IE20090433A1 - Improvements in and relating to post drivers - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (90) adapted for use with a post driver (5) comprises means (95) for holding a drivable member and means for moving the means for holding (95) between a first (operational) position and a second (storage) position. The drivable member typically comprises a rock spike (55). A storage device (90) is pivotably mounted to a frame (15) of the post driver (5).

Description

The present invention relates to post drivers, tor example, for driving fence posts or the like into the ground. The present invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to a device, for example, a retrofit device, that can be used to store a drivable member such as a rock spike.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION Post drivers usually consist of a mast that is substantially vertically disposed or disposable, and which guides a falling weight or hammer. The weight is typically lifted by hydraulic power from, for example, a tractor on which the post driver is mounted. A ram, working through a lifting mechanism, may pull a rope or chain over a pulley or sprocket at the top of the mast so as to lift the weight in order that the weight may then be dropped onto a post cap or post. Examples of post drivers are disclosed in GB 2 423 549 B and GB 2 441 071 B both by the present Applicant, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

GB 2 423 549 B discloses a post driver that comprises a frame supported on a plurality of 1egs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be IE 090453 optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; wherein the mast is telescopic; and the post driver comprises a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

GB 2 441 071 B discloses a post driver comprising a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are provided positioning means to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, the pos i t ioning means compr is ing a back shi ft and a side shift; and wherein the legs are independently hydraulically operable, When driving pos ts into ha rd ground or ground tha t contains a high level of stones, rocks or other hard objects, it is preferable to first drive in a drivable member, for example, a metallic drivable member, such as a rock spike or a rotating auger type device, which is then removed to leave a hole. The resultant hole makes it easier to subsequently drive in a post, for example, a wooden or timber post.

In prior art post drivers the rock spike is slidably retained inside a collar. The collar is rotatably mounted co a rail on the mast. A hydraulic ram is also rotatably attached to the mast and connected to the col 1ar so as to allow movement of the collar along, for example, vertically along, the rail. Both the collar and the hydraulic ram are rotatable to move the rock spike ? L '.>> j > - IE 0 9 0 4 3 3 between a position adjacent and to a side of the mast, out of the path of the weight or hammer, and a usable posirion below the weight or hammer such that the post driver is operable to drive the rock spike.

Prior art post drivers suffer from various problems. For example, the rock spike may often be very heavy. This weight may unbalance the post driver, especially when being transported. in addition, the additional weight of the rock spike on the mast may lead to increased strain and wear on the mast, particularly if the mast is movable. Furthermore, there are Health and Safety issues with apparatus or systems that require manual handling a heavy rock spike, in particular, for example, due to the risk of back injury or injury due to mishandling or dropping of the spike, especially in wet conditions , It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems in the art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION One or more objects of the invention are sought to be addressed by the general solution of providing a device adapted for use with a post driver comprising means for holding a drivabie member and means for moving the means for holding between a first position and a second position.

SE Ο 9 0 433 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device such as a storage or retention device, adapted for use with a post driver, the device comprising means for moving a drivable member between a first position and a second position.

The device may comprise means for moving the drivable member alternately between the first and second pos it ions .

The device may comprise a holder or retention means 10 for holding or retaining the drivable member.

The device may comprise means for moving the device from the first position to the second posi tion, and preferably vice versa.

The device may comprise means for moving the holder 15 or retention means from the first position to the second position, and preferably vice versa.

The drivable member may be a ground engaging member, for example, preferably a rock spike or alternatively an auger. The drivable member may be made at least partially and preferably substantially wholly from a metallic material.

The first position may be an operational position of the drivable member, e.g. below a weighted member or hammer of the post driver. The second position may be a storage position of the drivable member.

The first position may be located on a first side of the post driver, for example, a first side of a centre of gravity of the post driver. υ i V) 1 ; ; located on a second. /f»90433 The second position may be another or an opposite side of the post driver, e.g. a second side of a centre of gravity of the post driver. In this way, the distribution of weight around the post driver may be improved when the drivable member is not in use. This is particularly advantageous for transportation of the post driver, for example, on the back of a vehicle such as a tractor.

The post driver may comprise a mast mounted to a frame. The storage device may be mounted to the frame of the post driver, for example, pivotably mounted. In this way less stress may be put on the mast or a mast section of the post driver compared to prior art post drivers.

