Patent Application
20240018832
This invention relates to a hoisting system suitable for use in general for load handling. The hoisting system includes a connector which can be attached to a hoist such as a drilling derrick, a crane or other apparatus for vertical reciprocating lifting of an object that needs to be moved, by engaging with the object and then disengaging with the object. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed that can be used to i) install and retrieve a rotating control device (RCD) on a drilling rig.; ii) install and retrieve a drilling or completion tool in a wellbore; and iii) lift objects with a crane, hoist or other means of vertical reciprocating means that can then move the object to a different location.
The traditional and most common method of attaching loads to a hoist is by means of a hook that is part of the hoisting system onto which slings or shackles are attached which are connected to the load, i.e., the object to be hoisted. The attachment of the load to the hook has been a traditionally manual intervention with all the risks associated with such interaction by a person that is a great cause of accidents. There are many prior art inventions for reducing this manual interaction and they can be specific to the load or more general in application. Most of them still require a degree of precision in directing the attachment end of the hoist, usually a hook or latch close to the engagement section of the load which can be a sling, shackle, or a pad-eye.
There are many prior art systems that have self-engaging hooks for hoist and remote releasable mechanisms for the hooks that can be by a tag line, battery operated with a wireless transmitter, etc., too numerous to detail here. While the concept of remote releasing a load from a hook or latch is well established, most of these systems still require significant precision by the operator of the hoist to position the hook or latching device close to the lifting point of the load.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative connector for connecting a lifting apparatus to a load to be lifted which may facilitate quicker and/or safer connecting of the lifting apparatus to the load.
According to one embodiment we provide a hoisting system including a hoisting apparatus which is operable to lift a load, and a connector by means of which the load can be releasably connected to hoisting apparatus, the connector including a first part and a second part, one of which is suspended from the hoisting apparatus and the other of which configured to be secured to the load, each part having a curved surface which encloses a generally cylindrical volume with a longitudinal axis, the curved surface of the first part being an interior surface, and the curved surface of the second part being an exterior surface, and the diameter of the curved surface of the second part being less than the diameter of the curved surface of the first part, so that the second part can be placed inside the first part with the two curved surfaces coaxial but spaced from one another, wherein one of the first part or the second part is provided with a plurality of pins which are spaced around the circumference of and extend radially from the curved surface, and the curved surface of other one of the first part or the second part is provided with at least one indexing channel which extends around at least a portion of the circumference of the curved surface and a plurality of entry channels—one for each pin, each entry channel extending from the curved surface at a first end of the curved surface on which is it provided to the or one of the indexing channel(s).
The curved surface of whichever of the first or second part is provided with the entry channels may have a second end, the curved surface extending from the first end to the second end. In this case, if whichever of the first or second part is provided with the entry channels is suspended from the hoisting apparatus, the first end is below the second end
The system may further include a load and whichever of the first or second part is provided with the entry channels is secured to the load, the load and the respective part of the connector being arranged such that the first end is vertically above the second end.
One or both of the first and second parts may be connected to either the hoisting apparatus or the load with a connection which is configured to permit the respective first or second part to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
The length of the pins and the depth of the indexing and entry channels may be such that the first part can only be placed inside or removed from the second part when each of the engagement pins extends into one of the entry channels, or the or one of the indexing channel(s).
The angle between adjacent entry channels may be the same as the angle between adjacent pins
The or each indexing channel may have first and second edges, the edges of the or each indexing channel forming a plurality of camming surfaces each of which are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle of less than 90°.
The curved surface of whichever of the first or second part is provided with the indexing channels may have a second end, the curved surface extending from the first end to the second end, the first edge of the or each indexing channel being closer to the first end of the curved surface on which it is provided than the second edge, and the first edge may be configured to form a plurality of camming surfaces which extend towards the first end when moving in a first direction around the circumference of the curved surface, and the second edge of the or each indexing channel be configured to form a plurality of camming surfaces which extend towards the second end when moving in the first direction around the circumference of the curved surface.
In one embodiment, the curved surface of whichever of the first or second part is provided with the indexing channels has a second end, the curved surface extending from the first end to the second end, the first edge of the or each indexing channel being closer to the first end of the curved surface on which it is provided than the second edge, wherein the first edge of the indexing channel is provided with a rest formation where the first edge transitions from extending towards the first end to extending towards the second end.
