Device and method to lift and manipulate poles which are mounted onto a base
AssigneeMusco Corporation
InventorJoe P. Crookham
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for manipulating a pole relative to a base fixed in the ground. The base is gripped and provides a rigid reference point. The pole is cradled and an actuator provides force to move the pole relative to the reference point. This can include detaching the pole from the base as well as inserting the pole on the base. As an optional feature, a pivot mechanism can be associated with the combination to allow the pole to be pivoted with respect to the base to lower the pole for inspection and maintenance, or to erect the pole to be vertically aligned and then seated onto the base.
Claims26
A method for manipulating a pole relative to a base, where the pole has a top and a bottom, comprising:
- gripping the base to create a stable reference;
- cradling the pole;
- and
- moving the pole relative to the reference on the base while the pole is separated from the base for inspection and maintenance of the pole and any item suspended on the pole or installation of the pole on the base.
An apparatus for manipulating a pole relative to a base which can be rigidly fixed in the ground and the pole is separable from the base comprising:
- a frame;
- a first connection mounted on the frame and connectable to the base;
- a second connection mounted on the frame and connectable to the pole;
- an actuator connected to the first and second connections, the actuator comprising at least one extendible and retractable member which can move the second connection both towards and away from the first connection;
- and
- so that using the first connection on the base as a reference, the pole can be moved relative to the base by operation of the actuator.
An apparatus to lift a pole having a bottom which connects to a base that includes a top that is secured in the ground, comprising:
- a first collar detachably mountable to the base;
- a second collar detachably mountable to the pole;
- an extendible and retractable member connected between the first and second collars;
- and
- an actuator connected to the member to extend or contract the member between a position where the first and second collars are spaced apart sufficiently to hold the bottom of the pole above the top of the base, and a second position where the pole is seated onto the base.
A method of manipulating a pole relative to a base, where the base has an upper portion extending above the ground and a lower portion secured in the ground and the pole has a lower hollow portion which is separable from and can be slip fit onto or removed from the upper portion of the base, comprising:
- gripping the upper portion of the base;
- gripping the lower portion of the pole;
- and
- moving the lower portion of the pole relative to the base by exerting force relative to the base to either separate the pole from the base or slip a separated pole onto the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.