The first position may be closer to the mast than the second position. The first position may be adjacent to the mast. The second or storage position may located away from or distal the mast, preferably at an opposite end or side of the post driver from the mast. This arrangement may provide improved weight distribution, and may ai low the weight of the drivable member to help counterbalance the weight of the mast and associated apparatus when the drivable member is not being used.

The post driver may further comprise a guide or positioning means, such as a collar, for guiding and/or positioning the drivable member in use. The guide may be adapted to selectively release and/or retain the drivable member. The guide may be formed of at least two separable and/or hinged parts so as to allow easy i user t ion and/or removal· of the drivable member. The »r.> I I-: dev ice may be movable into a position, for example the first, position, wherein the guide may hold, or be placed releasably around the drivabLe member whilst the drivabie member may be optionally held by the holder. The device may be movable into a transfer position wherein the drivabie member is directly transferable between the storage device and the guide. The first position may be a.' the transfer position.

The device may comprise an arm and a pivot means, 1C The device may be adapted to be mounted to the frame of the post driver via the pivot means. The arm and/or holder may be rotatable about the pivot means such that the drivabie member and/or holder may be movable between an operational position and the storage position, for example, the first position and the second position. The arm may be shaped such that in the first posi tion the holder may be positionable or positioned below a weight or hammer suspended from the mast of the post driver. in s uch first posi tion the drivable member may be removed from the holder and held by the collar and vice versa.

The holder may be a hollow tube that may be closed or sealed at one end, for exampie, a lower end.

The holder may be a unitary member.

At least a portion of the holder may form a hinged and/or releasable access section. The hinged and/or releasable access section may allow easy insertion and removal of the drivable member to/from the holder. Preferably, in use, the access section may be disposed towards the top of the holder, which may minimise the ’1= 11 '»11·: 090433 height to which the weight, cap and collar have to be raised in order to allow the drivable member to be inserted into or removed from the holder.

The device may be integral with or attached to a post driver. The storage device may be adapted to be retro-fitted to a post-driver.

According to a second aspect of the present invention is provided a guide for use with a post driver, the guide being adapted to guide a drivable member, the guide being adapted to selectively release and/or retain the. d r ivab 1 e member.

The guide may be a collar. The guide may be adapted to be mountable to or relative to a mast of the post driver. The guide may be mountable to the mast via a rail. The guide may be adapted to be movable in at least one direction. At least one of the movements may be a rotational movement. The guide may be movable between a first position wherein the drivable member is in an operating position and a second position. The operating position may be a position where the drivable member is drivable by the post driver.

The pos t driver may have a storage device. The guide may be formed of at least two separable and/or hinged parts so as to allow easy insertion and/or removal ot? the drivable member. The guide may be adapted to directly transfer the drivable member to/from the storage device of the post driver.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a post driver adapted to drive a 1'; '..Ί ί t K IE 0 904 33 8 drivable member, Che post driver comprising a device according co the first aspect of the present invention for storing or retaining the drivable member.

The drivable member may be a rock spike, for 5 example, a metallic rock spike.

The post driver may farther comprise a guide, such as a collar, for guiding the drivable member according to che second aspect of the present invention. The post driver may be arranged such chat the drivable member may be transferred, for example, directly transferred between the storage device and the guide, and vice versa.

The first position or operational position may be located on a first side of the centre of gravity of the post driver. The second position or storage position may be located on a second side or an opposite side of the centre of gravity of the post driver.

The post driver may comprise a mast mounted to a frame. The storage device may be mounted, for example pivotably mounted, to the frame of the post driver.

The storage device may be mounted, e.g. pivotably mounted to a side shift or back shift of the post driver.

The first position or operational position may be closer to the mast than the second portion or storage position. The first position may be adjacent the mast.

The storage position may be located away from, or distal, the mast - preferably at an opposite end or side of the pose driver from the mast.

The mast may be tiltable and/or telescopic. l-i o w IE 090433 9 The post driver may comprise a post cap. The post cap may be provided with a locator for locating the drivabie member relative to the cap.

