US3336001A

US3336001A - Pin puller

Info

Publication number: US3336001A
Application number: US526984A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert M Barton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-02-14
Filing date: 1966-02-14
Publication date: 1967-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 1984-08-15

Description

Aug. 15, 1967 R. M. BARTON PIN FULLER Filed Feb. 14, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 j7o7/67ZZ07 $587 5 MBqrZow Filed Feb. 14, 1966 g 1957 R. M. BARTON 3,336,001

PIN FULLER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 110 E 79PM 799 Aug. 15, 1967 R. M. BARTON 333mm PIN FULLER Filed Feb. 14, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. 15, 1967 R, BARTON 3,336,0Q1

PIN FULLER Filed Feb. 14, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet I I I J52 0672 Z19)" ./?9Zer1 ff Bawim United States Patent 3,336,001 PIN PULLER Robert M. Barton, Normal, Ill. (Lincoln and North Sts., Towanda, Ill. 61776) Filed Feb. 14, 1966, Ser. No. 526,984 8 Claims. (Cl. 254-18) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates generally to apparatus for the removal of pins from forms, or the like, which have been driven into the ground to hold the forms in place while concrete, for example, is poured.

In particular, the present invention discloses an arrangement whereby a pulling force is generated between an arm which is engaged through appropriate means with the pin, and a pivoted reaction member adapted to engage and bear against the top of the form on either side of and to the rear of the pin to be pulled. There is also provided on the reaction member, auxiliary rams located outwardly, beyond the pin position, and on either side thereof. The rams are responsive to a pressure buildup in an actuator between the puller arm and reaction member which signals resistance at the pin. The rams in response to the pressure buildup engage the form to provide a four-point stance about the pin to thereby facilitate its removal.

In addition, a control is provided for regulating the fluid supply from a pump to the hydraulic members to permit either part or all of the pump output to be employed at the actuator at the discretion of the operator.

The present invention pertains to apparatus for the mechanical rem-oval of pins or the like from forms, and is directed to improvements in such devices providing high mobility and power.

With the advent of interstate expressway and highway systems, many of which are poured concrete, there is an increased demand for equipment having high mobility and efiiciency so as to reduce the length of time, as well as the amount of labor, involved in road construction. In road construction where concrete is to be poured, whether it be for a city street or a highway, the road bed is laid out and forms, usually of steel, are positioned to define the limits of the road bed. Positioning of these forms is usually accomplished by driving pins or spikes through an appropriate aperture in a form and into the hard soil base therebeneath. After the concrete is poured and set, the forms are removed by first removing the pins which hold the form. Due to numerous factors, which include the length and size of the pin or spike, the character of the soil base into which it has been driven, and the lateral pressures developed by the concrete on the form itself, extraction of these pins or spikes from the forms often requires considerable power.

Devices are available for the removal of these pins by hand, applying a lever principle, but a particularly tenacious pin might well require more effort, and at the very least, more time than practical, thereby rendering hand tools of this type ineflicient.

Other devices, some of which employ hydraulics or pneumatics to generate force, for removing the pin, have been developed, but devices of this type heretofore knownlack the necessarymobility and power, within practical limits, to meet the demands of present day road building techniques.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved power pin puller which is capable of great mobility and speed, and thus efficiency, in the removing of pins or spikes from forms or the like. I

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved powered pin puller having highly efiicient reactive load distribution which permits optimum use of available forces for the removal of stubborn pins.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a pin puller of the character herein described which is readily controlled and operated by one man, and by that man from one position adjacent the machine itself.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the forward pin pulling section of a machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the rear section of the device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C illustrates the manner in which FIGS. 1A and 1B may be placed side by side to permit the complete apparatus to be viewed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the device, viewed from the forward, pin pulling area, and illustrating the action of the device with respect to the form and pin or spike to be removed;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation, partially sectioned, illustrating certain details of construction;

FIG. 4 is a schematic hydraulic layout of the control system; and

FIG. 5 is a detailed section of an auxiliary rain employed in the device of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in considerable detail. It should be understood, however that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. The term pin or spike will be used interchangeably in the following description, and shall be deemed representative of those objects specifically described, as well as similar or equivalent objects which might be readily extracted or removed by a device of the type described within the spirit and scope of the invention. In a like manner, the term form shall be used hereinafter, not only in its literal sense, but in a representative fashion as exemplary for purposes of illustrating the operation of the invention without so limiting the same.

General mechanical arrangement invention, is there illustrated. The apparatus comprising i the present invention is disposed on a suitable frame 12 which may be of tubular steel or beam construction, and the frame is rendered portable by means of wheels, at least some of which are power driven. More particularly, a pair of rear wheels 14 (one shown in FIG. 1B) are provided, and mounted to the frame by a suitable L-shaped axle 16 which is welded or otherwise secured at an appropriate height to the frame member 12. An identical wheel is disposed on the same frame section at the right rear, although this Wheel, for convenience, is not illustrated in this figure.

In order that the device may be guided by, and moved upon, the form section F, a pair of flange Wheels 18 are supported for rotation on frame members 20 which are secured to the main frame portion 12 of the device. A cross plate 22, which spans the supporting frame members 20 journals a .stub axle for support of the wheels 18.

Each wheel 18 is generally parallel with the wheel 14, and all of the wheels 14 and 18 are disposed to permit the movement of the device in a direction parallel with the length of the form F. Thus, the entire carriage is movable along the form to a position for removal of pins therefrom.

As will be seen in FIG. 1A, a gear 25 is secured in any convenient fashion to one of the wheels 18, and a chain 27 connects the gear with a pinion 29. The pinion 29 is driven in either direction by a hydraulic motor 31, of any suitable known construction. It will be appreciated that both wheels 18 might be driven, although in this illustrative case, only one such driving connection is specifically shown.

Puller assembly Disposed upon the frame 12 comprising the carriage of the unit, is the puller assembly which, in the illustrative case, comprises an upstanding post 40, disposed on a platform comprising a part of the framework at the rear of the unit itself. The height of the post is a matter of design, and may conveniently be approximately four feet in height. At the top of the post, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a puller arm indicated generally at 42 is pivotally mounted about a pin 44.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the puller arm, as illustrated, comprises a light but strong steel framework, including a pair of side frame members 47 which fit into a clevis arrangement 50, the clevis member being the member which actually engages the pin 44.

The side members are joined at the ends thereof remote from the pivot point by a cross plate 52. This plate, in the exemplary case, is formed with a pair of holes 54 for receipt of a U-bolt 56 in which a chain 58 is connected. It will be understood that the specific length of the chain may be readily varied by inserting the U-bolt 56 through any one of the links. At the end of the chain a claw member C is disposed, for engagement with the enlarged heads of pins P (see particularly FIG. 2). The claw member works much in the same manner as the now familar tongs for handling blocks of ice, in that, referring to FIG. 2, upward pull on the chain results in the closing of the claws about the pin in gripping relation. The claw is vertically aligned with each pin by simply moving the entire carriage on the form to a position above the pin to be pulled.

In the illustrative case, power is supplied to the puller arm by means of a fluid motor, exemplified by the cylinder 63 having a reciprocable rod 65 emanating therefrom. In order to support the cylinder and rod arrangement and provide a suitable stroke, an upstanding frame is provided on the puller arm, and comprises a pair of pillars 67 welded or otherwise fastened to the side members 47 at a posiiton rearwardly of the plate 52. The pillars 67 are joined by a cap 69, and the end of the rod 65 is threaded into a T-pipe 72. The pipe is pivotally secured to the upstanding frame by means of a pivot pin 75 passing therethrough and fitted into the pllars 67 at a suitable spot near the top of the pillars.

In order, in keeping with the invention, to distribute the reaction forces developed during removal of a pin, directly on the form F about the pin rather than on the frame or carriage 12, which would require the frame to be much heavier than it is, a reaction arm. indicated generally at 80 (see FIG. 3) is provided, The reaction arm, like the puller arm, is conveniently pivotally mounted to the rear upstanding post 40 by means of a pin 82 disposed near the base thereof. The reaction arm comprises an elongated central frame member 85 which is disposed in generally vertical alignment with the puller arm, and which terminates in a centrally disposed cross member 87. A pair of lugs 89 are welded or otherwise suitably secured to the top of the member 85, and both are drilled to receive a pivot pin 91 which connects with the base of the power cylinder 63 by passing through link 92 for a limited pivotal movement thereof about the pin 91. The cross member 87 is provided with lateral support by oblique frame members 95 which extend from the ends of the cross member 87 rearwardly to a convenient spot on the arm 85 where they are secured in any suitable fashion. The construction lends considerable strength to the cross member which will, as now will be described, absorb a substantial amount of the forces generated by the puller.

Referring to FIG. 2., a pair of legs depend from the cross member 87 near the respective ends thereof. The legs are of sufficient length to permit engagement with the top of the form F with the central reaction frame member 85 disposed at a predetermined height above the main frame 12 of the unit. Upon application of power to the fluid motor 63, the rod 65 extends acting between the arms 42 and 80. With the claw engaged, the arm 42 is momentarily held and the force generated by the motor 63 will urge the arm 80 downward about pivot pin 82 until the legs 100 engage the form. Once this happens, all forces are between the form and the pin, with the result that the pin is extracted. The position of the legs 100 permit a balanced distribution of the reaction forces on the form, thereby permitting optimum pulling power.

In order to absorb some of the shock resulting from the freeing of the pin P upon application of substantial force by the fluid motor, shock absorbing spring have been provided between the central arm 85 and an arch indicated generally at 107 disposed on a frame member 12 and extending upwardly for a suitable distance above the arm 85. The springs are arranged to minimize recoil of the device when the pin P is freed.

The control system Experience has demonstrated, that in a device of this type, fluid power is both efiicient and economical. While the potential of other modes of powering and controlling the apparatus of the present invention are recognized, an exemplary hydraulic power control system will be described for purposes of demonstrating the convenience and versatility of the operation of the machine itself. A schematic hydraulic layout is illustrated in FIG. 4, and will be referred to in conjunction with the figures illustrating the mechanical construction of the device to explain the operation thereof.

A gasoline engine E is provided which is connected directly to a double or two-sided hydraulic pump 110 of known construction. An oil reservoir R is shown, and may be located at any convenient position on the frame 12. Fluid is tapped from one side of the pump 110 through line 112 to the input of the drive motor control valve 115. The control valve 115 supplies fluid to drive motor 3-1 through a forward line 117 and a reverse line 119 for selective directional rotation of the drive motor, and resultant movement of the entire device along the form F.

Input pressure is likewise fed through line 122 to the lift control valve 125 which selectively directs fluid through line 127 to extend the rod 65, and through line 129 to retract the rod 65. It will be appreciated that, in the case of the control valve 115 and the control valve 125, switching of pressure from one line to the other automatically connects the line previously under pressure with the reservoir in any known manner to permit exhaustion of fluid on that particular side of the device being operated. It will also be appreciated that the specific construction of the valves herein employed is well known, and for that reason, the internal workings thereof have not been illustrated. It is believed, however, that from the schematic diagram presented, the system as it applies to the present invention, is readily understood.

It is an additional feature of the present invention that available fluid pressure at the control valves may be selectively increased to provide additional power for transporting the device or extracting a particularly stubborn pin. To this end, and referring to FIG. 4 particularly, a two position fluid regulator valve is provided which is connected by line 137 to the other side of the pump 110,

and which is selectively operable to (a) direct fluid in line 137 directly to input line 112, by means of a line 139, or (b), bypass the same to the reservoir through line 141. Thus, a half power and full power position is provided at the instance of the operator.

Auxiliary'apparatus for distribution reaction force In keeping with the objective of producing a maximum amount of vertical pulling force at the pin P with a light weight structure having maximum ability, the invention provides auxiliary apparatus which automatically redistributes the reactive load on the reaction arm 80' when the pressure applied to the fluid motor 63 exceeds a predetermined amount. More particularly, means is provided for redistributing the reactive force on a four point stance, evenly positioned above the pin to be pulled as contrasted to the two point stance provided by the legs 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 3 in particular, a pair of auxiliary rams indicated generally at 150 are provided in a position in a general alignment with each of the legs 100 and outwardly thereof to a position beyond the normal position of the pin P in the form, so as to place the pin within an imaginary box defined by the intersection of lines connecting the adjacent ones of legs 100 and rams 150.

In order to support the rams, a pair of side plates 153 extend outwardly from the cross member 87 where they are secured, as well as along the legs 100* by any known method such as welding. Each pair of plates 153 is supplied with positioning apertures -5 disposed in alignment and adapted to receive a pivot pin 157 which anchors the cylinder portion 159 of the ram 150 to the plates while permitting limited movement about the pin.

Referring to FIG. 5, the internal structure of the ram is illustrated as comprising a piston rod 161 which extends from the cylinder 159 and is provided at its lower end with the abutting foot 163 for engagement with a portion of the form F. The other end of the rod is provided with a piston 165 which is disposed below a port 167 which opens into a chamber 169 defined between the end of the cylinder and head of the piston 165. A heavy compression spring 171 is seated behind the piston 165 and extends the length of the cylinder 159 to engage the piston behind the head 173 thereof.

Referring to FIG. 4, the port 167 connects to fluid line 127 by means of a tap- 175. Fluid line 177 extends from the tap to the port 167 to permit fluid to enter the chamber 169. Thus, when the valve 125 is in a position to permit fluid to flow into line 127 for extending the rod 65 (pulling force being generated), fluid is likewise transmitted through line 177 to the auxiliary ram chamber 169. When the pressure in the chamber 169 acting against the piston 175 is s-uflicient to overcome the force of the spring 171, the rod 161 is extended and the foot 163- engages the form. As a consequence, the reaction arm assumes a four point stance about the pin. This brings about a distribution of reactive forces which permits even the most stubborn pin to be removed with relative ease by the device. When pressure is relieved in line 127 by reversal of the valve, line 177 is likewise bled and the ram returned by the heavy spring 171. This device, with one man operating it, can pull pins over 2,000 feet per hour.

Transportation one of which is shown in FIG. 1B. The transport wheels are disposed on either side of the device in an up on position during actual use, but are capable of being extended to a position where they secure the entire device on a two point stance on the wheels for transportation. In accomplishing this, the wheels are mounted by means of an axle 182 on a link 184 which is manipulated by a fluid motor 186. The fluid motor 186 is operated by a control valve 188 disposed, for convenience, at the rear of the device. Valve 188 connects to a fluid supply line through valve 125 by means of line 190, and pressure is supplied to either side of the fluid motor, which is of known construction, by means of lines 192 and 194. Thus, upon completion of a particular job, the pin puller is raised onto the transport wheels by applying appropriate pressure to lowerthe wheels to the ground, which will result in the raising of the device. From that position, the entire apparatus may be connected to the bumper of a car or truck by a trailer hitch of known construction and transported to the next job.

On the basis of the foregoing description, and observing in FIG. 1A and 2, that the placement of the valves 135, and is such that they are all within the easy reach of an operator who, from the same position, can also operate the claw C, it is apparent that the apparatus in question can be manipulated very quickly to remove a pin, and thereafter transport it to the next pin with great speed. One such exemplary device develops the pulling of 20,000 pounds at the pin with a 10 horsepower gasoline engine, and a double pump developing seven gallons per minute on each side.

I claim as my invention:

1. Apparatus for removing pins from forms or the like comprising a portable carriage having an upstanding post mounted thereon, a puller arm pivotally mounted to said post and located above the pin to be pulled, a reaction arm disposed in vertical alignment with said puller arm and pivotally mounted to said post, an actuator disposed between said puller arm and said reaction arm, means depending from said puller arm for engaging a pin, said reaction arm having abutments thereon for engagement with the form about the pin, on either side thereof, a fluid pump connected with said actuator and adapted to supply fluid under pressure thereto to thereby force said abutments against the form and urge said puller arm in a direction to pull the pin from the form, fluid powered auxiliary rams mounted to said reaction arm outwardly of said abutments, said rams being in fluid connection with said actuator and responsive to pressure thereat, said rams being extensible to engage the form outwardly of said abutments upon application of a predetermined fluid pressure thereto.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein a control valve is disposed between said fluid pump and said actuator for selectively directing a portion of the fluid delivery of said pump thereto.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said auxiliary rams are mounted for limited pivotal movement with respect to said reaction arm, so as to apply pressure in a direction generally parallel with the pulling force on the pin.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein each said auxiliary ram comprises a cylinder having a chamber therein, a piston disposed in said chamber and having a rod connected to said piston, said rod being extensible from said cylinder to engage the form, said piston being preloaded so as to maintain said rod in a normally retracted position, said auxiliary rams and said actuator being fluidly interconnected so that when the pressure supplied to said actuator from said control valve exceeds the pre-load on said piston, said piston is actuated to extend said rod.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein an auxiliary control valve is provided between said pump and said control valve so as to selectively increase the fluid to said control valve to a value equal to the total delivery of said pump.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said auxiliary rams are so positioned with respect to said abutment that, when extended, imaginary lines intersecting adjacent ones of said abutments and rams describe a rectangle with a pin adapted to be disposed at the approximate center thereof.

7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, including a pair of flanged wheels on said carriage in engagement with the form, and a motor connected with one of said flanged wheels for rotating the same, and wheels opposite said flanged wheels on said carriage for supporting said carriage for movement in the general direction of the form.

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein a pair of retractable transport wheels are provided on said carriage, and means for extending the same to a amount sufficient to fully support said carriage on said wheels for transporting the apparatus.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,893,719 1/1933 Talboys 25418 2,271,311 1/1942 Shambaugh 254-18 X 2,911,190 11/1959 Creason 25418 3,063,676 11/1962 Robinson 254-30 X 3,249,334 5/1966 Sheperd et al. 254-48 3,276,743 10/1966 Hahn et al. 25418 WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner.

transport position wherein said carriage is raised an 15 MILTON S. MEHR, Examiner.

Claims

1. APPARATUS FOR REMOVING PINS FROM FORMS OR THE LIKE COMPRISING A PORTABLE CARRIAGE HAVING AN UPSTANDING POST MOUNTED THEREON, A PULLER ARM PIVOTALLY MOUNTED TO SAID POST AND LOCATED ABOVE THE PIN TO BE PULLED, A REACTION ARM DISPOSED IN VERTICAL ALIGNEMENT WITH SAID PULLER ARM AND PIVOTALLY MOUNTED TO SAID POST, AN ACTUATOR DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID PULLER ARM AND SAID REACTION ARM, MEANS DEPENDING FROM SAID PULLER ARM FOR ENGAGING A PIN, SAID REACTION ARM HAVING ABUTMENTS THEREON FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE FORM ABOUT THE PIN, ON EITHER SIDE THEREOF, A FLUID PUMP CONNECTED WITH SAID ACTUATOR AND ADAPTED TO SUPPLY FLUID UNDER PRESSURE THERETO TO THEREBY FORCE SAID ABUTMENTS AGAINST THE FORM AND URGE SAID PULLER ARM IN A DIRECTION TO PULL THE PIN FROM THE FORM, FLUID POWERED AUXILIARY RAMS MOUNTED TO SAID REACTION ARM OUTWARDLY OF SAID ABUTMENTS, SAID RAMS BEING IN FLUID CONNECTION WITH SAID ACTUATOR AND RESPONSIVE TO PRESSURE THEREAT, SAID RAMS BEING EXTENSIBLE TO ENGAGE THE FROM OUTWARDLY OF SAID ABUTMENTS UPON APPLICATION OF A PREDETERMINED FLUID PRESSURE THERETO.