Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Rod handier.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of rod handlers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many existing rods are typically relatively long hollow rods that are secured
to each
other, for example for drilling a bore. These rods are typically relatively
heavy and
relatively cumbersome to handle. Therefore, many devices have been designed to
handle these rods.
Prior art rod handlers typically include a hydraulic clamp which is attached
to an arm
that is typically hydraulically actuated. However, these rod handlers are
typically
relative expensive as they include many mechanical parts and costly and
complex
hydraulic systems. In addition, these rod handlers are typically relatively
large and
heavy and are therefore typically installed permanently at a site at which
rods must
be handled. Therefore, there is need to have a distinct rod handler for each
site at
which rods are manipulated.
In addition, the rod handlers need to be operated remotely by an operator who
needs to be relatively highly trained so as to be able to operate the
apparatus. Yet,
furthermore, handling the rods with these apparatuses is a typically
relatively
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complex task and there is a need to ensure that the rods do not hit any
surrounding
equipment.
In view of the above, there is a need in the industry to provide novel and
improved
rod handler.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first broad aspect, the invention provides a rod handler for handling a
rod. The
rod handler includes a handler base and an arm mechanically coupled to the
handler base. The arm is pivotable in a substantially vertical plane
relatively to the
handler base. A rod receiving platform is provided for receiving the rod. A
platform
attachment is operatively coupled to the arm and to the rod receiving platform
for
maintaining a substantially predetermined angular relationship between the rod
receiving platform and the handler base when the arm is pivoted in the
substantially
vertical plane. The rod receiving platform is removably attachable to the
platform
attachment.
In some embodiment of the invention, the platform attachment is operatively
coupled to the arm and to the rod receiving platform for maintaining the rod
receiving platform substantially horizontal when the arm is pivoted in the
substantially vertical plane.
Advantageously, the rod handler according to the invention is relatively
inexpensive
to manufacture using readily available parts. Furthermore, the rod handler is
typically relatively simple to operate in a few relatively simple, fast and
ergonomic
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steps.
Yet, furthermore, the rod handier according to the invention may be
manufactured
so as to be relatively easily movable between different rod handling stations,
which
decreases ownership costs when manipulating the rods at a site in which rods
have
to be handled at many locations.
Yet, furthermore, the rod handler is typically relatively easy to use without
requiring
extensive training.
Having a detachable rod receiving platform allows to manipulate rods having
many
different diameters as the rod receiving platform may then be changed
relatively
easily to accommodate these rods having different diameters.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become
more
apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of
preferred
embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1, in a perspective view, illustrates a rod handler in accordance with
an
embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 2, in a perspective exploded view, illustrates the rod handler of Fig.
1;
Figure 3, in a side elevation view, illustrates the rod handler of Fig. 1; and
Figure 4, in a top plan view, illustrates the rod handler of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate a rod handler 10 for handling a rod 12. The rod
handler 10
includes a handler base 14. An arm 16 is mechanically coupled to the handler
base
14. The arm 16 is pivotable in a substantially vertical plane 18 (better seen
in Fig.
4) relatively to the handler base 14. The rod handler 10 also includes a rod
receiving platform 20 for receiving the rod 12. A platform attachment 22 is
operatively coupled to the arm 16 and to the rod receiving platform 20 for
maintaining a substantially predetermined angular relationship between the rod
receiving platform 20 and the handler base 14 when the arm 16 is pivoted in
the
substantially vertical plane 18. The rod receiving platform 20, in some
embodiments of the invention, is removably attachable to the platform
attachment
22.
Having a rod receiving platform 20 that is removably attachable to the
platform
attachment 22 allows to change the rod receiving platform 20 so that a
suitable rod
receiving platform 20 is used with rods 12 having different diameters. Since
only a
relatively small portion of the rod handler 10 is changed when the rods 12
used
change diameter, it is relatively inexpensive to have a rod handler 10 that
may
handle rods 12 having diameters varying over a relatively wide range.
Therefore,
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there is no need to have a hydraulic clamp for clamping the rods 12, which are
commonly used in prior art rod handlers, in the rod handler 10.
In some embodiments of the invention, the platform attachment 22 is
operatively
5 coupled to the arm 16 and to the rod receiving platform 20 for maintaining
the rod
receiving platform 20 substantially horizontal when the arm 16 is pivoted in a
substantially vertical plane 18, as seen in Fig. 3. In these embodiments of
the
invention, the rod 12 is then relatively easily supported in a stable manner
onto the
rod receiving platform 20 when the rod handler 10 is used to lower or to raise
the
rod 12 relatively to the ground.
The rods 12 are movable by the rod handler 10 while the rods 12 are supported
in a
substantially constant orientation by the rod receiving platform 20.
In some embodiments of the invention, the rod receiving platform 20 is
rotatable
about a platform axis 24, seen in Fig. 3, relatively to the platform
attachment 22.
