Abstract Apparatus for installing a splint adjacent a vertically standing power pole or the like including a boom and driving mechanism for lifting the metallic splint and placing it in proper position and then driving same to the proper depth. The driving mechanism is self contained and need only be supported in driving position and provided with a source of momentum to drive the splint. The driving mechanism includes a hammer or anvil having a depending tongue which serves to support the splint during movement of the splint from the supply to the position adjacent the pole. The tongue also serves as a guide for the hammering means assuring proper driving contact with the splint during the driving process. The driving mechanism will be supported at the outboard end of the boom which may be held in a relatively rigid position by an adjustable deadleg which is pivotally secured to the outboard end of the boom or alternatively may be held rigid by securement to the pole.
The method of installing pole splints comprising the steps: providing a splint driving mechanism movable between supply and driving locations, engaging the splint at the supply location by securing the splint to the driving mechanism, moving the driving mechanism with splint attached to the driving location, unsecuring the splint from the driving means at the driving location, and driving the splint into the ground with the driving mechanism.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
68 words
The method of installing pole splints comprising the steps: providing a splint driving mechanism movable between supply and driving locations, engaging the splint at the supply location by securing the splint to the driving mechanism, moving the driving mechanism with splint attached to the driving location, unsecuring the splint from the driving means at the driving location, and driving the splint into the ground with the driving mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 1, said splint having a hollow interior, said driving mechanism having an elongated tongue, said step of engaging the splint including inserting the tongue into the splint interior and latching the tongue to the splint, said step of unsecuring the splint from the driving mechanism including unlatching the tongue and splint but maintaining the tongue within the splint for guidance while driving.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 1, said splints lying generally horizontally at said supply location, said step of engaging the splint at the supply location including supporting the splint driving mechanism in a generally horizontal and balanced condition to easily position the driving mechanism into engagement with a splint at the supply location and subsequently supporting the splint driving mechanism and attached splint generally vertically at the driving location.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 2, said splints lying generally horizontally at said supply location, said step of engaging the splint at the supply location including supporting the splint driving mechanism in a generally horizontal and balanced condition to easily position the driving mechanism into engagement with a splint at the supply location and subsequently supporting the splint driving mechanism and attached splint generally vertically at the driving location.