Patent Publication Number: US-9902057-B1

Title: Tool for hydraulic cylinders

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/312,006 which was filed Mar. 23, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tools to hold cylinders for installation and more specifically relates to tool for small hydraulic cylinder systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A hydraulic cylinder is a mechanical actuator that is used to give a unidirectional force through a unidirectional stroke. Use of a hydraulic cylinder has many applications, including in construction equipment, manufacturing machinery, and civil engineering. Hydraulic cylinders get their power from pressurized hydraulic fluid, which is typically of an oil-based composition. A hydraulic cylinder consists of a cylinder barrel, in which a piston connected to a piston rod moves back and forth. The barrel is closed on one (1) end by the cylinder bottom, or cap, and the other end is enclosed by a cylinder head where the piston rod exits out of the cylinder. The piston rod has sliding rings and seals. The piston rod and sliding rings and seals assembly divides the inside of the cylinder into two (2) chambers, the bottom chamber or cap end and the piston rod side chamber. The piston rod also has mounting attachments to connect the cylinder to the object or machine component that it is pushing and pulling. A hydraulic cylinder is the actuator or “motor” side of this system. The ‘generator” side of the hydraulic system is often a hydraulic pump, which allows a regulated flow of oil to the hydraulic cylinder, thus moving the piston pushing the oil in the second chamber back to the reservoir. 
     When installing or replacing a hydraulic cylinder, proper alignment before and during installation into the receiving equipment is required to ensure the hydraulic cylinder remains structurally sound. If not, the hydraulic cylinder will fail and need additional replacement. A suitable solution is desired. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in tools to hold cylinders for installation art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. Nos. and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2005/0051441 to Lamar; U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,395 to Fontaine; U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,240 to Peterson; U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,425 to Miller, et. al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,363,929 to Marvin. These prior art references are representative of tools to hold cylinders for installation. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. Thus, a need exists for a reliable tool for small hydraulic cylinder system, and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for a cylinder installation tool, comprising a first tube length which has a first tube length first end and a first tube length second end, a mid-section which has a mid-section first end and a mid-section second end, wherein the first tube length second end is secured to the mid-section first end, a base which has a base first end and a base second end, wherein the base first end is secured to the mid-section second end at an exterior side of the base first end and a cross-brace which has a cross-brace first end and a cross base second end. The cross-brace first end is secured to a midpoint of an exterior first side of the mid-section and the cross-brace second end is secured to a midpoint of the exterior side of the base between the base first end and the base second end. 
     The base comprises a half tubular shape having an interior side configured to engage an exterior surface of a hydraulic cylinder. When a first force is applied to the first tube length the first force is transmitted to an exterior surface of the hydraulic cylinder when the hydraulic cylinder is fit about by the base thereby permitting manipulation of the hydraulic cylinder. In a different embodiment, the tool may also have an eyelet which is secured to a second side of the mid-section between the cross-brace and below the mid-section first end. 
     The first tube length may be secured to the mid-section at a forty-five-degree angle parallel to and away from the base and may be welded to the mid-section. The cross-brace is secured to the mid-section and the base at respective forty-five-degree angles and may be welded to the mid-section and to the base. 
     The first tube length may further comprise of a first shoulder disposed adjacent the first tube length first end and a second shoulder disposed adjacent the first tube length second end. The first tube length may further comprise a grip disposed between the first shoulder and the second shoulder. The grip may comprise rubber. The base may also comprise a rubber sleeve nesting and contiguous within the interior side of the base. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a cylinder installation tool  10  depicting an in-use state, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the cylinder installation tool  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the cylinder installation tool  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  cylinder installation tool 
               20  upper-section 
               21  shoulder 
               22  grip 
               23  first tube length 
               25  eyelet 
               30  mid-section 
               32  second tube length 
               35  cross brace 
               40  base 
               45  sleeve 
