Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Miscellaneous compound implement – Plier or tong type
Utility Patent
1998-04-03
2001-01-02
Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Miscellaneous compound implement
Plier or tong type
C294S065500, C294S082230, C294S106000, C414S606000
Utility Patent
active
06168219
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to grapples, and, in particular, to grapples with magnetic properties.
Numerous grapples are known in the prior art. Such devices are used for gathering and moving material, often of irregular shape. For example, grapples may be used to gather scrap metal into a pile and then transport it to another location, such as for further processing. Examples of various grapples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 762,759; 1,590,020; and 2,850,189.
Grapples of this sort often include a plurality of tines that may be moved to open the grapple. The open grapple may then be placed on top of the material to be gathered and the tines closed about the material so as to contain it. The grapple can then be moved to another location where the tines are opened to release the materials.
As the materials to be lifted and moved by the grapple are often of irregular size and shape and because the tines of the grapple, even when closed, do not form a complete enclosure, material that is initially gathered into the grapple sometimes falls out during transport. This may result in the deposit of material where it is not desired. This increases the amount of work to be performed, as the material that has fallen from the grapple must be gathered at a later point.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a grapple.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a grapple that reduces the amount of material that falls from the tines.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a grapple useful for gathering and transporting metal material.
These and other objects of the present invention are attained by the provision of a grapple comprising a body having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of tines each having a first end and a second end are pivotally connected to the body below the upper surface. A magnetic coil is disposed at least partially within the body.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body incudes a pair of spaced apart ears corresponding to each of the tines and each of the tines is pivotally connected to at least one of the pairs of ears. The pairs of spaced apart ears may be disposed uniformly about the body. A portion of the tines may be located between the corresponding pair of spaced apart ears. The tines may be connected to the body above the lower surface thereof.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic coil is disposed a least partially within a nonferrous housing.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the grapple includes a second magnetic coil connected to at least one of the plurality of tines. The second magnetic coil may be wound about a portion of the tine. The tine may be made from a ferrous material. A protective skin may be disposed adjacent a portion of the second magnetic coil. The second magnetic coil may be disposed at least partially within a nonferrous housing.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the magnetic coil is located in the same horizontal plane as the point of connection between the plurality of tines and the body.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a grapple includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of tines each having a first end and a second end is connected to the body. A magnetic coil is connected to at least one of the plurality of tines.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic coil is wound about a portion of at least one of the plurality of tines. At least a portion of one of the plurality of tines is made from a ferrous material. A protective skin may be disposed adjacent a portion of the magnetic coil. The magnetic coil may be disposed at least partially within a nonferrous housing.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tines are pivotally connected to the body. The tines may be connected to the body below the upper surface.
Other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, and the accompanying drawings.
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Barnes & Thornburg
David M. Futa
Kramer Dean J.
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