Tilt-guided trackless horizontal drilling rig

Abstract

A horizontal drilling rig that may be used to drill horizontal holes in soil or other materials without a truck or other support device. The drilling rig may have a hydraulic motor or other power device that rotates an auger or other drilling tool. The hydraulic motor may be pivotally mounted to the drilling rig and may drive the drill string through an intermediate shaft that includes a universal joint. The degree of freedom provided by the universal joint and the motor mounting may prevent the drill string from breaking due to deflection or recoil. A forward guide may be used to prevent excessive deflection of the universal joint. The drilling rig may ride on skids that allow the rig to follow a work surface and may include residue channels to guide drilled material around or away from the skid legs to improve accuracy of following the work surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 301,015, "Horizontal Boring Rig," filed January 19, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of drilling rigs, more specifically to the subfield of drilling rigs.

[0003] Infrastructure, commercial properties, and residential properties often require the laying of pipes underground for water, drainage, electrical conduits, or other facilities. Before the pipes can be laid underground, a surface channel or underground bore must be excavated to allow for the placement of the pipe or conduit. Drilling a channel is labor intensive, time consuming, and may be impossible or impractical when a bore must be placed against or under an existing construction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Current drilling equipment may enable horizontal drilling, but generally requires the use of trucks or other structures that are cumbersome, expensive, and require large amounts of space that may not be available in the area where the hole is to be drilled. Furthermore, existing horizontal boring and drilling equipment is severely limited in both the diameter and depth of the holes possible because current drilling equipment tends to easily break augers and other drilling tools, especially when they encounter rocks or other obstacles in the planned hole. Thus, there is a need in the art for improved drilling equipment that allows for the drilling of wider and deeper holes with less support equipment without disturbing the overlying soil or surrounding material, and prevents breakage of the drilling equipment and hole string. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Certain aspects of embodiments of the present invention provide a horizontal drilling rig that can be used without a truck or other structure and allows for drilling larger and deeper holes with minimal risk of auger destruction. The horizontal drilling rig can include a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source rotatably fixed to a base that moves along the ground to guide and align the hole. The horizontal drilling rig also includes a drive mechanism with a universal joint and forward guide that absorbs flexure and shock from the auger during drilling. The drive mechanism allows for slight misalignment and flexure of the auger without excessive strain on the hydraulic motor, output shaft, auger, or other components in the hole string. The horizontal drilling rig also has height adjustment members to align the hole with the ground and is capable of connection to standard equipment commonly used for construction and infrastructure development.

[0006] The horizontal drilling rig of the present invention can utilize the earth around and near the intended hole to align and introduce the hole string into the land, soil, or other substrate. Because the horizontal drilling rig does not require the laying of trucks or other support equipment, the horizontal drilling rig can be easily connected to equipment above or below the earth, including a pit or other containment area, where the hole is to be drilled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. [Figure 1] 1 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a horizontal drilling rig for drilling horizontal holes. [Diagram 2]1 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a horizontal drilling rig for drilling horizontal holes. [Diagram 3] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig with equipment attachments for connecting to construction equipment. [Figure 4] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig in use on a working surface; [Diagram 5] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig for use with other above-ground construction equipment. [Figure 6] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig for use with other above-ground construction equipment. [Figure 7] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a lighter duty horizontal drilling rig. [Figure 8] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig having an adjustment plate for adjusting the elevation of the horizontal drilling rig relative to a working ground surface. [Figure 9] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig having an adjustment plate for adjusting the elevation of the horizontal drilling rig relative to a working ground surface. [Figure 10] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig having an adjustment plate for adjusting the elevation of the horizontal drilling rig relative to a working ground surface. [Figure 11] 1 provides a schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig having an adjustment plate for adjusting the elevation of the horizontal drilling rig relative to a working ground surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1 and 2 provide schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a trackless horizontal drilling rig 10 for drilling a pipe or conduit hole. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12 in rotatable communication with one or more pivot plates 14, which in turn communicate with an upper surface of a base plate 16. An aft motor support 18 may also station or brace the hydraulic motor 12 or prevent over-rotation of the hydraulic motor 12 about a pivot 20. The hydraulic motor 12 may include an output shaft 22 contained within a drive box 24, which may include an inspection plate 26 having an inspection opening 28. The output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may couple to or otherwise communicate with an intermediate shaft (shown below) that passes through a forward bearing 30 on the drive box 24 and may include a universal joint (described below). A forward guide 32 in communication with the base plate 16 provides additional support and limits deflection of the intermediate shaft when the horizontal drilling rig 10 is drilling a bore.

