AU2018100873A4

AU2018100873A4 - Ground screw connector

Info

Publication number: AU2018100873A4
Application number: AU2018100873A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dean Franklin; Tony PERRAM
Original assignee: NEPEAN CONVEYORS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: NEPEAN CONVEYORS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-26
Filing date: 2018-06-26
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-26

Abstract

H:\kxd\Interwoon\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\I7048664_.dox-26/06/201l8 - 11 Abstract A connector is disclosed for mounting a relocatable structure on a ground engaging device. The connector includes a first component configured for connection to the ground engaging device and a second component configured for connection to the relocatable structure. The first and second components are connected to one another by a joint that permits angular adjustment between the first and second mounting components. The joint comprises a plate held between two convex surfaces. In one form, the second component comprises a twist lock configured for connecting to a casting of the relocatable structure. [Figure 3] Figure 3

Description

GROUND SCREW CONNECTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to mounting methods and devices for use with relocatable structures.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Relocatable structures are well known in many fields, particularly construction and mining. Examples of relocatable structures include portable buildings, sheltered walkways, processing plant and equipment, and a wide variety of other temporary equipment or shelter.

[0003] One specific example of a relocatable structure is the relocatable conveyor as described in international patent publication no. WO 2018/085891. This structure has a “drop down” support leg feature which facilitates quick installation of the conveyor and allows it to be easily relocatable. Small plates with protrusions from a lower surface, sometimes known as stakers, are used to resist lateral movement. However, these are not rated to prevent uplift, despite preventing being a key consideration in cyclonic regions or high wind zones.

[0004] Drop down legs are also unable to be preinstalled on site whilst the conveyor is being fabricated and thus increase installation times with associated costs and safety implications. An alternative method of support is therefore desired to overcome these problems that can anchor the conveyor modules to the ground whilst still offering suitable installation times and enable relocation.

[0005] More generally, overland conveyor systems and many other structures are typically supported on concrete footings or sleepers. These arrangements offer a positive connection to resist movement but are not relocatable and have high install costs. The relocatable conveyor concept described above is designed with drop down support legs and stakers, but requires additional anchoring if used in high wind areas. This may be in the form of support cables and/or ground anchors, for example. These can be expensive, time consuming to install and impede access to the conveyor during operations.

[0006] Overland conveyor concrete footings are often used because they provide a robust connection to the ground, they are a conventional technology and widely used in civil engineering, in some cases they may be cheaper for initial use, and they are suitable for a wide range of geology and ground surfaces. However, these concrete footings or sleepers have very high installation cost, lengthy installation time, are unable to be reused, cause difficulty in remediating the site after use, are not suited to high wind in the case of the drop down leg approach, and have poor health, safety and environmental outcomes due to increased site exposure times.

[0007] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to one example aspect, there is provided a connector for mounting a relocatable structure on a ground engaging device, the connector including: a first component configured for connection to the ground engaging device; and a second component configured for connection to the relocatable structure; wherein the first and second components are connected to one another by a joint that includes a plate held between two convex surfaces and the joint permits angular adjustment between the first and second mounting components.

[0009] In one form, the plate is part of the second component, a first of the convex surfaces is fixed to the first component and a second of the convex surfaces is in the form of a washer fitted to a threaded shaft, such that a nut can be used to force the second convex surface toward the first convex surface, thereby sandwiching the plate between the convex surfaces.

[0010] In another form, the first component includes a base plate with slots and the ground engaging device includes a mounting plate with slots, so that fasteners can be inserted through the slots of the base plate and the mounting plate to fix them to one another, wherein the slots of the base plate are arranged normal to the slots of the mounting plate to permit adjustment of the position of the first component in multiple directions within a plane of the base plate. Preferably, the position of the base plate in a direction normal to the plane of the base plate can be adjusted.

[0011] In other particular, but non-limiting, example forms, the second component includes a twist lock configured for connecting to a casting of the relocatable structure. In one form, the relocatable structure is in the form of an intermodal freight container or is configured to be transportable as an intermodal freight container.

