Abstract:
A cutting apparatus for columnar items such as metal pipes has a base frame that supports a movable cutting blade. At least one blade actuator is disposed between the blade and the frame to drive the blade back and forth between retracted and extended positions. First and second arms are pivotably connected to the frame and moveable between disengaged and engaged positions. An arm actuator is associated with each arm and drives each arm between the disengaged and engaged positions. A segmented collar engages the entire circumference of the columnar item being cut. The blade is supported by the frame and the arms during the cutting process while the collar supports the material of the columnar item adjacent the cut.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/505,487 filed Jul. 19, 2009 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/081,913 filed Jul. 18, 2008 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/158,214 filed Mar. 6, 2009; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The invention generally relates to devices for cutting columnar items under water. More particularly, the invention relates to a cutting apparatus that is clamped around a portion of the columnar item during the cutting operation with a pair of arms that are both movable between disengaged and engaged positions. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    A variety of columnar items are disposed in various bodies of water throughout the world. These columnar items include solid columns manufactured from wood, concrete, or metal. The columnar items also include hollow pipes including sleeved pipes with a reinforcing material between the sleeves. Often, these columnar items must be removed below the waterline or below the sea floor or mud line. When these items are cut below the surface of the sea floor or below the mud line, the earth or mud most be removed to make room for the tool to operate. Those who perform this work want to remove as little earth or must as possible. Another desired feature for these devices is that the moving parts of the device are maintained away from the human users in order to minimize risk of injury. 
         [0006]    In some situations, those salvaging pipes want the cut end of the pipe to be substantially round so that the pipe end may be used for another application. In some prior art devices, the pipe is crushed to point that it cannot be reused. The crushing can occur when the areas of the pipe immediately adjacent to the cutting action is left unsupported. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention provides an apparatus for cutting columnar items wherein a pair of movable arms secure the apparatus to the columnar item before and during the cutting operation. The arms are then disengaged from the columnar item so the apparatus may be moved to a different location and reused. 
         [0008]    The invention provides an apparatus for cutting columnar items wherein the arms that clamp the apparatus to the item are powered remotely. 
         [0009]    The invention provides a cutting apparatus and a method for cutting columnar items wherein arms clamp the cutting apparatus to the item support the cutting apparatus on the item being cut. At the same time, the arms support the item being cut entirely about the outer circumference of the item immediately adjacent the cutting location to minimize deformation of the item being cut. 
         [0010]    The invention provides an apparatus for cutting underwater columnar items wherein the clamping arms require little space on the side of the columnar item opposite the blade. The arms grip the item from both sides of the item to secure the apparatus for the cutting operation. 
         [0011]    The arms may be held in place with hydraulic actuators that pivot the arms between their disengaged and engaged positions. 
         [0012]    The invention provides adjustable arm configurations for different diameter items. The arms are provided with removable and replaceable upper and lower segmented collars. 
         [0013]    The invention provides arms that define a blade slot such that the lateral edges of the blade are surrounded by the arms when the blade is extended. 
         [0014]    The invention provides a blade chamber that supports the blade while allowing gaps above and below the blade. 
         [0015]    In one configuration, the invention provides an apparatus for cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter wherein the apparatus includes a frame and a pair of arms having outer end portions with each of the arms being movable between disengaged and engaged positions. Each of the arms having a portion of a support band; the portions of the support band cooperating together when the arms are in the engaged position to engage and support a circumferential portion of the columnar item adjacent the location where the columnar item will be cut. The outer end portions are spaced apart a distance greater than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut when the arms are in the disengaged position. An arm actuator is associated with each arm; each arm actuator configured to move the arm back and forth between the disengaged and engaged positions. The arm actuators are adapted to apply a clamping force to the arms in the engaged position. A blade is carried by the frame with a blade actuator associated with the blade; the blade actuator being adapted to move the blade between retracted and extended positions. 
         [0016]    In another configuration, the invention provides a cutting apparatus having a base frame that supports a movable cutting blade. The blade moves back and forth in a pair of opposed channels defined by the frame. At least one blade actuator is disposed between the blade and the frame to drive the blade back and forth between retracted and extended positions. First and second arms are pivotably connected to the frame and moveable between disengaged and engaged positions. An arm actuator is associated with each arm and drives each arm between the disengaged and engaged positions. Each actuator is pivotably connected to the frame and pivotably connected to the inner end of an arm. Each arm is pivotably connected to the frame inwardly of the connection between the arm and the actuator. The outer ends of the arms and a portion of the frame define a 360 degree sectioned collar that engages the columnar item. The blade passes above, below, or through the frame portion of the collar to engage the columnar item. The collar portions of the arms may define slots that receive the blade as the blade cuts through the columnar item. 