The post driver may comprise a frame supported on a 5 plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post co be driven; wherein the mast is telescopic; and 1.0 the post driver comprises a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

The post driver may comprise a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are provided positioning means to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, the positioning means comprising a back shift and a side shift; and wherein the legs are independently hydraulically operable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invent.ion there is provided a method of operac ing a post driver comprising; providing a post driver adapted to drive a drivable member; and using a storage or retaining device according to the first aspect of the present invention to store or retain the drivable member.

The drivabie member may be a rock spike, such as a metallic1 rock spike.

| I pi) .IE 0 9 0 4 3 3 The method may comprise moving the dev i co into a t i rs t pos i t i on, trans ferring a rock spike mounted on fhe post driver to the device, and moving the dev.i ce and thereby the drivable member into a second position.

The first position may be such that the drivable member is in an operational position. The second position may be such that the drivable member is in a storage position.

The method may comprise storing or retaining the drivable member in or by the device, such that, the drivable member is in the second position and moving the device such that the drivable member is moved to the first position.

The first position may be located on a first side of the post driver, for example, the first side of a/the centre of gravity of the post driver, and the storage position may be located on a second or opposite side of the post driver, for example, a second side of a/the centre of gravity of the post driver.

The post driver may comprise a mast mounted to a frame. The storage device may be mounted to the frame of the post driver.

The first or operational position may be closer to the mast than the second or storage position. The first position may be adjacent the mast. The storage position may be located at an opposite end of the post driver from the inast..

The post driver may further comprise a guide, such as a colLar, for guiding the drivable member in use. The IE 0 9 0433 first position may be a transfer position, where the dri.vuble member is directly transferable between, the storage device and apparatus for retaining the drivable member in use. The met hod may further comprise dir ect J.v transferring the drivable member between the storage device and the guide.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleeve for engaging a drivable member, the sleeve being adapted such that when the drivable member is being guided by the guide, the sleeve is engageable with the guide so as to fix the position of the drivable member relative to the guide.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a post driver comprising means for moving a drivable member from a first position to a second position.

The positions may be laterally or transversely distal from one another.

The post driver may comprise means for storing or retaining the drivable member at least in the second position .

The means for storing or retaining the drivable member may comprise a holder for holding the drivable member. The means for storing or retaining the drivable member may comprise means for moving the holder from the first position to a second position.

The drivable member may be a ground engaging member, for example, preferably a rock spike or alternatively an ί··'/ΙΓ.ι IE 0 90435 auger. The drivable member may be made from a metallic material.

The first position may be an operational position of the drivable member. The second position may be a storage or retention position of the drivable member.

The first position may be located on a first side of the post driver, e.g. on a first side of a centre of gravity of the post driver. The second position rnay be Located on a second, another or opposite side of the centre of the post driver, e.g. a second another or opposite side of a centre of gravity of the post driver.

The post driver may comprise a mast mounted to a frame.

The means for storing or retaining may be mounted to 15 the frame of the post driver, for example, to a side shift of the post driver.

The first position may be closer to the mast than the second position. The first position may be adjacent the mast. 0 The second pos i t i on may be located away £ rom or distal the mast, preferably at or adjacent an opposite end or side of the post driver from the mast.

The post driver may further comprise a guide, such as a collar, for guiding the drivable member in use, e.g. when being driven by a driving member, weight or hammer, e.g. on the mast.

•The guide may be adapted to selectively relea.se and/or retain the drivable member. The guide may be f owned of at least two separable and/or hinged parts so l·. -/11'»: '·. 0 9 0433 as to allow easy insertion and/or removal of the drivabie member. The means for storing or retaining may be movable into a position wherein the guide may be placed around the drivable member whilst the drivable member is held by the means for storing or retaining. The means for storing or retaining may be movable into a transfer position wherein the drivable member is directly transferable between the means for storing or retaining and the guide. The first position may be a/the transfer position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of non-limiting example only, and wi th reference to the accompanying figures, which are: Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3a Figure 3b Figure 4 a schematic side view of a prior art post driver; a side view of an assembly comprising a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a post driver, the assembly being attached to the rear of a vehicle; a perspective view of part of the device of Figure 2 in an open configuration,· a perspective view of part of the device of Figure 2 in a closed configuration; a close-up view of a rock spike held in collar and the device of Figure 2; P 10.11-)-7 IE ο 9 Ο 4 3 3 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 a close-up view of the device of Figure 2 in a loading position, with a rock spike loaded into the device and slidably retained in a collar; a perspective view of the device of Figure 2 in a loading position, with a rock spike loaded into the device and the collar released; a perspective view of the device containing a rock spike in an intermediate position; a perspective view of the device containing a rock spike in a position opposite the mast; and a view of the assembly of Figure 2 having the device containing the rock spike in a storage position opposite the mast, and the assembly configured for transport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a post driver 1 according to the prior art.

