US 2012/0067840 A1Published application

Pinned connection system for crane column segments

AssigneeManitowoc Crane Companies, LLC

InventorRobert J. Walker

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Abstract

A crane includes first and second column segments. At least a first, third and fifth connector are located on the first segment, respectively mating with at least a second, fourth and sixth connector on the second segment. Each of the connectors includes at least a first extension having a through-hole positioned in the extension such that the through-holes of mating connectors are aligned when the column segments are aligned. A first pin fits tightly through the through-hole of the first extension on the first connector and the through-hole of the first extension on the second connector to hold the first and second connectors together. A second pin fits loosely through the through-hole of the first extension on the third connector and the through-hole of the first extension on the fourth connector to hold the second and fourth connectors together. The connectors also include a compressive load bearing surface.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A crane having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works, the crane including at least one column member, the column member comprising:

a) at least a first and a second column segment each with a longitudinal axis and a first and a second end, the second end of the first segment being coupled to the first end of the second segment;
b) at least a first, a third and a fifth connector on the second end of the first segment respectively mating with at least a second, a fourth and a sixth connector on the first end of the second segment;
c) each of the connectors comprising at least a first extension having a through-hole there through, the through-hole having an axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and positioned in the extension such that the through-holes of mating connectors are aligned when the column segments are aligned;
d) each of the connectors comprising a compressive load bearing surface, the compressive load bearing surfaces being positioned to carry compressive loads between the first and second column segments when the column segments are aligned;
e) a first pin fitting tightly through the through-hole of the first extension on the first connector and the through-hole of the first extension on the second connector to hold the first and second connectors together;
and a second pin fitting loosely through the through-hole of the first extension on the third connector and the through-hole of the first extension on the fourth connector on the first end of the second segment to hold the second and fourth connectors together.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/236,307Filed 19 Sep 2011
Priority: 20 Sep 2010
Published: 22 Mar 2012
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

B66C 23/76
Separate from jib: and movable to take account of variations of load or of variations of length of jib
B66C 23/70
Jibs: constructed of sections adapted to be assembled to form jibs or various lengths
Y10T 29/49959
By applying separate fastener: nonresilient fastener
Y10T 403/553
Member ends joined by inserted section: laterally inserted section