Drive head system

Abstract

A drive head system that may have a drive adapter assembly with a drive socket connected to a drive insert. The drive head system may include the drive socket configured to connect to a drive head at a top end of the drive socket. The drive head system may include the drive insert configured to connect to a top end of an implement. The drive head system may include the drive socket having a protrusion extending from a bottom end of the drive socket. The drive head system may include the protrusion having a notch and the drive insert may have an arm that is received in the notch.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 755,421 filed Feb. 7, 2025, the contents of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a drive head system. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a drive head system with a drive adapter assembly providing two-piece construction and improved torque and load distribution.

[0003] Drive head systems are known in the art. With respect to helical piers, a drive head has a housing that contains a motor. The motor is connected to a head that is tubular in shape and has an end portion with an internal diameter that is larger than that of the external diameter of the helical pier, which allows the head to be received one an end of the helical pier and to also engage the helical pier on a top end. One or more connector is passed through the head and the helical pier so that when the motor turns the head, the helical pier also rotates drilling the helical pier into the ground while the drive head applies downward pressure. While useful, deficiencies exist.

[0004] During installation the torque and load that is applied by the drive head is less than the drive motor is capable. Even so, during installation the force applied to the helical pier often results in the holes through which the connector(s) is passed to deform. This deformation is often referring to as “egging” due to the distorted shape of the hole resembling an egg rather than a circle. Distortion also occurs at the end of the helical pier due to the force, which is problematic as it is often necessary to connect extension piers during installation that are difficult to attach to a deformed end of a helical pier. Additionally, because the drive head is operated with lower performance, the time taken to install a helical pier is extended.

[0005] Another problem is that it can be difficult for an operator to align the head with the top of the helical pier. The operator often has to manually guide the connection, which requires the operator to place their hands in the area where the head and the helical pier will ultimately overlap. This region is commonly referred to as the “pinch zone” because it is the area where a hand can be pinched between the head and the helical pier resulting in injury. Connecting the head to the helical pier is also difficult because the hole in the head and the helical pier must be aligned to allow the connector to pass through. This problem is made worse when multiple connectors are used thereby requiring multiple openings to be aligned simultaneously.

[0006] Thus, it is a primary aspect of this disclosure to provide a drive head system that improves upon the art.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that allows for increased torque and load to be applied to an implement.

[0008] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that is self-aligning.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that is safer and easier to assemble.

[0010] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that has a two-piece construction.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that obviates or reduces the need for an operator to manually interact with the “pinch zone.”

[0012] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of implement distortion, including egging.

[0013] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system including: a drive adapter assembly having a drive socket connected to a drive insert; the drive socket configured to connect to a drive head at a top end of the drive socket; the drive insert configured to connect to a top end of an implement; the drive socket having a protrusion extending from a bottom end of the drive socket; the protrusion having a notch; and the drive insert having an arm that is received in the notch.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive socket having a bore positioned axially through a length of the drive socket.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the bore is hexagonally shaped.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive socket having an upper opening positioned through the drive socket adjacent the top end of the drive socket that is configured to receive a first pin and a lower opening positioned through the drive socket adjacent the bottom end of the drive socket that is configured to receive a second pin; wherein the upper opening and the lower opening extend perpendicular to the bore.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the upper opening is configured to extend through the drive head, such that the first pin is receive through the drive socket and the drive head when assembled.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive insert having an upper opening that aligns with the lower opening of the drive socket, and the first pin received through the upper opening of the drive insert and the lower opening of the drive socket.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the upper opening and the lower opening align when the arm is received in the notch.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the protrusion extends around the bore, and wherein the protrusion is configured to restrict the top end of the implement between the protrusion and the drive insert.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including a second protrusion extending from the bottom of the drive socket, and wherein the notch and a second notch are formed between the protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive insert having an upper portion and a bottom portion, and the arm extends from the drive insert between the upper portion and the bottom portion.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the upper portion of the drive insert is hexagonally shaped and the bottom portion of the drive socket is cylindrically shaped; and wherein the upper portion of the drive insert has an upper tip that is tapered inwardly and upwardly and the bottom portion of the drive insert has a lower tip that is tapered inwardly and downwardly.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the arm and a second arm extending outwardly from the drive insert and from one another, wherein the second arm is received in a second notch of the protrusion.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein when the arm is received in the notch and the second arm is received in the second notch, the arm and the second arm extend across a gap formed between a bore and the protrusion of the drive socket.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including a first set of openings positioned through the bottom portion of the drive insert that aligns with a second set of openings positioned through the implement, and an implement connector received through the first set of openings and the second set of openings.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the implement having an end profile at the top end that interlocks with the arm and a bottom of the bottom end of the drive socket.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the end profile having a vertical portion that extends downwardly from the top end of the implement to a horizontal portion, and a sloped portion that extends from the horizontal portion and away from the vertical portion to the top end of the implement.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein a first set of openings through the drive insert align with a second set of openings through the implement when the arm is in direct engagement with the horizontal portion and the vertical portion.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including an implement connector received through the first set of openings and the second set of openings, and the implement connector having a handle, a first plate, and a set of pins positioned through the first plate.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system including: a drive adapter assembly; an implement connected to the drive adapter assembly at a top end of the implement; the implement having an end profile at the top end that interlocks with the drive adapter assembly; and the end profile having a vertical portion that extends downwardly from the top end to a horizontal portion.

[0033] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the end profile having a sloped portion that extends from the horizontal portion and away from the vertical portion to the top end of the implement.