         [0017]    The invention also provides a method of cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter wherein the method includes the steps of: opening arms of a cutting apparatus to a disengaged position wherein the outer ends of the arms define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut; each of the arms having a curved support band portion; moving the arms of the apparatus to opposite side of the columnar item; closing the arms to their engaged position to engage the curved support band portions of the arms with the outer surface of the columnar item to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item; and moving a blade through the columnar item. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the entire cutting apparatus with the arms in the closed or engaged positions. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the cutting blade with the blade cover plate and upper segmented collar removed. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the cutting blade. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the cutting apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is perspective view of the cutting apparatus with the arms removed and showing the cutting blade. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is perspective view of the frame that supports the cutting blade. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the frame. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view showing how the blade is held in position with the lateral guides. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view showing how the blade is held in position with the blade cover plate attached. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is perspective view of the blade without the lateral guides. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is perspective view similar to  FIG. 10  showing the blade actuators. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is perspective view similar to  FIG. 11  with the blade removed. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective view showing the portion of the frame that supports the blade actuators. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the front of the cutting apparatus with upper portion of arm on the left removed and the lower portion of the arm on the right removed. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 14  showing the pins that connect the arms to the frame. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing the complete arms and the blade cover plate. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view showing the arm structure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view with the arms in the disengaged position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a view similar to  FIG. 18 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a view similar to  FIG. 19  showing the blade cover plate removed. 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a top view showing the cutting apparatus. 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a view similar to  FIG. 21  showing the blade cover plate removed. 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a top plan view showing the cutting apparatus clamped onto a hollow pipe. 
       
    
    
       [0041]    Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    An exemplary configuration of the cutting apparatus of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral  2  in the accompanying drawings. Apparatus  2  is used to cut through a columnar item  4  such as a solid column or a hollow pipe. Apparatus  2  may be used to cut through or crush a variety of columnar items by pushing its blade  8  directly through the item or by repeatedly driving blade  8  against and through the item. Apparatus  2  is configured to function below a waterline so that the item may be cut off at or below the sea floor. Apparatus  2  is designed to cut items by supporting the entire circumference of the item both above and below (immediately adjacent) the area of item acted on by blade  8 . Supporting the item in this manner minimizes the crushing of the ends. 
         [0043]    Apparatus  2  includes a frame  6  that carries blade  8  between retracted and extended positions. Various blade configurations may be used. The exemplary configuration is a generally rectangular blade having a single pointed end that initially engages the wall of the item to be cut. At least one blade actuator  10  is anchored to frame  6  and is connected to blade  8 . When multiple blade actuators  10  are used, they are configured to evenly apply force to blade  8 . Blade actuator  10  may be a hydraulic piston-cylinder actuator that is driven back and forth with pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied by a hydraulic fluid supply device  11  such as a pump that may be located at a location remote from apparatus  2 . The movement of blade  8  may be controlled remotely so that people do not have to be near apparatus  2  during the cutting operation. Blade actuator  10  selectively moves blade  8  back and forth between the retracted and extended positions. In the context of this application, the term actuator also encompasses a pair of devices that function together as an actuator that moves an element back and forth between two positions. In the exemplary configurations, each actuator is capable of both pushing and pulling. In other configurations, the actuator may include one device for pushing and a separate device for pulling. 
         [0044]    In the exemplary configuration, frame  6  defines a recess or an opening  12  that receives a pair of blade actuators  10  in the form of hydraulically-driven piston cylinders that push blade  8  outwardly and can also pull blade  8  back inwardly. The cylinders are secured to the rear portion of frame  6  while the piston rods pass through wear bushings  13  removably carried in openings  15  defined by frame  6 . The piston rods are connected to a blade mount  16  that is connected to the rear end of blade  8 . Threaded connectors  14  may be used to connect the piston rods to blade mount  16  as shown in  FIG. 12 . Other connectors may be used to secure the piston rods to blade  8 . This mounting configuration aligns actuators  10  with blade  8  so that the pushing force of actuators  10  is aligned with blade  8 . Blade mount  16  may be L-shaped with one portion extending across the top of the rear of blade  8  where it is secured in place with bolts as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 23 . Other blade mounts  16  may be used such as one that is C-shaped. In other configurations, mount  16  may be integral with blade  8  such that the piston rods are connected directly to blade  8 . 
