Pipe handling attachment for handling curved pipe

Abstract

An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment is disclosed herein. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. Each grapple mechanism is configured to pivot relative to the main beam to align with a curved pipe.

Description

[0001] PIPE HANDLING ATTACHMENT FOR HANDLING CURVED PIPE

[0002] Cross-Reference To Related Application

[0003] This application is being filed today as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 652,351 filed on May 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Field

[0005] This disclosure relates to an attachment that is attachable to, for example, a trackhoe, backhoe, excavator or other piece of construction equipment for use in, for example, grasping and manipulating elongated objects such as pipes.

[0006] Background

[0007] In the construction of pipelines or in directional drilling, it is necessary to load and offload large, unwieldy pipes from flatbed trucks. The weight of a pipe will vaiy depending on the diameter, wall thickness, and length, with some pipes weighing several hundred pounds per linear foot.

[0008] At the construction site, each pipe is individually lifted from or loaded onto the bed of a truck, rail car or pipe rack. Normally, nylon straps and cables, with or without manual calipers, are secured around the pipe then attached to the bucket of an excavator. The calipers or nylon straps are placed, as close as possible, at the longitudinal center of the pipe. This is important since being off-center, even by a few inches, results in decreased control and unwanted tilt of the pipe. In addition, it is necessary to station at least one worker at each end of the pipe to steady and guide the pipe as it is moved into location. The workers then manually tilt and rotate the pipe into position. This is cumbersome and dangerous and requires three or more workers (excavator operators and two pipe workers).

[0009] Pipe hooks can also be used to manipulate the pipe. The pipe hooks are located at each end of the pipe and are attached to cables. A worker is provided at each end of the pipe to place the hooks and control the motion of the pipe. When unloading the pipe from the truck in this manner, it is dangerous for the worker as the worker can easily fall off of the truck or be hit by or crushed by the pipe.

[0010] Current pipe loaders also require that pipes be loaded / offloaded in a certain order and that spacing be provided between pipes so that the calipers are able to access the areas next to and under the pipes. Even so, it is not uncommon for pipes to be knocked free of the pipe pile, causing dangerous conditions or damaging the pipe. Pipeline vacuum lifts are also used to lift large diameter pipes. While a vacuum lift eliminates the need for workers at each pipe end, the vacuum lift needs to be generally centered on the pipe to avoid tilting of the pipe. If the vacuum lift is not centered properly on the pipe, an off-center lift occurs creating a tipping movement. This tipping movement can break the vacuum seal between the vacuum lift and the pipe or result in dangerous tilting and loss of control of the pipe. In addition, loss of suction or vacuum power can result in release of the pipe from the vacuum lift resulting in dangerous conditions. In addition, in order to obtain an effective seal of the vacuum lift, the surface of the pipe must be clean without the presence of any dirt, snow or ice. Handling of large diameter pipes is therefore extremely time consuming and can take many hours and require many workers and millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, which is very costly and slows down the production pipeline. In addition, many current processes are hazardous to workers.

[0011] Summary

[0012] An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment is disclosed herein. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. Each grapple mechanism is configured to pivot relative to the main beam to align with a curved pipe.

[0013] In an embodiment, a mechanism comprises at least one grapple mechanism mounted on a main beam, each grapple mechanism including opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. At least one of the grapple mechanisms can be configured to pivot relative to the main beam to align with a curved pipe.

[0014] In an embodiment, a grapple mechanism of a grapple attachment having a main beam includes a grab arm housing and opposing grab arms mounted to the grab arm housing. The grab arm housing can have a beam opening that receives the main beam when the grapple mechanism is mounted on the main beam. The beam opening can have a size that is greater than a size of the main beam such that when the grapple mechanism is mounted on the mean beam gaps exist between the main beam and an inner perimeter of the beam opening wherein the gaps are sufficient to permit the grapple mechanism to pivot relative to the main beam.

[0015] Grapple mechanisms can be used to grasp and manipulate elongated objects, for example pipe of various diameters and lengths. The grapple mechanisms disclosed herein are specifically provided for handling curved pipe of various diameters and lengths. The attachment is configured to improve loading and unloading of curved pipe to and from a stack of pipes, for example, on a bed of a truck, rail car or pipe rack with minimal disturbance of or damaging of adjacent pipes or the pipe coating while providing control over the positioning of the pipe, as well as permit controlled laying of pipe, while reducing manpower and eliminating the need for precise centering of the gripping assembly on the pipe. Due to the gripping action of the grab arms and tilt, rotation and shift control capabilities of the attachment, total positive control of the pipe is maintained, even if the gripping assembly picks up the pipe off center. The attachment is able to be used on all pipe surface types, including pipe surfaces that are dirty, or snow or ice covered. The grab arms are configured to prevent damage, not only to the pipe being manipulated, but to adjacent pipes. The grab arms are configured so that the gripping pressure will not crush the pipe.

