[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to leads and drives used in civil and utility guy anchors. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to use as a helical guy anchor with a helix that, rotates about an axis; in such an application, square shaft and its helix act as a screw when the anchor is rotated into soil. In use, an initial guy anchor is rotated about its axis into the soil; after this initial guy anchor is installed, a subsequent anchor can be attached and the assembly is further rotated into the soil widi additional anchors attached serially until the anchors collectively provide sufficient resistance for installation of guying cables. However, installers have encountered difficulty penetrating soil, and hence advancing these helical anchors into the ground.

[0003] One solution is to provide the initial anchor with a lead that, helps break up tough soil and remove rocks and other impediments to installation. One such lead utilizes a fin that has been welded onto a square base. However, this arrangement has problems.

Because, the fin extends in one plane, tough soil and rocks must be moved 180°, thereby exposing the lead to greater torque and bending of the helix. Imperfections in welding process that attaches the fin to the base, as well as imperfections in. the integrity of the fin itself, can cause the lead to weaken and eventually fail. Additionally, friction and compression with the soil can lead to heat build-up that also degrades the structural performance of the lead.

Consequently, there exists a need for a lead that breaks up tough soil. There also exists a need for a lead that can withstand the forces inherent in pile installation.

Additionally, there exists a need for a lead tliat breaks up soil, reduces the thrusting force necessary to penetrate soil, and hence reduces bending to the helix. Finally, there exists a need for a lead that, dissipates heat more efficiently. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming the problems set forth above and other problems inherent in prior leads. SUMMARY

[0004] The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. Disclosed herein are [00017] Figure 13 is a top view of the tip of the lead, the helix, and the base.

[00018] Figure 14 is a close up view of that portion of the lead, helix, and base designated "146" in Figure 12.

[00019] Figure 15 is a close up view of a portion of the lead, helix, and the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00020] The figures provided herein depict a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a lead 10 is provided with an axis 1 1 , a base 50, a tip 12, a helix 40 and a plurality of blades 21, 22, 23, 24, designated as a "first blade" 21, a "second blade" 22, a "third blade" 23 and a "fourth blade" 24. The blades 21, 22, 23, 24 extend generally radially from the axis 11, are each provided with a central plane 71, and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, are oriented with respect to one another so that an angle 30 is formed between two blades as measured from each blade's central plane 71. In the presently preferred embodiment, the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 are. oriented so that the angle 30 between each blade measures 90 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, however, three blades are provided with the angle 30 between each of them measuring 120 degrees, in the foregoing embodiments, the angle 30 between each blade is equal in magnitude; however, in yet another alternative embodiment, the angle 30 between each blade becomes increasingly greater in the direction of rotation (counterclockwise when viewed from the tip 12, as shown in FIG. 5.)

[00021] Referring now to FIG. 1, wherein a perspective view of the lead 10 is shown, blades 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend radially, so that each blade generally revolves about the axis 11 through the same volume (unless the lead 10 is advanced axially into the soil, in which case the blades revolve helically through different volumes). Though the presently preferred embodiment is provided with blades 21, 22, 23, 24 that are arranged radially, in an alternative embodiment, the blades are arranged helically about the axis 11, and advantageously arranged along the same path as the helix 40. In such an alternative arrangement, each blade revolves through a different volume. [00022] The blades 21, 22, 23, 24 are generally arranged radially about the axis 11. In the presently preferred embodiment, the central plane 71 of each blade is offset from the axis 11 (which, is shown in FIG. 5 as extending out from the page). Within the foregoing generally radial arrangement, each blade is provided an offset 70 from the axis 11 of rotation. Each blade is preferably provided with the same offset 70 in the same direction (i.e. offset to the left or right of the axis 11.) In the preferred embodiment, the offset 70 measures 0.1875 inches as measured from the axis to tire central plane of each blade. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing dimension is scalable, and thus, the offset is roughly 5% of the largest diameter that the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 sweep through when the lead is rotated about the axis 11.

[00023] Each blade includes a plurality of sides located so as to face in opposing direction thereby providing each blade with a predetermined width 80. As FIG. 5 illustrates, each blade is provided with a first side 31 and a second side 32. The sides of each blade are generally flat in the preferred embodiment; however, in an alternative embodiment, the sides 31, 32 are curved. Though each side 31, 32 is generally flat, each side is oriented so that the width of each blade decreases as die blade extends radially from the axis 11. Thus, each blade is provided with a taper 81. In the preferred embodiment, the taper 81 measures 10 degrees.

[00024] Referring now to FIG. 2, the tip 12 is shown ffusto-conically shaped, while in. FIG. 5, the tip 12 is shown provided with a cone 13, preferably a cone 13 that flares outwardly at an angle 113 of 120° as the tip extends to the base 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the tip 12 is provided with a crenellation 14. The crenellation 14 is formed via a series of cut-outs 15, 16, 17, 18. Though the term "cut-out" is used, there is no intention to imply that the crenellation 14 is formed via a cutting process; in fact, in the preferred embodiment, the cut-outs are fabricated when the base 50, the blades 21, 22, 23, 24, and the tip 12 are molded in a sand mold. Naturally, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the cut-outs 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 could also be formed by cutting a steel plate in the shape of the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 which can then be welded to the. base 50.