[0009] 1 and 2, the base plate 16 may be in communication with one or more skids 34 that may ride along the work surface of the construction site. The one or more skids 34 may include a base plate support 36 at the top of the skid 34 for mounting to the base plate 16 and supporting its weight, and a skid leg 38 at the bottom of the skid 34 for providing a flat surface for running along the work surface. It should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, the skid 34 may be mounted directly to the base plate 16 without the base plate support 36. The debris channel 40 may be disposed between the base plate support 36 and the skid plate leg 38. However, in exemplary embodiments in which the skid 34 is mounted directly to the base plate 16 without the base plate support 36, the debris channel 40 may be defined by the bottom surface of the base plate 16 and the skid leg 38. In certain embodiments, the debris channel 40 may be oriented inwardly such that debris from the bore drilling may be directed between the skid 34 and underneath the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10. During drilling, the skid legs 38 of the skid 34 may ride along the working ground while the debris may ride on the skid legs 38 and be guided by the debris channel 40. As a result, the skid legs 38 remain in contact with the working ground to drill a straight and properly oriented bore. It should be appreciated that the debris channel 40 of the skid 34 may also be oriented outwardly of the horizontal drilling rig 10 to guide the debris outwardly and away from the horizontal drilling rig 10 for removal. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the skid 34 may be provided as a separate piece for attachment to the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 or the skid 34 may be integral with the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10.

[0010] In use, the hydraulic motor 12 or other rotary power source can rotate the output shaft 22, which can in turn rotate the intermediate shaft using a universal joint and coupling (described below). It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the output shaft 22 may be integral with the hydraulic motor 12 or other rotary power source, or may be a separate component used in conjunction with the hydraulic motor 12 and intermediate shaft. This intermediate shaft can then be coupled to or otherwise in communication with an auger or other drilling equipment. Once the horizontal drilling rig 10 is powered up, the horizontal drilling rig 10 can be advanced into dirt, soil, or other material to drill a bore. During drilling, the presence of rocks, materials of different densities, or other obstacles in the bore path can cause the auger to deflect or impact. This deflection or impact can then deflect the universal joint to absorb the impact back from the auger toward the horizontal drilling rig 10. The universal joint allows for flexing while the borestring continues to rotate, protecting the hydraulic motor 12, the output shaft 22, the auger, and the intermediate shaft from damage. The forward guide 32 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 functions to limit the flexing of the universal joint to prevent excessive misalignment of the borestring. As shown, the forward guide 32 may have a generally V-shaped profile to control the flexing of the intermediate shaft and the borestring. However, it should be understood that the forward guide 32 may have any profile, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, oval, or any other shape desired or required for a particular application. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the forward guide 32 may include a top to partially or completely surround the intermediate shaft and provide deflection control in all directions around the intermediate shaft. Similarly, the pivot 20 at the rear of the hydraulic motor 12 allows for freedom of the hydraulic motor 12 as it operates to absorb vibrations, drive power fluctuations, motor torque reactions, or rebound from the borestring. This can help prevent damage to the hydraulic motor 12, the borestring, or the horizontal drilling rig 10 structure.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a horizontal drilling rig 10 having an equipment attachment 46 for connection to a backhoe or other earthmoving or construction equipment. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12 in communication with an intermediate shaft 42, which may be in communication with an auger or other boring or drilling equipment (shown in FIGS. 4-6). It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the intermediate shaft 42 may be integral with the hydraulic motor 12, or the output of the hydraulic motor 12, or may be provided as a separate piece. The connection or other attachment between the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 and the intermediate shaft 42 may be contained within a drive box 24, which may include an inspection plate 26 having an inspection opening 28 and a forward bearing 30 for supporting the intermediate shaft 42. The intermediate shaft 42 may also include a universal joint 44 to allow for flexure of the bore string and provide damping and isolation of the hydraulic motor 12 and horizontal drilling rig 10 from shocks or flexures induced by the auger or drilling equipment. The forward guide 32 may limit the movement or deflection of the intermediate shaft 42 during operation. The hydraulic motor 12 may be in rotatable communication with a base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 via one or more pivots 20 that communicate with one or more pivot plates 14, which in turn communicate with the base plate 16. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may travel along the work surface via one or more skids 34 that communicate with the base plate 16.