[0012] In another form, the second component includes holes through which pins can be inserted, the pins when in the holes being located so that the second component can be mounted to the relocatable structure in one of a plurality of locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0013] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but nonlimiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: [0014] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a typical ground screw; [0015] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a ground screw connector mated with a ground screw, where the ground screw connector is according to an embodiment of the invention that allows connection to a comer casting; [0016] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the ground screw connector from Figure 2; [0017] Figure 4 illustrates a cross sectional front view of the ground screw connector from Figure 2; [0018] Figure 5 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a portion of the ground screw connector from Figure 2; [0019] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of a ground screw connector mated with a ground screw, where the ground screw connector is according to another embodiment of the invention that includes a pin coupling; [0020] Figure 7 illustrates a lower isometric view of part of the ground screw connector from Figure 6, where the connector is fitted to a relocatable structure; and [0021] Figure 8 illustrates a lower isometric view of a relocatable structure, showing the possible different locations that ground screw connectors can be fitted, where part of a ground screw connector is fitted in an alternate location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0023] In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, an example of a ground engaging device, or ground screw 10, that can be used with the present invention is shown. The ground screw 10 includes an elongate body 12 that is tapered at a lower end and includes one or more threads 13. At an upper end of the ground screw 10 is a mounting plate 15 that has a number of circular holes 16, a first pair of slots 17, and a second pair of slots 18 that are arranged to be facing in a direction normal to the first pair 17.

[0025] The ground screw 10 is inserted into a substrate surface by rotating the screw 10 while pushing towards the substrate surface, the threads 13 helping to force the ground screw 10 into the substrate. The holes 16 allow the ground screw 10 to be securely gripped by known installation machinery.

[0026] Referring to Figure 2, a ground screw connector 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The connector 20 is designed for mounting a relocatable structure to the ground screw 10. The connector 20 includes a first component or lower portion 21 that has a base plate 22 for connection to the ground screw 10. The connector also has a second component or upper portion 23 for connection to the relocatable structure.

[0027] The base plate 22 has slots 25 that allow fasteners 26 to be inserted through the slots 25 of the base plate 22 and the slots 17, 18 of the mounting plate 15 to fix them to one another. The slots 17, 18 of the mounting plate 15 are arranged so that they face in a direction tangential to a circle with the centre at the centre of the mounting plate 15, or the longitudinal axis of the screw 10. That is, the first pair 17 are parallel to one another and the second pair are parallel to one another. In contrast, the slots 25 of the base plate 22 are arranged so that they align in a radial direction to the axis of the screw 10. Therefore, when the base plate 22 is placed on the mounting plate 15 the slots 25 of the base plate 22 are normal to the corresponding slots 17, 18 of the mounting plate 15. This permits adjustment of the position of the base plate 22 in any direction within a plane of the base plate 22.

[0028] The position of the base plate 22 in a direction normal to the plane of the base plate 22 can also be adjusted by placing one or more shims 28 between the base plate 22 and the mounting plate 15. Preferably, at least 30mm of adjustment is possible, however it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments this may vary. It will also be appreciated that in other alternative embodiments various other layouts of the slots may be possible.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, the ground screw connector 20 is shown in more detail. The lower component 21 and the upper component 23 are connected to one another by a joint 29 that permits angular adjustment between them. This joint 29 includes a plate 30 held between two convex surfaces. Vertical plates 31 support a twist lock fitting 34 that can be used to connect the upper component 23 to a casting of the relocatable structure, which may be in the form of a comer casting as is known for use on intermodal freight containers, for example.

[0030] Referring to Figure 4, a convex surface 36 is fixed to a spacer 37, which in turn is fixed to the base plate 22. A threaded shaft 38 is also fixed to the lower component 21 so that it extends from the convex surface 36. A second convex surface 40 is in the form of a washer. The convex washer 40 is fitted to the threaded shaft 38 and a nut 42 is used to prevent the washer 40 from moving off the shaft 38. The plate 30 of the upper component 23 is held in place between the two convex surfaces 36, 40. The nut 42 is used to force the convex washer 40 toward the first convex surface 36 and thereby sandwich the plate 30 between the convex surfaces 36, 40.

[0031] Referring to Figure 5, the plate 30 has a hole 44 through which the shaft 36 extends. This hole 44 has chamfered edges 45 with which the convex surfaces 36, 40 abut when assembled. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration allows adjustment of the shaft 38 by 15° in any direction, however it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments this value may be different.

[0032] In one method of use of the invention, the relocatable structure can be an intermodal freight container or may be configured to be transportable as an intermodal freight container. Such a structure would therefore have comer castings, allowing the twist lock fitting 34 of the ground screw connector 20 to connect the ground screw 10 to the comer casting.

[0033] In use, desired positions for the relocatable structures are first established and documented following analysis of topography, position requirements and calculations for the area in which the structures are to be installed. Final positions are then communicated to the ground screw installer. Ground screws are then screwed into the ground at designated position and height using installation machinery that provides the required motive force and pressure.

[0034] The ground screw connectors 20 can then be attached, with lateral and longitudinal adjustment being provided by the slots 17, 18, 25. Vertical adjustment is provided by insertion of the shims 28, and angular adjustment is provided by the joint 29. Together these adjustments all allow the structures to be attached in a surveyed position in the event of misalignment of the ground screw 10 during the installation process.

