Hydraulic Equipment Cage

Abstract

A device for transporting and/or storing an article of construction equipment having a tool extending therefrom. The devise comprising a main body frame, a removable brace, and a base. The main body frame having a first side, a second side, and a tool locator disposed between the first and the second sides of the main body frame. The tool locator defining an opening configured to receive the tool. The main body frame is configured to receive at least a portion of the article. The removable brace is secured to the main body frame. The base extends from the main body frame such that the base is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the construction industry and, more particularly, to the transport and storage of heavy machinery and equipment.

BACKGROUND

Transporting construction equipment, such as heavy machinery, on and between job sites and to and from storage locations is a process that involves many challenges. Construction equipment should be transported efficiently and safely to minimize downtime and the risk of damage to the equipment. Federal, state, and local regulations, such as those of the Department of Transportation (“DOT”), should be complied with when transporting construction equipment.

Construction equipment, such as hydraulic hammers, are often expensive and heavy, sometimes weighing hundreds or thousands of pounds. However, despite regular use, current transportation techniques for moving such construction equipment to and from job sites and storage locations often lead to damage, such as broken parts, dents, or misshaping of the equipment. Due to insufficient protection during the transport of the construction equipment, the integrity and operation of the equipment can be compromised. Such damage can lead to a shortened lifespan for the equipment and, in some instances, inoperable equipment.

Construction equipment often requires proper storage to minimize the risk of damage and increase operational longevity. Typically developed by the manufacturer, designer, or retailer, construction equipment storage recommendations often include recommendations outlining a particular position or orientation to store the construction equipment. For instance, hydraulic hammers should be stored vertically to avoid misshaping seals of the hammers and to prevent water intrusion.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a device for securely transporting and storing construction equipment, such as a hydraulic hammer. The device allows for efficient loading of the construction equipment while minimizing the risk of damage to the construction equipment during transportation. The device further provides for the construction equipment to be stored in a proper orientation or position.

As further detailed herein, the device may include a main body frame welded together and a removable brace that, when moved, allows for the insertion and securing of the construction equipment on or otherwise within the device. Thus, when the construction equipment is inserted into the device, the removable brace is reattached to the main body, thereby securing the construction equipment in place for transportation and/or storage.

According to some aspects of the disclosure an apparatus may include a main body frame having a locator having an opening for receiving a tool (e.g., hammer “pin”) or a working end of a piece of construction equipment, a removable brace secured to the main body frame, and a base that supports the main body frame, placed perpendicularly with respect to the main body frame to support the device. Wherein the removable hammer brace is secured via Clevis Pins, and the device is made of steel, carbon alloy, aluminum, brass, titanium, and/or like metals. The device's dimensions vary to fit different models of hydraulic hammers, hydraulic breakers, hydraulic shears, hydraulic pulverizers, and the like.

In some embodiments, the main body frame further comprises two sides having a Z-shaped reinforcement with a cross-member in addition to the removable brace, two full-length braces for supporting the peripherally outermost posts of the main body, and at least two shorter upright braces for supporting the tool locator. Additionally, the device may comprise at least two more upright bars with longer lengths that support the tool locator positioned between the tool locator and the two shorter braces. Wherein the two full-length braces support the peripherally outermost posts of the main body frame, and the two shorter braces also act as forklift pockets to facilitate the transportation of the construction equipment around the construction site. Further, there may be two more full-length forklift pockets that connect the two sides having a Z-shaped reinforcement, for transporting the device on its side in a secure manner.

Additionally, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a device for securely transporting an article of construction equipment such as a hydraulic hammer having a hammer tool attached thereto. The device may include a main body frame, removable brace, and a base.

The main body frame may have a tool locator configured to receive the hydraulic tool. The tool locator may have an opening for receiving the tool of the construction equipment. The removable brace may be removably secured to the main body frame.

The base may support the main body frame and may be perpendicular with respect to the main body frame of the device.

The removable brace may be secured to the main body frame via Clevis Pins.

The main body frame may be comprised of two sides having a Z-shaped reinforcement with a cross member in addition to the removable brace. The device may further comprise at least two first braces for supporting the peripherally outermost posts of the main body frame and at least two second braces for supporting the tool locator. The second braces may be shorter in length than the first braces.