For example, the platform axis 24 is substantially vertical. This pivotal
movement of
the rod receiving platform 20 allows to reach rods 12 that are located further
away
from the arm 16 than would be possible if this pivotal movement was not
allowed.
In other words, since the rod handler 10 is typically used around other
machinery,
this pivotal movement allows more flexibility in the positioning and use of
the rod
handler 10 as rods 12 being located further away from the arm 16 are then
accessible.
Also, in some embodiments of the invention, the arm 16 is also pivotable in a
substantially horizontal plane 19, seen in Fig. 3, relatively to the handler
base 14.
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This pivotal movement is better illustrated in Fig. 4. Therefore, the rod
handler 10
may move the rods 12 to allow an intended user to move the rods 12 from a
first
location to a second location.
An example of a specific rod receiving platform 20 is described hereinbelow.
However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, any other suitable rod
receiving platform 20 may be used.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the rod receiving platform 20 includes a platform
bottom
wall 26 (seen in Fig. 2) for receiving the rod 12 thereonto and a platform
peripheral
wall 28 extending substantially upwardly from the platform bottom wall 26. The
platform peripheral wall 28 defines an enclosure in which the rod 12 may be
relatively stably supported. In other words, the platform peripheral wall 28
allows to
move the rod 18 with reduced risks that the rod 18 would slip from the
platform
bottom wall 26.
In some embodiments of the invention, the platform peripheral wall 28 defines
a
substantially arc segment shaped wall first end section 30 for abutting the
rod 12
thereonto. For example, and non-limitingly, the wall first end section 30 is
located
substantially distally relatively to the platform attachment 22. Since an
intended
user typically handles the rod 12 onto the rod handler 10 while located
substantially
opposed to the arm 16, this location of the wall first end section 30 allows
to
relatively easily stabilize the rod 12 by abutting the rod 12 against the wall
first end
section 30.
The platform peripheral wall 28 further defines a wall second end section 32
located
substantially opposed to the wall first end section 30. Two wall lateral
sections 34
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and 35 extend between the wall first and second end sections 30 and 32. For
example, the wall lateral sections 34 and 35 are substantially tapered toward
each
other in a direction leading substantially towards the wall first end section
30. This
tapered configuration allows to relatively easily insert the rod 18 in the
enclosure
defined by the platform peripheral wall 28 and to relatively easily guide the
rod 12
towards the wall first end section 30.
To improve the rod stabilizing properties of the wall first end section 30, in
some
embodiments of the invention, the wall first end section extends substantially
upwardly further away from the platform bottom wall 16 than the wall lateral
and
second end sections 34, 35 and 32. Also, having wall lateral and second end
sections 34, 35 and 32 that extend only over a relatively small distance
upwardly
from the platform bottom wall 26 allow to relatively easily insert the rod 12
in the
enclosure defined by the platform peripheral wall 28.
The platform attachment 22 includes a platform attachment arm receiving
portion
37 for receiving the arm 16. Also, in some embodiments of the invention, the
platform attachment 22 includes an attachment plate 36 for attaching the rod
receiving platform 20 thereto. For example, the rod attachment plate 36 is
substantially horizontal and allows to relatively easily attach suitably
shaped rod
receiving platform 20 thereto. In some embodiments of the invention, a nut and
a
bolt are used to attach the rod receiving platform 20 to the attachment plate
22 by
passing the nut and the bolt through suitably positioned and oriented
apertures
provided into the attachment plate 36 and the rod receiving platform 20.
The arm 16 includes an arm base 38 and a pair of substantially parallel and
substantially elongated members 56 and 58. The substantially parallel
elongated
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members 56 and 58 are each mechanically coupled to the platform attachment 22
and to the arm base 38 so as to remain substantially parallel relatively to
each other
when the arm 16 is pivoted in the substantially vertical plane 18.
In some embodiments of the invention, as better illustrated in Fig. 2, the arm
base
38 includes an arm base first portion 40 and an arm base second portion 42.
The
arm base first and second portions 40 and 42 are pivotably mounted to each
other
to allow the substantially horizontal pivotal movement of the arm 16
relatively to the
handler base 14. The arm base first portion is 40, for example, substantially
U-
shaped and defines arm base legs 44 and an arm base connecting member 46
extending therebetween. The arm base legs 44 extend substantially upwardly and
an arm base rod 48 extends substantially downwardly from the arm base
connecting member 46.
The arm base second portion includes an arm base rod receiving portion 50
defining an arm base passageway 52 for receiving the arm base rod 48
thereinto.
Also, the arm base second portion 42 includes a substantially downwardly
extending tongue 54, the tongue 54 being, for example, substantially plate-
shaped.
The first elongated member 56 defines a first elongated member first end 60
and a
substantially longitudinally opposed first elongated member second end 62.
Also,
the second elongated member 58 defines a second elongated member first end 64
and a second elongated member second end 66 substantially longitudinally
opposed to the second elongated member first end 64.
