Patent ID: 9738496
Date: 2017-08-22
CPC Classifications: B66C

Claim:
1. An improved knuckle boom crane apparatus, comprising: a) a supportive base; b) a frame attached to the base to form an assembly, the frame having upper and lower end portions; c) a first sheave attached to said frame upper end portion; d) a prime mover supported upon said frame and base assembly; e) a main boom pivotally attached to said frame lower end portion at a main boom lower end portion, said main boom having an upper end portion with a second sheave; f) cabling that connects between the first and second sheaves, said cabling enabling the main boom to be inclined or lowered relative to said frame and base; g) a jib boom having first and second end portions, said jib boom first end portion being pivotally attached to said main boom upper end portion at a pivot, said jib boom second end portion being a free end portion, wherein the second sheave is positioned in between the first sheave and said pivot; h) a main block attached to said main boom and depending from said main boom upper end portion; i) an auxiliary block attached to said jib boom and depending from said jib boom second end portion; j) a main block parking area that enables said main block to be parked when using the auxiliary block of said jib boom, said parking area including a yoke portion that includes spaced apart arms with a recess in between said arms; k) wherein said parking area enables said jib boom auxiliary block to lift a selected package without dismantling said main block; l) wherein the jib boom articulates relative to the main boom with a gear interface and through an angle of about one hundred eighty degrees; m) wherein the said gear interface includes a hydraulic cylinder and an extensible rod that can be extended or retracted by the hydraulic cylinder; n) said interface including a gear at said pivotal connection the extensible rod connecting to said gear; and o) wherein the jib boom is rotated relative to the main boom to selectively elevate the jib free end to an upper jib boom position or lower the jib boom to a lower jib boom position that places the jib boom free end below said first sheave.