The device may further comprise at least two upright bars that support the tool locator. The upright bars may be positioned between the tool locator and the second braces. The device may further comprise at least two more upright bars that support the tool locator and are positioned between the locator and the base.

The device may further include a first pair of fork pockets on the base which are configured to receive forks of a forklift for moving the device. The device may further include a second pair of fork pockets which may be disposed on the main body frame and configured to receive forks of a forklift for moving the device. The second pair of fork pockets may be positioned on or near a center of gravity of the construction equipment when it is placed in the main body frame of the device.

These aspects of the disclosure are not meant to be exclusive, and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cage for supporting and transporting an article of construction equipment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cage of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cage of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cage of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the cage of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vertical main body frame of a cage, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the main body frame of cage FIG. 6, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main body frame of cage FIG. 6, as taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a base of a cage, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the base of the cage of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a removable brace for securing an article of construction equipment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the removable brace as taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a tool locator of a cage, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the tool locator of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a hydraulic hammer disposed within the cage of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a construction equipment cage that may be used for transporting and storing construction equipment, such as a hydraulic hammer. The construction equipment cage may include a tool locator for securing the construction equipment. The construction equipment cage may have sufficient rigidity to allow cumbersome construction equipment, such as a hydraulic hammer, to be stored and/or transported. The construction equipment cage can include forklift pockets to allow the cage, and thereby the construction equipment contained therein, to be easily transported, for example, throughout or to and from jobsites.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate a construction equipment cage 100, referred to herein as a “cage.” The cage 100 includes a main body frame 110, a tool (or “pin”) locator 114, a removable brace 120, and clevis pins 122, 123 for securing the removable brace 120 to the cage 100.

The tool locator 114 is supported by four upright braces, including braces 144, 146 which may be 30-inch 4×8s and two more braces 142, 148 which may be 34-inch 3×8s. The tool locator 114 likewise includes brackets 116, 118 for securing the tool locator between the opposing sides of the main body frame 110. The brackets 116, 118 may be 32-inch 3×3 L-shaped brackets, or may be square or round tubing, in accordance with the desired outcome. The tool locator 114 further includes an opening 119 configured for receiving a tool or working end of a piece of construction equipment. While opening 119 is illustrated as having a rectangular shape, it is contemplated that tool locator 114 may have an opening that is customized to receive a certain tool or working end therein, e.g., but not limited to, the working ends or tools of hydraulic hammers, hydraulic breakers, hydraulic shears, hydraulic pulverizers, and the like.

The first side 111 of the main body frame 110 is secured to and supported by the long forklift pocket 134, and the second side 112 of the main body frame 110 is secured to and supported by the long forklift pocket 132. The upright braces 144, 146 are supported by, respectively, the short forklift pockets 136, 138. Note that there are also long forklift pockets 124, 126 secured to an upright portion of the main body frame 110, to thereby assist with moving and/or positioning a piece of construction equipment disposed within main body frame 110. Such construction equipment may include, but is not limited to, hydraulic hammers, hydraulic shears, hydraulic breakers, hydraulic pulverizers, and the like.

The cage 100 can include a pair of weld-on tie-down rings 150, 152 for securing the cage 100 in place during transportation. Tie-down rings may be attached at various locations on cage 100, for example, but not limited to a top end 113 of main body frame 110, first side 111, second side 112, and/or base 130. A cross-member 160 may be included to provide rigidity and support between the opposing sides of the main body frame 110. In some instances, cage 100 may include an access ladder (not shown) extending from base 130 toward top end 113 and attached to either first side 111 or second side 112. In this manner, a person can climb up the access ladder to more easily wrap chains or straps around a portion of the construction equipment extending from main body frame 110 and affix those chains or straps to tie-down rings 150 and 152. Other attachment components, such as hooks, eye bolts, etc., may be used instead of or simultaneously with the tie-down rings.

The present disclosure comprises different pieces welded together with a removable brace 120 that allows insertion and securing of the construction equipment within the cage. In other embodiments, the different pieces or componnets of the cage may be secured together via bolts, brackets, mechanical joint fitings, and the like.

