Patent Publication Number: US-6983568-B2

Title: Ground anchor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to anchoring systems, and more particularly to a ground anchor. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Ground anchors are used in a wide variety of applications, both on dry land and under water, for example in anchoring antennae or floating structures, such as docks. 
   Ground anchors are generally driven lengthwise into the ground (either directly or through pre-drilled holes) and then pulled upward when the desired depth has been reached. The pulling action results in tilting the anchor into a generally transverse position for the anchoring function. The tilting occurs about a pivot point. With conventional anchors, a connection feature (such as a socket, padeye, or shackle, among others) may be formed at the pivot point for coupling to a connecting rod, cable, or chain (“connecting member”). The connecting member typically connects the anchored structure to the anchor. 
   Such conventional anchors are exemplified in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,108 issued to Hugron on Dec. 15, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,355 issued to Pildysh on Sep. 24, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,370 issued to Jewett on Jul. 16, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,317 issued to Chandler on Feb. 7, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,063 issued to Alsop on Apr. 19, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,693 issued to Rockenfeller, et al. on Mar. 1, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,360 issued to Luong, et al. on Aug. 25, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,446 issued to Beavers, et al. on Sep. 16, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,673 issued to Deike on Jun. 27, 1978; U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,854 issued to Deike on Jul. 20, 1976; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,057 issued to Zubke on Jun. 10, 1975. 
   With conventional anchors, the bulk of material needed to form the connection feature is frequently added to the pivot point. Because the pivot point often has a significant cross-section in and of itself, the addition of the connection feature results in an even larger cross section. Such large cross sections result in difficult insertion of anchors into the ground, and often require the drilling of holes of diameters sufficient to accommodate the enlarged cross section of the combination pivot point and the connection feature. 
   Furthermore, the weakest point of a ground anchor is generally at the pivot point, since this is where force is exerted between the connecting member and the anchor. Therefore, the strength of the anchor will generally be determined by the type of material and geometry of the pivot point. With conventional systems, the connecting member is attached at the pivot point, and thus the connection feature is formed at the pivot point. Such features can reduce anchor strength, since they are formed at the weakest point, unless the anchor is appropriately sized up. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Therefore, a need has arisen for a ground anchor that is relatively stronger for its size than conventional anchors, thus allowing for easier driving of the anchor into the ground. In particular, a need has arisen for a ground anchor that can be driven into narrower holes, since narrower holes can be drilled into the ground more quickly and at less cost than wider holes. 
   One aspect of the present invention includes a ground anchor which substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with conventional ground anchors. In particular, an anchor is provided for anchoring a structure to the ground. The anchor may be coupled to the structure through a connecting member. The anchor includes an anchor shank having a first end and a second end. The first end provides a driving surface for the anchor. A connection feature may be positioned proximate the first end that is remote from the driving surface and offset from a central axis of the anchor shank. The connection feature typically couples the connecting member to the anchor shank. A pivot slot having a lock feature may be positioned proximate the second end and offset from the central axis of the anchor shank in the same direction as the connection feature. The pivot slot may be disposed substantially in-line with the connection feature. The anchor may also include an anchor body pivotally connected to the anchor shank at the pivot slot. The anchor body preferably includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the anchor body may be formed with an angled portion that extends away from the central axis of the anchor shank in the same direction as the offset of the connection feature. The angled portion preferably engage the ground when the anchor is set. A pivot pin may be disposed intermediate the first end and the second end. The pivot pin is preferably formed to couple with the lock feature of the pivot slot at a predetermined position when the anchor body is pivoted relative to the anchor shank. The anchor may include a pre-set state in which the anchor body may be pivoted in the pivot slot to be parallel with the anchor shank, such that the first end of the anchor body extends towards the first end of the anchor shank and is substantially in-line with the connection feature and the pivot slot. The anchor may include a set state in which the anchor body is pivoted in the pivot slot to no longer be parallel with the anchor shank, wherein the pivot pin couples to the lock feature of the pivot slot. 
   In another embodiment, a method of inserting a ground anchor into the ground includes depositing the anchor beneath a ground surface. The method further includes applying a pulling operation to an anchor shank, such that an anchor body pivots about the anchor shank to allow a pivot pin on the anchor shank to engage a lock feature on the anchor body. Upon pivoting the anchor body to a pre-determined position, the method automatically interlocks the pivot member on the anchor body to the locking feature on the anchor shank. 
   In a further embodiment, a hollow passage may be formed in the anchor for coupling with a fluid (e.g., water) supply to allow jetting operations for easier insertion into the ground. 