[0034] This has outlined, rather broadly, the features, advantages, solutions, and benefits of the disclosure in order that the description that follows may be better understood. Additional features, advantages, solutions, and benefits of the disclosure will be described in the following. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and related operations for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and related operation do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying Figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the Figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a bottom, front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a bottom, front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a bottom, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a top, side cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a side view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a top, side detail view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 17 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 18 is a top, front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 19 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 20 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 21 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 22 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

[0057] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The disclosure described herein is directed to different aspects of a drive head system. The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. These descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. As described herein, the use of the term “and / or” is intended to represent an “inclusive OR”, and the use of the term “or” is intended to represent an “exclusive OR”.

[0059] The disclosure is described herein with reference to certain aspects, iterations, embodiments, and examples but it is understood that the disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. In particular, the disclosure is described herein in regards to a push pier installation, but it is understood that the disclosure can be used for other purposes drive heads are used in conjunction with, such as push piers.

[0060] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another. Hence, a first element discussed herein could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present application. It is understood that actual systems or fixtures embodying the disclosure can be arranged in many different ways with many more features and elements beyond what is shown in the drawings. For the same or similar elements or features, the same reference numbers may be used throughout the disclosure.

[0061] It is to be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “on” another element or component, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “between”, “within”, “below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the disclosure in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0062] Aspects of the disclosure may be described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0063] With reference to the Figures aspects of a drive head system 10 are shown according to the disclosure. The drive head system 10 may comprise one or more of a drive head 12, a drive adapter assembly 14 that may be configured to connect to an implement 16, such as a helical pier, and an implement connector 18.

[0064] The drive head 12 may be configured to apply torque and / or a load to the implement 16. The drive head 12 may comprise one or more of a housing 20, a motor 22, and a head 24. The motor 22 may be positioned within the housing 20 and operatively connected to the head 24, such that the torque and / or load is transferred from the motor 22 to the drive adapter assembly 14 and to the implement 16. The head 24 may have a head insert 26 that extends outwardly away from the housing 20. The head insert 26 may have a hexagonal shape.

[0065] The drive adapter assembly 14 may be configured to connect to the drive head 12 at one end of the drive adapter assembly 14, such as by way of receiving the head insert 26 within the drive adapter assembly 14 and connect to the implement 16 at the opposite end of the drive adapter assembly 14. The connection to the implement 16 may be such that the drive adapter assembly is received around and within the implement 16. The drive adapter assembly 14 may comprise one or more of a drive socket 28 and a drive insert 30. The drive socket 28 and the drive insert 30 may be of a single, monolithic construction or may be a two-piece construction. The two-piece construction provides the advantage of allowing multiple of any component to be prepared in advance during installation, which saves times, and also provides the advantage of reducing costs in the event of component breakage given the modular configuration.

[0066] The drive socket 28 may be configured to connect to the drive head 12 at a top end 32 of the drive socket 28 and connect to the drive insert 30 at a bottom end 34 of the drive socket 28. The drive socket 28 may have a socket body 36 that has one or more of a bore 38, a first opening or an upper opening 40, a second opening or a lower opening 42, a first protrusion 44, and a second protrusion 46.

[0067] The bore 38 may be positioned axially through a length of the socket body 36 extending from the top end 32 to the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36. The upper opening 40 may be closer to the top end 32 than to the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36. The upper opening 40 may receive a first pin 48, which may be a quick release pin, that may have a handle 50 to facilitate removal of the first pin 48 from the upper opening 40. The lower opening 42 may be closer to the bottom end 34 than to the top end 32 of the socket body 36. The lower opening 42 may receive a second pin 52, which may be a nut and bolt.

[0068] Extending from and away from the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36 is the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46. The first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may extend in alignment from an exterior perimeter 56 of the socket body 36, such that the first protrusion 44 and / or second protrusion 46 are continuous with the exterior perimeter 56 of the socket body 36. The first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may have an arcuate or rounded shape that mirrors one another. The first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may extend partially around the bore 38. As discussed further herein, the position of the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may be such that when the implement 16 is received within and between the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46, an outer perimeter or diameter 58 of the implement 16 is restricted between the drive insert 30 and the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46, while the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36 engages the implement 16 from above.

[0069] A pair of notches 60 may be positioned between the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46. The pair of notches 60 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 as discussed herein. It is contemplated that fewer than two or more than two notches may be present without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The pair of notches 60 may be positioned about the first protrusion 44 and the second protrusion 46 in perpendicular alignment with the upper opening 40 and / or the lower opening 42, which improves the distribution of torque and load as will be apparent from the disclosure.

[0070] The drive insert 30 has an insert body 62 that may have an upper portion 64 that is received within the bore 38 from the bottom end 34 of the drive socket 28 and a lower portion 66 that is received within the implement 16.

[0071] The upper portion 64 may be sized and shaped to fit snugly within the bore 38 of the drive socket 28. This may be accomplished by the upper portion 64 having a hexagonal shape if the bore 38 has a hexagonal shape. An upper tip 68 of the upper portion 64 may taper inwardly and upwardly to facilitate receipt within the bore 38. Positioned through the upper portion 64 may be a first opening or an upper opening 70 that may be sized and shaped to match the lower opening 42 in the drive socket 28 such that the first pin 48 secures the drive insert 30 to the drive socket 28.

[0072] The lower portion 66 may be sized and shaped to fit snugly within the implement 16. This may be accomplished by the lower portion 66 having a cylindrical shape for receipt in the implement 16, which may have a tubular structure. A lower tip 72 of the lower portion 66 may be tapered inwardly and downwardly and may terminated in a rounded end 74 to facilitate receipt within the implement 16. Positioned through the lower portion 66 may be a second opening or a first set of openings 76 that may be configured to receive the implement connector 18 to secure the drive insert 30 to the implement 16 as discussed herein.