In one embodiment the curved surface of whichever of the first or second part is provided with the indexing channels has a second end, the curved surface extending from the first end to the second end, the first edge of the or each indexing channel being closer to the first end of the curved surface on which it is provided than the second edge, wherein the second edge of the indexing channel is provided with a rest formation where the second edge transitions from extending towards the second end to extending towards the first end.
In one embodiment the connector is provided with a single indexing channel which extends in a loop around the entire circumference of whichever of the first or second part on which it is provided.
In one embodiment the system further includes a plurality of flexible cables which are connected to whichever of the first or second parts of the connector is configured to be secured to the load, and which are provided with a releasable attachment part by means of which the flexible cables can be secured to the load
According to second embodiment we provide a method of operating a hoisting system as specified above to lift a load, the method includes securing whichever of the first or second parts of the connector is not suspended from the hoisting apparatus to the load, and operating the hoisting apparatus to:
In one embodiment one or both of the first and second parts of the connector are mounted on the hoisting apparatus or load such that the first and/or second part can rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the hoisting apparatus or load, the or each indexing surface has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being closer to the first end of the curved surface than the second edge, and the method comprises, during step b engaging the engagement pins with a camming surface provided on a second edge of the or one of the indexing channel(s) so that engagement of the engagement pins with the camming surfaces causes one or both of the first and/or second parts to rotate about its longitudinal axis
In one embodiment the method additionally includes, during step c, engaging the engagement pins with a camming surface provided on a first edge of the or one of the indexing channel(s) so that engagement of the engagement pins with the camming surfaces causes one or both of the first and/or second parts to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
In one embodiment the method additionally includes, during step e, during the downward movement, engaging the engagement pins with a further camming surface provided on the second edge of the or one of the indexing channel(s) so that engagement of the engagement pins with the camming surfaces causes one or both of the first and/or second parts to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
In one embodiment the method additionally includes, during step e, during the upward movement, engaging the engagement pins with a further camming surface provided on the first edge of the or one of the indexing channel(s) so that engagement of the engagement pins with the camming surfaces causes one or both of the first and/or second parts to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
According to another embodiment we provide a method of lifting a load using a hoisting system specified above wherein the load is a block, the first part of the connector is embedded in the block, and the second part of the connector is suspended from the hoisting apparatus operating the hoisting apparatus to:
A method of landing a tool in or on a wellbore using a hoisting system, wherein the first part of the connector is mounted around a tubular suspended from the hoisting apparatus, and the second part of the connector is mounted on the tool, and operating the hoisting apparatus to:
A quick connector is disclosed that can be used for the vertical engagement or dis-engagement from a hoist, crane or overhead travelling block. Any system that enables vertical reciprocation can use this quick connector. E.g., a hydraulic, electric or air actuated vertical lifting system like a hydraulic cylinder can be used. It is also possible to use the mechanism in a horizontal plane if the load is balanced. The core mechanism includes pins moving inside continuous cam surfaces that alternatively locks and unlocks the quick connector. The design is very versatile as the mechanism can be designed with the following main variations:
The quick connector can be solid at the core or the core can be hollow enabling the passage of fluids an advantageous feature of the design as disclosed for wellbore operations.
One end of the quick connector needs to rotate as either the cam surfaces move up and down or the engagement pins move up and down. The quick connector can be designed with a minimum of 2 engagement pins and 2 open cam slots spaced 180 degrees apart, which would enable the tool to engage by pushing down and rotating by 45 degrees one end of the quick connector (either upper or lower). In this position a load can be applied to ensure that full travel has occurred. Then on a pull up cycle a further rotation of 45 degrees occurs and the quick connector would be locked and full load can be applied. Then to disengage a down push rotates one part of the connector by a further 45 degrees and a load can be applied to ensure this cycle has been completed. To disconnect an upward pull is applied which now allows the engagement pins to aligned with the open part of the cam, completing a 180 degree cycle and the quick connector is dis-engaged. Thus, each cycle from open to open is four strokes: 1. Down, 2. Up, “engaged” 3. Down, 4. Up “dis-engaged”
The indexing cam surfaces can be arranged such that the rotation is clockwise or anti-clock wise for each of the variations (standard, reverse, internal, inverted standard) described above. The description of the embodiments will use a four-pin engagement system with each full cycle (down, up, down, up) rotating by 90 degrees either the lower or upper part of the quick connector. A swivel or ability to swivel must be part of the design. Usually, the hook of the hoist engaging with the quick connector will have a swivel.
