Device for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids

Abstract

Device for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids, hereinafter referred to as grid (4), characterized in that the device has a driving plate (1) for vertical installation in a floor (B) and that the driving plate (1) has, at least in some areas, teeth (2) for engagement in meshes (4.1) of the grid (4) in the installation direction towards the floor (B).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids and is particularly suitable for use in bank reinforcements and embankments as protection against damage caused by burrowing animals.

[0002] Due to the reintroduction of beavers in Central Europe, extensive measures are necessary to protect earth dams, roads, and riverbanks. For this purpose, beaver protection grids are installed on embankments and embedded as deeply as possible at their base (connection to the watercourse) (see also DVWK information sheet 247 / 1997).

[0003] The installation of burrowing animal protection grids is carried out wherever, for example, beavers or other burrowing animals need to protect bank reinforcements or embankments from damage. Previously, the base of these earthworks was secured by vertically installing protective grids in a temporary open trench. This required correspondingly complex shoring, earthworks, and dewatering, or the installation of costly steel sheet piles.

[0004] German patent application DE 20 2015 105 518 U1 describes an animal deterrent device consisting of a metal grid that can be arranged on the bank of a water-containing basin or a water-carrying channel, an anchoring device, and a means to prevent the metal grid from being lifted from the bank. The anchoring device prevents downward movement of the metal grid. Such protective grids can easily be undermined by the animals they are intended to deter.

[0005] The German patent application DE 94 18 197 U1 describes a garden bed edging system made of plastic panels for protection against voles and slugs. It describes interlocking plastic panels that can be inserted into drawn plastic posts. Additional mesh panels are available in various lengths. To create the garden bed edging, the posts, panels, and, if necessary, mesh panels are buried in the ground. The edging system creates a natural barrier for voles; however, this device is not suitable for bank stabilization against larger rodents.

[0006] From publication EP 3 696 328 A1, a device and a method for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids are known. The device comprises a first molded sheet in the form of a support plate and a second molded sheet in the form of a cover, wherein the first and second molded sheets are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. The grid can be inserted between the first and second molded sheets such that the first and second molded sheets form a protective cover for the grid.

[0007] Furthermore, a related method for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids is described, wherein a grid is fixed in a device between a first sheet metal support plate and a second sheet metal cover plate by means of a connection between the first and second sheets and is installed in the ground along a structural axis. After installation, the connection is separated and the sheets are individually pulled out of the ground, leaving the grid in place. However, this method is complex and therefore less economical for easily driven soils, as several people are required for loading and installing the grid.

[0008] The object of the invention is to develop a device and a method for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids in easily rammed soils, which ensures a simple structural design and protection of bank reinforcements and embankments from burrowing animals such as beavers, muskrats and other pests, whereby increased economic efficiency compared to existing methods is to be achieved by reducing the number of people required to carry out the process.

[0009] This task is solved using the defining features of the first claim.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

[0011] The device for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids, also called burrowing animal protection mats, hereinafter referred to simply as grids, includes a driving plate for vertically installing a grid into the ground. The driving plate has, at least in some areas, teeth in the direction of installation towards the ground to engage with the mesh of the grid.

[0012] Preferably, the teeth are formed in the form of prongs, teeth, or tines. Particularly preferably, a tooth, tine, or prong of the teeth is smaller than a mesh of the grid. This design prevents damage during the insertion of the grid into the ground.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the teeth are angled relative to the driving plate. Alternatively, the teeth can extend straight in line with the driving plate. The teeth can be formed integrally with the driving plate. Alternatively, the teeth can be screwed or welded to the driving plate.

[0014] A sheet pile vibrator is preferably used to drive the device with the grid into the ground. To increase stability, a receptacle for the sheet pile vibrator is arranged at the upper end. The receptacle is welded to the driving plate or formed integrally with it. The receptacle centers the force application, allowing the driving plate to be installed vertically in the ground. For this purpose, a guide with two steel profiles, preferably in the form of U-profiles, in particular U 100, is welded to the receptacle. The vibrator's jaws can engage between the steel profiles, with the distance between the guides being at least equal to the diameter of the vibrator's jaws.

[0015] The pile driving plate preferably has a length of 1.5 m to 5 m and a width of 1.5 m to 3.5 m. Particularly preferably, the pile driving plate has a length of 2 m to 3 m and a width of 2 m to 3 m.