[0073] Extending from opposite side of the insert body 62 is a pair of arms 78, which may be rectangular in shape. The pair of arms 78 are configured to be received within the pair of notches 60 of the drive socket 28. As disclosed, the number of notches may vary and accordingly, the number of arms of the drive insert 30 may be less or equal to the number of notches in the drive socket 28. The pair of arms 78 may be sized and shaped such that the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 extend down beyond the pair of arms 78 when the pair of arms 78 are received in the pair of lower portion 66. The pair of arms 78 may be between the upper portion 64 and the lower portion 66 of the drive socket 28 and / or may be positioned between the upper opening 70 and the first set of openings 76. The pair of arms 78 may extend from an opposite position about the insert body 62 that is perpendicular to the upper opening 70 and the first set of openings 76, which aligns various openings as discussed herein. When received in the pair of notches 60, the pair of arms 78 may extend across a gap 80 formed between the bore 38 and the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46.

[0074] The implement 16 extends from a top end 82 to a bottom end 84. The top end 82 receives the drive insert 30 and the bottom end 84 may be received within a ground surface 86 (not shown). The top end 82 may have a pair of end profiles 88 that is configured to guide the pair of arms 78 into and retain within a desired position. It is contemplated that fewer than two or more than two end profiles may be present without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The one or each of the pair of end profiles 88 may comprise a combination of a sloped portion 90, a horizontal portion 92, and a vertical portion 94.

[0075] The sloped portion 90 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 (and in particular may engage one of the pair of arms 78) and guide the implement 16 to interlock and / or engage with the drive socket 28 and / or the drive insert 30 during assembly as described herein. The sloped portion 90 may be angular with respect to the top end 82 of the implement 16 and the horizontal portion 92 and / or may have a curvature. The sloped portion 90 may transition directly or indirectly to the horizontal portion 92.

[0076] The horizontal portion 92 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 such that the implement 16 cannot be inserted further within the drive socket 28 during assembly. The horizontal portion 92 may be sized and shaped such that the entire length of one of the pair of arms 78 may directly engage the horizontal portion 92. The horizontal portion 92 may extend perpendicularly to the top end 82 of the implement 16. The horizontal portion 92 may transition directly or indirectly to the vertical portion 94.

[0077] The vertical portion 94 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 such that the implement 16, when installed in a rotating fashion, cannot rotate further. The vertical portion 94 may be sized and shaped such that a height of one of the pair of arms 78 is prevented from moving beyond the vertical portion 94 when one of the pair of arms 78 engages both the horizontal portion 92 and the vertical portion 94. The vertical portion 94 may be sized and shaped to extend beyond a height of one of the pair of arms 78 such that the vertical portion 94 engages the bottom end 34 of the drive socket 28.

[0078] The implement 16 may have a third opening or a second set of openings 96 that may be sized and shaped to match the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30. The second set of openings 96 may be positioned on the implement 16 such that when the implement 16 is received within the drive socket 28 and engaged with the drive insert 30 as described, the first set of openings 76 and the second set of openings 96 are in alignment with one another.

[0079] The implement connector 18 is configured to be received through the first set of openings 76 and the second set of openings 96 to secure the implement 16 to the drive insert 30. The implement connector 18 may comprise one or more of one or a set of plates 98, a third pin or one or a set of pins 100, and a handle 102 that may be connected to the first plate 104 and extend outwardly away from the set of plates 98.

[0080] The set of plates 98 may comprise a first plate 104, a second plate 106, and a third plate 108. One or more of the set of plates 98 may have a set of connector openings 110 that extend therethrough and may be positioned about a perimeter of the set of plates 98. One or a set of connectors 112 may be received in the set of connector openings 110 to connect the set of plates 98 together. The second plate 106 may sandwich between the first plate 104 and the third plate 108

[0081] The second plate 106 may have one or a set of pinhead retention holes 114 that are sized and shaped to receive a pinhead 116 of the set of pins 100. The third plate 108 may have one or a set of post retention holes 118 that are sized and shaped to receive a post 120 of the set of pins 100. The set of post retention holes 118 may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the set of pinhead retention holes 114 such that the pinhead 116 of the set of pins 100 does not fit through the set of post retention holes 118. The set of pins 100 may be positioned such that the pinhead 116 are retained within the second plate 106 and secured in place by the first plate 104 and the third plate 108. The post 120 of the set of pins 100 thereby extend from the pinhead 116 through the set of post retention holes 118 of third plate 108 substantially perpendicular to and extending away from the set of plates 98.

[0082] The set of pinhead retention holes 114 and / or the set of post retention holes 118 may be spaced to align with the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30 and the second set of openings 96 of the implement 16. In this way, the set of pins 100 extend in spaced alignment with the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30 and the second set of openings 96. This provides for rapid insertion of the set of pins 100 simply by using the handle 102 to guide the set of pins 100 together through the implement 16 and the drive insert 30. The set of pins 100 may be sized and shaped such that when received through the implement 16 and the drive insert 30 a nut 122 (not shown) is not needed to maintain the set of pins 100 therein. One of the set of pins 100 may have a threaded portion 124 to receive the nut 122.

[0083] In the event that one or more of the set of pins 100 fail or break, a subsequent of the set of pins 100 remains present to maintain the connection between the implement 16 and the drive insert 30. To replace a failed or broken one of the set of pins 100, the first plate 104 is removed and the one of the set of pins 100 is removed and replaced and the first plate 104 reconnected.

