US2634831A

US2634831A - Folding brace

Info

Publication number: US2634831A
Application number: US258067A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert C Haisch
Original assignee: Bucyrus Erie Co
Current assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
Priority date: 1951-11-24
Filing date: 1951-11-24
Publication date: 1953-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 1970-04-14
Also published as: GB717099A

Description

April 1953 A. c. HAISCH 2,634,831

FOLDING BRACE Filed Nov. 24, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q no (C1 ALBERT c. HAls H, INVENTOR.

ATTORNEK A. C. HAISCH April 14, 1953 FOLDING BRACE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2 1951 ALBERT c. HAISCH,

ATTORNEY.

April 14, 1953 A. c. HAISCH 2,634,831

FOLDING BRACE Filed Nov. 24, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 5o ALBERT c. Hmso-a INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 14, 1953 FOLDING BRACE Albert C. Haisch, South Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Bucyrus-Erie Company, South Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application November 24, 1951, Serial No. 258,067

19 Claims. 1

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in folding braces, particularly as used insupport of telescopic masts or derricks, such as those on portable drills.

Heretofore the braces supporting such masts have been of such a nature that when raising or lowering the mast it has been necessary to climb the mast to at least partially attach (or detach) the braces, or otherwise of such nature that the braces could withstand only tension, and not compression, loading. In the first case, climbing the mast is quite hazardous, because of the height involved and limited footing and hand holds; there also results an appreciable delay in the mast-raising operation. And in the second case the limitation on type of load which the braces can Withstand cuts in half the usefulness of the braces and leaves the compression-support problem unsolved; the mast itself must be built more strongly, and, of course, made heavier, in order itself to stand the loads which preferably should be carried in compression by the braces.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a new type of folding brace construction for telescoping masts, in which the operations necessary to prepare the braces for telescoping or extending of the mast can be performed entirely from the base level of the mast.

A further principal object is to provide such braces which will support compression loads as well as tension loads.

A further object of the invention is to provide a brace arrangement such that, when the mast is being telescoped, the braces fall automatically as a unit into collapsed transport position, it being necessary only to disconnect the braces from the main frame of the drill, which can be done from the ground level.

In addition to the objects, above stated, a number of novel and useful details have been worked out, which will be readily evident as the description progresses.

vThe invention consists in the novel parts and in the .combination and arrangement thereof, which are defined in the appended claims, and oflwhich' two embodiments are exemplified in the accompanying drawings, which are hereinafter particularly described and explained.

-,Throughout the description the same reference is appliedto the same member or to similar members.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the braces as applied to a drill having a telescoping mast, the dotted lines indicating portions of the braces in the partially-telescoped position of the mast and Figure 4 is a partial side view of the first embodiment of the invention, partially cut away, showing a portion of the braces in the fully-ex-' tended position of the mast.

Figure 5 is a side view, similar to Figure 4, but showing the portion of the braces in the partially-telescoped position of the mast.

Figure 6 is a side view, similar to Figure 4, but showing the portion of the braces in the fullytelescoped position of the mast.

Figure 7 is a top section view, taken along the line 'l| in Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a side view, similar to Figure 4, showing a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a side View, similar to Figure 5, showing the second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is a side view, similar to Figure 6, tshowing the second embodiment of the invenion.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and '2, it is seen that the main frame ll of the drill, which contains the drilling machinery (not shown), supports at its rear end the telescoping mast to be hereinafter described. The drill frame I I, the means for its support, the drilling machinery. and the telescoping mast are of conventional design, the details of which do not constitute any part of the invention. In accordance with the usual design, the foot portion l2 of the mast is pivotally mounted at the rear top corner of the frame II, to permit tilting to a horizontal carrying position on top of the frame, from the substantially vertical extended operative (i. e.

erected) position. The mast is, in its preferred form, made up of two rigid telescoping sections, namely the foot l2 and the extensible portion I3. The mast is braced in its vertical position by the improved construction of collapsible folding braces, of which the construction shown and described herein is merely an illustrative form.

Pivotally attached as at M adjacent the top of the extensible portion l3 of the mast are two upper 1111K braces [5. Similarly attached as at 16 adjacent the top of the lower or foot section i2 01' the mast are horizontal braces ll, each carrying at its outer end in fixed relationship a connecting or bracket member [8. Braces It} are 3 associated with bracket I8 in a manner to be described later herein.

