US20090184529A1

US20090184529A1 - Pipe pulling assembly

Info

Publication number: US20090184529A1
Application number: US12/009,590
Authority: US
Inventors: Manuel J. Gonzales, JR.; Roberto M. Borunda
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-22
Filing date: 2008-01-22
Publication date: 2009-07-23

Abstract

A pipe pulling assembly (10) consisting of a first circular band (12) and an identical second circular band (12′). The two bands (12, 12′) are each comprised of an upper arcuate band (14) and a lower arcuate band (13) that are placed around the circumferential end of a first circular pipe (100) and a second circular pipe (110). Attached adjacent to the first and second end (20,22) of the upper arcuate band (14) is an upper band attachment structure (30) and attached adjacent to the first and second end (19,21) of the lower arcuate band (13) is a lower band attachment structure (29). A first ratcheting tool (118) is connected between the two structures (30,29) to cause the two structures (30,29) to close and tighten the two bands (14,13) around the first and second circular pipes (100,110). A second ratcheting tool (124) is then connected between the first and second upper band attachment structures (30) to cause the first circular pipe (100) to be pulled into and attached to the second circular pipe (110).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of pipe pullers, and more particularly to a pipe pulling assembly that utilizes a first circular band that is placed around the circumferential end of a first circular pipe and a second circular band that is placed over the circumferential end of a second pipe. The two circular bands are first tightened around their respective pipes by a first ratcheting tool. The two tightened bands are then connected and pulled inward by a second ratcheting tool that allows the two circular pipes to be accurately, safely and quickly connected.

BACKGROUND ART

A tool to align and pull a first circular pipe having an outer diameter into a second circular pipe having a larger diameter than the first pipe is available in the prior art. However, a tool to align and pull together two large diameter pipes, such as 48.0-inch (71.12 centimeter) water pipes, is not available in the prior art. These large diameter pipes which can have a length of 20-feet (6.1 meters), are typically made of plastic such as PVC, are fragile and are at best difficult to align and to pull together.
Currently, large diameter pipes are pulled together by utilizing a pipe holding structure that is attached to the front of a vehicle such as a tractor. The driver of the vehicle must carefully maneuver the vehicle so that the pipe holding structure is in alignment with the ends of the first and second pipes. The alignment and pulling procedure normally requires as many as two people to give directions to the driver controlling the alignment of the pipe holding structure. After the vehicle and the attached pipe holding structure are in alignment, the vehicle is moved forward, thereby causing the first circular pipe to also move forward into the second circular pipe.
The possibility of damaging at least one of the two pipes increases when utilizing the current method. Additionally, the insertion length of the first pipe into the second pipe is limited to a small distance. If this distance is exceeded, a fragile seal in the second pipe can be damaged which necessitates that the seal be repaired or replaced or if the damage is extensive the entire second pipe must be replaced.
The instant invention solves the above disclosed problems by providing a pipe pulling assembly that can be used by one person to accurately, safely and quickly pull a first large-diameter circular pipe into a second large-diameter circular pipe.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any industry literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:


PATENT NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED

6,039,235	Prissadachky	21 Mar. 2000
4,016,637	Swensen	12 Apr. 1977
3,711,920	Simmons, Jr.	23 Jan. 1973
3,704,503	Haywood	5 Dec. 1972

The 6,039,235 patent discloses a tool for aligning a pair of pipes. The tool includes a pair of pipe-contacting members disposed on opposite sides of the pipes in diametrically opposed relation to one another. The pipe-contacting members are interconnected to one another by a pair of fastening members disposed on opposite sides of the pipes. Each pipe-contacting member includes a pair of cylindrical members that are disposed in parallel relation to a common longitudinal axis of the pipes.
The 4,016,637 patent discloses a method and apparatus for axially aligning the ends of pipes and for supporting these ends while they are welded or otherwise secured together. The apparatus includes an alignment jig which can be releasably clamped around one end of a first pipe and includes outwardly flared guides which extend beyond the end of the first pipe. The outwardly flared ends receive an end of a second pipe as that pipe is moved axially toward the first pipe. The alignment jig that is clamped to the end of the first pipe permits access to the two seams that are formed between the two pipes, thereby allowing the seams to be welded together.
The 3,711,920 patent discloses an apparatus for aligning two pipe sections. The apparatus includes at least two clamp members that are each attached to one of the two pipe sections. One of the clamp members is provided with manually adjustable threaded members that contact the section to which it is not attached for axially aligning the two pipe sections. The two clamp members are connected together by a plurality of threaded rods which extend parallel to the axes of the aligned pipe sections on which nuts can be attached to urge the two pipe sections together.
The 3,704,503 patent discloses a device for aligning and temporarily maintaining abutting ends of two pipe sections. The device comprises a plurality of clamps positioned and circumferentially spaced around one of the pipe sections. Three chains, one short and two long, are operatively coordinated with and serve to link the several clamps together. A manually regulatable chain tightening means connects the end portions of two of the encircling chains to draw the chains around the selected pipe section.
For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention is related, reference may be made to the remaining patents located in the patent search.