Figure 2 shows an assembly 2 comprising a post driver 5 and a device 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly 2 being mounted to a rear or back of a tractor 10. Post drivers 1 and 5 each comprise a longitudinal frame 15 having a mast 20 at one end and a counterweight 25 at the other. The mast 20 is mounted on the frame 15 by hydraul.icaLly operated sliders IE Ο 9 Ο 4 3 3 such that it is movable on two horizontal· axes. The mast 20 is provided with a weic/ht or hammer 3 0 suspended from a rope 35, which is guided over a pulley or pulleys 40 at the top of the mast 20. A ram 45 is mounted cn the frame , and is arranged to pull the rope 35 through the pulley 40 so as to lift the weight 30 in order that the weight 3 0 can be released to drop onto a post cap 50. In alternative devices, other arrangements can used, such as a swinging arm arrangement that is pivotably atrached to the mast or frame, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. The post cap 50 is slidably mounted on the mast 20 such that the post cap 50 can be lowered to abut the top of a post (not shown), rock spike 55, piling or other drivable member.

The cap 50 of post driver 5 is provided on an underside thereof with locating means or spike SO, which in this embodiment is in the form of a locating spike, and the top of the rock spike 55 is provided with a recess 85 such that when the cap 50 abuts the rock spike 0 55, the locating spike 80 on the cap 50 cooperates with the recess 85 on the top of the rock spike 55 in order to Locate the rock spike 55 relative to the cap 50.

In use, the rock spike 55 is slidably mounted in a collar 60. A flange 65 extends radial outwardly from the top of the rock spike 55, The flange 65 is arranged to engage the collar 60 such that the rock spike 5 5 is suspendable from the collar 60. Alternatively, a plastic cap can be provided that engages with the top of the rock spike 55 or a recess on the rock spike 55 that minimises uyi IE Ο 9 ο 4 3 3 vibrations from the impact of the weight. The col Lai. 60 is rotatably mounted to a rail 70 (shown in Figures -1 and 5} on or adjacent the mast 20. The rail 7 0 extends at least partially along a height or length of the must 20.

This partial length rail 70 minimises weight relative to a rail running the full height of the mast 20 . A hydraulic ram 75 is also rotatably attached to the mast 2 0 and connected to the collar 60 so as to move the collar 60 generally vertically along the rail 70. Both .10 the collar 60 and the hydraulic ram 75 are rotatable between respective first and second positions to move the rock spike 55 between a respective first position, adjacent and to a side of the mast 20 and a respective second position below the weight 30 and cap 50. In the lb first position, the rock spike 55 is held clear of the area below the weight 3 0 such that the weight 3 0 can be used to drive, for example, posts. In the second position, the post driver 5 is operable to drive the rock spike 55, i.e. the rock spike 55 is positioned below the weight 30.

Wi th the collar 60 and spike 55 in their second position, the hydraulic ram 75 is operable to slidably lower the collar 60 on the rock spike 55 such that the collar 60 is in a position close to, or adjacent, the giound. The weight 30 can then be dropped such that i t strikes the striking cap 50, which in turns transfers the force to the rock spike 55 to drive it into the ground. This process may be repeated as many times as necessary in order to drive the rock spike 55 into the ground. ru . > mu-.

IE 0 9 04 33 After the rock spike 55 is driven into the ground, the striking cap 50 can then be attached to the weight 70, e.g. by a linkage such as a chain, and both the cap 50 and weight 30 lifted to a position towards the top of the mas t 20. The hydraul ic ram 75 can then be used to raise the collar 60, which acts against the flange 65 on the rock spike 55 in order to raise both the rock spike 55 and the collar 65, leaving a hole, e.g. piLot hole, i r the ground. The collar 65, rock spike 55 and ram 7 5 can then be rotated back into the first position adjacent and to the side of the mast 20. The mast 20 is provided with a locking device 77, such as a spring-loaded pin or latch for securing the collar 65 and hydraulic ram 75 in the first position, so that the post driver 5 can be securely transported when moving between post positions.