[0016] The grapple mechanisms are generally used at least in pairs and are mounted on a common main beam structure so that they are separated from each other. The grapple mechanisms can be interchangeable with other grapple mechanisms to permit the attachment to grasp different sized objects and / or objects having different degrees of curvature, thereby providing modularity to the attachment.

[0017] Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view of an attachment for mounting to an arm of a piece of construction equipment.

[0019] Figures 2A-2B are isometric perspective view of the attachment of Figure 1 mounted to the arm of a piece of construction equipment.

[0020] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the attachment of Figure 1 gripping a curved pipe.

[0021] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a main beam of the attachment of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 5 is an isometric perspective view of a portion of a grapple mechanism of the attachment of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 6 is a side view of a portion of the attachment of Figure 1.

[0024] Figures 7A-7B are cross-sectional views of a portion of the attachment of Figure 1. Figures 8A-8B are cross-sectional views of a portion of the attachment of Figure 1.

[0025] Detailed Description

[0026] With reference to Figures 1-2B, an attachment 100 is illustrated that is configured to handle curved pipes. The attachment 100 can be mounted to an arm 12 of a piece of construction equipment 10. The attachment 100 includes a main beam 102 that is pivotally connected to the base of a lower head assembly 104 by a pivot 106. The lower head assembly 104 is rotatably connected to a mount bracket 108 or upper head to permit the lower head assembly 104 to rotate or swivel 360 degrees relative to the mount bracket about a vertical axis. The mount bracket 108 detachably mounts the attachment 100 to the arm 12 of the construction equipment 10. Tilt actuators 110 can extend between the lower head assembly 104 and the main beam 102 to selectively tilt the main beam about the pivot 106. Further information on the construction and operation of a main beam, lower head assembly, mount bracket and tilt actuators can be found in US 2009 / 0057019. US 2010 / 0308609 and US 2012 / 0213937, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0027] The attachment 100 includes a pair of grapple mechanisms 112 mounted on the main beam 102. The grapple mechanisms 112 are mounted on the main beam so that each grapple mechanism is individually adjustable relative to the main beam along the length of the main beam. Adjustment of each grapple mechanism on the main beam is described in US 2010 / 0308609 and US 2012 / 0213937. In embodiments, attachment 100 can be interchangeably used with grapple mechanisms having different configurations by selectively attaching grapple mechanisms having a desired configuration to main beam 102. In other embodiments, grapple mechanisms 112 can be configured as permanent installations on main beam 102. More than two grapple mechanisms 112 can be employed in certain embodiments.

[0028] Grapple mechanisms 112 depicted in Figures 1-2B can be identical in construction. Each grapple mechanism includes a grab arm housing 1 14 and grab arms 1 16 connected to the grab arm housing 114. As shown in Figure 2B, each grapple mechanism 112 is designed to pick up a portion of a curved pipe 14 using the grab arms 116 under the power of the construction equipment. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the attachment 100 gripping a curved pipe 14. Grapple mechanisms 112 pivot about a longitudinal axis a of main beam 102 to align with the curvature of the curved pipe 14 to securely retain the curved pipe 14 between grab arms 116. Grab arms 116 are preferably made primarily of metal.

[0029] Figure 4 depicts a top view of main beam 102 for use in an attachment 100 for handling curved pipe according to the disclosure. Although main beam 102 includes an elongate slot 122 on each side of beam that allows grapple mechanisms 112 to be affixed to main beam 102 at various locations along the main beam 102, in some embodiments a connector 120 is provided for use with a grapple mechanism such as grapple mechanism 112 design for handling curved pipes. Connector 120 includes a connection aperture 121 that is located adjacent the middle of the elongate slot 122 to provide maximum ability for the grapple mechanism 112 to pivot in either direction with respect to main beam 102. However, the connection between the main beam 102 and the grapple mechanism 112 can be at any other location along elongate slot 122. Figure 5 depicts a grapple mechanism 112 of an attachment 100 for handling curved pipe according to the disclosure. Grapple mechanism 112 includes a beam opening 118 extending through grab arm housing 114 through which main beam 102 is inserted for attachment of grapple mechanism 112 to main beam 102, as shown in Figure 6. Pin 125 is configured to extend across beam opening 118 through elongate slot 122 and connection aperture 121 of main beam 102 to fix grapple mechanism 112 axially along the main beam 102. As will be described in more detail below, an inner wall 119 of beam opening 1 18 is larger than an outer wall 103 of the main beam 102 to enable pivoting movement of grapple mechanism 112 relative to main beam 102. Pivot pads 124 are disposed in the openings between inner wall 119 of beam opening 118 and outer wall 103 of main beam 102, as also described in more detail below.