PATENT NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED

6,969,217	Bassinger	29 Nov. 2005
5,647,627	Baessler	15 Jul. 1997
4,759,492	D'Amico	26 Jul. 1988
4,483,561	Graham, Jr.	20 Nov. 1984
3,925,854	McFadden	16 Dec. 1975
3,551,983	Newbury	5 Jan. 1971
1,587,689	Weiss, et al	8 Jun. 1926
820,126	Phillips	8 May 1906

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The pipe pulling assembly (PPA) disclosed herein is designed to allow a single person to accurately, safely and quickly align, pull together and attach two large diameter pipes, such as water pipes having a diameter of 48-inches (1.22 meters). The PPA functions in combination with a first circular pipe having an outer diameter, an upper section and an integral lower section; and a second circular pipe having an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the first circular pipe, and an upper section and an integral lower section. The PPA also functions in combination with a first ratcheting tool that has attached a first ratchet hook and a second ratchet hook, and a second ratcheting tool that also has attached a first ratchet hook and a second ratchet hook.
The PPA in its basic design configuration is comprised of
A. A first circular band that is further comprised of:

- (1) An upper arcuate band having a first end, a second end and that is dimensioned to be placed over the upper section of the first circular pipe, and
- (2) A lower arcuate band having a first end, a second end and that is dimensioned to be placed over the integral lower section of the first circular pipe,

B. A second circular band that is identical to the first circular pipe and that is comprised of:

- (1) An upper arcuate band having a first end, a second end and that is dimensioned to be placed over the upper section of the second circular pipe, and
- (2) A lower arcuate band having a first end, a second end and that is dimensioned to be placed over the integral lower section of the second circular pipe,

C. Means for tightening and securing the first ends and the second ends of the respective first circular band and the second circular band, and
D. Means for pulling the first circular pipe into the second circular pipe.
The means for tightening and securing the first ends and the second ends of the first circular band and the second circular band comprises an upper band attachment structure and a lower band attachment structure. The upper band attachment structure is attached adjacent to the first end and adjacent to the second end of the upper arcuate band. The lower band attachment structure is attached adjacent to the first end and adjacent to the second end of the lower arcuate band. Each set of structures is attached by means of a respective chain having an inner link that is attached to the lower band attachment structure and an outer link. When the chain is looped over a chain slot located on the upper band attachment structure, the chain's outer link from each of the chains extends outward. The outer links are then each attached to the opposite ratchet hook ends of the first ratcheting tool that when operated, the two respective ends are brought together and are tightened.
The means for pulling the first circular pipe into the second circular pipe is accomplished by utilizing a second ratcheting tool that is connected between a D-ring that is attached to the first upper band attachment structure that is attached to the first circular pipe and a second D-ring that is attached to the upper band attachment structure that is attached to the second circular pipe. When the second ratcheting tool is operated the first circular pipe is accurately, safely and quickly pulled into the second circular pipe.
In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a pipe pulling assembly that can accurately, safely and quickly pull two large diameter pipes together. In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a pipe pulling assembly that:

- can be dimensioned to pull pipes of various diameters,
- can be color-coded to designate its use on a pipe having a specific diameter,
- can be made of various materials,
- is safe to use,
- can be used to connect a straight pipe into an elbow, a T-section or a wyes fitting,
- requires no periodic maintenance, and
- is cost-effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an upper arcuate band showing an upper band attachment structure attached adjacent to the band's first and second ends.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a lower arcuate band showing a lower band attachment structure attached adjacent to the band's first and second ends.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a circular pipe having an upper section that interfaces with the upper arcuate band and an integral lower section that interfaces with the lower arcuate band.

FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the upper arcuate band showing a first upper band attachment structure that is attached adjacent to the band's first end and a second upper band attachment structure that is attached to the band's second end. The figure also shows the location of a protective cover that partially surrounds the first and second sides of the band.

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of an upper band attachment structure shown attached to the outer surface of the upper arcuate band.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view showing the outer end of the upper band attachment structure.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing the inner end of the upper band attachment structure.

FIG. 8 is a partial top plan view of the lower arcuate band showing a first lower band attachment structure attached adjacent to the band's first end and a second lower band attachment structure attached adjacent to the band's second end. The figure also shows the location of a protective cover that partially surrounds the first and second sides of the lower arcuate band.

FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view showing the lower attachment structure attached to the upper surface of the lower arcuate band.

FIG. 10 is a front and rear elevational view showing the lower attachment structure attached to the upper surface of the lower arcuate band.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing an upper arcuate band having attached to each of its ends an upper band attachment structure, and a lower arcuate band having attached to each of its ends a lower band attachment structure. Each set of structures is attached by a chain such that when the two chains are pulled inward by a first ratcheting tool, the two bands tighten against the surface of the circular pipe.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing a first upper band attachment structure connected to a second upper band attachment structure by a ratcheting tool that is attached to each of the D-rings in the respective upper band attachment structures. When the ratcheting tool is operated the first end of the first circular pipe is pulled into the second circular pipe.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the pipe pulling assembly is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment that allows two large diameter pipes to be accurately, safely and quickly connected together.
The preferred embodiment of the pipe pulling assembly 10 (hereinafter “PPA 10”), as shown in FIGS. 1-12, is comprised of a first circular band 12 and an identical second circular band 12′ that are designed to function in combination with a first circular pipe 100 and a second circular pipe 110. The first circular pipe 100 has an outer diameter 102, an upper section 104 and an integral lower section 106. The second circular pipe 110 has an inner diameter 112, an upper section 114 and an integral lower section 116. The inner diameter 112 on the second circular pipe 110 is larger than the outer diameter 102 of the first circular pipe 100 to allow the first circular pipe 100 to be inserted into and attached to the second circular pipe 110. The PPA 10 is particularly useful when attaching the first circular 100 to a second circular pipe 110 that is comprised of an elbow, a T-section or a wyes fitting.
The PPA 10 also functions in combination with a first ratcheting tool 118 that has attached a first ratchet hook 120 and a second ratchet hook 122, and a second ratcheting tool 124 that has attached a first ratchet hook 126 and a second ratchet hook 128. The first ratcheting tool is used to tighten the first and second circular bands 12,12′ around the circumference of the circular pipes 100, 110, and the second ratcheting tool 124 is used to pull the first circular pipe 100 into the second circular pipe 110.
The first circular band 12 and the second circular band 12′ are each comprised of an upper arcuate band 14 and a lower arcuate band 13 which are each made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper.
The upper arcuate band 14, as shown best in FIGS. 1, 4-7, is substantially curved to fit over the upper section 104 of the first circular pipe 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The upper arcuate band 14, which is shown unattached in FIGS. 1 and 4, has an outer surface 16, an inner surface 18, a first end 20, a second end 22, a first side 24, a second side 26, a length ranging from 92.0 to 96.0 inches (233.7 to 243.8 cm), a width ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm) and a thickness ranging from 0.375 to 0.625 inches (0.953 to 1.59 cm). Attached adjacent to the first end 20 and to the second end 22 of the upper arcuate band 14, as shown best in FIGS. 4-7, is an upper band attachment structure 30 that is comprised of a base 32, a vertical section 50, an inverted chain channel 62, a D-ring 80 and a D-ring retainer 82.
The base 32 has an inner end 34, an outer end 36, an upper surface 38, a lower surface 40, a first side 42 and a second side 44. The first side 42 and the second side 44 are located within the boundaries of the first side 24 and the second side 26 of the upper arcuate band 14. The outer end 36 of the base 32 is spaced inward from five to six inches (12.70 to 15.24 cm) from the first end 20 and the second end 22 of the upper arcuate band 14. The lower surface 40 of the base 32 is attached to the outer surface 16 of the upper arcuate band 14 by an attachment means 46, which is preferably comprised of a welding or a brazing process.
The vertical section 50 has a lower edge 52, an upper edge 54, an inner side 56 and an outer side 58. The lower edge 52 is integrally attached to the outer end 36 of the base 32, with the vertical section 50 further having a substantially centered chain passage bore 60, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
The inverted chain channel 62 has a flat upper section 64 that has a chain slot 66, an integral right side 68 that terminates with a lower right edge 70, an integral left side 72 that terminates with a lower left edge 74, an outer surface 76 and an inner surface 78. The lower right edge 70 and lower left edge 74 of the inverted chain channel 62 extend inward from the first side 42 and the second side 44 respectively of the base 32 and are attached to the base 32 by the attachment means 46. The outer surface 76 of the inverted chain channel 62 is attached to the inner side 56 of the vertical section 50 by the attachment means 46.
The D-ring retainer 82 has an inverted U-shape, as shown best in FIGS. 6 and 7, that includes an integral right side 84 that terminates with a lower right edge 86 and an integral left side 88 that terminates with a lower left edge 90. The D-ring retainer 82 is dimensioned to swivelly retain a D-ring 80, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, that is in substantial longitudinal alignment with the chain slot 66 and has an outer surface 76 and that is substantially flush with the upper edge 54 of the vertical section 50. The D-ring 80 is inserted into the D-ring retainer 82 prior to attaching the lower right edge 70 and the lower left edge 74 to the flat upper section 64 of the inverted chain channel 62 by the attachment means 46.
