Patent ID: 8201865
Filing Date: 2012-06-19
Classification: B66C,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A pipe gripper device for selectively engaging an inner surface of a pipe for use in pulling a pipe, the pipe gripper device comprising: first and second gripper bodies each defining an exterior and an interior, the gripper bodies each including: wherein the arms are pivotably coupled to one another at a pivot point adjacent the respective leading ends, and slidably contact one another along at least a portion of the corresponding interiors; and a clevis assembly including a clevis mounted to the heads by a pin passing through the respective slots; wherein the pipe gripper device is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state by pivoting of the gripper bodies relative to one another at the corresponding pivot points, the pin sliding within the corresponding slots to define a limit of the expanded state, and further wherein a maximum outer dimension collectively defined by the grip segments is greater in the expanded state than in the contracted state.