[0084] The implement connector 18 may comprise the first plate 104 and have the set of pinhead retention holes 114. Received through the first plate 104, in such a configuration, are the set of pins 100.

[0085] It is contemplated that the drive socket 28 may be omitted or otherwise integrated into the head 24 of the drive head 12 such that the first protrusion 44, the second protrusion 46, and / or the notches 60 are formed in the head 24. In such a configuration, the drive insert 30 is received in the head 24 and secured with the first pin 48.

[0086] In an exemplary method of use of the drive head system 10, an operator provides the drive head system 10 at the installation site disassembled. The operator inserts the head 24 of the drive head 12 within the bore 38 of the drive socket 28 and secures the two together using the first pin 48 through the upper opening 40 that extends through the drive head as well. The hexagonal shape and the separation of the drive socket 28 from the drive insert 30 facilitates manipulation of the drive socket 28 for proper connection.

[0087] The operator inserts the drive insert 30 within the drive socket 28 such that the pair of arms 78 of the drive socket 28 are received within the pair of notches 60. This in turn aligns the lower opening 42 of the drive socket 28 with the upper opening 70 of the drive insert 30 to facilitate insertion of the second pin 52.

[0088] The drive head 12 is lowered towards the implement 16 with the drive insert 30 being guided within the implement 16 by the rounded end 74 of the lower tip 72. In this way, the drive insert 30 is inserted into the implement 16 without the need for manual intervention by the operator within the “pinch zone.”

[0089] As the drive insert 30 is lowered and slowly rotated about the top end 82 of the implement 16, the pair of arms 78 of the drive insert 30 follow along the top end 82 until the pair of end profiles 88 are encountered. The pair of arms 78 are guided into position by the pair of arms 78 following along a contour of the end profiles 88 as described until the pair of arms 78 encounter the vertical portion 94 of the pair of end profiles 88. At this point, the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30 are in alignment with the second set of openings 96 of the implement 16 and the implement connector 18 is inserted therethrough with all of the set of pins 100 being inserted once through manipulation of the handle 102 of the implement connector 18. When the drive socket 28, the drive insert 30, and the implement 16 are connected, the pair of arms 78 may be surrounded by the pair of notches 60 of the drive socket 28 and the pair of end profiles 88 of the implement 16 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0090] The hexagonal shape facilitates the transfer of torque from the head 24 to the drive socket 28 to the drive insert 30 and thereafter to the implement 16. The transfer of torque is further enhanced by the pair of arms 78 that engage both the pair of notches 60 of the drive insert 30 and the pair of end profiles 88 of the implement. Further stability and distribution of torque is achieved by the top end top end 82 being secured within the drive socket 28 and captured between the first protrusion 44, the second protrusion 46, the upper portion 64, and the pair of arms 78. The captured nature of the implement 16 also reduces or prevents distortion and “egging” of the implement 16.

[0091] Therefore, a drive head system 10 has been provided that allows for increased torque and load to be applied to an implement, is self-aligning, is safer and easier to assemble, has a two-piece construction, obviates or reduces the need for an operator to manually interact with the “pinch zone,” reduces or eliminates the occurrence of implement distortion, including egging, and improves upon the art.

[0092] From the above discussion and accompanying figures and claims it will be appreciated that the drive head system 10 offers many advantages over the prior art. Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the technology of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification only expressly stated otherwise. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding configurations described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

[0093] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0058]The disclosure described herein is directed to different aspects of a drive head system. The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. These descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. As described herein, the use of the term “and / or” is intended to represent an “inclusive OR”, and the use of the term “or” is intended to represent an “exclusive OR”.

[0059]The disclosure is described herein with reference to certain aspects, iterations, embodiments, a...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 755,421 filed Feb. 7, 2025, the contents of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a drive head system. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a drive head system with a drive adapter assembly providing two-piece construction and improved torque and load distribution.

[0003] Drive head systems are known in the art. With respect to helical piers, a drive head has a housing that contains a motor. The motor is connected to a head that is tubular in shape and has an end portion with an internal diameter that is larger than that of the external diameter of the helical pier, which allows the head to be received one an end of the helical pier and to also engage the helical pier on a top end. One or more connector is passed through the head and the helical pier so that when the motor turns the head, the helical pier also rotates drilling the helical pier into the ground while the drive head applies downward pressure. While useful, deficiencies exist.

[0004] During installation the torque and load that is applied by the drive head is less than the drive motor is capable. Even so, during installation the force applied to the helical pier often results in the holes through which the connector(s) is passed to deform. This deformation is often referring to as “egging” due to the distorted shape of the hole resembling an egg rather than a circle. Distortion also occurs at the end of the helical pier due to the force, which is problematic as it is often necessary to connect extension piers during installation that are difficult to attach to a deformed end of a helical pier. Additionally, because the drive head is operated with lower performance, the time taken to install a helical pier is extended.

[0005] Another problem is that it can be difficult for an operator to align the head with the top of the helical pier. The operator often has to manually guide the connection, which requires the operator to place their hands in the area where the head and the helical pier will ultimately overlap. This region is commonly referred to as the “pinch zone” because it is the area where a hand can be pinched between the head and the helical pier resulting in injury. Connecting the head to the helical pier is also difficult because the hole in the head and the helical pier must be aligned to allow the connector to pass through. This problem is made worse when multiple connectors are used thereby requiring multiple openings to be aligned simultaneously.

[0006] Thus, it is a primary aspect of this disclosure to provide a drive head system that improves upon the art.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that allows for increased torque and load to be applied to an implement.