               100  hydraulic cylinder 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIG. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a cylinder installation tool (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a tool  10  for aiding in the installation of an existing hydraulic cylinder  100  onto a unit of machinery such as, but not limited to, a backhoe, a skid steer, and the like. The apparatus  10  is to be utilized to manipulate and position the existing hydraulic cylinder  100  during installation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of the apparatus  10  depicting an in-use state according to a preferred embodiment, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here positioned upon a rod portion of an existing hydraulic cylinder  100  for the purpose of supporting, manipulating, and positioning the hydraulic cylinder  100  during installation onto a machine such as a backhoe or a skid steer. The apparatus  10  provides integral welded portions including an upper-section  20 , a mid-section  30 , and a base  40 . The upper-section  20  allows a user to grasp the apparatus  10  securely using one (1) or both hands at a safe position and distance from the hydraulic cylinder  100 . The base  40  provides a generally semi-cylindrical shape which emulates and conforms to a profile of the hydraulic cylinder  100 . The apparatus  10  is illustrated with the base  40  being positioned along an upper surface portion of the hydraulic cylinder  100 ; however, it is understood that the apparatus  10  may also be positioned below or upon either side of the hydraulic cylinder  100  with equal benefit based upon a particular installation scenario, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is to be structured and arranged to allow a user to stand in an upright condition and hold the apparatus  10  while an installer places a hydraulic cylinder in the base  40  prior to the installation. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be made using non-distorting, ferrous materials. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , front and side views of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment are disclosed. The apparatus  10  includes welded, or otherwise affixed portions including an upper-section  20 , a mid-section  30 , a cross brace  35 , and a base  40 . The upper-section  20  is envisioned to be made using a first tubing length  23  made using structural-grade rectangular tubing. The first length  23  includes a pair of protruding shoulder portions  21  positioned at each end. A grip portion  22  spans a gap between the shoulders  21 . The raised shoulders  21  may be structured and arranged to frictionally or mechanically prevent longitudinal sliding of the grip portion  22 . The grip  22  is envisioned to be made using rubber or a similar material which provides a height-friction grasping surface as well as acting to dampen vibrations being conducted into a user&#39;s hands during use. The grip  22  is envisioned to be made using an oil-resistant rubber composition. The first tube length  23  and grip  22  portions are to be structured and arranged to accommodate one (1) or both of the user&#39;s hands. The first tube length  23  is fixedly-attached to the mid-section  30  at a forty-five degree (45°) angle, preferably using a welding method. 
     In further reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mid-section  30  is also made using a similar material as the upper-section  20 , and includes a second tube length  32 . The second tube length  32  includes a distal end being fixedly attached to the first tube length  23 , and a proximal end being fixedly attach to a top end portion of the cylindrically-shaped base  40 . The second tube length  32  may comprise a particular length which would enable the user to stand in an upright condition while the apparatus  10  is in use. The mid-section  30  also includes a semi-circular eyelet  25  being welded to an upper outer surface of the second tube length  32 , thereby enabling the apparatus  10  to be hung upon a stationary appendage, such as a hook mounted to a wall, for convenient storage of the apparatus  10  until needed. 
     The mid-section  30  also includes a cross brace  35  which extends from an intermediate point on the second tube length  32  to a central location portion of the cylindrical base  40 . The cross brace  35  is to be affixed to the mid-section  30  and base  40  portions preferably using a welding method. The cross brace  35  is envisioned to be affixed to the mid-section  30  and base  40  portions at approximately a forty-five degree (45°) angle. The cross brace  35  may comprise a flat or rectangular shape being structured and arranged to increase the torsional loads that may be applied to the apparatus  10 . 
     In further reference to  FIG. 2 , the base  40  is envisioned to provide a downward-facing semi-cylindrical form including opposing half-circle annular end portions so as to longitudinally receive and partially encompass the rod portion of the hydraulic cylinder  100  laterally during an installation condition (see  FIG. 1 ). The base  40  further includes a rubber sleeve  45  which covers an entire internal curved surface, being affixed thereto the base  40  using adhesives or an equivalent means. In use, the sleeve  45  provides protection from abrasion and/or scratching of the hydraulic cylinder  100 . The diameter and/or height of the base  40  is to be structured and arranged to provide stability for the hydraulic cylinder  100  while the apparatus  10  is in use. 
     It is understood that additional models of the apparatus  10  would be made available for purchase having differently shaped based  40  so as to comply to correspondingly shaped hydraulic cylinders  100 . Furthermore, an additional embodiment of the apparatus  10  is envisioned which would provide removable attachment of the base portion  40 , thereby allowing installation of a plurality of different bases  40  to the mid-section  30  to accommodate hydraulic cylinders  100  of varying sizes. 
     It is understood that the exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the apparatus  10  may vary upon manufacturing. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having a base  40  whose internal shape and diameter correspond to that of an intended existing hydraulic cylinder  100  to be installed; grasping the upper-section  20  of the apparatus  10  with one (1) or both hands upon the grip  22 ; loading an existing hydraulic cylinder  100  into the base  40  of the apparatus  10  by positioning the rubber sleeve portion  45  of the base  40  upon a rod portion of the existing hydraulic cylinder  100 ; manipulating and positioning the hydraulic cylinder  100  into a desired position upon a machine such as a backhoe or a skid steer; completing the installation and securement of the hydraulic cylinder  100  onto mounting feature portions of the backhoe or a skid steer; removing the apparatus  10  from the hydraulic cylinder  100 ; using the eyelet  25  upon the mid-section  30  to hang and store the apparatus  10  upon a stationary appendage such as a hook, until needed again; and, benefiting from a safe and secure means to manipulate and position a hydraulic cylinder  100  during installation, afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.