AU2015202621A1 - Peg Driver and Method of Use - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of hand tools, particularly mechanical hand tools, such as a device for driving pegs into ground. There is disclosed a device for hammering pegs that comprises a helical slot for retaining a peg, hindering it from sliding out of the guide tube, and imparting rotational force as the hammer applies longitudinal force to drive the peg into the ground. Other embodiments of the present invention provide prongs between the guide tube and the ground to assist with location of the peg and the guide tube. 13a 13b 15a 15 b Figure 1

Description

P/00/01 1 Regulation 3.2(2) AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No. Lodged: Invention Title: Peg Driver and Method of Use The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to: 2 PEG DRIVER AND METHOD OF USE FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of hand tools, particularly mechanical hand tools. [0002] In one form, the invention relates to a device for driving pegs into ground. [0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use for driving tent pegs into the ground. [0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to tent pegs for temporary structures such as tents, gazeebos and marquees, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and is suitable for a wide variety of applications. BACKGROUND ART [0005] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. [0006] Pegs are regularly driven into the ground for a wide range of purposes. For example, they may be used at campsites to secure guy ropes of tents, at carnivals to secure various parts of marquees, and at construction sites to act as markers or to hold formwork in place prior to concreting.

3 [0007] Locating and driving pegs can be very labour intensive. Typically, large pegs are driven into the ground using sledge hammers, while smaller pegs are driven using weighted mallets. An operator may need to do a significant amount of bending, squatting or kneeling while locating and driving a peg. In addition there is always the risk of impact injury when using a hammer. This can raise occupational health issues on jobsites where a large number of pegs must be located and driven. [0008] A large number of devices have been developed in an effort to provide more ergonomic means for locating and driving pegs. For example US patent application 20080257113 and International application WO 2009079698 describe peg drivers that include a guide and hammer that allow an operator to remain standing upright while they hammer the stake into the ground. However, the peg is independent of the device. The operator must still bend over, squat or kneel to manually locate an end of the peg at the desired ground surface position before the device can be used to drive it into the ground. [0009] The devices of GB 2505525 and AU 16139/88 attempt to overcome this problem by including a T-shaped handle having a hook or working face for attachment to the upper end of the peg. The handle can then be used to lift and locate the lower end of the peg onto the ground surface before force is applied to the handle to push or twist the peg into the ground. US patent application 2006/0241647 describes a simple device comprising slide hammer moveable within a tube body to drive a pointed inserting rod into the ground. [0010] Other, much more complicated mechanical driving devices are described for example in US 5699864 which teaches the use of a slidably mounted hammer for driving an elongated stake into the ground to act as a boat anchor post, and US 4261424 which describes a tool for attachment to a stake, the tool having an elongate tubular member supporting a reciprocating member used to impart a striking force to drive the stake. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic method for locating and driving a peg into the ground.

4 [0012] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art. [0013] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems. [0014] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a device for hammering pegs comprising; - an elongate cylindrical guide tube having a first end and a second end, the guide tube including a helical slot along at least part of the second end, the guide tube being adapted to slidably receive an elongate slide hammer having a first end and a second end, wherein the guide tube is adapted to slidably receive a peg with at least part of the peg extending into the helical slot, with the second end of the elongate slide hammer located adjacent an end of the peg. [0015] The helical slot is a 3D curve that turns around the longitudinal axis of the tube at a constant distance from the longitudinal axis. The pitch (the width of one complete helix turn measured parallel to the longitudinal axis) is less than the length of the peg. The slot retains, rotates and guides the tent peg as it is driven into the ground. Preferably, where the slot reaches the second end of the guide tube, the slot and/or the guide tube are slightly widened to facilitate exit of the peg from the guide tube. [0016] The elongate slide hammer can be axially moved in the guide tube to impart an urging force or percussive force to the end of the peg. In a preferred embodiment the elongate slide hammer comprises a steel reinforcing bar (of the type used to reinforce concrete) and may be weighted to increase the force imparted. The first end of the slide hammer preferably includes a handle grip for the convenience of the operator. [0017] In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a device for hammering pegs comprising: 5 - an elongate cylindrical guide tube having a first end and a second end, the second end including two or more prongs for contacting a ground surface, the guide tube being adapted to slidably receive an elongate slide hammer having a first end and a second end adapted to slide freely in said guide tube, wherein the guide tube is adapted to slidably receive a peg, the second end of the elongate slide hammer being locatable adjacent an end of the peg. [0018] The guide tube may also include features that facilitate retention of the pegs in the guide tube and driving of the pegs straight into the ground without bending. For example a retention device such as a clip, spring or magnet associated with the guide tube may be used to retain the peg in the guide tube until such time as it is driven out of the guide tube by the slide hammer. [0019] The peg may be made of any material or any composite of materials. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment the peg is ferrous metal and a magnet is located adjacent the second end of the guide tube to retain the peg until the magnetic force is overcome by the force applied by the slide hammer. This provides two main benefits. Firstly, the peg is held in position for the purpose of moving, lifting or aiming the peg accurately (for example, during placement into the small brass rings located on tent walls or tarpaulins etc). Secondly, the magnet holds the peg in position until the peg starts to break the ground surface which helps to ensure that the peg is driven straight. This helps to prevent bending of pegs and minimizes effort as the force is applied in a straight line through the slide hammer and peg. [0020] The two or more prongs hold the cylindrical guide tube off the ground surface, creating a gap so that the operator can see where the peg is going to enter the ground. It also allows the operator to 'aim' the peg at the ground. The prongs can also act to stabilise the guide tube on the ground. It will be appreciated that three, four or more prongs may be suitable for use with the device of the present invention, and a wide range of conformation may be used.