   Important technical advantages of the present invention include an anchor shank which may be used to lock the anchor body into a substantially perpendicular position in relation to the anchor shank. The locking feature allows the anchor to maintain a large surface area against the ground to prevent undesired removal of the anchor. In addition, the lock feature on the anchor may prevent the anchor body from over-rotating with respect to the anchor body, which may cause the anchor body to align substantially parallel with the anchor shank. 
   Another important technical advantage of the present invention includes a reduced anchor profile for driving the anchor into the ground. Because the anchor body is placed substantially parallel to the anchor shank when the ground anchor is being driven into the ground, the ground anchor may be inserted into a narrow hole. Thus, the ground anchor may be less costly to use over conventional anchors. 
   A further important technical advantage of the present invention includes one or more fluid flow paths to direct the passage of fluids for jetting operations associated with easier insertion into the ground. 
   All, some, or none of these technical advantages may be present in various embodiments of the present invention. Other technical advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing showing a perspective view of a ground anchor according to the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a ground anchor according to the teachings of the present invention in a first position before the anchor is set; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing showing a front view of a ground anchor according to the teachings of the present invention before the anchor is set; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a ground anchor according to the teachings of the present invention in a second position after the anchor is set; and 
       FIG. 5  is a method of inserting a ground anchor into the ground according to the teachings of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5  of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of ground anchor  10  according to the teachings of the present invention. Ground anchor  10  of the present invention may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cast iron, stainless steel, or any combination of suitable materials or alloys. As shown in  FIG. 1 , ground anchor  10  of the present invention includes an anchor shank  15  pivotally connected to an anchor body  12  at pivot location  14 . Anchor body  12  includes end  16 . End  16  initiates, upon pulling of ground anchor  10  after it has been inserted in the ground, the pivoting of anchor body  12 . In particular, ends  16  engages with the ground upon the pulling operation, resulting in the pivotal action. 
   Also shown in  FIG. 1  is padeye  18  formed on anchor shank  15  remote from pivot point  14 . Padeye  18  provides a connection feature for coupling a connecting member chain  19  (as illustrated in the FIGURES) to ground anchor  10 . The connecting member is used to connect ground anchor  10  to the structure to be anchored. It should be understood that any type of connecting member, such as a rod, cable, rope, chain  19 , or any other suitable connection member, can be used for connecting ground anchor  10  of the present invention with a structure (not expressly shown) to be anchored. Thus, the padeye  18  shown in  FIG. 1  is exemplary only, and other types of connection features, such as screw fittings for threaded connecting rods, or any other type of connection fitting, can be used without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. It is important only that the connection feature be remote from the pivot point  14 . 
   By providing a connection point that is remote from the pivot point  14 , the present invention provides a significant advantage over conventional systems. In particular, the bulk of material required to form the connection feature (such as padeye  18 ) is placed remote from the pivot point  14 , and therefore the cross section of ground anchor  10  of the present invention (for purposes of insertion) is greatly reduced over that of conventional systems. This advantage results because the pivot point of a typical ground anchor has a significant cross section in and of itself, and thus placing the connection point at the pivot point, as in conventional systems, presents an even larger cross section. With the present invention, the cross section attributable to the connection feature is placed “in line” with that of the pivot point, and is thus not added to that of the pivot point. Therefore, ground anchor  10  of the present invention can be inserted into the ground more easily, and in particular into holes of smaller diameters, than many conventional systems. The ability to be inserted into holes of smaller diameters provides a significant advantage, since smaller holes can be drilled for less cost and more quickly than wider holes. For example, in one embodiment, ground anchor  10  may be inserted into a hole with a diameter of approximately three-inches. The present invention provides cross sectional reductions over anchors of comparable strength on the order of fifty percent or more. 
     FIGS. 2–4  illustrate particular views of ground anchor  10  according to the teachings of the present invention.  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate ground anchor  10  in a first position before it has been set, while  FIG. 4  illustrates ground anchor  10  in a second position after it has been set. As shown in these FIGUREs, the anchor shank  15  includes adapter  20  for use in coupling an applicator, or insertion device (not expressly shown), to the anchor shank  15 , for use in driving ground anchor  10  into the ground. Adapter  20  may be any fitting, socket, or other adapter satisfactory to receive a driving device, such as a jackhammer. For some applications, adapter  20  may be a threaded fitting. In addition, the connection feature may be positioned proximate adapter  20  that is remote from the driving surface or leading end  22  and offset from central axis  21  of anchor shank  15 . 