         [0045]    The lateral edges  108  of blade  8  are supported in a pair of opposed lateral guides  110 . Guides  110  may be provided in single C-shaped pieces or through the assembly of a plurality of pieces. In the exemplary configuration, the bottom and outer edge of guide  110  is formed as an L shaped member that is bolted down against a guide block  112  defined by frame  6 . The upper wall of guide  110  formed independent and is connected to the blade cover plate  130  that rests over the top of blade  8  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Each guide  110  defines a rectangular opening sized to slidably receive one of lateral edges  108  as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  8 ,  9  and  20 . The rectangular openings face each other across the chamber that receives blade  8 . Guides  110  are fabricated from a material that is designed to wear out faster than blade  8  or frame  6  so that guides  110  will absorb the wear instead of the other elements of apparatus  2 . 
         [0046]    Guides  110  are supported from below by guide blocks  112  defined by frame  6 . Blocks  112  lift the lower portion of guides  110  to a position spaced from the floor  114  of a blade chamber to provide space between the bottom surface of blade  8  and the portion of frame  6  that defines the bottom of the blade chamber. Guides  110  are bounded laterally by lateral blocks  120  that receive the lateral edges of a blade cover plate  130 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , wear plates  116  are carried by body  6  at the bottom of the blade chamber. Blade holder  16  slides back and forth on wear plates  116 . Wear plates  116  prevent frame  6  from wearing out as blade holder slides back and forth over frame  6 . 
         [0048]    Blade cover plate  130  includes its own guide blocks  132  that define a space between the upper surface of blade  8  and the lower surface of plate  130 . Blade cover plate  130  is bolted down to frame with connectors that extend down through the lateral edges of plate  130  into lateral blocks  120 . 
         [0049]    The front edge of blade cover plate  130  defines an upper recessed frame arc  140 . A lower recessed frame arc  142  is defined by frame  6  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Frame arc  142  essentially mirrors arc  140 . 
         [0050]    The rear of blade cover plate  130  may be configured to provide access to the rear of blade  8 . This opening allows water to flow freely into and out of the blade chamber when blade  8  is moving back and forth during use. Access to the end of blade  8  also allows the connections between blade  8  and blade holder  16  to be checked or tightened without removing cover plate  130 . 
         [0051]    Apparatus  2  includes a pair of arms  20  that are configured to clamp around item  4  to support apparatus  2  from item  4  before, during, and after the cutting process. Arms  20  include inwardly-facing support band portions  21  configured to match the outer surface of item  4 . Support band portions  21  of arms  20  that engage item  4  are defined by a removable segmented collar  22  that is carried by arms  20 . Collar  22  allows the diameter of the support band to be changed for different items  4 . 
         [0052]    Arms  20  are pivotably mounted to frame  6  at arm pivot mounts  135  which are disposed on opposite sides of blade  8  or the blade chamber. Arm pivot mounts  135  may be pins. Arms  20  are movable between disengaged ( FIG. 21 ) and engaged ( FIG. 1 ) positions. Arms  20  are aligned with blade  8  such that the reference plane that contains blade  8  passes through the outer ends of arms  20 . Arms  20  cooperate to define a blade slot  133  that receives blade  8  when blade  8  is in the extended position. The blade slot defined by arms  20  is aligned with lateral guides  110  when arms  20  are in the engaged position depicted in  FIG. 1 . The blade slot may extend entirely through the outer ends of arms  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  14 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 , and  20 . 
         [0053]    Each arm  20  is formed by cooperating upper  220  and lower  222  arm portions. Upper and lower arm portions may be secured together such as by connectors or by welding to prevent the upper and lower portions from spreading apart during use. When welds are used to hold arm portions  220  and  222  together, the outer lateral inner edges of portions  220  and  222  may be tapered inwardly to provide room for the weld as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 17 . 
