Ram system

Abstract

A ram system that connects a ram kit to an actuator. A ram of the ram kit may be mounted to a top bracket of the frame such that the ram hangs downwardly from the top bracket towards a bottom bracket of the frame. The top bracket may have an opening, which may be T-shape, to receive and retain the ram and a mount slide plate mounted atop the ram within the opening without the need of additional components to fixedly secure the ram to the top bracket, such as screws or bolts.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 755,379 filed Feb. 7, 2025, the contents of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a ram system. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a ram kit with a modular configuration that is operable at a ram of the ram kit rather than a pump attached to the ram kit.

[0003] Ram systems are known in the art. A conventional ram kit has a ram and a frame, with the ram connected to a pump by connectors, such as hoses. The ram is actuated by the pump to move a drive head of the ram that applies pressure to drive components, such as tubes or push piers into the ground. Although useful, existing ram systems suffer from a number of deficiencies.

[0004] Existing ram kits have the ram fixedly attached to the top of the frame such that the ram is above the frame. The term fixedly refers to the ram being welded atop the frame or being mounted into place with numerous bolts that make removal cumbersome, time consuming, or difficult. The ram is conventionally bulky and long because the ram housing houses the full length of the drive head. Because the ram extends above the frame, the overall length of the ram kit and imbalance of weight between the ram and the frame makes placing the ram kit difficult.

[0005] Operation of the ram system presents additional problems. Existing ram systems position the control valve and pressure gauge between the pump and the end of the hose connected to the pump. In this arrangement, an operator must control the ram by reaching away from the ram to either a side or behind the operator to the control valve. Also, to read the current pressure, the operator must look away from the ram kit to the pressure gauge that is near the pump. In the event that the operator is harmed by the ram kit or an issue arises with the installation using the ram system, the positioning of the operator makes rapid and quick remedial action difficult. For instance, if an operator's hand were to get caught between the drive head of the ram and a push pier, the operator may panic and try to use their free hand to aid in removing the hand that is caught. During this time, the pump will continue to operate as the operation of the control valve is conventionally accomplished through a valve control that does not return to a closed position if released, such as lever with an end pivot point to control the amount of pressure being delivered to the ram by the pump.

[0006] Due to these issues, the ram system is often operated with two operators. While beneficial, problems still remain as inherent delays exist between the operator directing the installation at the ram kit and the operator operating the pump. This delay can result in injury or incorrect installation.

[0007] Thus, it is a primary aspect of this disclosure to provide a ram system that improves upon the art.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that has lower weight ram kit than a conventional ram system.

[0009] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that has a shorter length than a conventional ram system.

[0011] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that requires only one operator to operate.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that reduces installation duration.

[0013] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that is modular.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a ram system that is safer.

[0015] Yet another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a system that is fully operable in front of an operator with their hands visible.

[0016] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The disclosure provides various aspects of a ram system.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system including: a ram kit having a frame and a ram; the frame having a first side channel and a second side channel that extend from a top bracket to a bottom bracket; and the ram having a housing that houses a drive head; and the housing of the ram connected to the top bracket at one end such that the housing extends downwardly from the one end towards the bottom bracket.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including the top bracket having an opening that slidably receives the ram within the top bracket.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including the opening in the top bracket having a T-shape, wherein a horizontal portion of the opening receives a mount slide plate connected to the housing of the ram and a vertical portion of the opening receives the housing of the ram.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including a front wall of the top bracket having the opening.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including at least one support extending from the opening between the front wall to a rear wall of the top bracket.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including the top bracket having a handle extending upwardly and away from a top wall of the top bracket.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system wherein the drive head extends telescopically from the housing.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including the ram having a control assembly mounted to the housing and configured to control an actuator connected to the ram by an actuation connector.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system wherein the control assembly has a shut off valve configured to shut off actuation of the ram upon release of a controller of the control assembly.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system wherein no part of the ram is positioned above the top bracket.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system wherein the ram is retained within the top bracket without being fixedly connected to the top bracket.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a ram system further including the bottom bracket having a slot formed by an intermedial wall and a wall selected from a group consisting of a bottom wall and a top wall of the bottom bracket, wherein the slot extends between a first side wall and a second side wall of the bottom bracket and is configured to receive a lifting bracket.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of using a ram system including the steps of: providing an actuator, a frame, and a ram; installing the frame on a lifting bracket; operatively connecting the actuator to the ram; and slidably inserting the ram within an opening in a top bracket of the frame, wherein the ram is positioned entirely within the frame.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method wherein the frame has a first side channel and a second side channel that connect to the top bracket at a top end and connect to a bottom bracket at a bottom end.