The rail 70 and collar 65 are also provided with means for locking the collar 65 in a raised position, such as a hole and pin arrangement, which prevents the collar 65 falling when stored due to creep of the hydraulic ram 75 over time. A post (not shown) may then be placed in or above the hole (not shown) and driven into the ground in a conventional fashion.

The post driver 5 is further provided with a storage device 90 comprising a tubular holder 95 attached to moving means comprising an arm 100. The arm 100 is atlacked via a pivot 105 to the frame 15 between the counterweight 25 and the mast 20 to a side shift/slider lor the mast 20. The tubular holder 95 is closed or sealed at a bottom end 110 and open at a top end 115. As r! >?. ): fe 0 9 ο 4 3 3 shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the top 115 of the holder 95 comprises a vertically extending hemi-tubular section 120 that is hinged by hinge 115 r^long one side to an opposing hemi- tubular portion 130 of the tubular holder 9 3 such that one side of the hemi - tubular section 12 0 can be selectively opened and swung away from the rest of the holder 95 to thereby allow easy insertion of the rock spike 55. Each of the hemi. - tubular section 120 and the opposlug hemi-tubular portion 130 of the holder 95 are provided with a or latch or similar locking mechanism, such as eyes 135a, 135b respectively, where a lock pin 140 can be inserted through both eyes 135a, 135b in order to lock the hemi-tubular section 120 together with the hemi-tubular portion 130 of the holder 95, for example, once the rock spike 55 is loaded into the holder 95 such that the spike 55 is more securely stored.

During post driving operations, it may be required to drive posts into a variety of ground compositions. If the ground composition is such that the rock spike 55 is not required, the storage device 90 can be used to store the rock spike 55 away from the mast 20. This arrangement provides a better weight balance and also reduces wear on the mast 20 and on the hydraulically operated sliders as compared to the prior art. In particular, the more ba lanced configuration allows easier transport of the post driver 5.

To allow storage of the rock spike 55, the weight 30 and cap 50 are raised to allow the rock spike 55 to be rotated into a position below the weight 3 0 and cap 50, [ί :,ί[ή:ϊ IE ο 9 Ο 4 3 3 as shown in Figure 4. The collar 60 is kept raised such that tha rock spike 55 is suspended off the ground, with the flange 65 on the rock spike 55 abutting the cellar 50 .

Optionally, a sleeve 145 can be provided that is .Locatable between the collar 60 and the flange 65 of the rock spike 55 to raise the rock spike 55 in the collar 60 and reduce the height that the collar 60 needs to be raised to load/unload the rock spike 55. The sleeve 145 is selectively openable, for example, by being formed in a semicircular section with two extending eyelets for accepting a lock-pin in order to releasably lock the sleeve onto the rock spike 55 or being constructed of two or more releasable and/or hinged sections, to provide easy removal of the sleeve 145 from the rock spike 55.

The storage device 90 is then moved or swung into a first position by rotating the arm 100 around the pivot 105 in order to rotate the holder 95 towards the mast 20 end of the post driver 5. Referring to Figure 3a, depending on the configuration of the post driver 5, the holder' 95 can be affixed to the arm 100 via a member 150 projecting perpendicularly from the arm 100 such that the holder 95 can be swung into the first position below the raised rock spike 55 whilst avoiding contact with the mast 20. The hinged hemi-tubular section 120 of r.he holder 95 can be unlocked and opened by removing the lockpin 140, such that the rock spike 55 can be inserted into the holder 95 through the opening in order to minimise the height that the rock spike 55 needs to be :’’.ϋ·»Γ)ΐε IE 090 4 33 raised in order to allow it to be inserted into the holder 95. The collar 6U, and thus the rock spike 55, cun then be lowered using the hydraulic ram 75 in order tu locate the rock spike 55 into the holder 95 until it rests on the sealed holder base 110. The hemi-tubular section 120 can then be closed together with the hemi tubular portion 130 of the holder 95 and locked with the lockpin 140, as shown in Figure 5.