The main body frame 110 defines two sides with Z-shaped reinforcements 180, a cross-member 160, a tool locator 114, four full-length forklift pockets 124, 126, 132, 134, two partial-length forklift pockets 136, 138, two weld-on tie-down rings 150, 152, four upright bars 142, 144, 146, 148 and a rectangular base 130, which may be all welded together. Wherein the rectangular base 130 is placed perpendicularly with respect to the main body frame to support the cage. The tool locator 114 has an opening 119 configured for receiving the tool of the construction equipment, and the construction equipment is secured in place by two sides with Z-shaped reinforcements 180, two 34-inch upright bars 142,148, and two 30-inch upright bars 144, 146. Further, the locator 114 has two structural reinforcements (e.g., brackets 116, 118) placed on opposite sides of or between the Z-shaped reinforcements 180.

Additionally, the cage 100 implements a removable brace 120 that is attached to the main body 110 with the use of loop grip Clevis pins 122, 123. Two of the four full-length fork or forklift pockets 124, 126 are located on the back side of the cage 100, connecting the two sides of the Z-shaped reinforcements 180 together. The remaining two full-length forklift pockets 132 and 134 are placed under second side 112 and first side 111, respectively, with Z-shaped reinforcements 180, while the two partial length forklift pockets 136, 138 are placed under the two 30-inch upright bars 144, 146. The forklift pockets 132, 134, 136, 138 are the connection points between the main body frame 110 and the base 130. The overall dimensions of the cage 100 may vary to fit different types of construction equipment (e.g., various models of hydraulic hammers, hydraulic shears, hydraulic breakers, etc.), with the dimensions ranging according to the specific application. The cage 100 can be made of metal, for example, but not limited to, steel, carbon alloy, aluminum, brass, or titanium and may include components made of non-metal material such as plastic or wood.

The way cage 100 function is by combining a main body frame 110 with a removable brace 120 that, when removed, allows for the insertion and securing of the construction equipment on the tool locator 114. Once positioned within main body frame 110, the tool or pin extending from the construction equipment is disposed between tool locator 114 and base 130. In such instances, the construction equipment is disposed between locator 114 and top end 113 of main body frame 110. When the construction equipment is inserted into the cage 100, the removable brace 120 is replaced in the main body 110 securing the construction equipment in place for transportation, storage, etc. This claimed subject matter improves over the prior art by advantageously providing a cage 100 that facilitates transport and storage of heavy equipment, such as hydraulic hammers, eliminating the risk of damaging the equipment during transportation and storage. Moreover, this allows for the construction equipment to be stored and/or transported without having to remove the tool or pin from the construction equipment. This is because, when in the vertical position as shown in FIG. 1, tool locator 114 and braces 142, 144, 146, 148 hold the weight of the construction equipment to prevent the tool or pin from being damaged. In this manner, the construction equipment is stored and/or transported in an assembled and ready-to-use state.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the forklift pockets 124, 126 connected to the main body frame 110 on a backside 115. The remaining forklift pockets 132, 134, 136, 138 offer a connection point between the main body frame 110, the upright bars 142, 144, 146, 148 and the supporting base 130. FIG. 4 better illustrates the position of the removable brace 120 with respect to the main body frame 110 of the cage 100 and how the clevis pins 122, 123 connect them when engaged. Further, this figure allows to visualize the placement of the two 34-inch upright bars 142,148 with respect to the two 30-inch upright bars 144 and 146 not shown in the figure), the locator 114, and the outside forklift pockets 132 (and 134 not shown in the figure). FIG. 5 is a top view of the cage 100, which provides a visual representation of the space in which the construction equipment will be inserted to be secured and transported. These figures show the different views of the cage 100, wherein FIG. 3 is a front view, FIG. 4 is a side view, and FIG. 5 is a top view, and help provide a better understanding of how the pieces of cage 100 are interconnected and welded together.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, FIG. 7 is a front view, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main body frame 110, with the two sides with Z-shaped reinforcements 180. Main body frame 110 provides more stability to the cage 100 as the reinforcements 180 help with the weight distribution of the construction equipment.