[0032] This has outlined, rather broadly, the features, advantages, solutions, and benefits of the disclosure in order that the description that follows may be better understood. Additional features, advantages, solutions, and benefits of the disclosure will be described in the following. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and related operations for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and related operation do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying Figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the Figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a front view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

[0047] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a ram system according to an aspect of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The disclosure described herein is directed to different aspects of a ram system. The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. These descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. As described herein, the use of the term “and / or” is intended to represent an “inclusive OR”, and the use of the term “or” is intended to represent an “exclusive OR”.

[0049] The disclosure is described herein with reference to certain aspects, iterations, embodiments, and examples but it is understood that the disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. In particular, the disclosure is described herein in regards to a hydraulically actuated ram system in conjunction with push pier installations, but it is understood that the disclosure can operate with other forms of actuation, including electrical, pneumatic, and the like, and may be used for other purposes beyond push pier installation.

[0050] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another. Hence, a first element discussed herein could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present application. It is understood that actual systems or fixtures embodying the disclosure can be arranged in many different ways with many more features and elements beyond what is shown in the drawings. For the same or similar elements or features, the same reference numbers may be used throughout the disclosure.

[0051] It is to be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “on” another element or component, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “between”, “within”, “below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the disclosure in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0052] Aspects of the disclosure may be described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0053] With reference to Figures aspects of a ram system 10 are shown according to the disclosure. The ram system 10 may comprise one or more of an actuator 12, an actuation connector 14, and a ram kit 16, which may be configured to connect to a lifting bracket 18 and engage a push pier 20. The actuator 12 may be a pump 22 such as a gas hydraulic pump. The actuation connector 14 may be a hose 24, such as a hydraulic hose. The ram kit 16 may be comprised of one or more of a ram 26 and a frame 28.

[0054] The ram 26 may have a housing 30 that houses a drive head 32. The drive head 32 may be configured to extend and retract telescopically when actuated. A telescopic configuration provides the advantage of reducing the size of the ram 26 without reducing the length that the drive head 32 may be extended as compared to conventional non-telescoping drive heads. Additionally, the reduced size of the ram 26 allows the ram 26 to be positioned within the frame 28, as disclosed further herein, rather than without as is known in the prior art.

[0055] The ram 26 may have a control assembly 34 that may comprise one or more of a control valve 36 and a controller 38. The control valve 36 may have a port 40 that connects to the actuation connector 14. Selective actuation of the drive head 32 may be controlled by the control valve 36 and or the controller 38. The controller 38 may be configured to control actuation, including by way of the control valve 36, by twisting or rotating a grip 42 of the controller 38 about a central axis extending a length of the controller 38 similar to the actuation of a motorcycle. The control assembly 34 may be configured to shut off actuation upon the release of the controller 38 such as by way of a shutoff valve 44 that may have a spring-loaded configuration to return to a neutral position when not being actuated forward or reverse and / or the controller 38 having a bias against the rotation needed for actuation. The control assembly 34 may be connected directly to the ram 26, such as by connection to the housing 30. In this way, the ram 26 may be operated by an operator with the ram kit 16 and the control assembly 34 directly in front of the operator.

[0056] The ram 26 may comprise a gauge 46 configured to display a pressure being applied to drive the push pier 20 or other implement being operated upon and / or installed. The gauge 46 may be connected to the housing 30 of the ram 26 and / or the control assembly 34, such that an operator can view the ram kit 16, the control assembly 34, and the gauge 46 at once thereby reducing the need for a second operator and reducing the risk of injury or enhanced injury.

[0057] A drive head adapter 48 may be connected to the drive head 32. The drive head adapter 48 may be configured to be partially received within the push pier 20 or similar implement. The drive head adapter 48 may have a first portion 50 that is sized and shaped to fit within an opening in the push pier 20 and a second portion 52 that is sized and shaped to engage an upper end of the push pier 20. The first portion 50 may have a conical shape and the second portion 52 may have a larger diameter of the first portion 50 and formed as a flange or ridge extending around the circumference of the first portion 50.

[0058] The frame 28 may comprise one or more of a top bracket 54, a bottom bracket 56, a first side channel 58, and a second side channel 60. The frame 28 may be configured to slidably receive and retain the ram 26 without fixed connection, such as by way of welding or nuts and bolts. The frame 28 may be configured to receive the ram 26 within the frame 28 rather than without (such as by mounting atop the frame) as is conventional.