A pair of lower front braces I9 are detachably connected at their lower ends adjacent the upper front of frame I I, by means such as bolts 22, and are at their upper ends pivotally connected as at 2I to member I8.

A pair of lower rear braces 22 are similarly attached by bolts 23 adjacent the upper rear of frame II and by pivotal connections 24% to member I8.

Horizontal member 25 (Figure 2), fixed at each end to one of bracket members I8, serves as a spacer to maintain a fixed distance between the brackets and also provides rigidity to the structure.

Referring also to Figure 7, it is seen that a member is fixed to the foot portion I2 of the mast just above the main frame II. The function of member 5| will be explained later.

' Turning also to Figure 4, it is seen that each bracket I8 consists of an inside plate 26 and a smaller outside plate 21, fixed together in spaced relationship on either side of brace I? by the rivets 28 by means of which brace I! is afiixed to the bracket.

The forward ends 55 of braces I? have formed on their upper surface cam seats 29, within which fit the convex surfaces 30 of cam 31 which are fixed on the lower end of braces I5. Braces I5 are slidably supported within hollow members 32, which are pivotally supported between

plates

25 and 21 as at 33, braces I5 being limited in their upward travel by the contact between hollow members 32 and the shoulders of cam 3i.

In the second embodimentof the invention, illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the cam seats 29 are replaced by second cam means 34 formed on the slightly extended upper ends of braces I9. To avoid interference of braces I! with cams 3i and 34, it is preferable in this embodiment that the overlap between braces I7 and

plates

26 and 21 be of small dimension; this may be readily facilitated by having a welded connection between these braces and the plates, as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 1-0.

The operation of the first embodiment of the invention will now be described. When the drill is in the operating position, with the mast fully extended as shown in full lines in Figure 1, the braces (adjacent brackets 18) are in the position shown in Figure 4. In such condition, hollow members 32 are held in position 'by

plates

26 and 21, which are in turn supported by braces I1, I9 and 22. Braces i5 are held from longitudinal movement in 'an upward direction by the contact between cams 3| and the lower portion of members 32, and are held from downward longitudinal movement by the contact between the convex surfaces 30 of cams SI and the cam seats 29. Thus braces I5 will withstand forces acting to put them-either in compression or tension. Althought not an essential "element of the invention; preferably the longitudinal axes of braces" I5 and 19 in each set are in line, so that compression and tension forces in braces I5 can be sustained by braces I9 alone. Braces 22 may then, at the sacrifice of support at the upper end of the foot portion I2 of the mast, be eliminated. It is also preferable, though not essential, that the axes of braces I5, I9 and 22 in each set lie in the same plane, in order to avoid eccentric loading in those braces.

When it is desired to "telescope the "mast, 'the' drill operator merely removes

bolts

20 and 23,

which connect braces I9 and 22 to the main frame II, and swings these braces into position for retention by member 5I, as can be seen from Figures 1, 3 and 7. The operator can, of course, do this without climbing the mast of the drill. The operator then telescopes the mast by power means which are wel1 known in the art and need not be detailed here.

When braces I sand 22 are disconnected from the main frame I I, they are supported by braces and I1, through brackets IB. As the mast telescopes, braces I5 lower brackets I8, which pivot on braces I1 about point 5. When braces I'I attain a position just short of vertical (Figure 5') the support of braces I9 and 22 is transferred from braces I5 to braces I1. Cam seats 29 have then rotated out from under cams and no longer prevent braces I5 from downward travel through hollow members 32. Continued telescoping of the mast (Figure 6) causes braces i5 to slide through members 32 until the mast is fully telescoped (Figure 3). Braces I9 and 22 are so positioned that when their weight is en tirely supported by braces I1, braces I! will. hang slightly forwardly from vertical; so that when the operation is reversed, that is, the mast is ex: tended, braces I5 will have leverage on brackets I8 through braces I1 and fulcrums I6 to make possible the raising of brackets I8 and braces I7, 49 and 22. It will be noted that member 5| serves to hold the lower braces I9 and 22 away from the main frame II, so that in lowering, the braces do not become entangled in the main machinery (not shown) carried by main frame H. In the fully telescoped position, member '51 also supports the lower end of braces 15 so that when the mast is lowered to transport position (as described below) braces I5 will support brackets 58 to constrain those brackets and braces I9 and 22 in their folded position.

When the telescoping action has become complete, as shown in Figure 3, the operator may then by well-known means not shown here, lower the mast to transport position by pivoting it downward about the upper rear of frame II to the position shown also in dotted lines of Figure 1.