[0035] In the case where the relocatable structure is a conveyor module, such as was described in the background section with reference to international patent publication no. WO 2018/085891, this adjustment also allows alignment of the modules for proper conveyor belt tracking. It also allows the containerised conveyor to negotiate horizontal and vertical curves when fixed to the ground with ground screws.

[0036] An advantage of this process is that ground screw foundations can be installed during the conveyor manufacture process rather than when the conveyor modules are on site, thus minimising total installation time and cost. This also applies for other forms of relocatable structure. Additionally, other advantages include that the ground screws 10 and connectors 20 are relocatable and reusable, using ground screws removes the need for expensive site remediation, and the use of ground screws and connectors minimises the amount of ground preparation work required with resultant decrease in civil costs.

[0037] A further advantage of the invention is that it negates the need for anchoring with support lines for wind. In the preferred embodiment, the ground screw 10 and connector 20 combination provides an appropriately rated connection between the relocatable structure and the bedrock below ground such that uplift generated from strong wind conditions can be countered.

[0038] If during the installation of the ground screws the ground conditions result in the required pull force not being able to be achieved, remedial action can be taken. This may include removing the ground screw, filling the hole with a binding material and reinstalling, or reinstalling the screw in an alternate position. In the event that an alternate position is required, an alternative form of ground screw connector 20 may be used.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the ground screw connector 20 has an upper component where, instead of a twist lock fitting, there is now a pinned connector 50. The side walls 31 are now longer in a vertical direction and front and back plates 52 extend between the side walls 31, with a space 53 left open to provide access to the shaft 38 and allow installation of the convex washer 40 and nut 42.

[0040] Two pins 55 are removably inserted through respective holes 56 in each of the front and back plates 52. The pins 55 are held in place by clips 58, however any other suitable retention device may alternatively be used.

[0041] Referring to Figure 7, the relocatable structure, in this case a conveyor module, is provided with a channel 60 that has a number of holes 61. The channel 60 is sized so that the connector 20 can fit within the channel 60. The pins 55, which extend beyond the front and back plates 52 when installed, can be removed then reinserted when the connector 20 is in position in the channel 60. The pins 55 then extend into the holes 61 on either side of the connector 20 and thereby attach the connector 20 to the conveyor module. By providing sufficient holes 61 in the channel 60, the connector 20 can be attached in one of a plurality of available positions.

[0042] Referring to Figure 8, the channel 60 in the conveyor module is provided to be used as an alternate mounting position in the event that a ground screw 10, which is normally located at a corner casting 64 of the module, is unable to be used in that position due to poor ground conditions. If this type of failure occurs, a ground screw 10 will be placed in the new location at the channel 60 and a connector 20 will be pinned in position during assembly. This allows ground screws to be used with confidence as a backup position is available when ground conditions are variable.

[0043] It is noted that a mature market exists for ground screws. Variations exist in screw type and in mounting options on the head, and it will be appreciated that corresponding changes to the base plate 22 or other components of the ground screw connector 20 may be appropriate and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0044] While the connector 20 will normally be mounted on ground screws 10, it may alternatively be used to support conveyor modules or other relocatable structures on elevated sections. In this case, the connectors 20 will be bolted to a trestle section and still be able to provide a similar level of adjustability that will be needed to ensure alignment of the conveyor module or other structure.

[0045] Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

[0046] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above" and "below" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0047] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A connector for mounting a relocatable structure on a ground engaging device, the connector comprising: a first component configured for connection to the ground engaging device; and a second component configured for connection to the relocatable structure; wherein the first and second components are connected to one another by a joint that comprises a plate held between two convex surfaces and the joint permits angular adjustment between the first and second mounting components.
2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the plate is part of the second component, a first of the convex surfaces is fixed to the first component and a second of the convex surfaces is in the form of a washer fitted to a threaded shaft, such that a nut can be used to force the second convex surface toward the first convex surface, thereby sandwiching the plate between the convex surfaces.
3. The connector according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first component comprises a base plate with slots and the ground engaging device comprises a mounting plate with slots, so that fasteners can be inserted through the slots of the base plate and the mounting plate to fix them to one another, wherein the slots of the base plate are arranged normal to the slots of the mounting plate to permit adjustment of the position of the first component in multiple directions within a plane of the base plate.
4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component comprises a twist lock configured for connecting to a casting of the relocatable structure.
5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component comprises holes through which pins can be inserted, the pins when in the holes being located so that the second component can be mounted to the relocatable structure in one of a plurality of locations.