[0012] The horizontal drilling rig 10 may communicate with equipment mounts 46, which may be mounted or otherwise attached to the top of the drive box 24. The drive box 24 provides structure and support to the equipment mounts 46 so that the horizontal drilling rig 10 may be coupled to an excavator or other construction equipment, such as a backhoe or shovel. The drive box 24 may be configured or otherwise structured to accept any number of equipment mounts 46 to allow the horizontal drilling rig 10 to be coupled to any available construction or drilling equipment. It should be understood that the horizontal drilling rig 10 may receive hydraulic, electric, or other power sources from the construction or drilling equipment to which it is coupled. Once coupled, the structure or drilling equipment may be used to move, position, generate power, and control the rotational speed, direction, and positioning of the horizontal drilling rig 10 as it drills a bore.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram of the horizontal drilling rig 10 coupled with a construction device 102 and a drilling apparatus. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may be coupled with an auger 50 or other drilling apparatus via a coupling 48 on an intermediate shaft 42. A universal joint 44 allows for deflection and absorption of shocks while the horizontal drilling rig 10 is in use, preventing borestring breakage or damage to the horizontal drilling rig 10 and its associated components. As shown, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may be coupled to an arm of an excavator or other construction equipment 102. The shovel 102 may then lift, extend, retract, or otherwise move the horizontal drilling rig 10 as needed to position the horizontal drilling rig 10 and advance it during the drilling of the bore. During drilling, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may travel along the ground 100 on one or more skids 34. The skid 34 facilitates using the ground 100 as a guide to align and direct the bore drilling while directing debris away from the horizontal drilling rig 10 during use. It should be appreciated that the excavator 102 may supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the horizontal drilling rig 10 to power the hydraulic motor and rotate the auger 50 or other drilling equipment.

[0014] 5 and 6 provide schematic diagrams of the horizontal drilling rig 10 coupled to an excavator 102 in use on the ground 100 separate from the excavator 102. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may be in communication with an auger 50 via a coupling 48 on an intermediate shaft 42. The intermediate shaft 42 may include a universal joint 44 to allow for deflection and absorption of vibration, shock, rebound, or other forces that may cause damage to the drill string or the horizontal drilling rig 10. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from the excavator 102 and may be lifted, positioned, advanced, retreated, or otherwise moved as needed by the excavator 102 during drilling of the bore.

[0015] As shown, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may be located on ground surface 100 separate from an excavator 102 that is coupled to the horizontal drilling rig 10 and controls the drilling of the bore. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may travel along the ground surface 100 on one or more skids 34, which allows an operator to direct and control the drilling of the bore. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may then operate within a confined space or above the ground surface 100 (as shown) or above other equipment without the need for tracks or other guiding devices.

[0016] FIG. 7 provides a depiction of an embodiment of a horizontal drilling rig 10 adapted for use in drilling shallower bores with lighter drilling equipment. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a base plate 16 that rides on one or more skids 34 adapted to slide along the ground and guide the horizontal drilling rig 10 during drilling of the bore. The hydraulic motor 12 may be enclosed within a support frame 52 that may include an upper mounting plate 54 for receiving equipment mounts to couple the horizontal drilling rig 10 with drilling or construction equipment. The output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may be coupled to an intermediate shaft 42 that may include or otherwise be equipped with a universal joint 44.