When the operator wishes to erect the drill for operation, the above procedure is merely reversed. As the mast is extended, from the position shown in Figure 3, braces I5 will, after the shoulders of cams 3| have contacted hollow members 3-2 (Figure 5)., raise braces I1 to the position shown in the full lines inFigure 1-. The

operator then swings braces l9 and 22 from behind member 5| to the position shown in full lines in Figure 1 and replaces

bolts

20 and 23. The drill is then ready for operation.

From the above description, it is evident that the brace arrangement provided by this invention is of a nature that will resist both rearward and forward forces exerted against the top of the mast by the drilling action. It i equally evident that the mast may be fully telescoped-or extended Without it being necessary for the drill operator to climb the mast to detach or fasten the braces.

Having now described and illustrated two forms of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

Iclaim:

1-. In a supporting structure for a telescoping mast, which includes a foot section of the mast pivoted on a main frame for tilting from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, and an extensible section of the mast extensible longitudinally along the foot section, the combination of: a substantially horizontal link brace at one end pivotally connected to the foot section of the mast adjacent the top thereof; a second link brace at one end operatively associated with the other end of the horizontal link brace in supportable relation therewith, and at the other end detachably connected to the main frame at a point removed from the connection therewith of the foot section of the mast; a first member connected to said other end of the horizontal link brace; a third link brace at its upper end pivotally connected to the extensible section of the mast adjacent th upper end thereof, and on the lower end having a cam operatively associated with said first member; a hollow second member pivotally carried by said first member for pivotal movement in a sub stantially vertical plane, the hollow member encircling the third link brace above the cam portion in close, slidable relationship; and a cam seat operatively associated with said first member, against which said cam portion abuts, to prevent downward longitudinal movement of said third link brace when the mast is fully extended, and to permit such movement when the mast is telescoped a predetermined amount.

2. Supporting structure according to claim 1,

further characterized by the fact that th cam seat is rigidly connected to said first member.

3. Supporting structure according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that the cam seat is rigidly connected to said horizontal link brace adjacent said other end thereof.

4. Supporting structure according to claim 3, further characterized by the fact that the cam seat is also rigidly connected to said first member.

5. Supporting structure according to claim 4, further characterized by the fact that the longitudinal axes of the second and third link braces are in line.

6. Supporting structure according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that the longitudinal axes of the second and third link braces are in line.

7. Supporting structure according to claim 1. further characterized by having a fourth link brace at one end pivotally connected to said first member and at the other end detachably connected to the main frame adjacent the connection therewith of the foot section of the mast.

8. Supporting structure according to claim 7, further characterized by the fact that the lon tudinal axes of the second and third link braces are in line.

9. Supporting structure according to claim 8, further characterized by the fact that the longitudinal axes of the second, third and fourth link braces lie in a common plane.

10. A supporting structure according to claim 1, further characterized by having a fourth link brace at one end pivotally connected to the first member and at the other end detachably connected to the main frame adjacent the connection therewith of the foot section of the mast, and a third member fixed adjacent the bottom of the foot section of the mast, to constrain the second and fourth link braces from entanglement with the main frame when the mast is telescoped.

11. Supporting structure according to claim 1,

further characterized by the fact that th cam seat is formed on said one end of the second link brace.

12. Supporting structure according toclaim 11, further characterized by the fact that the longitudinal axes of the second and third link braces areinline. v g

13. Supporting structure forv a telescoping mast, which mast includes a foot section mounted on a main frame and an extensible section, the supporting structure including: a connecting member; a first link brace at its upper. end pivotally connected to the extensible section of the mast adjacent the upper end thereof, and at its lower end having an operative connection with the connecting member, said operative 0011'7 nection including a guide member mounted on the connecting member and interlocked in longitudinal sliding relationshi with the first link brace, and first stop means associated, with the first link brace. and the connecting membe vto,

limit upward sliding movement of the first link brace relative to the guide member; a second link brace at one end pivotally connected to the'foot section of the mast adjacent the upper end thereof, and at its other end connected, through the connecting member, pivotally to the lower end of the first link brace; a third link brace at its lower end detachably-connected to the mainv frame at a point removed from the connection therewith of the foot section of th mast, and at its upper endpivotally associated with the connecting member; and second stop means associated with said first linkbrace and one of .the other link braces and shiftable, by the relative pivoting of said first link brace and said one of the other link braces into engaged position to prevent downward longitudinal movement of the first link brace with respect to the guide member when the mast is fully extended, and into disengaged position to fully permit such movement upon telescoping of the mast a predetermined amount.

14. Supporting structure according to claim 3, further characterized by the fact that the second stop means comprises a cam member rigidly connected to said connecting member.

15. Supporting structure according to claim 13, further characterized by the fact that the second stop means comprises a cam member integral with said upper end of said third link brace.

16. Supporting structure for a telescoping mast, which mast includes a foot section mounted on a main frame adjacent one end thereof and an extensible section, including: two connecting members; a pair of inclined first link braces each at the lower end detachably connected to the main frame at opposite sides and adjacent the other end thereof and each at the upper end pivotally connected to one of said two connecting members; a pair of oppositely inclined second link braces each at the lower end detachably connected to the main frame at opposite sides and adjacent said one end thereof and each at the upper end pivotally connected to one of said connecting members; a third link brace connected at each end to one of said connecting members, to maintain said members in spaced relationship; a pair of substantially horizontal fourth link braces each connected at one end to the foot section of the mast at opposite sides and adjacent the top thereof and each connected at the other end to one of the connecting members; a pair of hollow members each pivotally supported by one of said con- 7- necting memhers for pivotal movementin an ap proximately vertical plane;- a pair of inclined fifth link braces each at one end pivotally' con-- nected tothe extensible section of" the mast adjacent the top thereof and adjacent the other end slidably supported within one of said hollow members; first engaging means formed on said other ends'of the fifth-i link braces to engage said hollow member; to prevent disengagement ot'said braces and hollow members by upward sliding motion of the braces; and av pair of second engaging" means each.- operatively associated with one ofsaid connecting members to prevent downward sliding motion of said fifth link braces when mast i's fully extended but to permit such motion' whenthe-mast has been telescope'd a mode termined amount;

17i- Supporting structure according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the first engaging: means: consist of enlarged cams formed on said other ends of" the fifth link'braces; the connecting members are: rigidly attached to the third; link' brace and to the fourth link braces; thelongitudinal; axes of'the first, second and fifth link: braces in each setlie in a common plane; the longitudinal axes of the-first and fifth braces in each set: are in line; and each ofithd second engaging means consists of' a cam seatrigidly attached to one of said connecting members 'to engagethe; cam on one of said fifth link; braces when the mast isv fully extended, and to disengage; from said camwhen the mast has been telescoped aspred'etermined amount.

18. Supporting. structure-according to claim 16, characterized by the factthat: the first engaging: meansconsist'. of enlarged cams formed on saidrothe'r endsv of the fifth link braces; the connecting: membersv are. rigidly attached to thethird: link: brace:- and. to the fourth" link braces; the longitudinal: axes of the first and fifth link braces: are in line- ;v and each of' the second en-- gaging means consists ofv a camseat formed on and adjacent said other end of one of said first and to disengage from said cam when the mast. has been telescoped a-predetermined amount;

I9 Supporting structure for a telescoping mast,.which mastincludes a foot section mounted on. a main. frame adjacent the rear thereof and an; extensible. section, the supporting struc-- ture including: a substantially horizontal. first link braceat one end pivotally connected to the foot section of the mast. adjacent the upper end. thereof and extending forwardly above the main frame; a. connecting, member connected to the other end of said first link brace; a rear-- wardly inclined secondlink brace at its lower end detachably connected to the: main frame. adjacent the front thereof and at its; upper end pivotally connected to the connecting member; a hollow member pivotally' supported. by said con necting member for pivotal movement in anap proximately vertical plane; a rearwardly' inclined third link brace at its upper end piv-- otally connected to: the extensible section of the: mast adjacent. the upper end thereof. and adjacent its lower end extending through and sup ported within the hollow member in close Slide ablerelationship, and. having an enlarged cam fixed to said last mentioned lower end below and abutting against said hollow member to prevent upward sliding. motion of the third link brace; and a, cam seat operatively connected to the connecting memben, abutting against thecam,. to prevent downward sliding motion of the third. link brace when the mastis fully extended and to move out of such abutting engagement andout: of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the.

. third link brace when the connecting member and. first link brace move pivotally downward a predetermined amount as the. mast is telescoped.

ALBERT C. HAISCH.

References Cited in the file of. this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 801,372 Faltz Oct.- 10, 1905 2,340,351 Thornburg' Febs 1', 1944