The lower arcuate band 13, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 8-10, is also substantially curved to fit over the integral lower section 106 of the first circular pipe 100. The lower arcuate band 13 has an outer surface 15, an inner surface 17, a first end 19, a second end 21, a first side 23, a second side 25, a length ranging from 70.0 to 72.0 inches (177.8 to 182.9 cm), a width ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm) and a thickness ranging from 0.375 to 0.625 inches (0.953 to 1.59 cm).
The first and second ends 19,21 of the lower arcuate band 13 are dimensioned to overlap the first and second ends 20,22 of the upper arcuate band 14 when the upper and the lower arcuate bands 14,13 are attached. The lower arcuate band 13 further has a pair of identical lower band attachment structures 29. The first structure 29 is attached from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm) from the first end 19 of the lower arcuate band 13 and the second structure 29 is also attached from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm), from the second end 21 of the lower arcuate band 13.
Each lower band attachment structure 29 is comprised of an inverted U-sleeve 31 that encompasses a D-ring 43 to which is attached a chain 45 that is comprised of a welded chain that is selected from the group consisting of a grade 80 high-strength alloy steel, a grade 80 cold-galvanized alloy steel, and a grade 50 stainless steel. The length of the chain 45 can range from 16 to 20 inches (40.64 to 50.8 cm). The inverted U-sleeve 31 terminates with an inner edge 33 and an outer edge 35, and further includes a first side 37 and a second side 39. The first and second sides 37,39 are located inward from the first and second sides 23,25 respectively of the lower arcuate band 13 and are attached to the outer surface 15 of the lower arcuate band 13 by the attachment means 46. The sleeve opening 41 of the inverted U-sleeve 31 is located normal to the first side 37 and the second side 39 of the lower arcuate band 13.
The chain 45 has a plurality of chain links that include an inner link 47 and an outer link 49. The chain's inner link 47 is attached to the D-ring 43 on the inverted U-sleeve 31 prior to attaching the inverted U-sleeve 31 to the lower arcuate band 13. The chain's outer link 49 is attached to a first ratchet hook 120 and to a second ratchet hook 122 as described infra.
To enhance the utility of the PPA 10, a protective cover 92, as shown best in FIGS. 4 and 8, is utilized to protect both the first and second circular pipes 100,110 and the first and second circular bands 12,12′. The cover 92, which substantially covers the length of the first and second arcuate bands 14,13, can be made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of canvas, closely woven cloth, fiber or rubber. Additionally, the protective cover 92 can have a sealed cross-section that is inserted into the upper arcuate band 14 and the lower arcuate band 13 prior to attaching the upper band attachment structure 30 and the lower band attachment structure 29. In lieu of a closed cross-section, the cover 92 can have a pair of longitudinal edges that are closed by a closure means (not shown) that is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, ZIP-LOCK™ fasteners or a zipper.
The second circular band 12′ is identical with the first circular band 12 and is dimensioned to fit over and be attached to the second circular pipe 110. The upper and lower arcuate bands 14,13 of the first circular band 12 and the second circular band 12′ are attached by the upper band attachment structure 30 in combination with the lower band attachment structures 29. The two structures 30,29 are tightened over their respective first and second circular pipes 100,110 by the first ratcheting tool 118 which is attached between the upper band attachment structure 30 and the lower band attachment structure 29. After the two arcuate bands 14,13 are attached and tightened around the respective circumference of the first and second circular pipes 100,110, a second ratcheting tool 124 is located on each facing side of the first and second circular pipes 100,110. Each of the second ratcheting tools 124 is respectively attached between the two upper band attachment structures 30,29. When each of the second ratcheting tools 124 are simultaneously operated, the first circular band 12 and the and the second circular band 12′ are accurately, safely and quickly pulled together causing the first circular pipe 100 to be inserted into and attached to the second circular pipe 110.
A detailed step-by-step procedure for using the PPA 10 is as follows:
a) insert the outer chain link 49 of the chain 45 extending from the D-ring 43 located on the lower band attachment structure 29 that is adjacent to the first end 19 of the lower arcuate band 13 into the respective chain passage bore 60,
b) pull the chain 45 until the inner surface 17 of the lower arcuate band 13 overlaps the outer surface 16 of the upper arcuate band 14,
c) secure the chain 45 over the chain slot 66 to allow the outer chain link 49 to extend outward,
d) insert the outer chain link 49 of the chain 45 extending from the D-ring 43 located on the lower band attachment structure 29 that is adjacent to the second end 21 of the lower arcuate band 13 into the respective chain passage bore 60,
e) pull the chain 45 until the inner surface 17 of the lower arcuate band 13 overlaps the outer surface 16 of the upper arcuate band 14,
f) insert the chain 45 over the chain slot 66 to allow the outer chain link 49 to extend outward,
g) insert the first ratchet hook 120 located on the first ratcheting tool 118 into the outer chain link 49 extending from the upper attachment structure 30 that is located adjacent to the first end 20 of the upper arcuate band 14,
h) insert the second ratchet hook 122 located on the opposite end of the first ratcheting tool 118 into the outer chain link 49 extending from the upper attachment structure 30 that is located adjacent to the second end 22 of the upper arcuate band 14,
i) operate the first ratcheting tool 118 until the upper arcuate band 14 and the lower arcuate band 13 are securely tightened around the circumference of the first circular pipe 100,
j) repeat steps a-i to attach and tighten the upper arcuate band 14 and the lower arcuate band 13 over the second circular band 12′,
k) insert the first ratchet hook 126 attached to a first end of the second ratcheting tool 124 into the D-ring 80 located on the upper band attachment structures 30, attached on a first side of the first circular pipe 100,