   As shown in the FIGUREs, anchor body  12  includes a leading end  22 , which joins anchor body members  12   a  and  12   b . Leading end  22  may be beveled, pointed, or angled to accommodate insertion into the ground. Anchor body  12  also includes a pivot pin  24  for providing the pivotal connection with anchor shank  15 . Pivot pin  24  may be formed integrally with or separate from anchor body  12 . Leading end  22  includes anchor body shoulder  26 . Anchor body shoulder  26  may engage with recessed driving shoulder  30  of anchor shank  15 . Recessed driving shoulder  30  allows the anchor body  12  to “lock” into anchor shank  15  during insertion of ground anchor  10  into the ground, thereby avoiding premature pivoting of the anchor body  12  about anchor shank  15 . Anchor shank  15  and slot cap  40  preferably extend beyond recessed driving shoulder  30 . 
   Because of recessed driving shoulder  30  discussed above, the pivotal connection formed between anchor shank  15  and anchor body  12  of the present invention provides an important technical advantage. In particular, during insertion or driving of ground anchor  10  into the ground, anchor body  12  “locks” into anchor shank  15 , thus avoiding premature setting of the anchor, see  FIG. 2 . However, it should be understood that this feature need not be included. Furthermore, other locking mechanisms may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   Pivot pin  24  of anchor body  12  may pivot within pivot slot  34  of anchor shank  15 . When ground anchor  10  moves from its first position to its second position. Pivot slot  34  is in part defined by first shoulder  36 , second shoulder  38  and slot cap  40 . Pivot slot  34  in part includes a lock feature  27 . Typically, lock feature  27  may be formed as a part of first shoulder  36 , second shoulder  38  or slot cap  40  and may cause anchor body  12  to maintain a predetermined position in relation to anchor shank  15 . Lock feature  27  may include a variety of locking devices, such as an interlocking parts, or any suitable device to prevent the rotation of anchor body  12  about anchor shank  15 . 
   In one example embodiment, lock feature  27  includes a recessed portion (e.g., a notch) that is able to receive and “lock” pivot pin  24  into a fixed position. Generally, the rotation or pivoting of anchor body  12  about anchor shank  15  causes pivot pin  24  to couple with lock feature  27 . By varying the shape of pivot pin  24  as formed on anchor body  12 , anchor body  12  may rotate and “lock” via the locking feature  27  at a predetermined position in relation to anchor shank  15 . For example, anchor body  12  may pivot about anchor shank  15  until reaching a predetermined position, and at such point, anchor body  12  locks into the predetermined position, such as a substantially perpendicular position (about a ninety degree angle) in relation to anchor shank  15 . 
   Furthermore, other types of pivotal connections between the anchor shank  15  and anchor body  12  may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, anchor shank  15  could be forked, with anchor body  12  pivoting between the forks of anchor shank  15 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , anchor body members  12   a  and  12   b  are angled at ends  16 . These ends may be beveled, or in alternate embodiments, the ends need not be beveled (not expressly shown). By beveling each end  16 , the ground anchor of the present invention can be more quickly set upon the pulling action. Anchor body members  12   a  and  12   b  may also be joined at or near each end  16  with end connection member  33  to increase strength. Each end  16  may also be beveled to improve ground-engagement. Moreover, the shape or thickness of each end  16  may be varied to embodiments other than those expressly shown. 
   In some embodiments, angled shoulder  60  is provided on anchor shank  15 . With this embodiment, anchor body members  12   a  and  12   b  may be joined near end  16  with reinforcement block  32 . Angled shoulder  60  facilitates pivoting of anchor body  12  because it is angled in the direction end  16  pivots. In particular, when the end  16  engages with the ground during setting of the anchor, the angled shoulder  60  contacts a portion of reinforcement block  32  and directs anchor body  12  in the pivoting direction. 
   In some embodiments, anchor body  12  may be reinforced in a manner, which enhances its strength without increasing its clearance requirements. This is accomplished by attaching reinforcement block  32  across anchor body members  12   a  and  12   b  on the same side that the prongs of ends  16  extend away from the planar surface. Reinforcement block  32  may engage angled shoulder  60 . Additional reinforcement may be achieved by attaching other reinforcing blocks (not expressly shown) on the face anchor body  12  opposite reinforcing block  32  that lie along the sides of anchor body  12  perpendicular with and adjacent to pivot pin  24 . When ground anchor  10  is in the set state, reinforcement is supplied proximate the center of anchor body  12 , thus reducing the risk of buckling. 