FIG. 9 is a top view, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the rectangular base 130, which comprises an outer rectangle and two bars in the middle. In some instances, all welded joints of the base 130 need to be 90 degrees. This piece is constructed in this way to provide additional support for the whole cage 100.

FIG. 11 is a top view, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the removable brace 120. In some instances, all welded joints of the removable brace 120 are 90 degrees. The material more commonly used for the formation of the removable brace 120 is tube steel. The removable brace may be shaped and sized such that the removable brace is adapted to the size and shape of different makes and models of the equipment inserted in the cage 100. For example, the removable brace 120 may be custom made to secure a particular piece of equipment within the cage 100. When connected to the main body frame 110, the removable brace 120 helps secure the construction equipment in place within the cage 100. In particular, the removable brace 120 may be used to secure equipment in the cage 100 when the cage is placed in a vertical portion, as shown in FIG. 15. In this manner, the removable brace prevents the equipment from tipping over and thereby falling out of the cage 100. In some instances, in addition to using the removable brace 120, a chain and ratchet chain binder assembly may be secured to the cage 100 and wrapped around the equipment to hold the equipment tight against the tool locator 114 of the cage 100. This prevents the equipment from sliding out of the cage 100 when the cage is placed in a horizontal position.

FIG. 13 is a top view, and FIG. 14 is a side view of the tool locator 114 of the cage 100. FIG. 13 allows to view opening 119 for receiving the tool of the construction equipment and how big the opening is compared to the structures that comprise tool locator 114. These dimensions would vary to adapt the cage 100 to different sizes of equipment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of cage 100 with a hydraulic hammer 99 disposed within main body frame 110 of the cage. The hammer pin (not shown) of hydraulic hammer 99 is disposed within tool locator 114 between upright bars 142, 144, 146, 148 such that the hammer pin is located directly behind upright bar 142 in FIG. 15. Hydraulic hammer 99 is positioned in a central location within main body frame 110 and ontop of tool locator 114. Removable brace 20 is positioned around hydraulic hammer 99 to secure it in place. In some instances, hydraulic hammer 99 is positioned between L-shaped brackets 116 and 118 located on tool locator 114.

In other embodiments, cage may include hose protectors (not shown) that are attached to the exterior or interior of the main body frame 110. The hose protectors are configured to receive the hoses attached the construction equipment and affix them within or around main body frame 110. In some instances, hose protectors may be similar to tied-down rings 150 and 152 in that the hose protector defines an opening or slot extending from main body frame 110 and through which the hoses are inserted and thereby held in a protected position, e.g., within in the main body frame 110. In other instances, hose protectors may be tubing, e.g., plastic or metal tubing, dimensioned to receive hoses therein and attached to the cage 100. In this manner, damage to the hoses, e.g., crushing or pinching, is prevented during transportation and/or storage of the construction equipment.

In some embodiments, hydraulic equipment, e.g., a hydraulic hammer, may be attached to a construction equipment cage, such as cage 100. For example, the construction equipment may be inserted into a main body frame, e.g., main body frame 110, of the cage. Given the layout of the cage, no components of the construction equipment needs to be removed or otherwise detached before the construction equipment is inserted into the main body frame. For example, a hammer pin of a hydraulic hammer does not need to be removed before the hydraulic hammer is inserted into a tool locator, e.g., tool locator 114 cage. As the hydraulic hammer is inserted into the main body frame, the hydraulic hammer is properly aligned within the main body frame, as shown in FIG. 15, as the tool locator receives the hammer pin. In this manner, the tool locator allows for the equipment to be properly positioned within the cage with little to no repositioning being required and without a need to disassemble the construction equipment before it is received within the cage.

Once properly positioned, the construction equipment is secured within the main body frame by attaching a removable brace, e.g., removable brace 120, to the main body frame via clevis pins or other linkage. Then disconnecting the construction equipment and its hydraulic hoses from construction machinery attached thereto. The hydraulic hoses may be inserted into hose protects attached to the cage.

