Pipe-handling boom and method of use thereof

Abstract

A pipe-handling boom, and method of use thereof, adapted to mount onto an excavator boom, wherein an excavator operator may utilize the pipe-handling boom while the excavator is disposed atop the bridge deck. The pipe-handling boom generally comprises a multi-directional and fully rotational grapple in cooperative communication with a telescopically-adjustable boom arm, wherein the grapple mimics human hand and wrist movements, thereby providing the operator with the ability to grasp and lift a selected length of pipe, and, to further maneuver, cant, tilt, rotate or otherwise positionally-manipulate the pipe relative to the telescopically-adjustable boom arm. The boom arm, in cooperation with the grapple, enables the excavator/boom operator to guide the pipe over the side of the bridge deck, positionally extend the pipe therebeneath, and thus, lay the pipe within and between selected girders, T-beams, or other areas, disposed on the underside of the bridge deck.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.