[0016] The material thickness of the pile driving plate is preferably 10 mm to 35 mm, particularly preferably 15 mm to 25 mm. The pile driving plate is preferably made of steel.

[0017] In one embodiment of the device, it comprises a first and a second driving plate, the second of which is structurally identical to the first. A second grid can be installed using the second driving plate while the first driving plate remains in its installed position.

[0018] Depending on factors such as the water level or the required installation height, the mesh requires specific dimensions. The mesh is cut to size either beforehand using suitable machinery or directly on-site using an angle grinder or wire cutter, allowing for the removal of any sections of the protective mesh that extend beyond the pile driving plate. Furthermore, the mesh can feature reinforcements along its edges, simplifying installation and increasing stability.

[0019] The device according to the invention is suitable for a method of installing vertical rodent protection grids, wherein a grid is installed in the ground using the device according to the invention. The grid is positioned lying on the ground in the area of ​​the installation site, and subsequently a driving plate is inserted vertically into the grid, wherein a toothed section extending towards the ground, formed on the driving plate, engages in the meshes of the grid. The driving plate is inserted vertically into the ground along with the grid, whereby the grid is fixed to the driving plate by the toothed section, positioned against the driving plate, and installed in the ground to a required depth.

[0020] Preferably, the first pile driver with the grid remains in the ground, while a second pile driver with a second grid is installed next to the first pile driver with the first grid, overlapping the first. For this purpose, the second grid is positioned reversed on the second pile driver such that one side of the second pile driver runs alongside the back of the first pile driver, creating an overlap between the first and second grids. Because the back of the first pile driver rests against the back of the second pile driver during installation, there is no contact between the two grids. Thus, the grid is not damaged during installation. After the first grid is in place, the first pile driver is pulled vertically upwards out of the ground.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, when installing the grid, the grid is arranged in such a way that it wraps around the ramming plate at least partially in the area of ​​the teeth.

[0022] Preferably, the driving plate is positioned with a projection of 10 cm to 40 cm from the toothing to the edge of the grid. Particularly preferably, the projection is 15 cm to 30 cm.

[0023] The device with the positioned grid is advantageously installed using a sheet pile vibrator, depending on the soil conditions. Alternatively, the device can be pressed statically into the ground or subsoil using an excavator boom. In this configuration, the excavator boom presses against the trapezoidal receptacle.

[0024] The new device and method allow protective grilles of various dimensions and types to be installed vertically in a closed design in the floor areas to be secured.

[0025] The invention is illustrated below by means of drawings.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 a device according to the invention in a front view, Fig. 2 a top view of the device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a detailed view of the teeth at the end of the device pointing towards the ground, Fig. 4 a detailed view with schematic grid, Fig. 5 to 8 the schematically illustrated method of installing a protective grille using the device according to the invention, Fig. 9 A schematic representation in a top view of protective grids installed in the ground.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of a device according to the invention, wherein the device is designed in the form of a ramming plate 1. Fig. 2 shows a top view of the device of the Fig. 1.

[0028] The driving plate 1 preferably has a length l of 1.5 m to 5.5 m, and particularly preferably a length of 2 m to 5 m. The width b is 1.5 m to 3.5 m, preferably 2 m to 3 m. The driving plate 1 preferably has a material thickness of 10 mm to 35 mm, and particularly preferably 15 mm to 25 mm. At the end of the device facing the ground in the installation direction, the driving plate 1 has, at least in some areas, teeth 2 for engaging individual meshes of a protective grid, hereinafter referred to as the grid.

[0029] At the upper end of the device, the driving plate 1 has a receptacle 3 for a vibrator. The receptacle 3 is in the form of a trapezoidal sheet with a guide 3.1 made of a square profile with dimensions 20 x 20 mm and a length of 150 mm. The device can be attached between the guide 3.1 by means of a vibrator clamp 3.2. The vibrator clamp 3.2 preferably has a diameter of 150 mm and engages between the guides 3.1. The receptacle 3 is preferably mounted on the driving plate 1 and welded to it.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the teeth 2, which are arranged on a ramming plate 1. The structure of the ramming plate 1 corresponds to Fig. 1. The toothing 2 has teeth 2.1 spaced apart from each other, which according to Fig. The teeth 2.1 engage in a grid 4 and, in particular, in the individual meshes 4.1 of the grid 4. The teeth 2.1 are smaller than the meshes 4.1 of the grid 4. This prevents damage to the grid 4. By engaging the meshes 4.1, the grid 4 encircles the driving plate 1, at least partially.