[0008] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that is self-aligning.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that is safer and easier to assemble.

[0010] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that has a two-piece construction.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that obviates or reduces the need for an operator to manually interact with the “pinch zone.”

[0012] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a drive head system that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of implement distortion, including egging.

[0013] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system including: a drive adapter assembly having a drive socket connected to a drive insert; the drive socket configured to connect to a drive head at a top end of the drive socket; the drive insert configured to connect to a top end of an implement; the drive socket having a protrusion extending from a bottom end of the drive socket; the protrusion having a notch; and the drive insert having an arm that is received in the notch.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive socket having a bore positioned axially through a length of the drive socket.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the bore is hexagonally shaped.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive socket having an upper opening positioned through the drive socket adjacent the top end of the drive socket that is configured to receive a first pin and a lower opening positioned through the drive socket adjacent the bottom end of the drive socket that is configured to receive a second pin; wherein the upper opening and the lower opening extend perpendicular to the bore.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the upper opening is configured to extend through the drive head, such that the first pin is receive through the drive socket and the drive head when assembled.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive insert having an upper opening that aligns with the lower opening of the drive socket, and the first pin received through the upper opening of the drive insert and the lower opening of the drive socket.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the upper opening and the lower opening align when the arm is received in the notch.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the protrusion extends around the bore, and wherein the protrusion is configured to restrict the top end of the implement between the protrusion and the drive insert.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including a second protrusion extending from the bottom of the drive socket, and wherein the notch and a second notch are formed between the protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the drive insert having an upper portion and a bottom portion, and the arm extends from the drive insert between the upper portion and the bottom portion.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein the upper portion of the drive insert is hexagonally shaped and the bottom portion of the drive socket is cylindrically shaped; and wherein the upper portion of the drive insert has an upper tip that is tapered inwardly and upwardly and the bottom portion of the drive insert has a lower tip that is tapered inwardly and downwardly.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the arm and a second arm extending outwardly from the drive insert and from one another, wherein the second arm is received in a second notch of the protrusion.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein when the arm is received in the notch and the second arm is received in the second notch, the arm and the second arm extend across a gap formed between a bore and the protrusion of the drive socket.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including a first set of openings positioned through the bottom portion of the drive insert that aligns with a second set of openings positioned through the implement, and an implement connector received through the first set of openings and the second set of openings.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the implement having an end profile at the top end that interlocks with the arm and a bottom of the bottom end of the drive socket.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the end profile having a vertical portion that extends downwardly from the top end of the implement to a horizontal portion, and a sloped portion that extends from the horizontal portion and away from the vertical portion to the top end of the implement.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system wherein a first set of openings through the drive insert align with a second set of openings through the implement when the arm is in direct engagement with the horizontal portion and the vertical portion.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including an implement connector received through the first set of openings and the second set of openings, and the implement connector having a handle, a first plate, and a set of pins positioned through the first plate.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system including: a drive adapter assembly; an implement connected to the drive adapter assembly at a top end of the implement; the implement having an end profile at the top end that interlocks with the drive adapter assembly; and the end profile having a vertical portion that extends downwardly from the top end to a horizontal portion.

[0033] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a drive head system further including the end profile having a sloped portion that extends from the horizontal portion and away from the vertical portion to the top end of the implement.

[0034] This has outlined, rather broadly, the features, advantages, solutions, and benefits of the disclosure in order that the description that follows may be better understood. Additional features, advantages, solutions, and benefits of the disclosure will be described in the following. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and related operations for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and related operation do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying Figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the Figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a bottom, front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a bottom, front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a bottom, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a top, side cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a side view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a top, side detail view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 17 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 18 is a top, front perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 19 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 20 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 21 is a top, side perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 22 is a front view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

[0057] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a drive head system according to an aspect of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The disclosure described herein is directed to different aspects of a drive head system. The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. These descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. As described herein, the use of the term “and / or” is intended to represent an “inclusive OR”, and the use of the term “or” is intended to represent an “exclusive OR”.

[0059] The disclosure is described herein with reference to certain aspects, iterations, embodiments, and examples but it is understood that the disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. In particular, the disclosure is described herein in regards to a push pier installation, but it is understood that the disclosure can be used for other purposes drive heads are used in conjunction with, such as push piers.

[0060] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another. Hence, a first element discussed herein could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present application. It is understood that actual systems or fixtures embodying the disclosure can be arranged in many different ways with many more features and elements beyond what is shown in the drawings. For the same or similar elements or features, the same reference numbers may be used throughout the disclosure.

[0061] It is to be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “on” another element or component, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “between”, “within”, “below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the disclosure in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0062] Aspects of the disclosure may be described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0063] With reference to the Figures aspects of a drive head system 10 are shown according to the disclosure. The drive head system 10 may comprise one or more of a drive head 12, a drive adapter assembly 14 that may be configured to connect to an implement 16, such as a helical pier, and an implement connector 18.

[0064] The drive head 12 may be configured to apply torque and / or a load to the implement 16. The drive head 12 may comprise one or more of a housing 20, a motor 22, and a head 24. The motor 22 may be positioned within the housing 20 and operatively connected to the head 24, such that the torque and / or load is transferred from the motor 22 to the drive adapter assembly 14 and to the implement 16. The head 24 may have a head insert 26 that extends outwardly away from the housing 20. The head insert 26 may have a hexagonal shape.