To increase the load capacity or for larger diameter inner bore requirements more engagement pins can be added, e.g., 6, 8, 12 or more engagement pins that will rotate the indexing sleeve by 60°, 45°, 30° or less. The more engagement pins the greater the load capacity, assuming the same diameter of pins.
The engagement pins will typically be circular in shape. They can have convex or concave surfaces to match the diameter of the travel cam surface. The engagement pins can be set in bearings or even be bearings to reduce friction when travelling in the cam. The engagement pins can be rigidly affixed to the engagement sleeve or they may be sprung loaded with springs and free to move in a radially horizontal plane.
The engagement of the quick connector, being an advantageously hands-free operation can be enhanced by guides, funnels, chamfers or other types of self-guiding aids to enhance the performance of this hands-free engagement characteristic. These guides can be affixed to either end or both of the variations (standard, reverse, internal, inverted standard) described above. This hands-free engagement characteristic also enables the hands-free disengagement of the connector. The guide, funnel, chamfer or other type of self-guide can be part of the design of the lifted object as will be disclosed in embodiments for lifting concrete tetrapods for seawall construction.
The upper or lower part of any of the quick connector variations disclosed can have a spring that is vertically compressed or decompressed as required to aid in the disconnection of the quick disconnector to enhance the hands-free operability of the design.
The engagement pins can be different from circular and have angles or be shaped as a triangle or rhombus or other such shape that may be advantageous for movement in the cam slots. The cam slots can have different angles for down and up strokes suited to the lifting application.
One significant feature of the design is to provide effective entry of engagement pins into the working path of the guide body without inadvertent entry into the exit path.
Similarly, the engagement pins will automatically find the exit path.
The number of engagement pins can be less by half or more of the cam entry/exit slots.
According to a first embodiment, a quick connector assembly of the standard type is disclosed for setting and retrieving a rotating control device.
According to a second embodiment, a quick connector assembly of the reverse type is disclosed.
According to a third embodiment, a quick connector assembly of the internal type is disclosed.
According to a fourth embodiment, an application of the internal quick disconnector for handling large concrete blocks is disclosed. This embodiment discloses the use of a spring to aid disconnection.
According to a fifth embodiment, an application of the standard quick connector with a funnel guide for a four-point lifting sling is disclosed.
According to a sixth embodiment, an application of the reverse quick connector with a funnel guide for a four-point attachment is disclosed.
Variations of the engagement pins, cam slots and face profiles of the pins are disclosed.
This invention and its embodiments will disclose a self-latching and self-unlatching mechanism that requires no direct human intervention. Furthermore, embodiments of this invention termed a “quick connector” are able to require significantly less precision for attaching to the load/object which will enable more efficiency in the hoisting process.
The various implementations possible of the inventive idea have a broad application and this will be illustrated with various embodiments. In particular the disclosed mechanism is useful for repeated install/de-install action like that for a rotating control device on a drilling rig.
Also, any object that needs to be repetitively lifted moved and placed as is common in manufacturing plants would be an application. The quick connector will improve efficiency for hoisting applications where the hoist has to swing, boom or traverse by requiring less precision for engagement with enhancements disclosed. Incumbent hoisting solutions such as those marketed by companies listed below, typically use some sort of hook release solution:
All have the common interface of a hook which requires precision from the crane to engage with a sling or a lifting point. Typically, all of them would be an addition to the main hook of a crane or hoist to enable remote engagement or release of the load. While easier than a normal hook with less manual intervention they do not have the same attributes of the disclosed inventive idea.
There will be significant improvement in the safety of attaching and removing loads in difficult environments like offshore supply and recovery where on and offloading cargo from supply vessels that are subject to heave is a risky operation. The inventive quick connector will enable these risky engagements of load and disengagement of load to be done hands-free with no human intervention.
Similarly, where loads are place in risky or difficult environments the removal of persons from engaging and disengaging the load are a significant improvement in safety. Two examples for this are: i) placing or removing concrete barrier blocks that are used for lane separation during highway repair can be done efficiently and safely without human interaction at the lifting point on the blocks and ii) placing seawall (breakwater) concrete or steel blocks which are typically tetrapods. These tetrapods are placed into patterns both regular and irregular at the wave break zone. This is a very difficult location in terms of terrain if tetrapods are already in place as well as risky in terms of wave action. A self-releasable mechanism as disclosed with the quick connector in a particular embodiment will make this a much safer operation.