The first and second elongated members 56 and 58 each define a respective
elongated member to arm base attachment location 68 pivotably attached to the
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arm base 38 and a respective elongated member to platform attachment location
72 pivotably attached to the platform attachment 22. Distances between the
elongated member to base attachment locations 68 and the elongated member to
platform attachment locations 72 are substantially similar for both
substantially
parallel elongated members. For example, and non-limitingly, the elongated
member to arm base attachment locations 68 are located substantially adjacent
the
first and second elongated member first ends 60 and 62. Also, the elongated
member to platform attachment locations 72 are located substantially adjacent
second elongated members second ends 64 and 66.
This configuration of the first and second elongated members 56 and 58 allows
to
maintain a substantially predetermined orientation of the rod receiving
platform 20.
In some embodiments of the invention, an actuator 80 is operatively coupled to
the
arm base 38 and to at least one of the first and second elongated members 56
and
58 for pivoting the first and second elongated members 56 and 58 relatively to
the
arm base 38. Therefore, the actuator 80 allows to pivot the arm 16 in the
substantially vertical plane 18. For example, and non-limitingly, the actuator
80
includes a hydraulic cylinder extending between the second elongated member 58
and the arm base 38. The hydraulic cylinder is secured to the second elongated
member 58 at a location substantially intermediate the second elongated member
first and second ends 64 and 662. Also, the hydraulic cylinder is secured to
the arm
base 38 at a location located substantially upwardly relatively to the
locations at
which the first and second elongated members 58 and 56 are secured to the arm
base 38.
The handler base 14 includes a base first component 82 and a base second
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component 84. The base second component 84 is mounted to base first
component 82 so as to be transitionally mobile relatively thereto. For
example, this
transitional motion allows to adjust the position of the arm 16 relatively to
the
handier base 14 to fine tune the adjustments of the position of the arm 16 to
5 facilitate the manipulation of the rods 12. To that effect, the base first
component
82 includes a substantially elongated mounting member 86 supported
substantially
spaced apart from the ground, for example, by two posts 85. The base second
component 84 includes a sleeve 90 mounted to the mounting member 86 so as to
be longitudinally slidable relatively thereto. In some embodiments of the
invention,
10 a second component lock 92 is provided for locking the slidable motion of
the base
first component 82 relatively to the base second component 84. For example,
the
second component lock 92 includes a second component lock aperture 94 and a
second component lock bolt 96. The second component lock aperture 94 extends
through the sleeve 90 and is threaded to allow threading the second component
lock bolt 96 thereinto until the second component lock bolts 96 abut against
the
base first component 82, therefore preventing, at least in part, a
substantially
longitudinal movement of the base second component 84 relatively to the base
first
component 82.
In some embodiments of the invention, the arm 16 is movably mountable to the
handler base 14. To that effect, the base second component 84 includes a
tongue
receiving passageway 88 for receiving the tongue 54. The tongue receiving
passageway 88 extends substantially vertically and receives slidably the
tongue 54
thereinto. Therefore, attachment of the arm 16 to the handier base 14 and
removal
of the arm 16 from the base 14 is relatively easily performed in a relatively
simple
movement.
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In some embodiments of the invention, a tongue lock 98 is provided for locking
the
tongue 55 inside the tongue receiving passageway 98. For example, the tongue
lock includes a tongue lock aperture 100 extending through the base second
component 84 into the tongue receiving passageway 88. The tongue lock aperture
is threaded and a tongue lock bolt 102 is usable to thread into the tongue
lock
aperture until it abuts against the tongue 54 thereby locking the tongue 54
inside
the tongue receiving passageway. It should be noted that this relatively
simple
tongue lock 98 is relatively efficient as it is relatively simple, relatively
easily
operated and typically does not require that relatively large forces be
exerted unto
the tongue 54 as the tongue 54 is mainly maintained inside the tongue
receiving
passageway 88 by the weight of the arm 16.
In some embodiments of the invention, a wear plate 104 is positionable within
the
enclosure defined by the plafform peripheral wall 28 so as to abut against the
platform bottom wall 16. The wear plate 104 is typically removably attachable
to the
platform bottom wall 26 and may be changed when repeated shocks of the rods 12
against the wear plate 104 have worn the wear plate 104 to a relatively small
thickness that is too small to protect the platform bottom wall 26 against
shocks.
In use, the arm 16 is raised and located substantially adjacent a rod 12. The
rod 12
is then lowered unto the rod receiving platform 20. An intended user, for
example
using his hands, maintains the rod 12 substantially vertical and rotates the
arm 16
in the substantially horizontal plane 19. Then, when the rod 12 has been moved
away from the location from which it has been picked up, the rod 12 is
lowered, for
example using the actuator 80 to pivot the arm 16 in the substantially
vertical plane
18. Then, the rod 12 is located substantially adjacent the ground and may be
relatively easily lifted over the wall of the rod receiving platform 20, and
disposed
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on the ground. To move a rod 12 from the ground to a destination location,
these
steps are reversed.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of
preferred
embodiments thereof, it can be modified without departing from the spirit,
scope
and nature of the subject invention, as defined in the appended claims.