- l) insert the second ratchet hook 128 attached to a second end of the second ratcheting tool 124 into the D-ring 80 located on an aligned upper band attachment structures 30, attached on a first side of the second circular pipe 110,

m) insert the first ratchet hook 126 attached to a first end of the second ratcheting tool 124 into the D-ring 80 located on the upper band attachment structures 30, attached on a second side of the first circular pipe 100,
n) insert the second ratchet hook 128 attached to a second end of the second ratcheting tool 124 into the D-ring 80 located on an aligned upper band attachment structure 30, attached on a second side of the second circular pipe 110, and
o) simultaneously operate each of the second ratcheting tools 124 until the first circular pipe 100 is inserted into the second circular pipe 110.
While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. For example, in lieu of utilizing a ratcheting tool 124, a hydraulic system can be utilized to pull the first circular pipe 100 into the second circular pipe 110. Additionally, when attaching the upper circular band 12 to the lower circular band 13 the side that is not initially attached is held in place by temporarily hooking the chain 45, that is attached to the lower band attachment structure 29, over the chain slot 66 located on the upper band attachment structure 30. Hence, the invention is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pipe pulling assembly (PPA) that functions in combination with a first circular pipe (100) having an outer diameter (102), an upper section (104) and an integral lower section (106), and a second circular pipe (110) having an inner diameter (112) that is larger than the outer diameter (102) of the first circular pipe (100), an upper section (114) and an integral lower section (116), wherein said PPA also functions in combination with a first ratcheting tool (118) that has attached a first ratchet hook (120) and a second ratchet hook (122), and a second ratcheting tool (124) that has attached a first ratchet hook (126) and a second ratchet hook (128), said PPA comprising:

a) a first circular band (12) comprising:

(1) an upper arcuate band (14) having a first end (20), a second end (22) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the upper section (104) of the first circular pipe (100), and

(2) a lower arcuate band (13) having a first end (19), a second end (21) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the integral lower section (106) of the first circular pipe (100),

b) a second circular band (12′) comprising:

(1) an upper arcuate band (14) having a first end (20), a second end (22) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the upper section (114) of the second circular pipe (110) and

(2) a lower arcuate band (13) having a first end (19), a second end (21) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the integral lower section (116) of the second circular pipe (110),

c) means for tightening and securing the first ends (20,19) and the second ends (22,21) of said respective first circular band (12) and said second circular band (12′) and

d) means for pulling the first circular pipe (100) into the second circular pipe (110).

2. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for tightening and securing the first ends (20,19) and the second ends (22,21) of said first circular band (12) and said second circular band (12′) comprises an upper band attachment structure (30) that is attached adjacent to the first end (20) and adjacent to the second end (22), and a lower end attachment structure (29) that is attached adjacent to first end (19) and to the second end (21), wherein each set of said structures (30,29) are attached by means of a chain (45) having a plurality of chain links that include an inner link (47) that is attached to said lower band attachment structure (29) and an outer link (49), wherein when the chain (45) is looped over a chain slot (66) located on said upper band attachment structure (30), the chain's outer link (49) from each of the chains (45) extends outward, thereby allowing each outer link (49) to be attached to opposite hook ends of the first ratcheting tool (118) that when operated, the two ends (29,19) and (22,21) are brought together and are tightened.

3. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for pulling the first circular pipe (100) into the second circular pipe (110) comprises placing a second ratcheting tool (124) on each side of the first and second circular pipes (100,110), wherein each of the ratcheting tools (124) is respectively connected between a D-ring (80) which is attached respectively to said first upper band attachment structure (30) that is attached to the first circular pipe (100), and a second D-ring (80) which is attached to said upper band attachment structure (30) that is attached to the second circular pipe (110), wherein when each of the second ratcheting tools (124) are operated, the first circular pipe (100) is accurately, safely and quickly pulled into the second circular pipe (110).

4. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 2 wherein said upper band attachment structure (30) is further comprised of

a) a base (32) having an inner end (34), an outer end (36), an upper surface (38), a lower surface (40), a first side (42) and a second side (44), wherein the first side (42) and the second side (44) of said base (32) are located within the boundaries of the first side (24) and the second side (26) of said upper arcuate band (14), and the outer end (36) of said base (32) is spaced inward from five to six inches (12.70 to 15.24 cm) from the first end (20) and the second end (22) of said upper arcuate band (14), wherein the lower surface (40) of said base (32) is attached to the outer surface (16) of said upper arcuate band (14) by an attachment means (46),

b) a vertical section (50) having a lower edge (52), an upper edge (54), an inner side (56) and an outer side (58), wherein the lower edge (52) is integrally attached to the outer end (36) of said base (32), with the vertical section (50) further having a substantially centered chain passage bore (60),

c) an inverted chain channel (62) with a flat upper section (64) having a chain slot (66), an integral right side (68) that terminates with a lower right edge (70), an integral left side (72) that terminates with a lower left edge (74), an outer surface (76) and an inner surface (78), wherein the lower right edge (70) and the lower left edge (74) of the inverted chain channel (64) extend inward from the first side (42) and the second side (44) respectively of the base (32) and are attached to the base (32) by the attachment means (46), wherein the outer surface (76) of the inverted chain channel (62) is attached to the inner side (56) of the vertical section (50) by the attachment means (46), and

d) a D-ring retainer (82) having an inverted U-shape that has an integral right side (84) that terminates with a lower right edge (86) and an integral left side (88) that terminates with a lower left edge (90), wherein the D-ring retainer (82) movably retains the D-ring (80) and is in substantial alignment with a chain slot (66) and has a outer surface (76) that is substantially flush with the upper edge (54) of the vertical section (50), wherein the D-ring (80) is inserted into the D-ring retainer (82) prior to attaching the lower right edge (70) and a lower left edge (74) to the flat upper section (64) of the inverted chain channel (62) by the attachment means (46).

5. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 4 wherein said lower band attachment structure (29) is further comprised of

a) an inverted U-sleeve (31) having an inner edge (33), an outer edge (35), a first side (37), a second side (39) and a sleeve opening (41) that retains a D-ring (43), wherein the first and second sides (37,39) are located inward from the first and second sides (23,25) respectively of said lower arcuate band (13) and are attached to the outer surface (15) of said lower arcuate band (13) by the attachment means (46), wherein the sleeve opening (41) of said inverted U-sleeve (31) is located normal to the first side (37) and the second side (39) of said lower arcuate band (13), and

b) the chain (45) having a plurality of chain links that include the inner chain link (47) and the outer chain link (49), wherein the inner chain link (47) is inserted into the D-ring (43).

6. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 1 wherein said upper arcuate band (14) and said lower arcuate band (13) are substantially curved to facilitate their engagement with the upper section (104, 114) and the integral lower section (106, 116) of the first circular pipe (12) and the second circular pipe (12′) respectively, wherein the material for said first circular band (12) and said second circular band (12′) is selected from the group consisting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper.

7. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 1 further comprising a protective cover (92) that substantially covers the length of said first arcuate band (14) and said second arcuate band (13), wherein the material for said protective cover (92) is selected from the group consisting of canvas, closely woven cloth, fiber and rubber.

8. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 1 wherein said chain (45) is comprised of a welded chain that is selected from the group consisting of a grade 80 high-strength alloy steel, a grade 80 cold-galvanized alloy steel, and a grade 50 stainless steel.

