Adjustable spreader bar system
AssigneeNC Services Group, Ltd.
InventorAdam Parker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In the crane industry, there is a need to efficiently attach, move, and unattach loads to crane hooks. When the load has an asymmetrical center of gravity, two cranes are often used to move the load. In the specification and drawings a spreader bar assembly is described and shown with at least two longitudinal members having a length; a plurality of cross members each attaching to at least two longitudinal members; and a plurality of support means adjustably positioned along the length of the longitudinal members. In a preferable embodiment of the invention, a single crane uses a spreader bar assembly to move a load having an asymmetrical center of gravity.
Claims28
A spreader bar assembly comprising:
- a. at least two longitudinal members having a length;
- b. a plurality of cross members, each cross member attached to at least two longitudinal members, and wherein the two longitudinal members and plurality of cross members are positioned in substantially the same plane;
- and
- c. a plurality of frames slidably attached along the length of the longitudinal members;
- and
- d. at least one frame comprising a U-shaped member comprising a base and two arms;
- and
- e. the at least one frame further comprising at least one bar member attached to the arms and an aperture enclosed by the bar member, arms, and base.
A spreader bar assembly comprising:
- a. at least two longitudinal members having a length;
- b. a plurality of cross members, each cross member attaching to at least two longitudinal members, and wherein the two longitudinal members and plurality of cross members are positioned in substantially the same plane;
- c. a plurality of support means adjustably positioned along the length of the longitudinal members;
- and
- d. wherein the support means comprise a U-shaped member having a base and two arms.
A method of moving a load with a crane comprising the steps of:
- a. providing one crane and a load having an asymmetrical center of gravity;
- b. attaching a crane hook to a spreader bar assembly comprising a plurality of support members, at least one support member attached to a support line, wherein at least one support member comprises:
- i. a base and two arms;
- ii. at least one bar member attached to the arms;
- and
- iii. an aperture enclosed by the bar member, arms, and base;
- c. positioning the crane hook above the load and positioning the crane hook substantially vertically above the center of gravity;
- d. attaching a free end of at least one support line to the load;
- and
- e. adjusting the support members such that the support lines are substantially vertical with respect to the load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.