[0017] For use with bores of smaller diameter or shallower bore, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may dispense with the presence of forward guides, inspection boxes, and other features that support the use of drilling equipment for larger diameter and deeper bores and the higher torques associated therewith. This smaller, lighter horizontal drilling rig 10 may be used with smaller, less capable equipment in more confined spaces. However, the operation of the horizontal drilling rig 10 is substantially similar, including attachment to various equipment that may provide hydraulic, electric, or other types of power, and the use of the skid 34 to guide the drilling of the bore relative to the ground. It should be appreciated that the universal joint 44 of the intermediate shaft 42 allows for the deflection and absorption of kickback, vibration, and other forces experienced by the auger or other drilling equipment to prevent damage to the bore string, the hydraulic motor 12, or other parts of the horizontal drilling rig 10. In certain embodiments, the support frame 52 may be configured, shaped, or otherwise adapted to provide a similar function as the forward guide. The support frame 52, and in particular the angled front bar, may provide some limit to the deflection of the universal joint 44 during use of the horizontal drilling rig 10.

[0018] 8-11 depict a horizontal drilling rig 10 with elevation adjustment relative to the ground used to align, guide, and direct the drilling of a bore. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12 in rotatable communication with one or more pivot plates 14 via one or more pivots 20. The one or more pivot plates 14 may be mounted or otherwise attached to the upper side of a base plate 16, which may also support a forward guide 32 having an upper frame 56 that completely surrounds an intermediate shaft 42 at both ends of the horizontal drilling rig 10. An output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may be coupled with the intermediate shaft 42 and enclosed within a drive box 24 that may include an inspection plate 26 and an inspection opening 28 for observing or performing maintenance or repairs on the connection between the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 and the intermediate shaft 42. The intermediate shaft 42 may exit the drive box 24 through a forward bearing 30 to expose a universal joint 44 of the intermediate shaft 42. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may extend through the forward bearing 30 and couple to the intermediate shaft 42 external to the drive box 24. In alternative embodiments, the coupling of the intermediate shaft 42 to the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may be within the drive box 24, such that the intermediate shaft 42 is supported by the forward bearing 30. The intermediate shaft 42 may then pass through the front guide 32 and upper frame 56 and extend a coupling 48 that may be used to mount or otherwise attach an auger or other drilling equipment to the intermediate shaft 42. It should be appreciated that the coupling 48 may be integral with the intermediate shaft 42 or may be provided as a separate, interchangeable part for attachment to different types of augers or drilling equipment.

[0019] The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include one or more skids 34 attached or otherwise mounted to the base plate 16. The one or more skids 34 may be channels shaped to allow for directing dirt from the bore drilling below and beneath the base plate 16 of the drilling rig 10, and may include skid legs 38 for running along the ground surface that are used to orient and align the horizontal drilling rig 10 to a desired bore location.

[0020] 8-11, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include one or more adjustment plates 58 that allow the elevation of the base plate 16 to be raised or lowered, and subsequently the horizontal drilling rig 10 and any attached augers or drilling equipment relative to the working ground surface that is used to align and position the horizontal drilling rig 10. The elevation adjustment allows the horizontal drilling rig 10 to bore to multiple locations from a single ground surface and allows the horizontal drilling rig 10 to provide extra clearance to accept larger augers or drilling equipment for drilling larger diameter bores.

[0021] One or more adjusting plates 58 may be movably attached or mounted to the horizontal drilling rig 10 to allow the adjusting plates 58 to move vertically relative to the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10. The adjusting plates 58 may then further comprise adjusting plate legs 60 adapted to run along the ground to allow for orientation and positioning of the horizontal drilling rig 10 and, subsequently, the auger or other drilling equipment and drilling bore. As shown, the adjusting plate legs 60 may be oriented on the outside of the horizontal drilling rig 10. However, it should be understood that the adjusting plate legs 60 may also be oriented on the inside of the horizontal drilling rig 10 in the same direction as the skid legs 38. The skid legs 38 may then nest within the adjusting plate legs 60. In certain embodiments, the one or more adjusting plates 58 may replace one or more skids 34, such that the adjusting plate legs 60 provide a riding surface for the horizontal drilling rig 10 in all vertical positions of the adjusting plates 58.