[0031] The Fig. Figures 5 to 8 show the installation of a grid 4 in a ground B using a device according to the invention. The grid 4 can have edge reinforcements in the form of reinforcing bars. Furthermore, the grid 4 can be cut to size either beforehand using suitable machines or directly at the installation site using an angle grinder or wire cutter. The parts of the protective grid 4 that extend laterally beyond the pile driving plate 1 can be cut off. Fig. 5. The driving plate 1 is positioned with an overhang t of 10 cm to 50 cm from the toothing to the edge of the grid 4. A particularly preferred overhang is 15 cm to 30 cm, and more preferably 20 cm. The grid 4 is arranged horizontally on the ground B in the area of ​​the installation position. The toothing 2 engages the grid 4 and moves it into the ground B in the area of ​​the driving plate 1. Installation is preferably carried out using a sheet pile vibrator, which receives the device in the area of ​​the receptacle 3 at the upper end of the driving plate 1. Alternatively, the device can be statically driven by pressing an excavator boom onto the receptacle 3 on the driving plate 1.

[0032] According to Fig. 6. During installation in the ground B, the grid 4 is deformed and conforms to the driving plate 1. The teeth 2 engage with the grid 4. By continuously inserting the device into the ground B, the grid 4 conforms to the driving plate 1 and is pressed into the ground B until it reaches its final position. The projection t according to Fig. 5 is folded around the ramming plate 1 and forms a partial encirclement. After the grid 4 according to Fig. Once the pile driver 1 has reached its final position, the ramming plate 1 can be pulled out of the ground. The grid 4 remains as shown. Fig. 8 shown, in the ground.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of the installation of three grids 4a, 4b, 4c in a soil B. Grids 4a and 4b have already been installed and a first pile driving slab 1.1* has been driven (shown with dashed lines).

[0034] The grid 4b was installed in the ground next to the first grid 4a using a second driving plate 1.2 with an overlap s. The second grid 4b is positioned on the second driving plate 1.2 with its sides reversed. The third grid 4c is installed in the same way as the second grid 4b. For this, the third grid 4c is mounted on the available first driving plate 1.1 with its sides reversed relative to the second driving plate 1.2 and driven into the ground with its back side along the back of the second driving plate. Here, too, an overlap s is created between the second and third grids 4b and 4c. After the third grid 4c is installed, the second driving plate 1.2 is pulled vertically upwards out of the ground.

[0035] The device and associated method enable the installation of vertical protective grids, particularly in easily driven soils on riverbanks, embankments, and other earthworks requiring protection. The device and method according to the invention offer a simple and therefore economical approach for shallower installation depths of up to 4.00 m. Soil hazards such as quicksand and high groundwater levels can thus be avoided. This technology can replace complex methods such as sheet piling, open trenches with dewatering, etc. Reference symbol list 1 ramming board 1.1 first pile driving slab 1.1* first pile driving board pulled 1.2 second ramming board 2 teeth 2.1 Tooth 3 recording 3.1 Leadership 3.2 Mounting pliers vibrator 4 grids 4.1 Stitch 4a first grid 4b second grid 4c third grid I Length of the device b Width of the device B Floor overlap of the grids t overhang QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2015 105 518 U1

[0004] DE 94 18 197 U1

[0005] EP 3 696 328 A1

[0006] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Information sheets 247 / 1997 of the DVWK

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids, hereinafter referred to as grids (4), characterized by , that the device has a driving plate (1) for vertical installation in a ground (B) and that the driving plate (1) has, at least in some areas, teeth (2) for engagement in meshes (4.1) of the grid (4) in the installation direction towards the ground (B). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the teeth (2) are formed in the form of prongs, teeth or prongs. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a tooth (2.1) of the toothing (2) is smaller than a mesh of the grid (4). [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the toothing (2) is angled relative to the ramming plate (1). [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device has at its upper end a receptacle (3) with a guide (3.1) for a sheet pile vibrator. [6] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pile driving plate (1) has a length (I) of 1.5 m to 5 m and a width (b) of 1.5 m to 3.5 m. [7] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pile driving plate (1) has a material thickness of 10 mm to 35 mm. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device has a first and a second ramming plate (1.1, 1.2).

Images