The collar 60 is formed of two hemi-tubular sections IG 155a, 155b, joined by a hinge and selectively locked together with a pin 160, as shown in Figure 6. Thus, the pin 160 is removable from the collar 65 such that the two hemi-tubular sections 155a, 155b of the collar 65 can be swung apart in order to release the rock spike 55 and 15 allow the collar 65 to be rotated back around the mas t 20 to a position at the side of the mast whilst leaving the rock pin 55 retained by the storage device 90.

The storage device 90 can then be pivoted back around such that the holder 95 containing the rock spike 55 is located in a second position adjacent to the counterweight 25 at the opposite end of the frame 15 to the mast 20, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. At this point, a securing device 165 such as a latch, bracket and pin, resilient grippers, cord, eyelet and hook arrangement or other securing devices as would be apparent to the skilled person, can be used to secure the storage device 90 info this storage position, such that the post driver 5 can be moved or transported safely.

IE 0 9 04 33 Whilst a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it will be appreciated that this has been given by way of non limiting example only, and Chat departures from the described embodiment will fall within the scope of the invention.

For example, although the cap 50 is described as having a locator spike 80, other locating means known to a person skilled in the art, such as a rod, recess, raised projection or other device for engaging with or locating the rock spike 55 relative to the cap 50 may be used. Whilst the rock spike 55 is described as having a corresponding recess 85, other corresponding locating means such as a slot or projection for interacting with the locating means on the cap 50 may be used. Furthermore, whilst the rock spike 55 and holder 95 are shown and described as being tubular sections having a circular cross section, it will be appreciated that other forms may be used, such as box sections or oval sections. The holder 95 may be in a single unitary piece for strength and simplicity or in a multiple part form for easy of use. Whilst the device 90 is advantageous ly described for use with a rock spike 55, it will be appreciated that the device 90 may be used with other drifable members, such as posts, piles, augers, anchors and the like. Drivable members Includes any accessory, object or device for use with the post driver, such as locating augers, and not necessarily just objects that are struck by the weight 30. Furthermore, whilst the r :'i · l'i:, ' IE Ο 9 ο 4 3 3 holder 95, collar 60 and sleeve 145 are described as being formed from two hinged sections, it will be appreciated that other means for selectively retaining/releasing the rock spike 55 may be used. in addition, whilst the described post driver 5 uses a collar 60 to guide the rock spike 55 during driving, it will be appreciated that other guides such as grooved wheels, eyelets, engaging arms and the like may also be used.

Claims (38)

1.CLAIMS 1. .A device, such as a storage or retention device, adapted for use with a post driver, the device comprising 5 moans for moving a drivable member between a first position and a second position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a holder or retention means for holding or 1C retaining the drivable motor.

3. A device as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises means for moving the device from the first position to the second position,

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises means for moving the holder or retention means from the first position to the second posit ion .

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the drivable member is a ground engaging member, such as a rock spike or an auger. 25

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein thr? drivable member is made at least partially from a metal!. ic material. IE 0 9 0 4 33 :?. 4

7. .-a device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first position is an operational position of the drivabie member, such as below a weighted member or hammer of the post driver, and the second position is a 5 storage position of the drivable member.

8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first position is located on a first side of ihe post driver, optionally a first side of a centre of gravity of LO the post driver, and the second position is located on a second, another or an opposite side of the post driver, such as a second side of a centre of gravity of the post driver . L5

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises a mast mounted to a frame, and the device is mounted to the same frame of the post driver, optionally pivotably mounted thereto. 20 LO. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein r.he first position is closer to the mast than the second position, the first position being adjacent to the mast, and the second or storage position being located away from or distal the mast, optionally at an opposite end or 25 side of the post driver from the mast. 1i. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein rhe post driver further comprises a guide or positioning IE 0 9 0433 means. such as a collar, for guiding and/or positioning the drivable member, m use. 12. Λ device as claimed in eiaim 11, wherein the guide 5 is adapted to selectively release and/or retain the drivable member, the guide is formed of at least two separable and/or hinged parts so as to allow easy insertion and/or removal of the drivable member, the device is movable into a position, wherein the guide

10. Holds or is placed releasably around the drivable member whilst the drivable member is optionally held by the holder, the device is movable into a transfer position wherein the drivable member is directly transferable between the storage device and the guide, and the first