[0022] The one or more adjusting plates 58 may be attached or otherwise mounted to the horizontal drilling rig 10 via one or more plate supports 62 by a plurality of bolts 68, 72. As shown, the plate support 62 may include several different bosses 64 for receiving the plurality of bolts 68, 72 at different locations and may be in communication with the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10. The one or more adjusting plates 58 may include a plurality of holes 70, adjusting slots 66, or both. The one or more adjusting plates 58 may then be held in place relative to the plate support 62 with a plurality of bolts 68, 72. As shown, one or more rock bolts 68 may be installed through holes 70 or openings in the top of the one or more adjusting plates 58 and into the bosses 64 on the plate support 62. These rock bolts 68 may then secure the one or more adjusting plates 58 in a fixed position for transportation, shipping, lifting, or attachment to other construction or drilling equipment. Similarly, one or more adjustment bolts 72 may be installed through adjustment slots 66 in adjusting plate 58 and into bosses 64 on the plate support 62 or skid 34. Although adjustment slots 66 are shown below holes 70, it should be understood that adjustment slots 66 and holes 70 may be positioned in any relationship to one another across adjusting plate 58, as needed to accommodate the particular configuration of the skid 34, base plate 16, plate support 62, or other mounting location on horizontal drilling rig 10.

[0023] To correct the elevation of the horizontal drilling rig 10 relative to the work surface, a user can remove the locking bolts 68 that hold the one or more adjusting plates 58 in a fixed position, loosen the adjustment bolts 72, and then move the one or more adjusting plates 58 vertically relative to the horizontal drilling rig 10. When the one or more adjusting plates 58 are positioned as desired to achieve the correct elevation of the intermediate shaft 42 and auger or other drilling equipment, the adjustment bolts 72 can be re-tightened within the adjustment slots 66 to lock the one or more adjusting plates 58 in place. The locking bolts 68 can then be stored in their bosses 64 for storage during use, or installed within other bosses 64 that can align with the adjustment slots 66 on the one or more adjusting plates 58 to more securely hold the one or more adjusting plates 58 in place.

[0024] 8-11, several modifications or variations to the height adjustment of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may also be possible. For example, the adjustment slots 66 on the one or more adjustment plates 58 may be formed in the plate support 62 or other portions of the horizontal drilling rig 10. The one or more adjustment plates 58 may also be attached or otherwise mounted to the horizontal drilling rig 10 or any part thereof via other fastening means, such as cam locks or other mechanical fastening means that allow the one or more adjustment plates 58 to be repositioned relative to the horizontal drilling rig 10. In certain embodiments, the lock bolts 68, adjustment bolts 72, or other fasteners may be secured with nuts instead of threading into the bosses 64 on the horizontal drilling rig 10. Additionally, the one or more adjustment plates 58 may take any shape, size, or configuration as desired or needed for a particular application. For example, the one or more adjustment plates 58 may be provided in separate pieces to allow easier transportation, storage, or adjustment of the height of the horizontal drilling rig 10. In yet another embodiment, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may feature one or more jack screws or other screw adjustments between the base plate 16 of the drilling rig 10 and the skid 34. A user may then turn the jack screws or other screw adjustments to raise the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 relative to the skid 34 to adjust the overall height of the auger or other drilling equipment. The jack screws or other screw adjustments may then be self-supporting or they may include lock nuts to secure the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 in its position relative to the skid 34.

[0025] 1-11, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include several other features or modifications as needed to suit a particular application or use case. For example, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12, an electric motor, or any other mechanism that can be powered or actuated by construction or drilling equipment coupled to the horizontal drilling rig 10. In certain embodiments, the hydraulic motor 12 or electric motor of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include gear reducers, valve bodies, or other mechanisms to provide torque multiplication, speed control, or torque control. These mechanisms may be controlled directly on the horizontal drilling rig 10 or by connection to other construction or drilling equipment. In yet another embodiment, the skid 34 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may take on additional features to enhance functionality. For example, the skid 34 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may have a different geometry with respect to the debris channel 40 or may include a geometry near the front of the skid 34 to more effectively direct the debris and maintain proper contact with the working ground. The front of the skid 34 may be angled so that the skid legs 38 or base plate supports 36 are further forward to maintain the angle of attack of the skid 34 .

[0026] In summary, while the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present invention should be considered limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims, including all modifications and equivalents.