The mechanism of the quick connector enables easy load calculations for the capacity including safety margins to be made. The design can be implemented in a variety of embodiments to optimize the performance for the task at hand. The design can be cost-effectively mass produced.
In summary the Quick Connector disclosed will enable: i) hands-free engagement; ii) hands-free disengagement; iii) impossibility to disconnect under load; iv) rapid en- and dis-engagement; v) requires less precision than a hook (enhanced or not) for engagement of the load.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The problems being solved and the solutions provided by the embodiments of the principles of the present inventions are best understood by referring to
Various embodiments of connector 1, 1′ are illustrated in
One of the first part 2 or the second part 4 is provided with a plurality of pins which are spaced around the circumference of and extend radially from the curved surface, either radially outwardly if the curved surface is an exterior surface or radially inwardly of the curved surface is an interior surface. This part will be referred to in the descriptions below of the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures as the engagement part, and the pins as engagement pins. The curved surface of other one of the first part 2 or the second part 4 is provided with at least one indexing channel 8 which extends around at least a portion of the circumference of the curved surface. This part will be referred to in the descriptions below of the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures as the indexing part. The or each indexing channel 8 has a two opposite edges 8a, 8b and a floor 8c which extends between the two edges. The indexing part may be provided with a single indexing channel which extends around the entire circumference of the indexing part. Alternatively, the indexing part may be provided with a plurality of separate indexing channels—one for each engagement pin, each indexing channel extending around a portion of the circumference of the indexing part.
The indexing part 4 has a first end 4a and a second end 4b, the curved surface extending from the first end 4a to the second end 4b, and is also provided with a plurality of entry channels 9—one for each pin. Each entry channel 9 extends from the curved surface at the first end 4a of the indexing part 4 to the or one of the indexing channel(s) 8, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Each entry channel 9 has two opposite edges and a floor which extends between the two edges. The edges of each entry channel 9 need not extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A, but the entry channel 9 itself provides a path which is parallel to the longitudinal axis A.
The length of the engagement pins 6a-6d and the depth of the indexing and entry channels 8, 9 are such that the first part 2 can only be placed inside the second part 4, with each of the engagement pins 6a-6d extending into one of the entry channels, or the or one of the indexing channel(s). The engagement pins 6a-6d can move along the or each indexing channel 8 when the first part 2 is rotated about the longitudinal axis A as indicated in
The entry channels 9 are spaced around the curved surface of the indexing part 4 in the same way as the pins are spaced around the curved surface of the engagement part 2. This means that the first and second parts 2, 4 of the connector 4 may be connected by lining up the engagement pins 6a-6d with the entry channels 9, moving the engagement pins 6a-6d along the entry channels 9 as the second part 4 is moved generally parallel to its longitudinal axis A into the first part 2, and then, when the engagement pins 6a-6d reach the indexing channel 8, rotating the parts 2, 4 about longitudinal axis A relative to one another in a first direction so that the engagement pins 6a-6d travel along the indexing channel 8. At this point, engagement of the engagement pins 6a-6d with the first edge 8a of the indexing channel 8 ensures that the first and second parts 2, 4 of the connector 1 can no longer be separated by purely translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis A.
It will be appreciated that it is possible to separate the first and second parts 2,4 by rotating the parts 2,4 relative to one another in a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the engagement pins 6a-6d to the entry channels 9. The parts 2, 4 can then be separated by relative movement parallel to the longitudinal axis A to move the engagement pins 6a-6d back along the entry channel 9 along which they travelled when the parts 2,4 were connected. In the embodiments illustrated in the Figures, however, there is a single indexing channel 8 which extends around the entire circumference of the indexing part. As such, it is possible to separate the parts 2, 4, by continuing to rotate the first and second parts 2, 4 relative to one another in the first direction, until the engagement pins 6a-6d reach the next entry channel 9. The parts 2, 4 can then be separated by relative movement parallel to the longitudinal axis A to move the engagement pins 6a-6d along the next entry channel 9.
In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of separate indexing channels, one for each engagement pin 6a-6d. In this case, the indexing part could also be provided with a plurality of exit channels—one for each indexing channel. Each exit channel extends from the indexing channel to the first end of the indexing part generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The edges of each exit channel need not extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A, but the exit channel itself provides a path which is parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The entry channel 9 for each indexing channel extends to a first end of its respective indexing channel, and the exit channel for each indexing channel extends to a second opposite end of its respective indexing channel. In this case, it would be possible to separate the parts 2, 4, by continuing to rotate the first and second parts 2, 4 relative to one another in the first direction, until the pins reach the exit channel. The parts 2, 4 can then be separated by relative movement parallel to the longitudinal axis A to move the engagement pins 6a-6d along the exit channel.
