Gripping assembly and gripping members for a grapple attachment
US8567836B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B19/14
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A gripping assembly with gripping members, as part of a grapple attachment, used to grasp and manipulate elongated objects, for example pipe, is described. Due to the gripping action of the gripping members and tilt control capabilities of the grapple attachment, total positive control of the pipe is maintained, even if the gripping assembly picks up pipe off center. The gripping members are used at least in pairs and are mounted on a common main beam structure so that they are separated from each other. The gripping members are interchangeable with other gripping members to permit the grapple attachment to grasp different sized objects, thereby providing modularity to the grapple attachment. In one embodiment, the gripping members include a support member having a main beam structure opening extending laterally therethrough that is configured to receive a main beam structure of the gripping assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.