U.S. patent application number 14/483154 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for earth anchor method and apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peter V. Schwartz. Invention is credited to Peter V. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20160076215 14/483154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55454214 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160076215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwartz; Peter V. |
March 17, 2016 |
EARTH ANCHOR METHOD AND APPARATUS
Abstract
An improved earth anchor includes modifications allowing it to
be driven more accurately into hard or clay-rich soil. Methods of
manufacture, use, and devices are described.
Inventors: |
Schwartz; Peter V.; (San
Luis Obispo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schwartz; Peter V. |
San Luis Obispo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55454214 |
Appl. No.: |
14/483154 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/259.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 5/801 20130101;
E02D 2300/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02D 5/80 20060101
E02D005/80 |
Claims
1. An earth anchor apparatus configured to be driven through a
material by a force applied to a drive bar operationally connected
thereto comprising a pivot point between the drive bar and the
earth anchor that is closer to the penetrating terminus or point of
the earth anchor than is the center of mass of the two-dimensional
projection of the shape of the earth anchor.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 where the proximity of the pivot point
to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by placing the
point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor closer
to the terminus of the earth anchor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 where the drive bar is machined at the
point of contact to have a depression in the middle and/or
rotationally tapered sides resulting in a dislodging force upon
rotating the drive bar in the correct direction.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the proximity of the pivot
point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing
the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to
slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer
to the terminus of the earth anchor.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the area below and near the
point of contact is heavier and/or reinforced.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shape of the earth anchor
is longer and thinner than that of an equilateral triangle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the earth anchor is reinforced
near the point of contact and point of cable connection.
8. An earth anchor apparatus configured to be driven through a
material by a force applied to a drive bar operationally connected
thereto comprising an earth anchor with increased length thereby
increasing the activation barrier to rotation after being driven
into the material with the cable under tension.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the proximity of the pivot
point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing
the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to
slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer
to the terminus of the earth anchor.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the length of the arrowhead is
increased through being attached to the drive bar, where the drive
bar or a section of the drive bar is left in the earth.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein some rotation is allowed
between the arrowhead and the section of drive bar attached to the
arrowhead remaining in the ground with the arrowhead.
12. An earth anchor apparatus comprising: an earth anchor body
having a penetrating terminus for driving into a material; at least
one lateral portion providing stability during penetration; and a
point of contact for a driver that is closer to the penetrating
terminus than the center of mass of the two-dimensional projection
of the earth anchor body.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the earth anchor body is
configured to be driven through a material by a force applied to a
drive bar operationally connected thereto comprising a pivot point
between the drive bar and the earth anchor.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the proximity of the pivot
point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by placing
the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor
closer to the terminus of the earth anchor.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the drive bar is machined at
the point of contact to have a depression in the middle and/or
rotationally tapered sides resulting in a dislodging force upon
rotating the drive bar in the correct direction.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the proximity of the pivot
point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing
the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to
slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer
to the terminus of the earth anchor.
17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the shape of the earth anchor
is longer and thinner than that of an equilateral triangle.
18. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the earth anchor is
reinforced near the point of contact and a point of cable
connection.