The connector 1 may be used to lift a load by suspending one of the first or second parts from a hoisting apparatus, such as a crane, and securing the other of the first or second parts to the load. The load is arranged so that when it is resting on a support surface, the part secured to the load is typically secured to a generally vertically upward facing surface of the load, so that the hoisting apparatus can be operated to position the other of the first or second parts vertically above the other part, and to lower the part suspended from the hoisting apparatus into engagement with the part secured to the load when the either one or both of the first and second parts must be mounted such that rotation of the part as indicated by arrows 7a or 7b about its longitudinal axis A is permitted, so that the first and second parts can be connected and disconnected as described above.
The or each indexing channel 8 has two opposite edges—a first edge 8a which is closest to the first end 4a of the indexing part, and a second edge 8a which is furthest from the first end 4a of the indexing part. Both of these edges 8a, 8b extend very generally around the circumference of the curved surface, in the sense that the indexing channel 8 provides a path around at least part of the circumference of the curved surface. The edges 8a, 8b are not, however, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and follow a relatively convoluted path in which some portions extend towards the first end 4a of the indexing part, and other portions extend towards the second end 4b of the indexing part. In the description below, when the word opposite is used to describe features of the two edges 8a, 8b of the indexing channel 8, this refers to portions which both lie on an imaginary line on the curved surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A.
In the embodiments in which the indexing part is provided with a single indexing channel 8 which extends around the entire circumference of the curved surface of the indexing part, the indexing channel 8 is divided into a plurality of portions—each portion extending between two adjacent entry channels 9, each portion of the indexing channel 8 is provided with the following features. The second edge 8b of each has a first camming surface 10a which extends from a portion of the second edge of the indexing channel 8 which is opposite to the entry channel 10 in a first direction around the circumference of the curved surface and towards the second end 4b of the indexing part at an angle of between 0° and 90° relative to the longitudinal axis A, to a first rest formation 10b. The first rest formation 10b includes a portion of the second edge of the indexing channel 8 in which it changes direction, and transitions from extending towards the second end 4b of the indexing part to extending towards the first end 4a of the indexing part.
The first edge 8a of the indexing channel 8 provides a second camming surface 10c. The second camming surface 10c extends from a portion of the first edge 8a of the indexing channel 8 opposite to the first rest formation 10b in the first direction around the circumference of the curved surface towards the first end 4a of the indexing part, to a second rest formation 10d. The second rest formation 10d includes a portion of the first edge 8a of the indexing channel 8 in which it changes direction, and transitions from extending towards the first end 4a of the indexing part to extending towards the second end 4b of the indexing part.
The second edge 8b of the indexing channel 8 provides a third camming surface 10e. The third camming surface 10e extends from a portion of the second edge 8b of the indexing channel 8 opposite to the second rest formation 10d in the first direction around the circumference of the curved surface towards the second end 4b of the indexing part, to a third rest formation 10f. Just like the first rest formation 10a, the third rest formation 10f includes a portion of the second edge 8b of the indexing channel 8 in which it changes direction, and transitions from extending towards the second end 4b of the indexing part to extending towards the first end 4a of the indexing part.
The first edge 8a of the indexing channel 8 provides a fourth camming surface 10g. The fourth camming surface 10g extends from a portion of the first edge 8a of the indexing channel 8 opposite to the third rest formation 10f in the first direction around the circumference of the curved surface towards the first end 4a of the indexing part. Where the indexing part is provided with a single indexing channel 8 which extends around the entire circumference of the indexing part, the fourth camming surface 10g extends to the next entry channel 9. Where the indexing part is provided with a plurality of indexing channels which each extend around only a portion of the circumference of the indexing part, the fourth camming surface 10g extends to the exit channel associated with that indexing channel.
Where the indexing part is provided with a plurality of separate indexing channels 8, each of these separate indexing channels has the camming surfaces and rest formations 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g described above.
In use, in this embodiment, the engagement part 2 would be attached to a hoisting apparatus such as a crane, and the indexing part 4 to a load. Both the engagement part 2 and the indexing part 4 are arranged so that their longitudinal axes A are vertical. The engagement part 2 is suspended from the hoisting apparatus above the indexing part 4 and the indexing part 4 is arranged so that its second end 4b is below its first end 4a.