[0059] The top bracket 54 may be configured to slidably receive and retain the ram 26 without fixed connection. The top bracket 54 may receive one end of the ram 26 such that the housing 30 of the ram 26 extends (i.e., hangs) downwardly away from the top bracket 54 and towards the bottom bracket 56 to an opposite end.

[0060] The top bracket 54 may comprise one or more of a top wall 62, a first side wall 64, a second side wall 66, a rear wall 68, a front wall 70, and a bottom wall 72 that may be partially open or fully open (i.e., a plane extending along the bottom most of the top bracket 54 and parallel to the top wall 62 is absent). The bottom wall 72 being at least partially open allows for the ram 26 to extend (or hang) through the top bracket 54.

[0061] The top wall 62 may have a handle 74 that extends upwardly and away from the top wall 62. The handle 74 may connect and extend from other parts of the frame 28, however, extending from the top bracket 54 provides for ergonomic use of the handle 74 during transport of the ram kit 16. The top wall 62 may have a plurality of or one of a pin hole 76. The pin hole 76 may receive a pin 78 that engages the ram 26 upon the ram 26 being inserted into the top bracket 54. The pin 78 may be configured to reduce movement of the ram 26 during operation (as described herein), but the pin 78 may not be interlocked with the ram 26 such as by way of a threaded connection to allow simple and quick removal of the ram 26 by manual manipulation without the need of tools to remove the pins from engagement with the ram 26.

[0062] The first side wall 64 and the second side wall 66 may extend perpendicularly down from the top wall 62 such that the first side wall 64 and the second side wall 66 extend in parallel, spaced alignment with one another. The first side wall 64 may have one of or a first set of channel apertures 80 and the second side wall 66 may have one of or a second set of channel apertures 82.

[0063] The rear wall 68 may have a cut out or otherwise formed with a recess 84 (not shown) that extends from a lowermost edge of the rear wall 68 and extends upwardly partially along a length of the rear wall 68 towards the top wall 62. The recess 84 may have a trapezoidal shape with the angled sides of the trapezoidal shape extending from the first side wall 64 and the second side wall 66 to a horizontal portion extending perpendicular to the top wall 62. The recess 84 provides structural stability to the top bracket 54. The rear wall 68 may also have one or a pair of spacer openings 85 to connect a spacer 87 (not shown) that is configured to assist in positioning the frame 28 in relation to a structure such as residential home.

[0064] The front wall 70 may have a gap or an opening 86 configured to slidably receive therethrough the ram 26 and / or a mount slide plate 88 (discussed further herein). The opening 86 may be T-shaped with a first portion or a horizontal portion 90 of the opening 86 extending horizontally between the first side wall 64 and the second side wall 66 while a second portion or a vertical portion 92 of the opening 86 extends between the top wall 62 through to a bottom edge 94 of the front wall 70. In such a configuration, the front wall 70 may be divided fully or partially between a first section 96 and second section 98. In such aspects, the first section 96 may connect to and extend inwardly from the first side wall 64 and may also connect at least partially to the top wall 62, while the second section 98 may connect to and extend inwardly from the second side wall 66 and may also connect at least partially to the top wall 62. The horizontal portion 90 may be sized and shaped to receive the mount slide plate 88 in close tolerances therethrough and the vertical portion 92 may be sized and shaped to receive the ram 26 in close tolerances therethrough.

[0065] A first support 100, a second support 102, a third support 104, and / or a fourth support 106 may extend from the front wall 70 to the rear wall 68. The first support 100 may be positioned at a first end 108 of the horizontal portion 90 of the opening 86 and the second support 102 may be positioned at a second end 110 of the horizontal portion 90. In this way, the first support 100 and the second support 102 close off the horizontal portion 90 at opposing ends. The third support 104 may be positioned below the horizontal portion 90 and inset from the first support 100 such that the third support 104 is in longitudinal alignment with the with the vertical portion 92. The fourth support 106 may be positioned below the horizontal portion 90 and inset from the second support 102 such that the fourth support 106 is in longitudinal alignment with the vertical portion 92. The first support 100, the second support 102, the third support 104, and / or the fourth support 106 may be configured to provide structure rigidity and / or durability to the top bracket 54, to provide a platform on which the ram 26 and / or mount slide plate 88 can rest upon, and / or act as a barrier to reduce movement of the ram 26 during operation.