[00025] As the figures show, the cut-outs 15, 16, 17, 18 are defined, at least in part, within the blades 21 , 22, 23, 24 and positioned in a generally concentric arrangement about the axis 11. As noted above, the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 are each provided with a central plane 71 which is positioned so that an offset 70 exists relative to the axis 11 of rotation. Each blade is preferably provided with the same offset 70 in the same direction (i.e. offset to the left or right of the axis 1 1). In the preferred embodiment, the offset 70 measures roughly 5% of the largest diameter that the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 sweep through when the hub is rotated about the axis 11. Because each blade defines a cut-out, each of the cut-outs 15, 16, 17, 18 is provided with a central cut-out plane 72 that is positioned in a generally concentric arrangement about the axis 11. As is the case with each of the blades 21, 22, 23, 24, the central cut-out plane 72 is positioned so that an offset 70 exists relative to the axis 1 1 of rotation with each of the cut-outs 15, 16, 17, 18 provided with the same offset 70 in the same direction (i.e. offset to the left or right of the axis 11).

[00026] The cut-outs 15, 16, 17, 18 are shaped so that each of the blades 21 , 22, 23,

24 forms a projection 20. In the preferred embodiment, the projection 20 is provided with a sharp edge; in alternative embodiments, the projection 20 takes the form of a spike or a point. Because each blade forms a projection, the tip 12 is provided with a plurality of projections arranged radially about the axis 11 , as is shown in FIG. 12. Thus, the tip 12 is shaped to break-up soil that has frozen or otherwise hardened.

[00027 ] The blades extend from the. tip 12 both in a generally radial and axial direction to an outwardly extending portion 25. Illustrating the radial extent of the blades relative to the sides of the base. 50, FIG. 5 shows the base 50 provided with a plurality of corners 125, 122, 123, 124, one of which is an exposed corner (a corner that is not located within the helix 40 but exposed to rocks or soil). FIG. 1 shows the lead 10 provided with an exposed corner 125 after the helix 40 is welded onto the base 50. Referring back to TIG. 2. and 3 illustrate, the outwardly extending portion 25 is curved and extends beyond the radial extent of the base 50. As a result, FIG. 7 shows the lead 10 provided with a blade radius 120 that is equal to or greater than the base radius 150. Consequently, for at least the reason that the blade radius 120 is equal to or greater than the base radius 150, the outwardly extending portion 25 is configured to push soil away from one of the corners 125, 122, 123, 124, preferably the exposed corner 125.

[00028] As noted above, the helix 40 is welded to the base 50, thereby creating an axial weld 145 extending axially up the sides of the base 50 where a curve 140 in the helix 40 meets the side of the base 50, as shown in FIG. 1. The exposed cornet: 125 is configured to reduce bending and stress at the axial weld 145. The exposed corner 125 pushes soil, rocks, and/or debris away from the curve 140 of the helix 40 (which is also the leading edge of the helix 40). For at least the reason that the outwardly extending portion 25 pushes soil away from the exposed corner 125, and the exposed corner 125 pushes soil, rock, and/or debris away from the leading edge of the helix 40, the outwardly extending portion 25 is configured to distribute the load placed on the leading edge of the helix 40.

[00029] The blades 21 , 22, 23, 24 are integrally cast with the base 50, which is shaped to cooperate with a shaft 60, such as the shaft 60 of an augur 82. The shape of the presently preferred embodiment is square; however, in alternative embodiments, the shape of the base

50 is out of round, such as a hexagonal shape. The base 50 is provided with a first base end

51 and a second base end 52. The first base end 51 is shaped to cooperate with the augur 82. In the case of the presently preferred embodiment, the first base end 51 is provided with a tapped hole 53 which secures the base 50 to the augur 82.

[00030] In the case of the preferred embodiment, the first base end 51 is provided with an inner portion 55 and a fastener-accepting extension 56 located therein. As a result of the hollowed inner portion 55, the base 50 is divided into a plurality of internal walls 91, 92, 93, 94 (a first internal wall 91, a second internal wall 92, a third internal wall 93, and a fourth internal wall 94) with a plurality of curved transitions 95, 96, 97, 98 (a first transition 95, a second transition 96, a third transition 97, and a fourth transition 98) located, therein between. As FIG. 3 illustrates, the first transition 95 is located between the first internal wall 91 and the second internal wall 92; the second transition 96 is located between the second internal wall 92 and the third internal wall 93; the. third transition 97 is located between the third internal wall 93 and the fourth internal wall 94, and the fourth transition 98 is located between the fourth internal wall 94 and the first internal wall. 91. The transitions 95, 96, 97, 98 are curved in shaped, preferably radiused as each transition extends from one internal wall to another. As FIG. 4 illustrates, the internal walls are provided with a predetermined diickness 99.