   When the anchor body  12  is positioned in the preset state, it is essentially parallel with the anchor shank  15 . Once ground anchor  10  has been driven into the ground to the desired depth, tension is applied to the connection member or chain, which causes anchor shank  15  to be pulled upward. This upward movement causes ends  16  of anchor body  12  to engage the ground and force the anchor body  12  to pivot about pivot pin  24 . In one embodiment, this pivoting action may be initiated or encouraged when angled shoulder  60  encounters reinforcing block  32  as the anchor shank  15  is pulled upward. Angled shoulder  60  forces anchor body  12  to rotate such that ends  16  are forced outward from central axis  21  of ground anchor  10 , thus encouraging engagement with the ground and transition from the pre-set state to the set state. 
   An added improvement may include reduced cost and complexity of manufacturing ground anchor  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, anchor shank  15 , anchor body  12 , end connection member  33 , and reinforcing block  32 , may be cut from a sheet of metal or from flat metal pieces. For example, reinforcing block  32  may be formed from flat metal and attached to anchor body  12  by welding or another attachment process. The metal sheet or pieces may be scrap iron, stainless steel, or any other similar metal, and the metal sheet or pieces may vary in thickness. In one embodiment, sheet metal of one-inch thickness is used. 
     FIG. 5  is a method of inserting ground anchor  10  into the ground. At step  50 , the method embeds or deposits ground anchor  10  beneath the ground. Typically, ground anchor  10  may be inserted into a pre-drilled hole. However, in some embodiments, no pre-drilled hole is needed. As such, an applicator tool (not expressly shown) may be coupled to anchor shank  15 , for example at adapter  20 . This applicator tool may attach to adapter  20  for receiving a driving tool, such as a jackhammer. 
   In operation, a hole is drilled, and applicator tool is coupled to anchor shank  15 . Also, the connecting member for connecting ground anchor  10  to the structure to be anchored is coupled to the anchor shank  15 . In one particular example, this connecting member may be chain  19  connected to padeye  18 , with shackle  19   a.  The driving instrument, such as a jackhammer, is coupled to the applicator tool and used to drive ground anchor  10  into the pre-drilled hole. 
   Once ground anchor  10  is inserted to the desired depth, the applicator tool is disengaged from adapter  20 , such as by unscrewing or unpinning it. Ground anchor  10  is then “set” by pulling on the connecting member. As discussed above, this pulling operation results in ends  16  of anchor body  12  engaging with the ground, thus resulting in the pivoting of anchor body  12  to a second, transverse position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), at step  52 . 
   The use of applicator tool allows for ground anchor  10  to be inserted to a greater depth than if the drive instrument were coupled directly to ground anchor  10 . However, it should be understood that the applicator tool is not necessary, and the drive instrument can be coupled directly to the anchor shank  15  via adapter  20 . 
   As anchor body  12  rotates or pivots about anchor shank  15 , anchor body  12  reaches a predetermined angle or predetermined position in relation to anchor shank  15 . Upon reaching the predetermined position, locking feature  27  automatically engages anchor body  12 , at step  54 . In one particular example embodiment, pivot pin  24  on anchor body  12  is formed to interlock with locking feature  27  on anchor shank  15  upon reaching the predetermined position. Typically, the predetermined position relates to an angle or relative position of anchor body  12  in relation to anchor shank  15 . For example, a predetermined position may include a substantially perpendicular position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , in certain embodiments, anchor shank  15  includes a hollow passage  72  and may further include nozzle  70  to facilitate jetting operations. By “hollow” it is meant that the piece has a channel or other void allowing for the flow of a fluid. A supply of water or air (or other fluid), fluid supply  74 , may be coupled to adapter  20  to supply a fluid through the anchor shank  15  and end  16 . Fluid supply  74  can be supplied through a hose or hollow driving tool, or other possible supply couplings. This process assists in clearing a passage through the ground for insertion of ground anchor  10 . This jetting capability simplifies anchor insertion in many soil conditions that have previously presented significant difficulties, such as sand, clay, and mud. Indeed, the jetting advantage can be implemented without an anchor shank, for example with certain conventional anchor systems. To take advantage of the present invention&#39;s jetting capability to improve conventional anchors, the conventional anchor pieces can be hollowed and adapted to couple with a water or air supply. For example, a driving tool use an anchor with hollow passage  72  to allow a fluid to pass through the driving tool and hollowed anchor piece. Alternatively, fluid supply  74  can be coupled directly to the hollow anchor piece, for example with a hose, and the anchor can then be driven with the connecting member. 
   The ability to supply fluids for jetting operations avoids the need in many cases for machinery needed for driving, such as hydraulic or pneumatic hammers, and the associated hydraulic or pneumatic systems. 
   The particular shape of various members of the present invention may be changed without departing from the intended scope. For example, anchor shank  15  and other members may have a round, square, polygon, elliptical, or other shaped cross section. 
   Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, or alterations can be made without departing from the intended scope as defined by the appended claims.