[0065] The drive adapter assembly 14 may be configured to connect to the drive head 12 at one end of the drive adapter assembly 14, such as by way of receiving the head insert 26 within the drive adapter assembly 14 and connect to the implement 16 at the opposite end of the drive adapter assembly 14. The connection to the implement 16 may be such that the drive adapter assembly is received around and within the implement 16. The drive adapter assembly 14 may comprise one or more of a drive socket 28 and a drive insert 30. The drive socket 28 and the drive insert 30 may be of a single, monolithic construction or may be a two-piece construction. The two-piece construction provides the advantage of allowing multiple of any component to be prepared in advance during installation, which saves times, and also provides the advantage of reducing costs in the event of component breakage given the modular configuration.

[0066] The drive socket 28 may be configured to connect to the drive head 12 at a top end 32 of the drive socket 28 and connect to the drive insert 30 at a bottom end 34 of the drive socket 28. The drive socket 28 may have a socket body 36 that has one or more of a bore 38, a first opening or an upper opening 40, a second opening or a lower opening 42, a first protrusion 44, and a second protrusion 46.

[0067] The bore 38 may be positioned axially through a length of the socket body 36 extending from the top end 32 to the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36. The upper opening 40 may be closer to the top end 32 than to the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36. The upper opening 40 may receive a first pin 48, which may be a quick release pin, that may have a handle 50 to facilitate removal of the first pin 48 from the upper opening 40. The lower opening 42 may be closer to the bottom end 34 than to the top end 32 of the socket body 36. The lower opening 42 may receive a second pin 52, which may be a nut and bolt.

[0068] Extending from and away from the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36 is the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46. The first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may extend in alignment from an exterior perimeter 56 of the socket body 36, such that the first protrusion 44 and / or second protrusion 46 are continuous with the exterior perimeter 56 of the socket body 36. The first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may have an arcuate or rounded shape that mirrors one another. The first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may extend partially around the bore 38. As discussed further herein, the position of the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 may be such that when the implement 16 is received within and between the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46, an outer perimeter or diameter 58 of the implement 16 is restricted between the drive insert 30 and the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46, while the bottom end 34 of the socket body 36 engages the implement 16 from above.

[0069] A pair of notches 60 may be positioned between the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46. The pair of notches 60 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 as discussed herein. It is contemplated that fewer than two or more than two notches may be present without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The pair of notches 60 may be positioned about the first protrusion 44 and the second protrusion 46 in perpendicular alignment with the upper opening 40 and / or the lower opening 42, which improves the distribution of torque and load as will be apparent from the disclosure.

[0070] The drive insert 30 has an insert body 62 that may have an upper portion 64 that is received within the bore 38 from the bottom end 34 of the drive socket 28 and a lower portion 66 that is received within the implement 16.

[0071] The upper portion 64 may be sized and shaped to fit snugly within the bore 38 of the drive socket 28. This may be accomplished by the upper portion 64 having a hexagonal shape if the bore 38 has a hexagonal shape. An upper tip 68 of the upper portion 64 may taper inwardly and upwardly to facilitate receipt within the bore 38. Positioned through the upper portion 64 may be a first opening or an upper opening 70 that may be sized and shaped to match the lower opening 42 in the drive socket 28 such that the first pin 48 secures the drive insert 30 to the drive socket 28.

[0072] The lower portion 66 may be sized and shaped to fit snugly within the implement 16. This may be accomplished by the lower portion 66 having a cylindrical shape for receipt in the implement 16, which may have a tubular structure. A lower tip 72 of the lower portion 66 may be tapered inwardly and downwardly and may terminated in a rounded end 74 to facilitate receipt within the implement 16. Positioned through the lower portion 66 may be a second opening or a first set of openings 76 that may be configured to receive the implement connector 18 to secure the drive insert 30 to the implement 16 as discussed herein.

[0073] Extending from opposite side of the insert body 62 is a pair of arms 78, which may be rectangular in shape. The pair of arms 78 are configured to be received within the pair of notches 60 of the drive socket 28. As disclosed, the number of notches may vary and accordingly, the number of arms of the drive insert 30 may be less or equal to the number of notches in the drive socket 28. The pair of arms 78 may be sized and shaped such that the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46 extend down beyond the pair of arms 78 when the pair of arms 78 are received in the pair of lower portion 66. The pair of arms 78 may be between the upper portion 64 and the lower portion 66 of the drive socket 28 and / or may be positioned between the upper opening 70 and the first set of openings 76. The pair of arms 78 may extend from an opposite position about the insert body 62 that is perpendicular to the upper opening 70 and the first set of openings 76, which aligns various openings as discussed herein. When received in the pair of notches 60, the pair of arms 78 may extend across a gap 80 formed between the bore 38 and the first protrusion 44 and / or the second protrusion 46.

[0074] The implement 16 extends from a top end 82 to a bottom end 84. The top end 82 receives the drive insert 30 and the bottom end 84 may be received within a ground surface 86 (not shown). The top end 82 may have a pair of end profiles 88 that is configured to guide the pair of arms 78 into and retain within a desired position. It is contemplated that fewer than two or more than two end profiles may be present without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The one or each of the pair of end profiles 88 may comprise a combination of a sloped portion 90, a horizontal portion 92, and a vertical portion 94.

[0075] The sloped portion 90 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 (and in particular may engage one of the pair of arms 78) and guide the implement 16 to interlock and / or engage with the drive socket 28 and / or the drive insert 30 during assembly as described herein. The sloped portion 90 may be angular with respect to the top end 82 of the implement 16 and the horizontal portion 92 and / or may have a curvature. The sloped portion 90 may transition directly or indirectly to the horizontal portion 92.