[0027] It should be appreciated that any member, part, section, subsection, or component described with reference to any particular embodiment above may be incorporated, integrated, or otherwise adapted for use with any other embodiment described herein, unless otherwise specified, or if it would render the embodiment non-functional. Similarly, any step described with reference to a particular method or process may be integrated, integrated, or otherwise combined with other methods or processes described herein, unless otherwise specified, or if it would render the embodiment method non-functional. Furthermore, multiple embodiment apparatuses or embodiment methods may be combined, integrated, or otherwise integrated with one another to construct or develop further embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0028] Still other embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and thus all such variations, modifications, and embodiments should be considered within the spirit and scope of the present application. For example, regardless of the contents of any portion of this application (e.g., title, field, background, abstract, summary, drawings, etc.), unless expressly specified to the contrary, any claim herein, or any application claiming priority hereof, is not required to include any particular described or illustrated operations or components, any particular sequence of such operations, or any particular interrelationship of such components. Furthermore, any operation may be repeated, any operation may be performed by multiple entities, and / or any element may be duplicated. Furthermore, any operation or component may be omitted, the sequence of operations may be altered, and / or the interrelationship of components may be altered. Unless otherwise specified, no particular described or illustrated operations or components, any particular sequence or such operations, any particular sizes, speeds, materials, dimensions, or frequencies, or any particular interrelationship of such components is required. Thus, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as limiting. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless otherwise stated, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless otherwise stated, that range includes all values ​​therein and all subranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., U.S. / foreign patents, U.S. / foreign patent applications, books, papers, etc.) incorporated herein by reference is only incorporated by reference, unless there is a conflict between such information and other descriptions and drawings described herein. In the event of such a conflict, e.g., a conflict that invalidates any claim herein or a conflict that seeks priority over the present specification, such conflicting information incorporated in such standard material is not specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. a base plate having a first end and a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first skid having an upper end and a lower end; a second skid having an upper end and a lower end; a first skid leg in communication with the lower end of the first skid and a second skid leg in communication with the lower end of the second skid; at least one pivot plate in communication with the top surface of the base plate proximate the second end of the base plate and having at least one pivot; a rotary power source in communication with the top surface of the base plate through the at least one pivot plate and with an intermediate shaft including a universal joint; a front guide in communication with the top surface of the base plate adjacent the first end of the base plate; 1. A drilling rig comprising: the upper end of the first skid communicates with the lower surface of the base plate, and the upper end of the second skid communicates with the lower surface of the base plate; the first skid leg and the second skid leg are configured to slide along a ground surface supporting the drilling rig, the rotary power source is capable of rotating the intermediate shaft, and the front guide is capable of limiting deflection of the universal joint of the intermediate shaft. Drilling rig.

2. The drilling rig of claim 1 , wherein the source of rotary power comprises a hydraulic motor.

3. 10. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising an output shaft in communication with said rotary power source and said intermediate shaft, said output shaft transmitting rotational power from said rotary power source to said intermediate shaft.

4. 2. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising an aft motor support in communication with the upper surface of the base plate proximate the second end of the base plate; the rear motor support is capable of engaging the rotary power source as the rotary power source deflects or rotates about the at least one pivot of the at least one pivot plate; Drilling rig.

5. 2. The drilling rig of claim 1, the first skid, the first skid leg, and the lower surface of the base plate define a first debris channel; the second skid, the second skid leg, and the lower surface of the base plate define a second debris channel. Drilling rig.

6. 6. The drilling rig of claim 5, wherein the first debris channel is disposed toward the second debris channel.

7. 6. The drilling rig of claim 5, wherein the first debris channel is spaced apart from the second debris channel.

8. The drilling rig of claim 1 further comprising a drive box enclosing a connection between the rotary power source and the intermediate shaft.

9. 9. A drilling rig as claimed in claim 8, comprising: the drive box further comprising an inspection plate having an inspection opening; the inspection opening allows the connection between the rotary power source and the intermediate shaft to be observed or inspected; Drilling rig.

10. The drilling rig of claim 8 further comprising a forward bearing disposed within the drive box and in communication with the intermediate shaft.

11. 2. The drilling rig of claim 1, wherein the front guide has a V-shape that limits deflection of the universal joint.

12. 2. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising an upper frame in communication with the front guide; The upper frame and the front guide surround the intermediate shaft. Drilling rig.

13. The drilling rig of claim 8 further comprising an equipment mount in communication with the drive box and configured for releasable attachment to a drilling equipment.

14. 2. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising a coupling in communication with the intermediate shaft; the coupling is configured to releasably secure the intermediate shaft and the drilling equipment and is spaced from the rotary power source. Drilling rig.