19. The apparatus of claim 12 further wherein the earth anchor is
configured to be driven through a material by a force applied to a
drive bar operationally connected thereto comprising an earth
anchor with increased length thereby increasing the activation
barrier to rotation after being driven into the material with the
cable under tension.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the proximity of the pivot
point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing
the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to
slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer
to the terminus of the earth anchor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Specific embodiments relate to apparatus and methods of use
and manufacture related to earth anchor systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The discussion of any work, publications, sales, or activity
anywhere in this submission, including in any documents submitted
with this application, shall not be taken as an admission that any
such work constitutes prior art. The discussion of any activity,
work, or publication herein is not an admission that such activity,
work, or publication existed or was known in any particular
jurisdiction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a photo illustrating a prior art Arrowhead Earth
Anchor bent off end of drive bar due to lateral forces.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrowhead (blue) with
attached sheath (red) to accept the drive bar (black) as viewed
laterally a), and on edge b). The arrowhead is allowed to pivot
through small angles about the point of contact at the end of the
drive bar. When the arrowhead becomes unaligned with the drive bar,
c), the resulting lateral force above the pivot point stabilizes
the alignment while the lateral force below the pivot point further
destabilizes the alignment.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating that moving the pivot point
down closer to the point of the arrowhead increases the area of
stabilizing lateral force according to specific embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 4 are photographs illustrating an improved earth anchor
that allows the drive bar to make contact closer to the tip
according to specific embodiments. (c) illustrates that the end of
the drive bar is notched in the middle to assure the arrowhead
pivots about the point of contact, and the walls are tapered in a
rotation to facilitate retrieval of the bar by twisting.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a photograph illustrating an improved anchor with
a split drive bar to allow the arrowhead to be guided from the
front of the triangle even if it is driven from the point of
contact in the back according to specific embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment wherein a
length of the drive bar is left with the arrowhead in order to
increase the barrier to rotation according to specific embodiments.
a) The arrowhead is driven downward by a drive bar dragging the
cable. b) The drive bar is retrieved. c) Application of tension on
the cable deforms the arrowhead both at the point of attachment of
the cable, as well as the fins by the downward force of the
earth.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0009] According to specific embodiments, the present invention is
involved with methods and/or systems and/or devices that can be
used together or independently to provide improved anchoring
systems. This description introduces a selection of concepts that
are further described or can be further understood from
consideration of the drawings and the example apparatus described
herein. Key features or essential features of the claimed subject
matter are discussed throughout this submission, thus no individual
part of this submission is intended to determine the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0010] The general structure and techniques, and more specific
embodiments that can be used to effect different ways of carrying
out the more general goals are described herein. Although only a
few embodiments have been disclosed in detail herein, other
embodiments are possible and the inventor(s) intend these to be
encompassed within this specification. The specification describes
specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be
accomplished in another way. This disclosure is intended to be
exemplary, and the claims are intended to cover any modification or
alternative that might be predictable to a person having ordinary
skill in the art.
[0011] The inventors intend that only those claims which use the
words "means for" are intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 112, sixth paragraph. Moreover, no limitations from the
specification are intended to be read into any claims, unless those
limitations are expressly included in the claims. Particular
materials described herein are for example purposes only, and any
suitable materials can be used to achieve the apparatus.
[0012] Where a specific numerical value is mentioned herein, it
should be considered that the value may be increased or decreased
by 20%, while still staying within the teachings of the present
application, unless some different range is specifically mentioned.
Where a specified logical sense is used, the opposite logical sense
is also intended to be encompassed.
[0013] Commonly used earth anchors, such as the Arrowhead Earth
Anchors.TM. used by American Earth Anchor.TM., (e.g., the
Galvanized Steel and Aluminum Mil-Spec) are generally driven from
the back by a drive bar, usually by compressive blows from a
sledge- or jackhammer. This makes for an unstable transit through
the earth that is sometimes problematic in heavier or clay-rich
soil. The movement of the arrowhead through earth is similar to a
triangle flying through the air or being pushed through water. When
the arrowhead is not perfectly aligned, the resulting lateral
forces push the arrowhead more out of alignment. The continued
increase in lateral force can complicate driving the arrowhead and
even bend the arrowhead off the end of the bar. FIG. 1 is a photo
illustrating a prior art Arrowhead Earth Anchor bent off end of
drive bar due to lateral forces.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrowhead (blue) with
attached sheath (red) to accept the drive bar (black) as viewed
laterally a), and on edge b). The arrowhead is allowed to pivot
through small angles about the point of contact at the end of the
drive bar. When the arrowhead becomes unaligned with the drive bar,
c), the resulting lateral force above the pivot point stabilizes
the alignment while the lateral force below the pivot point further
destabilizes the alignment. The arrowhead is allowed to pivot
through small angles about the point of contact at the end of the
drive bar. When the arrowhead becomes unaligned with the drive bar,
c), the resulting lateral force above the pivot point stabilizes
the alignment while the lateral force below the pivot point further
destabilizes the alignment. FIG. 2 illustrates how the lateral
force on the arrowhead can stabilize or destabilize a misalignment
depending when whether the force is above or below the pivot point.