6 [0021] Preferably the prongs are 'L' shaped, having a first, shoulder portion projecting outward from the second part of the guide tube, and an integral second portion projecting parallel to the axis of the guide tube. The tip of the second portion may be configured to pierce the ground, which is particularly useful for stabilising the guide tube. The projecting first portion, which is preferably perpendicular, resists the prongs piercing the ground too deeply, particularly when the ground is soft or wet. The prongs may also be useful for levering the peg out of the ground. [0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, there is provided a device for hammering pegs comprising; - an elongate cylindrical guide tube having a first end and a second end including two or more prongs for contacting a ground surface, and adapted to slidably receive an elongate slide hammer having a first end and a second end, the guide tube including a helical slot along at least part of the second end, wherein the guide tube is adapted to slidably receive a peg with at least part of the peg extending into the helical slot, the second end of the elongate slide hammer locatable adjacent an end of the peg. [0023] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of using the device of the present invention including the steps of; - inserting the slide hammer into the guide tube, - inserting a peg in the guide tube such that at least part of the peg can be received in the helical slot, - positioning the second end of the guide tube adjacent a ground surface, - sliding the slide hammer in the guide tube such that it imparts force to a first end of the peg such that the part of the peg extending into the helical 7 slot is guided therealong, and the second end of the peg is driven into the ground surface. [0024] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. [0025] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that a helical slot is advantageous for retaining a peg, hindering it from sliding out of the guide tube, and imparts rotational force as the hammer applies longitudinal force to drive the peg into the ground. Other embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that provision of prongs between the guide tube and the ground can assist with location of the peg and the guide tube. [0026] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: * simple operation, * low maintenance and simple to manufacture, * minimal moving parts, * imparts driving force along the length of the peg simultaneously with rotational force for more efficient insertion in the ground, * prongs facilitate positioning of the device, and can be used to remove pegs inserted in the ground. [0027] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

