Upending Device

The upending device of any preceding claim, wherein each connection element comprises:

• an engagement part, the engagement part comprising a coupling portion, wherein the coupling portion has a coupling surface facing radially inwardly;
• and
• a connection part, the connection part comprising:
• a radially outer portion, wherein the radially outer portion has a coupling surface facing radially outwardly, wherein the coupling surface of the engagement part abuts the coupling surface of the radially outer portion of the connection part, and wherein each connection part and corresponding engagement part are moveable in the radial direction;
• and
• first connection means at the radially outer end of each connection part, the first connection means for connection to axial locking means, the axial locking means being for connection between the connection part and the engagement part, for restricting axial movement of the engagement part relative to the connection part,
• and wherein the base element comprises second connection means for connection to actuation means connectable between the base element and the engagement part, for moving the engagement part along the coupling surface of the connection part.

A method of upending a tubular pile, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) inserting a base element into a first end of the tubular pile;
• b) rotating the base element about a first axis, the first axis being a central axis of the base element and being substantially parallel to a central axis of the tubular pile, to a desired orientation with respect to the tubular element;
• c) radially outwardly moving an engagement part of each of a plurality of connection elements to engage with one or more inside surfaces of the tubular pile;
• d) lifting the first end of the tubular pile by hoisting a lifting arm, using a hoisting element connected to the lifting arm, the lifting arm being connected to the base element.

An upending device for upending tubular piles, the upending device comprising:

• a base element for insertion into an end of, and for extending along an inside of, the tubular pile;
• a lifting arm connected to the base element, the lifting element being for coupling the upending device to a hoisting element;
• a plurality of connection elements connected to the base element and configured to engage with one or more inside surfaces of the tubular pile, wherein each connection element comprises:
• an engagement part, the engagement part comprising a coupling portion,
• wherein the coupling portion has a coupling surface facing radially inwardly;
• and
• a connection part, the connection part comprising:
• a radially outer portion, wherein the coupling surface of the engagement part abuts the coupling surface of the radially outer portion of the connection part, and wherein each connection part and corresponding engagement part are moveable in the radial direction;
• and
• first connection means at the radially outer end of each connection part, the first connection means for connection to axial locking means, the axial locking means being for connection between the connection part and the engagement part, for restricting axial movement of the engagement part relative to the connection part,
• and wherein the base element comprises second connection means for connection to actuation means connectable between the base element and the engagement part, for moving the engagement part along the coupling surface of the connection part.