11. 15 position is the transfer position. .13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises an arm and/or holder and a pivot means, the device is adapted to be mounted to the frame 20 of the post driver via the pivot means, the arm and/or holder is rotatable about the pivot means such that the drivable member and/or holder is/are movable between an operational position and the storage position, such as the first position and the second position, the mm is 25 shaped such that, in the first position, the holder is positionable or positioned below a weight or hammer suspended from the mast of the post driver, and in such first position, the drivable member is removed from the holder and held by the collar. JE 0 9 0 4 3 3 M. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the hoLrier is a hollow tube that is closed or sealed at one end, such as a lower end. 15. A device as claimed in either claims 13 or 14, wherein the holder is a uni tary member. 16. A device as claimed in any of claims 13 ro 15, wherein at least a portion of the holder forms a hinged and/or releasable access section, the hinged and/or releasable access section allowing insertion and removal of the drivable member to/from the holder, and in use, the access section is disposed towards a top of the holder .

12. 17, A device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the device is integral with or attachable to a post driver, the device optionally being adapted to be retro-fitted to a post driver. IB. A guide for use with a post driver, the guide being adap red to guide a dr ivable member, the gu1de be i ng adapted to selectively release and/or retain the drivabie member .

13. 19. A guide as claimed in claim 18, wherein the guide is a collar, the guide is adapted to be mountable to or relative to a mast of the post driver, the guide is 'is·' ι )::: IE Ο 9 ο 4 33 mountable to or relative to the mast via a rail, the guide is adapted to be movable in at least one direction, at least one of the movements is a rotational movement, the guide is movable between a first position, wherein 5 the drivable member is in an operating position and a second position, and the operating position is a position where the drivable member is drivable by the post driver. ,’G. A guide as claimed in either of claims 13 or L9, 10 wherein the post driver has a storage device, the guide is formed of at least two separable and/or hinged pares so as co allow insertion and/or removal of the drivable member, and the guide is adapted to transfer the drivable member to/from the storage device of the post driver. 21. A device adapted for use with a post driver, tho device comprising means for holding a drivable member and means for moving the means for holding between a first position and a second position. 22. A post driver adapted to drive a drivable member, the post driver comprising a device according to any of claims 1 to 20, or claim 21. 25 25. A post driver as claimed in claim 22, wherein the drivable member is a rock spike, such as a metallic rook spike. IE 090433 2 3 24. A post driver as claimed in either of claims 22 or 23, wherein the post driver comprises a guide, such as a col i.-ii- for guiding the drivable member and the post driver is arranged such that the drivable member is 5 transferred or transferable between the storage device and the guide and vice versa. 15. A post driver as claimed in an of claims 22 to 24, wherein the first position or operational position is IG located on a first side of the centre of gravity of the post driver and the second position or storage posit ion is located on a second side or an opposite side of the centre of gravity of the post driver. 15 26. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the post driver comprises a mast mounted to a frame, and the storage device is mounted, such as pivotably mounted, to the frame of the post driver.

14. 20 27. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the storage device is mounted, such as pivotably mounted, to a side shift or back shift of the post driver .

15. 25 28. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the first position or operational position is closer to the mast than the second position or storage position, the first position is adjacent the mast, and the storage position is located away from or distal the VI ΪΠΟ s t, 1Ε 090433 29 such as at an opposite end or side of the post driver from the mast.

16. 29. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 22 to 23, wherein a,'the mast is tiltable and/or telescopic. JO. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 22 to 29, where in the pos t driver comprises a post cap, and the pos t cap is provided with a locator for locating the drivable member relative to the cap.

17. 31, A post driver as claimed in any of claims 22 to 30, wherein the post driver comprises a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there ar.e positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; wherein the mast is telescopic; and the post driver comprises a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

18. 32. A post driver as claimed in an of claims 22 to 31, wherein the post driver comprises a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are provided positioning means to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, the positioning means comprising a >»! ·.) 11-: IE Ο 9 ο 4 33 back shift and a side shift; and wherein the leers are independently hydraulically operable. 3 j. A method of operating a post driver compris ing: 5 prov.i ding a post driver adapted to drive a drivable member, and using a storage or retaining device according to any of claims 1 to 20 or claim 21. 3-1. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the iO drivable member is a rock spike, such as a metallic rock spike. 3 '3. A method as claimed in either of claims 33 or 34, wherein the method comprises moving the device into a '15 first position, transferring a rock spike mounted on the pos t driver to the device, and moving the device and thereby the drivable member into a second position.