15. The drilling rig of claim 1 , further comprising a height adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the vertical spacing of the base plate from the ground surface.

16. 16. The drilling rig of claim 15, wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises: one or more plate supports in communication with the base plate of the drilling rig; a first adjusting plate in communication with the first adjusting plate leg; a second adjusting plate in communication with the second adjusting plate leg; Equipped with the first adjusting plate and the second adjusting plate are movably secured to the one or more plate supports such that a relative vertical position of the first adjusting plate and the second adjusting plate can be changed; the first adjusting plate leg and the second adjusting plate leg are configured to slide along the ground supporting the drilling rig. Drilling rig.

17. 17. The drilling rig of claim 16, further comprising at least one first adjustment slot disposed within the first adjusting plate and at least one second adjustment slot disposed within the second adjusting plate; the first adjustment plate communicates with the one or more plate supports via the at least one first adjustment slot; the second adjustment plate communicates with the one or more plate supports via the at least one second adjustment slot; Drilling rig.

18. a base plate having a first end and a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first skid having an upper end and a lower end; a second skid having an upper end and a lower end; a first skid leg in communication with the lower end of the first skid and a second skid leg in communication with the lower end of the second skid; a rotary power source in communication with the top surface of the base plate through the at least one pivot plate and with an intermediate shaft including a universal joint; a support frame in communication with the top surface of the base plate; an upper mounting plate communicating with the support frame and disposed above the rotary power source; 1. A drilling rig comprising: the upper end of the first skid communicates with the lower surface of the base plate, and the upper end of the second skid communicates with the lower surface of the base plate; the first skid leg and the second skid leg are configured to slide along a ground surface supporting the drilling rig; the first skid, the first skid leg, and the underside of the base plate define a first debris channel, and the second skid, the second skid leg, and the underside of the base plate define a second debris channel; The rotational power source is provided inside the support frame, the rotary power source is capable of applying rotary power to or rotating the intermediate shaft, and the universal joint is capable of absorbing deflection or shock during use of the drilling rig. Drilling rig.

19. 20. The drilling rig of claim 19, wherein the source of rotary power comprises a hydraulic motor.

20. a base plate having a first end and a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface; a rear motor support in communication with the top surface of the base plate adjacent the second end of the base plate; a first skid having an upper end and a lower end; a second skid having an upper end and a lower end; the upper end of the first skid communicates with the lower surface of the base plate, and the upper end of the second skid communicates with the lower surface of the base plate; a first skid leg in communication with the lower end of the first skid and a second skid leg in communication with the lower end of the second skid; at least one pivot plate in communication with the top surface of the base plate proximate the second end of the base plate and having at least one pivot portion; a hydraulic motor having an output shaft in communication with the upper surface of the base plate through the at least one pivot portion of the at least one pivot plate, the output shaft in communication with an intermediate shaft including a universal joint; an inspection plate having an inspection opening and a drive box including a forward bearing and enclosing the connection between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft; one or more plate supports in communication with the base plate; a first adjusting plate support having at least one first adjusting slot disposed within the first adjusting plate and communicating with the first adjusting plate leg; a second adjusting plate support having at least one second adjusting slot disposed within the second adjusting plate and in communication with the second adjusting plate leg; a front guide having a V-shape in communication with the top surface of the base plate adjacent the first end of the base plate; an upper frame communicating with the front guide; 1. A drilling rig comprising: the first skid, the first skid leg, and the underside of the base plate define a first debris channel, and the second skid, the second skid leg, and the underside of the base plate define a second debris channel; the inspection opening is provided so that the connection between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft can be inspected, and the forward bearing is in communication with the intermediate shaft; the first adjusting plate is in movably communication with the one or more plate supports via the at least one first adjusting slot, and the second adjusting plate is in movably communication with the one or more plate supports via the at least one second adjusting slot; the first skid leg and the second skid leg are configured to slide along a ground surface supporting the drilling rig; the hydraulic motor is capable of rotating the intermediate shaft, the front guide and the upper frame are capable of limiting flexure of the universal joint of the intermediate shaft, and the rear motor support engages the hydraulic motor as it deflects or rotates about the at least one pivot plate; Drilling rig.

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