Generally, statements and drawings herein can be understood with
the earth anchor pointed generally downward.
First Example Embodiment
[0015] According to specific embodiments, it is determined that the
alignment of the arrowhead is more stable if there is more area
above the pivot point (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). It is further
determined that the criterion for stability is the pivot point
should be below the center of mass of the two-dimensional shape of
the arrowhead. For a triangle, this would be 1/3 of the way from
the base to the bottom point. In the example prior art anchors
above, the pivot point for the arrowheads is less than 1/3 the way
to the bottom point, so the arrowheads are unstable. Specific
innovative embodiments are provided herein to stabilize the earth
anchors and otherwise improve the performance of the earth
anchors.
[0016] Example Modification 1: One embodiment provides an earth
anchor wherein the pivot point is moved toward the tip by moving
the point of contact toward the tip. FIG. 3 shows how moving the
point of contact closer to the point of the arrowhead increases the
area of stabilizing force and decreases the area of destabilizing
force. If the point of contact is further than 1/3 of the way down
from the base of the triangle, the alignment of the triangle should
be stable.
[0017] One example of accomplishing this can be understood as
follows. FIG. 1 shows that the present arrowhead is loosely
attached to the drive bar by means of three steel bands pressed
from the same steel piece as the arrow itself. By pressing another
band of steel closer to the tip (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), the bar
would contact the arrowhead further toward the tip, and importantly
below the 1/3 distance from the base of the triangle. It is
important that the steel bands around the bar be loose enough to
allow the arrowhead to pivot through small angular deflections
about the point of contact. Another way to achieve stability is to
elongate the fins of the arrowhead or the sheath of the arrowhead
upward along the length of the drive bar. This would have the same
effect of placing the point of contact below the two dimensional
center of mass by moving the arrowhead's center of mass upward.
[0018] An optional improvement to facilitate driving the arrowhead
as well as retrieval of the drive bar is shown in FIG. 4c. The
drive bar can be notched in the middle to force the point of
contact to be the pivot point. Rotation of the drive bar in the
correct direction should dislodge the drive bar from the
arrowhead.
Example Embodiment 2
[0019] Modification 2: Move the pivot point toward the tip by
clamping the Arrowhead into the split drive bar. FIG. 5 shows how
the pivot point can be moved toward the tip by splitting the drive
bar such that the arrowhead is bound firmly near the top point but
have some lateral space at the point of contact. According to
specific embodiments, it is important that the arrowhead be allowed
to move slightly at the original (in FIG. 2) point of contact
allowing the point closest to the tip to be the pivot point. It is
also important that the steel bands around the bar be loose enough
to allow the arrowhead to pivot through small angular
deflections.
Example Embodiment 3
[0020] Modification 3: Increase the pullout force by elongating
arrowhead. The pullout force may be increased by restricting the
arrowhead from turning around after insertion. This could be done
by one of three methods: extending the collar (sheath) further up
the length of the drive bar, having part of the drive bar detach
with the arrowhead (FIG. 6), or making the arrowhead and sheath
longer. Additionally, a longer, thinner arrowhead with the cable
connected close to the center of mass, but slightly closer to the
tip, would have the same lateral surface against pulling out, but
have greater resistance to turning around and have less resistance
to being driven into the earth, facilitating insertion.
Prototype Testing
[0021] In examples of testing of the above embodiments,
modification 2 allowed the arrowhead to be driven to the depth
desired (about 6') even in clay-rich earth and modification 1 also
improved performance. Modification 3 was conceived following two
failed attempts to retrieve the drive bar using Modification 2. In
specific embodiments, the deformation during insertion prevented
the drive bar from being pulled out. Tensile force on the bar
during efforts to retrieve the bar likely further deformed the
arrowhead as in FIG. 6c. The drive bar was subsequently sawed off
at the ground and the attached cable seems to demonstrate
considerably higher pullout force than cables attached to
arrowheads alone.
* * * * *