaging a post pile driver to drive the sheet pile into the ground. In some embodiments, when in using the sheet piling driver adapter 100, the top of the first adapter receives an initial impact when the downward striking force is applied with a post driver. In some embodiments, when in using the sheet piling driver adapter 100, the top of the second adapter receives an initial impact when the downward striking force is applied with a post driver. In some embodiments, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be configured to attached to piles of a sheet piles with a thickness from about 0.076 cm (0.25 inches) to about 0.14 cm (0.46 inches) and about 1.8 m (6 feet) or less in length sheet pilings.
The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be used with many varieties of pile drivers. For example, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 can used with a manual piling driver, motorized piling driver, hydraulic piling driver, pneumatic piling driver, post drivers, and combination thereof. In some embodiments, the use of a square shaped pneumatic post driver with a sheet piling driver adapter 100, allows for a portable way to drive vinyl, PVC, or metal sheet pilings. The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can allow the user to control and align the sheet piling driving. In some embodiments, a manual post driver can be used, in which the user manually raises the post driver and exerts a downward strike on top of the second adapter. Motorized and hydraulic control post drivers vibrate continuously on top of the second adapter. Pneumatic post drivers use compressed air to rapidly raise and drop the driver on top of the second adapter. The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be used with post drivers that are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,712,389, 4,984,640, 4,665,994, and 9,803,388, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
The sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be used in variety of environments. For example, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 installing sheet piles homes, businesses, and camps. In some embodiments, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 can be easily positioned in small or enclosed environments. In some embodiments, the user can operate the sheet piling driver adapter 100 chest height or waist height. In some embodiments, the sheet piling driver adapter 100 can at least partially limited damage to the surrounding environments, such as landscaping and lawns.
To provide a better understanding of the foregoing discussion, the following non-limiting examples are offered. Although the examples can be directed to specific embodiments, they are not to be viewed as limiting the invention in any specific respect.
Multiple 1.8 m (6-foot) vinyl sheet pilings were installed at the home of the inventor using a pneumatic 4×4 post driver and a sheet piling driver adapter 100. During the installation, a household pressure washer was used to aid in softening the soil when needed. The vinyl sheet pilings were driven approximately 4 feet deep. The pneumatic 4×4 post driver and adapter was placed on the same place and side of the sheet piling. There were approximately 8-10 strikes per drive. There were no damages created to the vinyl sheet piling.
It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated steps be performed. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components illustrated above should not be understood as requiring such separation, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternative but functionally equivalent components, materials, designs, and equipment can be used. The inclusion of additional elements can be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.
Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, where reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject technology.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”. As used herein, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting.
The terms “couples”, “coupled”, “coupler”, and variations thereof are used to include both arrangements wherein the two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are “coupled” via at least a third component), but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application.
Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. It should also be appreciated that the numerical limits can be the values from the examples. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in at least one claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and consider experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, where reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.”
All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.
This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Ser. No. 63/537,538, filed 10 Sep. 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63537538 | Sep 2023 | US |