[0066] The bottom bracket 56 may be configured to slidably receive, capture, and / or mount to a lifting bracket 18 and / or engage the push pier 20, thereby facilitating proper installation during operation of the ram system 10. The bottom bracket 56 may comprise one or more of a bottom wall 112 that may be open (i.e., a plane extending along the bottom most of the bottom bracket 56 is absent), a first side wall 114, a second side wall 116, a front wall 118, a rear wall 120 that may be partially open or fully open (i.e., a plane extending along the front most of the bottom bracket 56 and parallel to the front wall 118 is absent), a top wall 122 that may be partially open or fully open (i.e., a plane extending along the top most of the bottom bracket 56 and parallel to the bottom wall 112 is absent), and an intermedial wall 124 positioned between the bottom wall 112 and the top wall 122 that extends in parallel, spaced alignment with the bottom wall 112. The rear wall 120 being at least partially open allows for the bottom bracket 56 to receive and capture the lifting bracket 18 and / or engage the push pier 20. The top wall 122 being at least partially open allows for the bottom bracket 56 to be more easily mounted to the lifting bracket 18 and / or to allow the push pier 20 and / or the lifting bracket 18 to pass through the bottom bracket 56.

[0067] The top wall 122 and the intermedial wall 124 may have a cut out 126 that extends inwardly from the rear wall 120. The cut out 126 may have a one holes or recesses, or a pair of connector recesses 128 with a post recess 130 centrally positioned in the cut out 126. The connector recesses 128 are configured to receive a stem 132, such as that of a bolt 134, while a head 136 of the bolt 134 engages a top surface 138 of the top wall 122. The post recess 130 is configured to receive the push pier 20 therethrough and engage a portion of an outer circumference of the push pier 20. A gap or a slot 140 is formed between the bottom wall 112 and the intermedial wall 124 that is accessible from the rear wall 120 of the bottom bracket 56. The slot 140 is configured to receive the lifting bracket 18 at least partially therein.

[0068] The first side wall 114 and the second side wall 116 may extend perpendicularly upward from the top wall 122 such that the first side wall 114 and the second side wall 116 extend in parallel, spaced alignment with one another. The first side wall 114 may have one of or a third set of channel apertures 142 and the second side wall 116 may have one of or a fourth set of channel apertures 144.

[0069] The rear wall 120 may have a cut out or otherwise formed with a recess 146 that extends from a lowermost edge of the rear wall 120 and extends upwardly along a length or partial length of the rear wall 120 towards the top wall 122. The recess 146 may have a trapezoidal shape with the angled sides of the trapezoidal shape extending from the first side wall 114 and the second side wall 116 to a horizontal portion extending perpendicular to the top wall 122. The recess 146 provides structural stability to the bottom bracket 56.

[0070] One of or a pair of first bottom supports 148 may be wrapped around a first corner 150 positioned at the intersection of the bottom wall 112 and the first side wall 114. One or a pair of second bottom supports 152 may be wrapped around a second corner 154 positioned at the intersection of the bottom wall 112 and the first side wall 114. The pair of first bottom supports 148 may be positioned in parallel, spaced alignment with one another, and / or the pair second bottom supports 152 may be positioned in parallel, spaced alignment with one another. The first bottom supports 148 and the second bottom supports 152 are configured to provide structural rigidity and / or durability to the bottom bracket 56.

[0071] The first side channel 58 and the second side channel 60 are each connected to the top bracket 54 at a top end 156 and / or to the bottom bracket 56 at a bottom end 158. The first side channel 58 and the second side channel 60 may form C-channels that open towards on another in a mirrored fashion and extend longitudinally in parallel, spaced alignment to one another. Adjacent the top end 156, the first side channel 58 has the first set of channel apertures 80 that align with the same through the top bracket 54, and the second side channel 60 has the second set of channel apertures 82 that align with the same through the top bracket 54. Adjacent the bottom end 158, the first side channel 58 has the third set of channel apertures 142 that align with the same through the bottom bracket 56, and the second side channel 60 has the fourth set of channel apertures 144 that align with the same through the bottom bracket 56. Positioned through each of one or more of the first set of channel apertures 80, the second set of channel apertures 82, the third set of channel apertures 142, and the fourth set of channel apertures 144 is a channel connector 160. The second side channel 60 may be a nut and bolt with a head 162 positioned to the exterior of the frame 28. The first side channel 58 and the second side channel 60 are configured to transfer force of the ram 26 to the bottom bracket 56 that facilitates the installation of the push pier 20 or other implement.

