Embodiments relate generally to tubular lifting equipment that may lift a targeted object. More particularly, embodiments relate to a lifting mechanism that moves tubular structures in a direction along the central axis of the tubular structure.
Tubular structure lifting equipment may be utilized for various pursuits, for example, without limitation, industries like construction, infrastructure, or for general handling of pipe and tubing. Currently there is a variety of apparatuses that may be in use to accomplish the task of transporting tubular structures. These devices may clamp around the tubular structure openings or enter within the opening and push out against the inner wall of the tubular structure. These apparatuses may produce unwanted stresses within the tubular structures and may pose a risk of slippage. There may be safety concerns when lifting and transporting tubular structures. Over time, fatigue may result in equipment failure. Thus, a new device for lifting tubular structures that may prevent slippage and/or reduce force produced in varying lifting devices (i.e., a horizontal pipe lifting clamp). A vertical lifting mechanism for lifting tubular structures will eliminate safety concerns and improve the lifetime of the subsequent components within the lifting mechanism.
These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention.
Embodiments relate generally to a lifting mechanism for usage in tubular lifting and transportation. As discussed below, embodiments relate to a lifting mechanism that may be more effective for lifting tubular structures, in a vertical position, by doing so along the central axis of the tubular structure, wherein the central axis is parallel to the length of the tubular structure. In embodiments, the lifting mechanism may be constructed with multiple parts and connections that securely fasten the lifting mechanism about the end of a tubular structure. The lifting mechanism may be actuated to move a tubular structure along the central axis of the tubular, wherein the path of motion may be perpendicular to the cross-section of the tubular structure.
Lifting section 101 may operate to allow the lifting mechanism 100 to attach to other equipment. Lifting section 101 may comprise of a link 105 and a link mount 110. Link 105 may have the capability of rotating along an axis. Link 105 may be any suitable size, height, or shape. Without limitation, link 105 may comprise any suitable material such as metal, plastic, an alloy, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, link 105 may comprise any suitable device such as hoist rings, snaps, S-hooks, shackles, and/or padeyes. Link 105 may be able to structurally support the lifting mechanism and any suitable loads thereon. In embodiments, link 105 may be disposed within link mount 110. Link mount 110 may securely hold part of link 105 in place. Link mount 110 may be any suitable size, height, or shape. Without limitation, link mount 110 may comprise any suitable material such as metal, plastic, an alloy, or any combination thereof. In combination with link mount 110, link 105 may rotate along multiple axes.
Lifting section 101 may be disposed on compression section 102. In embodiments, as lifting section 101 operates, compression section 102 may move in accordance with that movement. Compression section 102 may compress and expand along a plane of direction in order to move parts within lifting mechanism assembly 100. Compression section 102 may comprise of a stem 115, a stem housing 120, one or more extensions 125, one or more arms 130, one or more attachments 135, and one or more connections 160. Link mount 110 may be disposed onto stem 115. Stem 115 may serve as the free-to-move part within lifting mechanism assembly 100. Stem 115 may be any suitable size, height, or shape. Without limitation, stem 115 may comprise any suitable material such as metal, plastic, an alloy, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, stem 115 may comprise an open and closed end on opposing sides. In embodiments, stem 115 may be disposed within stem housing 120. In embodiments, stem housing 120 may comprise an open and closed end. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring back to
In embodiments, attachments 135 may be disposed on one end of arm 130. Attachments 135 may be within lifting mechanism assembly 100 to serve as a connection point for other equipment. Attachments 135 may be any suitable size, height, or shape. Connecting material (not shown) may attach to attachments 135. Without limitation, connecting material may be rope, polymer fibers, metal links, or any combination thereof. Connecting material may serve to apply a force to the system in order to engage actuator 200 (referring to
In embodiments, components within compression section 102 may move. Motion caused by the components may engage components within attaching section 103 causing the components within the attaching section 103 to move. Attaching section 103 may provide a securing function onto a targeted object. Attaching section 103 may comprise of an arm housing 140, a base plate 145, and one or more legs 150. In embodiments, legs 150 may be disposed on the opposite end of arms 130 from attachments 135. Legs 150 may provide the securing function onto the object that lifting mechanism assembly 100 may require. Referring to
Between the disposed location of extension 125 with arm 130 and the location of leg 150, there may be arm housing 140. As illustrated in
Base plate 145 may be disposed below arm housing 140. Base plate may prevent lifting mechanism assembly 100 from further entering the tubular structure 155. Base plate 145 may be any suitable size, height, or shape. Without limitation, base plate 145 may comprise any suitable material such as metal, plastic, an alloy, or any combination thereof.
As illustrated in
Lifting mechanism assembly 100 may operate in a dynamic fashion.
Lifting mechanism assembly 100 may be actuated by some force upon attachments 135 in order to be inserted into a tubular structure 155. Once inserted, the force may be released in order for legs 150 to secure to tubular structure 155. The force may be actuated by an operator, through an automated system, or any combination thereof. Once tubular structure 155 has been transported, lifting mechanism assembly 100 may be removed by actuating some force onto attachment 135 and pulling lifting mechanism assembly 100 out of tubular structure 155.
In other embodiments, there may be more or less parts within lifting mechanism assembly 100 to help with stability and force distribution. There may be one or two more arms 130, legs 150, and subsequent parts that are disposed upon those. As illustrated in
The foregoing figures and discussion are not intended to include all features of the present techniques to accommodate a buyer or seller, or to describe the system, nor is such figures and discussion limiting but exemplary and in the spirit of the present techniques.
This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/643,225 filed Mar. 15, 2018.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20190284025 A1 | Sep 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62643225 | Mar 2018 | US |