[0076] The horizontal portion 92 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 such that the implement 16 cannot be inserted further within the drive socket 28 during assembly. The horizontal portion 92 may be sized and shaped such that the entire length of one of the pair of arms 78 may directly engage the horizontal portion 92. The horizontal portion 92 may extend perpendicularly to the top end 82 of the implement 16. The horizontal portion 92 may transition directly or indirectly to the vertical portion 94.

[0077] The vertical portion 94 may be configured to engage the drive insert 30 such that the implement 16, when installed in a rotating fashion, cannot rotate further. The vertical portion 94 may be sized and shaped such that a height of one of the pair of arms 78 is prevented from moving beyond the vertical portion 94 when one of the pair of arms 78 engages both the horizontal portion 92 and the vertical portion 94. The vertical portion 94 may be sized and shaped to extend beyond a height of one of the pair of arms 78 such that the vertical portion 94 engages the bottom end 34 of the drive socket 28.

[0078] The implement 16 may have a third opening or a second set of openings 96 that may be sized and shaped to match the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30. The second set of openings 96 may be positioned on the implement 16 such that when the implement 16 is received within the drive socket 28 and engaged with the drive insert 30 as described, the first set of openings 76 and the second set of openings 96 are in alignment with one another.

[0079] The implement connector 18 is configured to be received through the first set of openings 76 and the second set of openings 96 to secure the implement 16 to the drive insert 30. The implement connector 18 may comprise one or more of one or a set of plates 98, a third pin or one or a set of pins 100, and a handle 102 that may be connected to the first plate 104 and extend outwardly away from the set of plates 98.

[0080] The set of plates 98 may comprise a first plate 104, a second plate 106, and a third plate 108. One or more of the set of plates 98 may have a set of connector openings 110 that extend therethrough and may be positioned about a perimeter of the set of plates 98. One or a set of connectors 112 may be received in the set of connector openings 110 to connect the set of plates 98 together. The second plate 106 may sandwich between the first plate 104 and the third plate 108

[0081] The second plate 106 may have one or a set of pinhead retention holes 114 that are sized and shaped to receive a pinhead 116 of the set of pins 100. The third plate 108 may have one or a set of post retention holes 118 that are sized and shaped to receive a post 120 of the set of pins 100. The set of post retention holes 118 may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the set of pinhead retention holes 114 such that the pinhead 116 of the set of pins 100 does not fit through the set of post retention holes 118. The set of pins 100 may be positioned such that the pinhead 116 are retained within the second plate 106 and secured in place by the first plate 104 and the third plate 108. The post 120 of the set of pins 100 thereby extend from the pinhead 116 through the set of post retention holes 118 of third plate 108 substantially perpendicular to and extending away from the set of plates 98.

[0082] The set of pinhead retention holes 114 and / or the set of post retention holes 118 may be spaced to align with the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30 and the second set of openings 96 of the implement 16. In this way, the set of pins 100 extend in spaced alignment with the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30 and the second set of openings 96. This provides for rapid insertion of the set of pins 100 simply by using the handle 102 to guide the set of pins 100 together through the implement 16 and the drive insert 30. The set of pins 100 may be sized and shaped such that when received through the implement 16 and the drive insert 30 a nut 122 (not shown) is not needed to maintain the set of pins 100 therein. One of the set of pins 100 may have a threaded portion 124 to receive the nut 122.

[0083] In the event that one or more of the set of pins 100 fail or break, a subsequent of the set of pins 100 remains present to maintain the connection between the implement 16 and the drive insert 30. To replace a failed or broken one of the set of pins 100, the first plate 104 is removed and the one of the set of pins 100 is removed and replaced and the first plate 104 reconnected.

[0084] The implement connector 18 may comprise the first plate 104 and have the set of pinhead retention holes 114. Received through the first plate 104, in such a configuration, are the set of pins 100.

[0085] It is contemplated that the drive socket 28 may be omitted or otherwise integrated into the head 24 of the drive head 12 such that the first protrusion 44, the second protrusion 46, and / or the notches 60 are formed in the head 24. In such a configuration, the drive insert 30 is received in the head 24 and secured with the first pin 48.

[0086] In an exemplary method of use of the drive head system 10, an operator provides the drive head system 10 at the installation site disassembled. The operator inserts the head 24 of the drive head 12 within the bore 38 of the drive socket 28 and secures the two together using the first pin 48 through the upper opening 40 that extends through the drive head as well. The hexagonal shape and the separation of the drive socket 28 from the drive insert 30 facilitates manipulation of the drive socket 28 for proper connection.

[0087] The operator inserts the drive insert 30 within the drive socket 28 such that the pair of arms 78 of the drive socket 28 are received within the pair of notches 60. This in turn aligns the lower opening 42 of the drive socket 28 with the upper opening 70 of the drive insert 30 to facilitate insertion of the second pin 52.

[0088] The drive head 12 is lowered towards the implement 16 with the drive insert 30 being guided within the implement 16 by the rounded end 74 of the lower tip 72. In this way, the drive insert 30 is inserted into the implement 16 without the need for manual intervention by the operator within the “pinch zone.”