8 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: Figure 1 illustrates a device comprising a guide tube and slide hammer according to the present invention with a tent peg of the type suitable for use with the device; Figure 2 illustrates one end of the guide tube of Figure 1; and Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of the end of the guide tube depicted in Figure 2 viewed in the direction of AA' with the slide hammer and tent peg in place. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0029] List of parts: 1 tent peg 9 handle grip 3 slide hammer 11 guide tube grip 5 guide tube 13 slot 6 tent peg head 15 prongs 7 tent peg collar 17 ground 19 magnet [0030] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device of the present invention comprising a slide hammer (3) and guide tube (5) that is adapted for use with a metal tent peg (1). This type of tent peg (1) includes a tubular rubber collar (7) and an upper end bent into a hook shape (6). [0031] In this embodiment the slide hammer (3) comprises a steel reinforcing bar with a handle grip (9) at the first end. The guide tube (5) comprises an elongate cylindrical 9 metal tube with a rubber grip (11) located at a first end. A slot (13) runs along much of the length of the guide tube (5), the slot (13) being straight (13a) at the first end of the guide tube (5) and helical (13b) at the second end of the guide tube (5). [0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 depict the second end of the guide tube (5) in greater detail and from two different angles. The second end of the guide tube (5) terminates in two prongs (15a, 15b). [0033] In use, the tent peg (1) is received to the guide tube (5) by passing it through the straight (1 3a) part of the slot (13). The body of the peg (1) and the guide tube (5) are substantially co-axial, the rubber collar 7 assisting to keep the peg in position. The hook shaped head (6) of the peg (1) extends into the slot (13). [0034] The second end of the elongate slide hammer (3) can be located into the guide tube (5) before or after the tent peg (1) is located in the guide tube (5). The slide hammer (3) can then be slid along the guide tube (5) until the second end of the slide hammer (3) abuts the first end of the peg (1). [0035] The peg (1) can slide under its own weight, or be pushed by the slide hammer (3) along the guide tube (5). The slot (13) retains and guides the head of the peg (6). The helical conformation of the slot (1 3b) also causes it to rotate. The pitch (the width of one complete helix turn measured parallel to the longitudinal axis) is less than the length of the peg (1) to prevent it falling out of the slot in the guide tube (5). The second end of the guide tube (5) includes a magnet (19) to catch and restrain the tent peg (1) from inadvertently falling out of the guide tube (5) when the peg (1) reaches the ground. The magnetic force retains the peg (1) until such time as force imparted by the slide hammer (3) exceeds the magnetic attraction and drives the tent peg (1) out of the guide tube (5). [0036] The second end of the guide tube (5) includes two prongs (15a, 15b) for contacting the ground (17). It will readily be appreciated that three or more prongs would also be suitable for use with the present invention and a wide variety of configurations of the prongs would also be suitable.

10 [0037] In this embodiment the prongs (15a, 15b) are 'L' shaped, having a first, shoulder portion projecting outward from the guide tube (5), and an integral second portion projecting parallel to the axis of the guide tube (5) for contacting the ground. The tip of the second portion of the prongs (1 5a,1 5b) may be configured to pierce the ground, which is particularly useful for stabilising the guide tube (5). The projecting first portion resists the prongs (1 5a,1 5b) piercing the ground too deeply, particularly when the ground is soft or wet. [0038] Figure 3 illustrates how the prongs (15a, 15b) can be located at a desired location, holding the second end of the guide tube (5) off the ground surface, creating a gap so that the operator can see where the tent peg (1) is going to enter the ground. This also allows the operator to 'aim' the tent peg (1) at the ground or adjust its position before hammering it into the ground. [0039] The elongate slide hammer (3) can be axially moved in the guide tube (5) to push the tent peg (1) or impart percussive force to the end of the tent peg (1) and hammer it into the ground. At the second end of the guide tube (5) the tent peg (1) rotates by virtue of the configuration of the helical slot (13b), imparting a twisting action on the peg (1) which further assists its ground penetration. [0040] Eventually, the tent peg (1) is fully released from the guide tube (5) when the tent peg head (6) passes through the end of the slot (13c). The end of the slot (13c) and/or the second end of the guide tube (5) may be slightly widened to facilitate exit of the tent peg (1) from the device. [0041] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

11 [0042] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. [0043] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. [0044] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims (6)

1. A device for hammering pegs comprising; - an elongate cylindrical guide tube having a first end and a second end, the guide tube including a helical slot along at least part of the second end, the guide tube being adapted to slidably receive an elongate slide hammer having a first end and a second end, wherein the guide tube is adapted to slidably receive a peg with at least part of the peg extending into the helical slot, with the second end of the elongate slide hammer located adjacent an end of the peg.

2. A device for hammering pegs comprising; - an elongate cylindrical guide tube having a first end and a second end, the second end including two or more prongs for contacting a ground surface, the guide tube being adapted to slidably receive an elongate slide hammer having a first end and a second end adapted to slide freely in said guide tube, wherein the guide tube is adapted to slidably receive a peg, the second end of the elongate slide hammer being locatable adjacent an end of the peg.

3. A device for hammering pegs according to claim 1 wherein the second end of the elongate cylindrical guide tube includes two or more prongs for contacting a ground surface.

4. A device for hammering pegs according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a peg retaining means is associated with the guide tube.

5. A device for hammering pegs according to claim 1 or claim 2 which further includes the slide hammer. 13

6. A method of using the device of claim 1, the method including the steps of: - inserting the slide hammer into the guide tube, - inserting a peg in the guide tube such that at least part of the peg can be received in the helical slot, - positioning the second end of the guide tube adjacent a ground surface, - sliding the slide hammer in the guide tube such that it imparts force to a first end of the peg such that the part of the peg extending into the helical slot is guided therealong, and the second end of the peg is driven into the ground surface.