[0030] Figures 7A-7B are cross-sectional views of the attachment 100 of Figure 1 prior to gripping of a curved pipe with grapple mechanisms 112. As noted above, main beam 102 extends through a rectangular beam opening 118 through grab am housing 114 of each grapple mechanism 112 and grapple mechanisms 112 can be fixed in the axial direction along the main beam 102 with an attachment pin (not depicted in these figures) through elongate slot 122 and connection aperture 121. Handling of curved pipes is enabled by providing beam openings 118 with a larger cross-sectional area than a corresponding cross-sectional area of main beam 102. This creates pivot zones 124 providing open space between the outer walls 103 of main beam 102 and the inner walls 1 19 of the beam openings 1 18 that enables the grapple mechanisms 1 12 to pivot about the attachment pin 125 with respect to main beam 102. In practice, when arms 116 of grapple mechanism 112 contact a curved pipe, the grapple mechanisms 112 will automatically pivot about attachment pins 125 to align with the curvature of the pipe based on the force of the pipe against the grab arms 116 due to the ability to pivot about attachment pins 125 and the open space provided by the pivot zones 124 between the outer walls 103 of the main beam 102 and the inner walls 119 of the beam openings 118 (see Figures 8A-8B).

[0031] Figures 7A-7B and 8A-8B depict additional structure that can be included in some embodiments of grapple mechanisms 112 for gripping curved pipes. Referring to Figure 7B, pivot pads 126 can be provided within beam openings 118. Pivot pads 126 can prevent damage at the interface of the metal beam 102 with the metal grab arm housing 114 and can also guide and / or limit the pivoting of grapple mechanisms 112 with respect to main beam 102. In the depicted embodiment, the grapple mechanisms 112 are biased into a straight (i.e., perpendicular) configuration with respect to main beam 102 by the force of springs 128 pushing pins 130 flush and level against outer wall 103 of main beam 102. Springs 128 and pins 130 can be mounted on a mounting bracket 134 and mounting bracket 134 and / or pivot pads 126 can be selectively attached to wall 119 of beam opening 118 with a fastener 132. In some embodiments, pivot pads 126 having different angles can be selectively attached to wall 119 with a fastener 132 based on a desired degree of pivoting for a particular application. In various embodiments, grapple mechanisms 112 can be configured to pivot at any angle with respect to main beam 102 between 0 and 90 degrees. In one embodiment, grapple mechanisms 112 pivot approximately 30 degrees relative to main beam 102.

[0032] When grab arms 116 of grapple mechanism 112 contact a curved pipe, the force on the grab arms 116 from contacting the pipe will push on the pin 130 to overcome the force of the spring 128 in the direction of curvature of the pipe, such as spring 128A and pin BOA depicted in Figure 8B. This will compress the spring 128A to enable the grapple mechanism 112 to pivot relating to the longitudinal axis a of the main beam 112 about the open space 124 in the beam opening 118. The biasing force of the opposing spring 128B will maintain the opposing pin BOB in contact with the outer wall 103 of the main beam 102. The grapple mechanisms 112 will maintain this configuration while the curved pipe is being manipulated. When the curved pipe is released from grapple mechanism 112, the biasing force of spring 128A will automatically return the grapple mechanism 112 to the perpendicular position with respect to main beam 102. A clamping force for firmly retaining the pipe can be provided by grab arms 116 and removed to release the pipe through various means, such as, for example, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or a mechanical actuator as described in the references previously incorporated by reference herein. In addition, in some embodiments, grapple mechanisms 112 can be mechanically pivoted by an actuator to a desired curvature prior to contacting a pipe.