[00031] As FIG. 2 illustrates, each of the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 also extends both radially and axially from the tip 12 and with, each of the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 terminating at the second base end 52. Thus, the edges of the blades impart a sloping profile to the lead 10, as FIG. 2 illustrates. As noted above, each of the blades 21, 22, 23, 24 decreases in width as each blade extends radially from the axis 11. At the same time, the width 80 of each blade increases as each blade extends axially from the tip 12 to die second base end 52. [00032] The second base end 52 is provided with a shaped surface 57. Preferably, die second base end 52 is shaped to penetrate soil. In operation, the shaped surface 57 of the second base end encounters soil before the first base end 51; as a result, the shaped surface 57 extends axially away from the tip 12 towards the first base end 51. Thus, as FIG. 2 illustrates, the shaped surface 57 is oriented at an angle 31 relative to a plane orthogonal to the axis 11. In one embodiment, the shaped surface 57 is frustoconicaily shaped; in another embodiment, the shaped surface 57 is shaped to form the sides of a pyramid; in yet another embodiment, the shaped surface 57 is provided with an ovoid or egg-like shape. In yet still another embodiment, the shaped surface 57 of the second end 52 is spherically shaped. Finally, in still another alternative embodiment, the shaped surface 57 is helically shaped (advantageously so as to match the helix 40).

[00033] Referring now to FIG. 4, the base 50 is also provided with an outer base surface 58. Because the internal walls 91, 92, 93, 94 and the transitions 95, 96, 97, 98 are provided with a uniform thickness 99, the outer base surface 58 is generally shaped according to the inner portion 55 of the base. 50. The helix 40 is provided with an internal helical edge 41 which is shaped according to the outer base surface 58. Because the internal helical edge 41 is shaped according to the outer base surface 58, the helix 40 is welded to the base 50 where the internal helical edge 41 meets the outer base surface 58.

[00034] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict the helix 40 provided with a 3° angle. The helix 40 is also provided with a. plurality of soil cutters (designated "42, "43," "44," "45," "46," "47,"

"48," and "49" in FIG. 13). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the soil cutters 42-49 are in the form of a discontinuity in the otherwise circular or curved shape of the helix 40. As the dashed lines in FIG. 13 illustrates, these discontinuities (and hence the soil cutters themselves 42-49) are located according to the corners of the base 50. Thus, the helix 40 is provided with a plurality of curved portions 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 that are provided with a parallel orientation relative to the circular shape of the corners of the base 50.

[00035] The helix 40 is also provided with a plurality of flat portions 33, 34, 35, 36 are oriented to be parallel to the sides of the outer base surface 58. Naturally, the flat portions 33, 34, 35, 36 need not be fiat, and in alternative embodiments, are curved at a degree that differs from the curved portions 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 (thereby creating the discontinuities in the outer periphery of the helix). As FIG. 13 illustrates, the flat portions and the curved portions are arranged to alternate about the outer periphery of the helix 40. When the helix is rotated about its axis 11, the soil cutters 42.-49 push debris away from the helix 40 and the base 50 and cut through the soil.

[00036] As shown in FIG. 8 and 10, at least one blade extends axially beyond the plane of the shaped surface 57 on the second base end 52. As is also shown in FIG. 8 and 10, at least one blade is provided with an outwardly extending portion 25. As both FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate, the "first" blade 21 is shown extending axially beyond the plane of the shaped surface 57 and provided with an outwardly extending portion 25. Thus, at least one blade (preferably every blade) extends axially beyond the plane of the shaped surface 57 and is provided with an outwardly extending portion 25.

[00037] Referring now to FIG. 12, 13, and 14 die leading edge 140 is shown. As illustrated, the leading edge 140 is shaped to cooperate with the base 50, and, more specifically, with the exposed corner 125 of the base 50. After the helix 40 is welded to the base 50, the leading edge 140 of the helix 40 and a portion 158 of the outer base surface 58 form a notch 148. The leading edge 140 includes an angled edge 141, as is depicted in FIG. 15. The angled edge 141 is generally straight and, relative to the plane 51 of the side of the base 50 (depicted as a dashed line and designated "51" in FIG. 15), forms an angle 142 (which preferably measures between 45 and 60 degrees. Advantageously, the axial weld 145 is located within the notch 148.

[00038] One of skill in the art will appreciate that rocks and debris that occupy larger volumes and hence are of greater mass potentially exert larger forces upon die axial weld 145. By placing the axial weld 145 within the notch 148, larger rocks and debris are physically prevented from contracting the axial weld 145. As noted above, an axial weld 145 is provided where the leading edge 140 of the helix 40 meets the side of the base 50. The leading edge 140 of the helix 40 is located adjacent to the exposed corner 125, and, as is depicted in FIG. 10, the leading edge 140 of the helix 40 abuts the exposed corner 125 so that the axial weld 145 is protected immediately behind the exposed corner 125.

[00039] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.