Construction equipment and methods

Construction equipment is provided that can include: a transport assembly operably supporting a platform, the platform having a leading edge opposing a rearward edge, the leading edge associated with a first direction of the transport assembly, and the rearward edge associated with a second direction of the transportation assembly; an operator cab above the platform and aligned closer to the leading edge than the rearward edge; an engine above the platform and aligned closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge; and a boom pivotably attached above the platform closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge, the boom being movable between a first position fully extended and a second position fully raised. Utility line pole placement and/or removal construction methods are provided that can include extending an extension assembly having a banana boom from a transport assembly to couple with a utility line pole.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field of the disclosure is construction equipment and methods, particularly, utility pole construction equipment and methods.

BACKGROUND

Throughout the world, utilities are still provided via lines stretching between utility poles. These utility poles typically are constructed of single member wood construction, and they need to be placed at predetermined points to create spans between poles, and these points are typically in difficult to reach locations. For example, many utility poles can stretch across vast regions, mountainous and/or forested regions, and other utility spans can stretch within urban areas or even semi-urban areas to provide power and other utilities for commercial and/or residential purposes.

These utility spans need to be originally placed as well as repaired from time to time when storms and/or other unforeseen circumstances occur, and to do so requires heavy construction equipment.

The present disclosure provides construction equipment and methods that can be used to transport, remove, and/or place utility poles, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Construction equipment is provided that can include: a transport assembly operably supporting a platform, the platform having a leading edge opposing a rearward edge, the leading edge associated with a first direction of the transport assembly, and the rearward edge associated with a second direction of the transportation assembly; an operator cab above the platform and aligned closer to the leading edge than the rearward edge; an engine above the platform and aligned closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge; and a boom pivotably attached above the platform closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge, the boom being movable between a first position fully extended and a second position fully raised.

Utility line pole placement and/or removal construction methods are provided that can include extending an extension assembly having a banana boom from a transport assembly to couple with a utility line pole.

DESCRIPTION

The construction equipment and methods of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 14. Referring first toFIG. 1, construction equipment10is shown that includes a track assembly12supporting a cab and power unit14that is placed on a platform18. Extending from platform18is extension assembly16. Power unit14can be considered an engine and it may be a hydraulic compressor. Track assembly18can be a transport assembly and need not include tracks but include wheels and/or a combination of the both.

Platform18can extend and rotate from track12and provide for self-leveling of cab14above track12. Construction equipment10may be larger or smaller depending on the application. Platform18can have a leading edge associated with a first direction of the transport assembly, and rearward edge associated with a rearward edge associated a second direction of the transportation assembly. The first and second directions can be opposing directions and likewise leading and rearward edges may be considered opposing edges of platform18. The engine can be above the platform and aligned closest to the rearward edge of the platform while the cab can be aligned closest to the leading edge of the platform.

Self-leveling software which controls the positioning of platform18in relation to track12existing on support structure such as ground or earth can include processing circuitry that is coupled to both leveling sensor and hydraulic valves, and this processing circuitry can include a programmable logic controller coupled to clinometer sensors, for example. Example process circuitry can include “HB level logic”, available through Bay Shore Systems, Inc., Rathdrum Id.

Associated with cab14can be operator controls and associated with cab14can be motors and compressors utilized to drive track12as well as manipulate the hydraulics associated with the extension assembly as well as the self-leveling of platform18.

As can be seen in the Figures, extension assembly16can extend to a center portion above platform18, not pivoting from the very front of cab but centered or even rear of cab14according to example implementations. A boom of the extension assembly can be pivotably attached above the platform closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge. The boom can be movable between a first position fully extended and a second position fully raised. (see, e.g.,FIG. 4).

Referring next toFIG. 2, equipment10is shown in one configuration having extension assembly16extending directly in front of the cab. In accordance with example implementations the assembly can include at least two components, one can be a clamping or pole picking component as well as a bucket component20as well as a drill component22that is attached to the extension assembly16. Extension assembly16can be in two components, a banana boom as well as an extension, and drill assembly22can extend from the extension of the banana boom.

Referring next toFIG. 3, as shown in an alternative configuration, the extension assembly16can be extended upwards and allow for the grasping of utility poles if necessary. These utility poles can be grasped utilizing the spindle component32which has claws of claw assembly30extending therefrom.

Referring next toFIG. 4, equipment10is shown in at least two configurations with the extension assembly extending upwards to a point at40above ground level and also to a point at42below ground level. The extent of this reach can be obtained by using both the banana boom and the extensions in combination with the pivot point being located at the rearward portion of platform18for example. As shown the curve of the banana boom can extend beyond platform18in the first position when extending below ground level, and within a perimeter of outlined by the platform when extended above ground level in the second position.

Referring next toFIG. 5, boring or drill assembly22is shown in the extended position in preparation for drilling openings that can be utilized for utility pole placement. As shown this drilling assembly can extend from extension assembly16. Assembly22can be considered an earth auger assembly. Example Auger assemblies can include but are not limited to “LineEX Augers” available through Desco Drilling of Richmond Calif. This assembly can be pivotably coupled to the extension member and movable between a first position in parallel alignment with the extension member (see, e.g.,FIG. 4) and second position in substantial normal alignment with the extension member (FIG. 5).

Referring next toFIG. 6, claw assembly30is in the pole pick up position in preparation for picking a pole from the ground and placement of the pole in an opening created by drill assembly22. As shown inFIG. 7, pole70is in its supported position within claws of claw assembly30of equipment10. Assembly30can be pivotably coupled to the terminus of the extension member of the extension assembly. Assembly30can be configured to rotate axially about the terminus of the extension member, but also rotate axially about an axis normal to the terminus of the extension member. Assembly30can be operatively engaged with the terminus of the extension member via a spindle assembly.

Referring toFIG. 8, the spindle assembly32is depicted that allows for both the claw picking of poles as well as the transportation of poles from a lengthwise to a normal degree in relation to the extensions assembly. Accordingly, utility poles can be rotated about one axis at least about 90 degrees within one plane, and rotated about another axis at least 90 degrees in another plane. (see, e.g.,FIG. 12)

Referring toFIGS. 9 through 11, extension assembly components are shown that can include banana boom90as well as extensions110for example.

Referring next toFIG. 12, in a series of depictions, equipment10is shown. Referring first to a top view120and122, the rotation of the spindle assembly allows for the turning or carrying of the utility pole in relation to tracks and also the rotation of a cab and the rotation of the spindles allow for the side carrying of the utility poles. This can be beneficial when traversing utility pole line paths which are relatively thin in relation to roads and or other passageways.

As can be seen in configurations124through140, equipment10can be in the transport position and move to the hole digging position, then to the pole picking and placement positions.

As can be seen inFIGS. 13 and 14, equipment10is quite useful when digging poles on rough terrain. As can be seen in bothFIGS. 13 and 14, despite the elevation change between the track or platform surface and the utility pole placement, equipment10is able to dig openings for utility poles on substantial grades as well as place utility poles in the same grades.

In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into effect.