[0033] As depicted in Figures 7A-7B and 8A-8B, springs 128 and pins 130 can be provided in grapple mechanism 112 on only one side of main beam 102 and in only one of two grapple mechanisms 112 of attachment 100. Alternatively, springs 128 and pins 130 can be provided on both sides of main beam 102 and / or in both grapple mechanisms 112. In a further alternative, pins and springs can be omitted all together. Such an embodiment may or may not include pivot pads 126. Alternative structures could provide similar functions to springs and pins, such as, for example pistons or other actuatable elements.

[0034] Although the main beam 102 and the beam opening 118 are described as being rectangular, shapes other than rectangular are possible such as round or triangular. In addition, the main beam and the beam opening need not have the same shape. For example, the main beam could be round in cross-sectional view and the beam opening could be rectangular.

[0035] The grapple mechanisms described herein can be designed for use with any size, i.e., diameter, and shape of pipe. For example, it is believed that the grapple mechanisms would be suitable for round pipes between about 26 inches to about 48 inches in diameter. However, the grapple mechanisms can be used with pipe having other diameters.

[0036] As used throughout the specification and claims, the word pipe or the like, unless otherwise specified, is intended to encompass all types, shapes, and sizes of pipe that need to be laid and tied-in with other sections of pipe. The pipe can be made of any type of material including, but not limited to, metal or plastic. In cross-section, the pipe can be round, square, triangular, or have other cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, an end of one pipe can be connected to a device, other than another pipe end, that may be connected to the pipe, for example a valve, through which fluid can flow. Therefore, the term pipe is intended to encompass any structure through which fluid is intended to flow. The attachment may also be used to grab, manipulate and process objects other than pipe, for example trees, logs, telephone poles, and the like.

[0037] Although the preceding description primarily mentions a pair of grapple mechanisms, it is possible that more than two grapple mechanisms can be used. For example, three or more grapple mechanisms could be mounted on the main beam. Not all of the grapple mechanisms need be adjustable in the manner described depending on the intended function of the grapple mechanism.

[0038] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A grapple mechanism configured for mounting on a main beam, the grapple mechanism including opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing and a beam opening through which the main beam can extend when the grapple mechanism is mounted on the main beam, wherein the beam opening is sized such that the grapple mechanism can pivot relative to the main beam to align with a curved pipe.

2. The grapple mechanism of claim 1, wherein the grapple mechanism includes springs that bias the grapple mechanism into a straight configuration with respect to the main beam.

3. The grapple mechanism of either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the grapple mechanism includes pivot pads mounted in the beam opening.

4. The grapple mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the grapple mechanism is configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the main beam.

5. A mechanism comprising a grapple mechanism mounted on a main beam, the grapple mechanism including opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing and a beam opening through which the main beam extends, wherein the beam opening of the grapple mechanism is sized such that the grapple mechanism can pivot relative to the main beam to align with a curved pipe.

6. The mechanism of claim 5, comprising a pair of the grapple mechanisms mounted on the main beam.

7. The mechanism of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the grapple mechanism includes springs that bias the grapple mechanism into a straight configuration with respect to the main beam.

8. The mechanism of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the grapple mechanism includes pivot pads mounted in the beam opening.

9. The mechanism of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the grapple mechanism is configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the main beam.

10. The mechanism of any one of claims 5 to 9, comprising pivot zones providing open spaces between an outer wall of the main beam and an inner wall of the beam opening that enables the grapple mechanisms to pivot relative to the main beam.

11. A grapple attachment comprising: a mount bracket configured for mounting the grapple attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment; a main beam mounted to the mount bracket; a grapple mechanism mounted on the main beam, the grapple mechanism including opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing and a beam opening through which the main beam extends, wherein the beam opening of the grapple mechanism has a size that is greater than a size of the main beam such that the grapple mechanism can pivot relative to the main beam to align with a curved pipe.

12. The grapple attachment of claim 11, comprising a pair of the grapple mechanisms mounted on the main beam.

13. The grapple attachment of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the grapple mechanism includes springs that bias the grapple mechanism into a straight configuration with respect to the main beam.

14. The grapple attachment of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the grapple mechanism includes pivot pads mounted in the beam opening.

15. The grapple attachment of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the grapple mechanism is configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the main beam.

16. The grapple attachment of any one of claims 11 to 15. comprising pivot zones providing open spaces between an outer wall of the main beam and an inner wall of the beam opening that enables the grapple mechanisms to pivot relative to the main beam.

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