[0089] As the drive insert 30 is lowered and slowly rotated about the top end 82 of the implement 16, the pair of arms 78 of the drive insert 30 follow along the top end 82 until the pair of end profiles 88 are encountered. The pair of arms 78 are guided into position by the pair of arms 78 following along a contour of the end profiles 88 as described until the pair of arms 78 encounter the vertical portion 94 of the pair of end profiles 88. At this point, the first set of openings 76 of the drive insert 30 are in alignment with the second set of openings 96 of the implement 16 and the implement connector 18 is inserted therethrough with all of the set of pins 100 being inserted once through manipulation of the handle 102 of the implement connector 18. When the drive socket 28, the drive insert 30, and the implement 16 are connected, the pair of arms 78 may be surrounded by the pair of notches 60 of the drive socket 28 and the pair of end profiles 88 of the implement 16 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0090] The hexagonal shape facilitates the transfer of torque from the head 24 to the drive socket 28 to the drive insert 30 and thereafter to the implement 16. The transfer of torque is further enhanced by the pair of arms 78 that engage both the pair of notches 60 of the drive insert 30 and the pair of end profiles 88 of the implement. Further stability and distribution of torque is achieved by the top end top end 82 being secured within the drive socket 28 and captured between the first protrusion 44, the second protrusion 46, the upper portion 64, and the pair of arms 78. The captured nature of the implement 16 also reduces or prevents distortion and “egging” of the implement 16.

[0091] Therefore, a drive head system 10 has been provided that allows for increased torque and load to be applied to an implement, is self-aligning, is safer and easier to assemble, has a two-piece construction, obviates or reduces the need for an operator to manually interact with the “pinch zone,” reduces or eliminates the occurrence of implement distortion, including egging, and improves upon the art.

[0092] From the above discussion and accompanying figures and claims it will be appreciated that the drive head system 10 offers many advantages over the prior art. Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the technology of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification only expressly stated otherwise. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding configurations described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

[0093] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0058]The disclosure described herein is directed to different aspects of a drive head system. The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. These descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. As described herein, the use of the term “and / or” is intended to represent an “inclusive OR”, and the use of the term “or” is intended to represent an “exclusive OR”.

[0059]The disclosure is described herein with reference to certain aspects, iterations, embodiments, a...

Claims

1. A drive head system comprising:a drive adapter assembly having a drive socket connected to a drive insert;the drive socket configured to connect to a drive head at a top end of the drive socket;the drive insert configured to connect to a top end of an implement;the drive socket having a protrusion extending from a bottom end of the drive socket;the protrusion having a notch; andthe drive insert having an arm that is received in the notch.

2. The drive head system of claim 1 further comprising the drive socket having a bore positioned axially through a length of the drive socket.

3. The drive head system of claim 2 wherein the bore is hexagonally shaped.

4. The drive head system of claim 2 further comprising the drive socket having an upper opening positioned through the drive socket adjacent the top end of the drive socket that is configured to receive a first pin and a lower opening positioned through the drive socket adjacent the bottom end of the drive socket that is configured to receive a second pin; wherein the upper opening and the lower opening extend perpendicular to the bore.

5. The drive head system of claim 4 wherein the upper opening is configured to extend through the drive head, such that the first pin is received through the drive socket and the drive head when assembled.

6. The drive head system of claim 4 further comprising the drive insert having an upper opening that aligns with the lower opening of the drive socket, and the first pin received through the upper opening of the drive insert and the lower opening of the drive socket.

7. The drive head system of claim 6 wherein the upper opening and the lower opening align when the arm is received in the notch.

8. The drive head system of claim 2 further comprising the protrusion extends around the bore, and wherein the protrusion is configured to restrict the top end of the implement between the protrusion and the drive insert.

9. The drive head system of claim 8 further comprising a second protrusion extending from the bottom of the drive socket, and wherein the notch and a second notch are formed between the protrusion and the second protrusion.

10. The drive head system of claim 1 further comprising the drive insert having an upper portion and a bottom portion, and the arm extends from the drive insert between the upper portion and the bottom portion.

11. The drive head system of claim 10 wherein the upper portion of the drive insert is hexagonally shaped and the bottom portion of the drive socket is cylindrically shaped; andwherein the upper portion of the drive insert has an upper tip that is tapered inwardly and upwardly and the bottom portion of the drive insert has a lower tip that is tapered inwardly and downwardly.

12. The drive head system of claim 10 further comprising the arm and a second arm extending outwardly from the drive insert and from one another, wherein the second arm is received in a second notch of the protrusion.

13. The drive head system of claim 12 wherein when the arm is received in the notch and the second arm is received in the second notch, the arm and the second arm extend across a gap formed between a bore and the protrusion of the drive socket.

14. The drive head system of claim 10 further comprising a first set of openings positioned through the bottom portion of the drive insert that aligns with a second set of openings positioned through the implement, and an implement connector received through the first set of openings and the second set of openings.

15. The drive head system of claim 1 further comprising the implement having an end profile at the top end that interlocks with the arm and a bottom of the bottom end of the drive socket.

16. The drive head system of claim 15 further comprising the end profile having a vertical portion that extends downwardly from the top end of the implement to a horizontal portion, and a sloped portion that extends from the horizontal portion and away from the vertical portion to the top end of the implement.

17. The drive head system of claim 16 wherein a first set of openings through the drive insert align with a second set of openings through the implement when the arm is in direct engagement with the horizontal portion and the vertical portion.

18. The drive head system of claim 17 further comprising an implement connector received through the first set of openings and the second set of openings, and the implement connector having a handle, a first plate, and a set of pins positioned through the first plate.

19. A drive head system comprising:a drive adapter assembly;an implement connected to the drive adapter assembly at a top end of the implement;the implement having an end profile at the top end that interlocks with the drive adapter assembly;and the end profile having a vertical portion that extends downwardly from the top end to a horizontal portion.

20. The drive head system of claim 19 further comprising the end profile having a sloped portion that extends from the horizontal portion and away from the vertical portion to the top end of the implement.

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