         [0054]    Upper arm portions  220  define a recessed arc  240  and lower arm portions  222  define a recessed arc  242 . When arms  20  are in the engaged position, arcs  240  cooperate with arc  140  to define a recessed ring and arcs  242  cooperate with arc  142  to define upper and lower recessed rings. The outer end of each arm  20 , blade cover plate  130 , and frame  6  carry removable segmented collar  22  having portions disposed in each of the recessed rings such that there is an upper segmented collar aligned with a lower segmented collar. Segmented collar  22  is configured to engage the columnar item  4  to clamp apparatus  2  to item  4  before, during, and after the cutting process. When arms  20  are in the engaged position as shown in  FIG. 1 , segmented collar  22  defines a cylinder (having a blade slot) that is adapted to completely surround and engage the outer circumference of the columnar item to be cut. Collar  22  acts as a pair of pressurized support bands disposed above and below the area of item  4  being cut by blade  8 . This engagement supports apparatus  2  from item  4  before blade  8  engages item  4 . Collar  22  engages the entire circumference of item  4  immediately above and below blade slot  133  and thus supports the sections of item  4  immediately adjacent the cut or material removal. Supporting the areas in this manner during the cutting process results in smoother ends and less crushing than an unsupported cutting or crushing process. 
         [0055]    Each individual collar segment is L-shaped and sized to be carried in a portion of the recessed rings. The individual collar segments are removable and replaceable so that apparatus  2  may be configured for different diameter columnar items to be cut. The ends of collar segments may be stepped so that they overlap or interlock to provide strength and stability to apparatus  2  when arms are in the engaged position clamping apparatus to columnar item  4 . The individual segments are bolted to the arms  20 , frame  6 , or blade cover plate  130 . 
         [0056]    Apparatus  2  includes at least one arm actuator  30  configured to move each arm  20  between the disengaged and engaged positions. Each arm actuator  30  may be a hydraulic piston cylinder capable of being operated remotely and powered from supply  11 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 21 , the inner end or rear end of actuator  30  is pivotably connected at a pivot mount  136  to a shoulder  134  of frame  6  and the outer end or forward end of actuator  30  is pivotably connected to the inner end of arm  20  at a pivot mount  137 . In the exemplary configuration, the piston rod is connected to arms  20  but actuator can be reversed so that the piston rod is connected to frame  6 . Pivot mount  137  is spaced from pivot mount  135  by a distance that, if increase, will increase the holding force of arms  20  when actuators  30  are applying a holding force. The specific distance may be varied depending on the size of arms  20  and the size of actuators  30 . In some configurations, pivot mounts  135 ,  136 , and  137  are located such that a right angle is formed between the three mounts when arms  20  are in the engaged position as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 . In this configuration, pivot mounts  135  and  137  are disposed along a reference line disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement for blade  8  (blade direction) when arms  20  are engaged. When arms  30  are in the disengaged position, pivot mounts  137  are disposed rearwardly of pivot mounts  135 . The connections  135  between arms  20  and frame  6  are disposed outwardly of blade  8  so that a portion of blade  8  passes between these connections as blade  8  moves between the disengaged and engaged positions. The arm/frame  135  and arm/actuator  137  connections are all disposed on the frame side of item  4  to be cut such that item  4  to be cut is disposed intermediate the connections  135 ,  137  and the outer end portions of arms  20 . 
         [0057]    Arms  20  are configured such that their outer end portions move inwardly toward each other to engage item  4  from the sides like a pair of hands cupping item  4  from the sides. Arms  20  are maintained in the engaged position through the force of actuators  30  because the outer end portions are not locked together with a connector such as a pin or a bolt. This configuration allows apparatus  2  to be clamped around item  4  without the need for a worker to be on the side of item  4  opposite frame  4  thus increases safety and making apparatus  2  easy to use. This arm configuration is also beneficial to those applications wherein apparatus  2  is being used in tight spaces such as beneath the mud line or sea floor where working space is limited. Apparatus  2  requires clearance behind the item  4  to be slightly greater than the length (indicated by reference numeral  40  in  FIG. 1 ) of the outer end portions of arms  20 . 
         [0058]    Apparatus  2  is used to cut item  4  by opening arms  20  to their disengaged position wherein the outer end portions of arms  20  define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut. The user then moves apparatus  2  onto columnar item  4  so that arms  20  are moved onto opposite side of columnar item  4 . The user then closes the arms to their engaged position to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item. Pressure is applied by the arm actuators to provide a clamping force to the arms while the apparatus is used to cut the item. Once positioned and clamped to item  4 , the user activates the blade and moves the blade through the columnar item. 
         [0059]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.