9. A pipe pulling assembly (PPA) that functions in combination with a first circular pipe (100) having an outer diameter (102), an upper section (104) and an integral lower section (106), and a second circular pipe (110) having an inner diameter (112) that is larger than the outer diameter (102) of the first circular pipe (100), wherein each of the pipes (100,110) have an upper section (114) and an integral lower section (116), wherein said PPA also functions in combination with a first ratcheting tool (118) that has attached a first ratchet hook (120) and a second ratcheting tool (124) that has attached a first ratchet hook (126) and a second ratchet hook (128), said PPA comprising:

A. a first circular band (12) comprising:

a) an upper arcuate band (14) that is dimensioned to fit over and to be attached to the upper section (104) of the first circular pipe (100), said upper arcuate band (14) having an outer surface (16), an inner surface (18), a first end (20), a second end (22), a first side (24), a second side (26) and a pair of identical upper band attachment structures (30), wherein each said structure (30) comprises:

(1) a base (32) having an inner end (34), an outer end (36), an upper surface (38), a lower surface (40), a first side (42) and a second side (44), wherein the first side (42) and the second side (44) of said base (32) are located within the boundaries of the first side (24) and the second side (26) of said upper arcuate band (14), and the outer end (36) of said base (32) is spaced inward from five to six inches (12.70 to 15.24 cm) from the first end (20) and the second end (22) of said upper arcuate band (14), wherein the lower surface (40) of said base (32) is attached to the outer surface (16) of said upper arcuate band (14) by an attachment means (46),

(2) a vertical section (50) having a lower edge (52), an upper edge (54), an inner side (56) and an outer side (58), wherein the lower edge (52) is integrally attached to the outer end (36) of said base (32), with the vertical section (50) further having a substantially centered chain passage bore (60),

(3) an inverted chain channel (62) with a flat upper section (64) having a chain slot (66), an integral right side (68) that terminates with a lower right edge (70), an integral left side (72) that terminates with a lower left edge (74), an outer surface (76) and an inner surface (78), wherein the lower right edge (70) and lower left edges (74) of the inverted chain channel (62) extend inward from the first side (42) and the second side (44) respectively of the base (32) and are attached to the base (32) by the attachment means (46), wherein the outer surface (76) of the inverted chain channel (62) is attached to the inner side (56) of the vertical section (50) by the attachment means (46),

(4) a D-ring (80),

(5) a D-ring retainer (82) having an inverted U-shape that has an integral right side (84) that terminates with a lower right edge (86) and an integral left side (88) that terminates with a lower left edge (90), wherein the D-ring retainer (82) is in substantial longitudinal alignment with a chain slot (66) and has a outer surface (76) that is substantially flush with the upper edge (54) of the vertical section (50), wherein the D-ring (80) is inserted into the D-ring retainer (82) prior to attaching the lower right edge (70) and the lower left edge (74) to the flat upper section (64) of the inverted chain channel (62) by the attachment means (46),

b) a lower arcuate band (13) that is dimensioned to fit over and to be attached to the integral lower section (106) of the first circular pipe (100), said lower arcuate band (13) having an outer surface (15), an inner surface (17), a first end (19), a second end (21), a first side (23) and a second side (25), wherein the first and second ends (19,21) of the lower arcuate band (13) are dimensioned to overlap the first and second ends (20,22) of the upper arcuate band (14) when the upper and the lower arcuate bands (14,13) are attached, wherein the lower band (13) further has a pair of identical lower band attachment structures (29), wherein the first structure (29) is attached from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm) from the first end (19) of said lower arcuate band (13) and the second structure (29) is also attached from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm) from the second end (21) of said lower arcuate band (13), wherein each said lower band attachment structure (29) comprises:

(1) an inverted U-sleeve (31) having an inner edge (33), an outer edge (35), a first side (37), a second side (39) and a sleeve opening (41) that retains a D-ring (43), wherein the first and second sides (37,39) are located inward from the first and second sides (23,25) respectively of said lower arcuate band (13) and are attached to the outer surface (15) of said lower arcuate band (13) by the attachment means (46), wherein the sleeve opening (41) of said inverted U-sleeve (31) is located normal to the first side (37) and the second side (39) of said lower arcuate band (13),

(2) a chain (45) having a plurality of chain links that include an inner chain link (47) and an outer chain link (49), wherein the inner chain link (47) is inserted into the D-ring (43), and

B. a second circular band (12′) that is identical with the first circular band (12), and that is dimensioned to fit over and to be attached to the second circular pipe (110), wherein the upper and lower arcuate bands (14,13) of said first circular band (12) and said second circular band (12′) are attached by said upper band attachment structure (30) in combination with said lower band attachment structure (29) and are tightened over their respective first and second circular pipes (100,110) by the first ratcheting tool (118) which is attached between said upper band attachment structure (30) and said lower band attachment structure (29), wherein after the two arcuate bands (14,13) are attached and tightened around the respective circumference of the first and second circular pipes (100,110), a second ratcheting tool (124) is located on each facing side of the first and second circular pipes (100,110), and are respectively attached between the two upper band attachment structures (30,29), wherein when each of the second ratcheting tools (124) are simultaneously operated, the first circular pipe (100) is accurately, safely and quickly pulled into the second circular pipe (110).

10. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein the material for said first circular band (12) and said second circular band (12′) is selected from the group consisting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper.

11. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said upper arcuate band (14) and said lower arcuate band (13) are substantially curved to fit over the upper section (104, 114) and the integral lower section (106, 116) of the first circular pipe (12) and the second circular pipe (12′) respectively.

12. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said upper arcuate band (14) has a length ranging from 92.0 to 96.0 inches (233.7 to 243.8 cm), a width ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm) and a thickness ranging from 0.375 to 0.625 inches (0.953 to 1.59 cm).

13. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 12 wherein said lower arcuate band (13) has a length ranging from 70.0 to 72.0 inches (177.8 to 182.9 cm), a width ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm) and a thickness ranging from 0.375 to 0.625 inches (0.953 to 1.59 cm).

14. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said attachment means is comprised of a welding process or a brazing process.

15. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein the length of said chain (45) ranges from 16 to 20 inches (40.64 to 50.8 cm).

16. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 further comprising a protective cover (92) that substantially covers the length of said first arcuate band (14) and said second arcuate band (13), wherein the material for said protective cover (92) is selected from the group consisting of canvas, closely woven cloth, fiber and rubber.

17. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 16 wherein said protective cover (92) has a sealed cross-section that is inserted into the upper arcuate band (14) and the lower arcuate band (13) prior to attaching said upper band attachment structure (30) and said lower band attachment structure (29).

18. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 16 wherein said protective cover has longitudinal edges that are closed by a closure means that is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, ZIP-LOCK™ fasteners and a zipper.

19. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said chain (45) is further comprised of a welded chain that is selected from the group consisting of a grade 80 high-strength alloy steel, a grade 80 cold-galvanized alloy steel and a grade 50 stainless steel.

20. The pipe pulling assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein the first circular pipe (100) is pulled into the second circular pipe (110) by performing the following steps:

a) insert the outer chain link (49) of the chain (45) extending from the D-ring (43) located on said lower band attachment structure (29) that is adjacent to the first end (19) of said lower arcuate band (13) into the respective chain passage bore (60),

b) pull the chain (45) until the inner surface (17) of said lower arcuate band (13) overlaps the outer surface (16) of said upper arcuate band (14),

c) secure the chain (45) over the chain slot (66) to allow the outer chain link (49) to extend outward,

d) insert the outer chain link (49) of the chain (45) extending from the D-ring (43) located on said lower band attachment structure (29) that is adjacent to the second end (21) of said lower arcuate band (13) into the respective chain passage bore (60),

e) pull the chain (45) until the inner surface (17) of said lower arcuate band (13) overlaps the outer surface (16) of said upper arcuate band (14),

f) insert the chain (45) over the chain slot (66) to allow the outer chain link (49) to extend outward,

g) insert the first ratchet hook (120) located on the first ratcheting tool (118) into the outer chain link (49) extending from said upper attachment structure (30) that is located adjacent to the first end (20) of said upper arcuate band (14),

h) insert the second ratchet hook (122) located on the opposite end of the first ratcheting tool (118) into the outer chain link (49) extending from said upper attachment structure (30) that is located adjacent to the second end (22) of said upper arcuate band (14),

i) operate the first ratcheting tool (118) until the upper arcuate band (14) and the lower arcuate band (13) are securely tightened around the circumference of the first circular pipe (100),

j) repeat steps a-i to attach and tighten the upper arcuate band (14) and the lower arcuate band (13) over the second circular band (12′),

k) insert the first ratchet hook (126) attached to a first end of the second ratcheting tool (124) into the D-ring (80) located on said upper band attachment structures (30), attached on the first circular pipe (100),

l) insert the second ratchet hook (128) attached to a second end of the second ratcheting tool (124) into the D-ring (80) located on an aligned upper band attachment structures (30), attached on the second circular pipe (110),

m) insert the first ratchet hook (126) attached to a first end of the second ratcheting tool (124) into the D-ring (80) located on the upper band attachment structures (30), attached on a second side of the first circular pipe (100),

n) insert the second ratchet hook (128) attached to a second end of the second ratcheting tool (124) into the D-ring (80) located on an aligned upper band attachment structure (30), attached on a second side of the second circular pipe (110), and

o) simultaneously operate each of the second ratcheting tools (124) until the first circular pipe (100) is inserted into the second circular pipe (110).