The construction equipment may be further secured within the cage by wrapping chains around a portion of the construction equipment and connecting the chain to the tie-downs rings, e.g., tie-downs rings 150, 152, extending from main body frame. In this manner, the construction equipment can be stored and/or transported in a ready-to-use state with the tool attached to the construction equipment.

In some instances, before detaching the machinery from the construction equipment, lifting and/or tilting the construction equipment to lay the main body frame on its side, e.g., third side 115, of the cage such that a set of forklift pockets, e.g., forklift pockets 124 and 126, are disposed between the ground and the main body frame. Once the main body frame is on its side, moving the main body frame and the construction equipment with a forklift by engaging the set of forklift pockets, e.g., forklift pockets 124 and 126, with the fork of the forklift. Alternatively, the main body frame can maintain a vertical position, as shown in FIG. 1, and be moved by the forklift once a fork of the forklift engages another set of forklift pockets, e.g., forklift pockets 132, 134, 136, and 138. In this manner, the construction equipment can be transported horizontally while secured within the main body frame.

It is to be understood that the disclosure set forth herein includes any possible combinations of the particular features set forth above, whether specifically disclosed herein or not. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, embodiment, arrangement, or configuration, that feature can also be used to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects, embodiments, arrangements, and configurations of the technology, and in the technology in general.

Furthermore, although the technology here has been described with reference to particular features and figures, it is to be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications, including changes in the sizes of the various features described herein, may be made to the illustrative arrangement and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. In this regard, the present technology encompasses numerous additional features in addition to those specific features set forth in the claims below. Moreover, the foregoing disclosure should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation as the present technology is defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A device for holding construction equipment, the device comprising: a main body frame having a first side, a second side, and a locator disposed between the first and the second sides, the locator defining an opening, wherein the locator is configured to receive at least a portion of the construction equipment;a removable brace removably secured to the main body frame for securing the construction equipment within the device; anda base extending from the main body frame such that the base is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body frame.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the removable brace is secured to the main body frame via one or more clevis pins.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and the second sides has a Z-shaped reinforcement with a cross-member.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first set of braces and a second set of braces, the first set of braces disposed between the main body frame and the base, and the second set of braces disposed between the locator and the base.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a set of bars positioned between the locator and the second set of braces and tie-down rings extending from the main body frame.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first set of braces defines a first pair of fork pockets configured to receive forks of a forklift for moving the device.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second pair of fork pockets disposed on the main body frame configured to receive forks of a forklift for moving the device, wherein the second pair of fork pockets extend from the first side to the second side of the main body frame.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the locator includes an L-shaped bracket extending between the first and the second sides.

9. A device for transporting or storing a hydraulic hammer, the device comprising: a main body frame having a locator disposed within the main body frame, the locator defining an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the hydraulic hammer;a hammer brace attached to the main body frame;a base fixed to the main body frame; anda first set of braces and a second set of braces, the first set of braces disposed between the main body frame and the base, and the second set of braces disposed perpendicular to the first set of braces along a side of the main body frame, wherein the at least one of the first and the second set of braces defines a first pair of fork pockets.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the second set of braces defines a second pair of fork pockets.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the second pair of fork pockets are positioned in a center of gravity when the hammer is placed in the device.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the hammer brace is attached closer to a first end of the main body frame than the base.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the base is fixed to a second end of the main body frame, the second end being opposite of the first end.

14. The device of claim 9, further comprising a third set of braces disposed between the first set of braces.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the hammer brace is removably attached to a Z-shaped reinforcement of the main body frame.

16. A device for transporting or storing a hydraulic hammer having a hammer tool and hammer hoses, the device comprising: a main body frame having a locator disposed within the main body frame, the locator defining an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the hammer tool;a base extending from the main body frame; anda hose protector and/or a tie-down ring attached the main body frame, the hose holder configured to receive the hammer hoses.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a hammer brace removably secured to the main body frame.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the base includes a first pair of fork pockets configured to receive forks of a forklift for moving the device.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the main body frame includes a second pair of fork pockets configured to receive forks of a forklift for moving the device.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the main frame includes a cross-member extending between a first side and a second side of the main body frame.