To engage the connector 1, the hoisting apparatus is operated to lower the engagement part 2 over the indexing part 4. In this embodiment, when the engagement part 2 is lowered over the indexing part 4, rotation occurs for the engagement part 2 in a clockwise direction 7a (looking down from top) or rotation of the indexing part 4 occurs in an anticlockwise direction 7b. Normally one part will be fixed and the other will rotate. For example, the engagement part 2 can be connected to the hoisting apparatus in such a way that rotation of the engagement part 2 about longitudinal axis A relative to the hoist apparatus is permitted, and the indexing part 4 fixed. The reverse is, however, possible, as is configuring the connections between the engagement part 2 and the hoisting apparatus and the indexing part 4 and the load so that both parts 2, 4 can rotate about their longitudinal axis A.
Referring to
This is stroke one of four: 1. Down, 2. Up “engaged”, 3. Down, 4. Up “dis-engaged”. Now the hoisting apparatus is operated to raise the engagement part 2 and the pins 6a-6d move upwards to engage with the second camming surface 10c, and with further upward movement of the engagement part 2 the camming action of the second camming surface 10c will force the pins 6a-6d into the second rest formation 10d at position 20d following path of arrow 21c. This is stroke 2. and now the connector 1 is engaged and the hoisting apparatus can be operated to lift the load attached to the indexing part 4. Under load this is a rigid connection—the pins 6a-6d are held in the second rest formation 10d and so no relative rotation of the two sleeves is possible.
Once the load is lifted as desired (the connector may not move if the desire is to test an engagement mechanism rather than a lift), then hoisting apparatus can be operated to lower the engagement part 2 Once the load has been replaced on a supporting surface, further downward movement of the engagement parts 2 will cause pin 6 to travel along path of arrow 21d to position 20e, where it engages with the third camming surface 10e. With further downward movement of the engagement part 2, the camming action of the third camming surface causes rotation clockwise of the engagement part 2. Position 20e is similar to position 20c in that it is just a downstroke: Stroke 3, Down.
For the final disengagement stroke 4. Up “dis-engagement” the engagement part 2 is lifted and pin 6 will travel along path of arrow 21e to the fourth camming surface 10g at position rotating engagement part 2 clockwise. From position 20f the engagement part 2 will travel vertically with no further rotation as the pin 6 has cleared the fourth camming surface 10 and entered the entry channel 9 at the end of the portion of indexing channel 8. In position 20g we are clear of the indexing part 4, and the two parts 2,4 of the connector 1 are separated. During this process, the engagement part 2 has rotated by 90 degrees clockwise about longitudinal axis A. The other engagement pins 6 would have followed similar paths in these cycles.
Focusing more on
The details of the connector 1 are as described above in relation to the embodiment illustrated in
Referring now to the
In
Another application of the quick connector is now discussed.
Using the connector as shown in
The embodiment of the connector shown in
It can be seen from the embodiments described above that the connector can be configured such that the first part is the engagement part, and the second part is the indexing part (as illustrated in
For example, it should be appreciated that the camming surfaces could be configured to cause anticlockwise or clockwise rotation of one or both of the first or second parts of the connector. Whilst in most of the embodiments described above, four engagement pins are provided, this need not be the case, and more or fewer engagement pins (and associated entry channels) could be provided. Providing a larger diameter engagement part will allow for the provision of a greater number of engagement pins. Moreover, as described above, the first and/or second parts of the connector could rotate through a quarter turn (90°) during the process of engagement and disengagement of the two parts of the connector (as facilitated by the up and down strokes of the hoisting apparatus), this need not be the case. This angle could be decreased, by the provision of more than four engagement pins, or by providing exit channels which are radially spaced from the corresponding entry channel by an angle of less than 90°. The engagement pins can be generally cylindrical, as shown in the Figures, but this need not be the case. An end surface of each engagement pin (the end surface being closest to/or in engagement with the indexing part when the indexing and engagement parts are connected could be flat or it could be concave or convex to conform to the curved surface of the indexing part (convex where the indexing part is the first part—i.e., the indexing channel provided on an interior surface, concave where the indexing part is the second part—i.e., the indexing channel provided on an exterior surface).
It is therefore contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/389,167, filed on Jul. 14, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63389167 | Jul 2022 | US |