19. 36. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the first 20 pos 11 ion is such that the drivable member is 1 n an operational position, and the second position is such that the drivable member is in a storage position.

20. 37. A method as claimed in either of claims 35 or 36, 25 wherein the method comprises s toring or retaining the drivable member in or by the device such that the drivable member is in the second position and moving the device such that the drivable member is moved to the first position. o i ->; r IE Ο 9 ο 4 3 3

21. 38, A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the first position is located on a first side oi the post driver, such as the first side of a/the centre 5 of gravity of the post driver and the storage position is located on a second or opposite side of the post driver, such as a second side of a/the centre of gravity of the pos1 driver . 10

22. 39- A method as claimed in any of claims 33 to 33, wherein the post driver comprises a mast mounted to a frame, and the storage device is mounted to the frame of the post driver. 15

23. 40. A method as claimed in any of claims 33 to 39, wherein the first or operational position is closer to the mast than the second or storage position, the first position is adjacent the mast, and the storage posit ion is located at an opposite end of the post driver from the 2 0 mast .

24. 41. A method as claimed in any of claims 33 to 40, wherein the post driver comprises a guide, such as a collar, for guiding the drivabie member in use, the first 25 position is a transfer position, wherein the drivable member is directly transferable between the storage device and apparatus for retaining the drivabie member, In use, and the method comprises directly transferring IE 0 9 Ο 4 3 3 the clnvable member between the storage device and che guide.

25. 42. A sleeve for engaging a drivabie member, the sLeeve being adapted such that when the drivable member is being guided by the guide, the sleeve is engageable with the guide so as to fix the position of the drivable member relative to the guide.

26. 43. A post driver comprising means for moving a drivabie member from a first position to a second position, the positions optionally being laterally or transversely distal from one another.

27. 44. A post driver as claimed in claim 43, wherein the post driver comprises means for storing or retaining the drivable member at least in the second position.

28. 45. A post driver as claimed in either of claims 43 or 44, wherein the means for storing or retaining the drivabie member comprises a holder for holding the drivabie member, and the means for storing or retaining the drivable member comprises means for moving the holder from the first position to the second position. 4 5, post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 45, wherein the drivable member is a ground engaging member, such as a rock spike or alternatively an auger, and the drivable member is made from a metallic material. ; I .-»' >: IE Ο 9 Ο 4 3 3

29. 47. A post driver as claimed In any of claims 43 ίο 46, wherein the first position is an operational position of the drivable member, and the second position is a storage 5 or retensive position of the drivable member.

30. 48. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 47, wherein the first position is located on a first side of the post driver, such as on a first side of a centre of 10 gravity of the post driver, and the second position is located on a second, another or opposite side of the post driver, such as a second, another or opposite side of a centre of the gravity of the post driver. 15 19. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 48, wherein the post driver comprises a mast mounted to a f rame.

31. 50. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 49, 20 wherein the means for storing or retaining is mounted to the frame of the post driver, such as to a side shift of the post driver.

32. 51. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 50, 25 wherein the first position is closer to the mast than the second position, and the fi rst position is adjacent the mast. ' . ’ Γ.Ί E IE Ο 9 Ο 4 3 3

33. 52. A post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 51. whei.eiu the second position is located away from or distal the mast, such as at or adjacent an opposite end or side of the post driver from the mast.

34. 53 . A post driver as claimed in any of claims 43 to 52, wherein the post driver further comprises a guide, such as a collar, for guiding the drivabie member, in use, such as when being driven by a driving member, weight or 10 hammer, such as on the mast.

35. 54, A post driver as claimed in. any of claims 43 to 53, wherein the guide is adapted to selectively release and/or retain the drivable member, the guide is formed of 15 at least two separable and/or hinged parts so as to allow easy insertion and/or removal of the drivable member, the means for storing or retaining is movable into a position wherein the guide is placed around the drivable member whilst the drivable member is held by the means for 2C storing or retaining, the means for storing or retaining is movable into a transfer position, wherein the drivabie member is directly transferable between the means for storing or retaining and the guide, and the first position is in a/the transfer position.

36. 55. A device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. IE 090433

37. 56. A post driver as hereinbefore described with reterence to the accompanying drawings.

38. 57. A method as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 53. A sleeve as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .