WO2010126475A1

WO2010126475A1 - Portable hydrualic master ratchet

Info

Publication number: WO2010126475A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/041749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick M. Mccoy; William H. Hiller, Iii
Original assignee: Mccoy Patrick M; Hiller William H Iii
Priority date: 2009-04-27
Filing date: 2009-04-27
Publication date: 2010-11-04

Abstract

A portable hydraulic master ratchet apparatus for drawing two linearly opposing cables toward one another includes a hydraulic cylinder and a reversible piston that selectively travels reciprocatively within the hydraulic cylinder. A barge attachment ring is disposed at the distal end of the hydraulic cylinder, along with releasable means for securing a sling of a steel cable to the distal end of the piston. The releasable means for securing a sling includes a pelican hook that receives the cable sling thereon when in an open position, while the pelican hook is secured, in the closed position, by at least one keeper ring. Additionally, mating threads in the piston and on the pelican hook permit adjustment of the pelican hook and keeper ring.

Description

PORTABLE HYDRUALIC MASTER RATCHET

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to marine-type ratchets used for rigging, tying down, bracing, mooring, securing and towing and, more particularly, to a master ratchet widely used in the marine industry designed for securing the connection between barges into what is termed "tows." The device is a vital piece of equipment in this industry. The master ratchet employs hydraulics and is designed to make a vital operation carried out hundreds of times daily on our waterways safe and efficient. As a result companies become more productive and profitable with fewer injuries to employees.

Description of the Prior Art

Ratchet devices are known to the prior art, and are disclosed by the following references known to the inventors: Sarosdy, U.S. Patent No. 2,220,288, issued November 5. 1940; Baillie et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,338,359, issued August 29, 1967; Hesse et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,949,699, issued April 13, 1976; Patterson, III et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,100,875, issued July 18, 1978; Yoshikai et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,165,705, issued August 28, 1979; Capron, U.S. Patent No. 4,938,163, issued July 3, 1990; Fahrner, U.S. Patent No. 4,957,778, issued August 14, 1990; Kaucic, U.S. Patent No. 5,072,685, issued December 17, 1991; Huang, U.S. Patent No. 5,735,228, issued April 7, 1998; Kuhiman, U.S. Patent No. 6,487,985, issued December 3, 2002; and Smith, U.S. Patent No. 6,463,869, issued October 15, 2002. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention is to provide a marine-type ratchet used for rigging, tying down, bracing, mooring, securing and towing of barges.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a master ratchet widely used in the marine industry designed for securing the connection between barges into what is termed "tows."

An additional another object of the present invention is to provide a master ratchet that employs hydraulics and is designed to make a vital operation carried out hundreds of times daily on our waterways safe and efficient, thereby yielding greater productivity and profitability to industries in which such devices are used.

The foregoing and related objects are achieved by a portable hydraulic master ratchet apparatus for drawing two linearly opposing cables toward one another, which includes a hydraulic cylinder and a reversible piston that selectively travels reciprocative- Iy within the hydraulic cylinder. A barge attachment ring is disposed at the distal end of the hydraulic cylinder, along with releasable means for securing a sling of a steel cable to the distal end of the piston. The releasable means for securing a sling includes a pelican hook that receives the cable sling thereon when in an open position, while the pelican hook is secured, in the closed position, by at least one keeper ring. Additionally, mating threads in the piston and on the pelican hook permit adjustment of the pelican hook and keeper ring.

In a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder and the piston each have a pair of leg members projecting angularly downward and outwardly proximal respective distal ends thereof for holding the ratchet and facilitating retraction of the piston into the hydraulic cylinder.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in view of the following detailed description of the invention, which provides certain preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures and detailed description thereof is intended to discuss and explain only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and is not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar features throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective overview of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of present invention;

FIG. 3 is an orthographic view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an orthographic view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention in a retracted mode;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the pelican hook of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a chart of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention of nomenclature;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention; and,

FIG. 8 is a block diagram demonstrating the method of operation of the portable hydraulic master ratchet of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10 of the present invention, which is intended for a mechanical piece of equipment widely used in the marine industry. The ratchet is used to tie barges 12 together into what is termed "tows." The device is a vital piece of equipment used with massive steel cables and manpower combined with principles of leverage to achieve the connection of barges 12 together.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10. The present invention is a manually actuated hydraulic cylinder 17 with a retractable piston 18 for varying the distance between two cables secured to a barge attachment ring 26 on the end of the cylinder 32, and a pelican hook 22 and keeper 24 disposed on the end of the piston 18 as used in the marine industry for coupling barges. The cylinder 17 includes a hydraulic fluid filler hole 28, a pressure release valve 16, a handle retracting piston 30 and a reversible hydraulic cylinder 32. Said device has legs 14 for spacing the device from a surface.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10, which is manually actuated hydraulic cylinder 17 with a retractable piston 18 for varying the distance between two cables secured to a barge attachment ring 26 on the end of the cylinder 32, and a pelican hook 22 and keeper 24 disposed on the end of the piston 18 as used in the marine industry for coupling barges. The cylinder 17 includes a hydraulic fluid filler hole 28, a pressure release valve 16, a handle retracting piston 30 and a reversible hydraulic cylinder 32. The pelican hook 22 could be threaded 20 into the piston 18. Further included are legs 14 for spacing the device from a surface. The device addresses the safety issue by eliminating the need for manpower to use leverage in order to achieve a tight connection between the barges, therefore eliminating injuries to workers. FIG. 4 is an orthographic view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10 shown in a retracted mode. Further illustrated is the piston 18 retracted into the cylinder 17 and the pelican hook 22 secured by the keeper 24. The hydraulic master ratchet of the invention eliminates the need for manpower to use leverage in order to achieve a tight connection between the barges.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the pelican hook 22 of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10 in an open position. The pelican hook 22 keeps the wire slings that connect barges together locked in position. Keeper rings 24 secure the pelican hook in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a chart of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10 presenting relevant nomenclature. More specifically, shown is a chart of nomenclature of the components providing part name and function for further understanding of the hydraulic ratchet design. The components described include the legs 14; the pressure release valve 16; the hydraulic cylinder 17; the piston 18; optional threads 20 for the pelican hook 22; the keeper 24; the barge attachment ring 26; and the hydraulic fluid filler hole 28.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10. As illustrated in this drawing figure is the pelican hook 22 connected to the sling 36 and retained thereto by the keeper 24. The legs 14 keep the rest of the assembly raised above the deck surface 38. The device is a vital piece of equipment used with massive steel cables and manpower combined with principles of leverage to achieve the connection of barges together.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram demonstration the method of operation of the portable hydraulic master ratchet 10 of the present invention.

While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Li st of Reference Numerals

Portable Hydraulic Master Ratchet of the present invention barge leg pressure release valve hydraulic cylinder retractable piston threads pelican hook keeper barge attachment ring hydraulic fluid filler hole handle retracting piston into hydraulic cylinder reversible hydraulic cylinder shackle sling deck surface

Claims

1. A portable hydraulic master ratchet for drawing two linearly opposing cables toward one another, comprising: a hydraulic cylinder; a reversible piston that selectively travels reciprocatively within said hydraulic cylinder; a barge attachment ring disposed at a distal end of said hydraulic cylinder; and, releasable means for securing a sling of a cable to the distal end of said reversible piston, said releasable means for securing the sling of the cable including a pelican hook for receiving the sling of the cable thereon when an open position and said pelican hook being secured by a keeper ring when in a closed position.

2. The portable hydraulic master ratchet according to Claim 1, wherein said hydraulic cylinder includes a hydraulic filler hole for allowing passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough.

3. The portable hydraulic master ratchet according to Claim 1, wherein said hydraulic cylinder further includes a pressure release valve.

4. The portable hydraulic master ratchet according to Claim 1, wherein said hydraulic cylinder further includes a handle retracting piston disposed circumferentially thereon.

5. The portable hydraulic master ratchet according to Claim 4, wherein said hydraulic cylinder further includes a reversible hydraulic cylinder disposed circumferentially thereon proximal to said handle retracting piston.

6. The portable hydraulic master ratchet according to Claim 1, wherein said hydraulic cylinder and said reversible piston each have a pair leg members projecting angularly downward and outward proximal the respective distal ends thereof.

7. A method of operation for using a portable hydraulic master ratchet for securing a connection between cables depending from two adjacent barges for tows, comprising the steps of: securing a shackle of a first cable to a barge attachment ring disposed on a distal end of a hydraulic cylinder; looping a sling of a second cable onto an open pelican hook disposed on a distal end of a retractable piston associated with said hydraulic cylinder; closing the pelican hook thereafter; sliding at least one keeper ring over the pelican hook to for retaining the pelican hook in a closed position; pumping hydraulic fluid into a filler hole for filling the hydraulic cylinder; manually pressurizing the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic cylinder; retracting the piston into the pressurized hydraulic cylinder with internal pressure applied thereupon; drawing the two cables and their respective barges together due to retraction of the piston into the cylinder; releasing the pressure in the cylinder upon completion by opening the pressure release valve; and, removing the at least one keeper ring from the pelican hook to release the sling therefrom.