[0072] The mount slide plate 88 is configured to connect a bottom surface 164 of the mount slide plate 88 to the ram 26 on a side opposite the extension of the drive head 32. The mount slide plate 88 is configured to be slidably received in the horizontal portion 90 of the opening 86 in the top bracket 54. The mount slide plate 88 may have one or a plurality of mount apertures 166 that receive in one or all of the plurality of mount apertures 166 a ram connector 168 such as a screw. A front edge 170 and / or the rear edge 172 of the mount slide plate 88 may have one or a plurality of notches 174. The plurality of notches 174 may be configured to each receive one of the pin 78 to limit movement of the ram during operation as described herein.

[0073] In an exemplary method of use of the ram system 10, an operator provides the ram system 10 at an installation site with the ram 26 separated from the frame 28 thereby easing transport of the two components. If needed, the operator may set the lifting bracket 18. The operator may then capture the lifting bracket 18 in the bottom bracket 56 of the frame 28; though this step may occur after the following steps.

[0074] The ram kit 16 is assembled by sliding the ram 26 into the top bracket 54 of the frame 28 such that the ram 26 hangs downwardly within the frame 28. The ram 26 is retained within the top bracket 54 without being fixedly connected as described previously. The actuator 12 is connected to the ram 26 with the actuation connector 14.

[0075] Once the ram kit 16 is mounted to the lifting bracket 18, a push pier 20 is positioned in the lifting bracket 18 and / or the bottom bracket 56. The actuator 12 is powered on. Using the control assembly 34, the operator operates the drive head 32 to extend telescopically to engage the drive head adapter 48 with the push pier 20 thereby driving the push pier 20 into the ground. This process is repeated with additional push pier until a desired pressure is reached, which is identified by the operator viewing the gauge 46. If during operation, the operator releases the controller 38 the ram 26 ceases operation. Throughout installation, the ram kit 16, the control assembly 34, and the gauge 46 are in view in front of the operator. Once installation is complete, the actuator 12 is disconnected from the ram 26 and the ram 26 is removed from the frame 28. The frame 28 is removed from the lifting bracket 18.

[0076] Therefore, a ram system 10 has been provided that has lower weight ram kit than a conventional ram kit, is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble, has a shorter length than a conventional ram system, requires only one operator to operate, reduces installation duration, is modular, is safer, is fully operable in front of an operator with their hands visible, and improves upon the art.

[0077] From the above discussion and accompanying figures and claims it will be appreciated that the ram system 10 offers many advantages over the prior art. Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the technology of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification only expressly stated otherwise. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding configurations described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

[0078] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A ram system comprising:a ram kit having a frame and a ram;the frame having a first side channel and a second side channel that extend from a top bracket to a bottom bracket; andthe ram having a housing that houses a drive head; andthe housing of the ram connected to the top bracket at one end such that the housing extends downwardly from the one end towards the bottom bracket.

2. The ram system of claim 1 further comprising the top bracket having an opening that slidably receives the ram within the top bracket.

3. The ram system of claim 2 further comprising the opening in the top bracket having a T-shape, wherein a horizontal portion of the opening receives a mount slide plate connected to the housing of the ram and a vertical portion of the opening receives the housing of the ram.

4. The ram system of claim 3 further comprising a front wall of the top bracket having the opening.

5. The ram system of claim 4 further comprising at least one support extending from the opening between the front wall to a rear wall of the top bracket.

6. The ram system of claim 2 further comprising the top bracket having a handle extending upwardly and away from a top wall of the top bracket.

7. The ram system of claim 1 wherein the drive head extends telescopically from the housing.

8. The ram system of claim 1 further comprising the ram having a control assembly mounted to the housing and configured to control an actuator connected to the ram by an actuation connector.

9. The ram system of claim 8 wherein the control assembly has a shut off valve configured to shut off actuation of the ram upon release of a controller of the control assembly.

10. The ram system of claim 8 wherein no part of the ram is positioned above the top bracket.

11. The ram system of claim 1 wherein the ram is retained within the top bracket without being fixedly connected to the top bracket.

12. The ram system of claim 1 further comprising the bottom bracket having a slot formed by an intermedial wall and a wall selected from a group consisting of a bottom wall and a top wall of the bottom bracket, wherein the slot extends between a first side wall and a second side wall of the bottom bracket and is configured to receive a lifting bracket.

13. A method of using a ram system comprising the steps of:providing an actuator, a frame, and a ram;installing the frame on a lifting bracket;operatively connecting the actuator to the ram; andslidably inserting the ram within an opening in a top bracket of the frame, wherein the ram is positioned entirely within the frame.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the frame has a first side channel and a second side channel that connect to the top bracket at a top end and connect to a bottom bracket at a bottom end.

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