Patent Publication Number: US-8522412-B1

Title: Extraction tool lifting system

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates generally to electrical utility linework and specifically to the removal of utility poles from the ground. Since the inception of power and telephone poles very little innovation or new technologies have been introduced to remove these units once decayed or broken off due to hurricanes, accidents and/or other forces. 
     Lineman (utility workers for power companies, etc.) have struggled to remove power poles. Many times, having to excavate around these poles in order to use a choker chain or improvised means (e.g. a ground rod driven into the pole and clamped onto and removed with a line truck—subjecting the line truck to unnecessary risk of damage). The present invention overcomes these limitations, as well as provides other objects and advantages that will be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention adapts to a Kelly bar on line trucks (known in the art) thus enabling the lineman to drill into a pole, post, stump, etc, thereby anchoring the tool head into whatever item is to be removed. The extraction apparatus is then secured to the tool and the pole is removed by hydraulic pressure. Doing so presents a useful alternative to using the boom of the line truck to attach to the tool for removal in that many utilities disfavor using the boom for such removal. 
     In one embodiment, the invention includes means to affix a mounting bracket and hydraulic cylinder atop of a base member; the bracket having three telescoping legs extending therefrom which engage the ground; thereafter, the cylinder is used to apply force to the base member to apply upward force to the base member to dislodge the pole. The present invention is advantageous because one man can now perform a task once requiring multiple persons. This results in saving time and money while providing safety for the lineman. 
     The Present invention is primarily designed for removal of broken poles at or below ground level. It is generally used in conjunction with a line truck (a.k.a. “digger truck”). The truck can be replaced with mobile or stand alone systems (a.k.a. “backyard machines”). Generally, the invention in one embodiment is practiced as follows: 
     Be sure the outriggers are down and grounds are out. Un-rack the boom and auger (use 18 inch auger). Remove the auger off of the Kelly Bar. Install the AB Chance adapter (this adapter is the same one that is used to screw in triple helix anchors). 
     Pin the base member into the AB chance adapter. One end of the adapter fits into the Kelly Bar and the other end fits onto the Base member. Swing the boom of the truck with the Base member attached over top of the pole that is to be removed from the ground. Position the tip of the Base member such that the drill bit is positioned at or near the center of the pole. 
     Screw the Base member into the broken pole by rotating the load line of the boom with the line truck until the full length of the threads are within the wood. Note that it may be necessary to go even deeper depending on the condition of the wood. 
     After the threads engage the wood (also the drill bit) and while rotating, make sure to apply downward pressure as needed to insure the base member is always moving into the wood. Do not allow the base member to rotate without moving downward. 
     Once the Base member is fully inserted, unpin the AB Chance Adapter and relocate the boom to a safe location. Attach the cylinder to the top of the base member and insert the pin and clip to hold it in place. Then attach the triangular (a.k.a. delta) support bracket onto the top of the cylinder using the pin and retaining clip. Then attach the hydraulic lines from the line truck to the quick release disconnects on the cylinder and use the hydraulics to fully extend the piston so as to raise the cylinder. 
     Then attach the 3 legs to the triangular support bracket using the pins and retaining clips. Then extend the legs downward to make contact with the ground. Ensure that the legs are extended outward to tighten the retaining harness (i.e. “chain”). At this point the assembly is ready to make the first pull. Stand clear of the assembly at a safe distance and engage the hydraulic pressure so as to raise the pole out of the ground. 
     After the pole is raised with the cylinder and the cylinder is fully compressed (refracted), repeat the process to continue removing the pole by raising the cylinder so the piston is fully extended, lowering the legs, and making the next pull, etc. Continue this until the pole is far enough out of the ground so that it can be fully removed with the boom of the line truck and choker chain (or cable sling, etc.) However, it is best to not remove the pole from the ground until the base member is removed from the pole. 
     After the pole is removed far enough to be extracted with the boom, disengage the base member from the pole jack by removing the pin and retaining clip. The jack assembly can either be relocated while assembled or disassembled and relocated. At this point the base member is still embedded in the pole. 
     Remove the base member from the pole by reattaching it to the Kelly Bar with the AB Chance adapter. Then rotate the load line of the boom with the line truck until the base member is fully removed. Then use a choker chain (or cable sling) and boom to remove the pole from the ground. The pulling eye adapter can also be used to remove the base member from the pole in the event the pole is removed from the ground prior to the base member being removed. To do this, use one or two can hooks and a large pry bar to manually unscrew the base member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective, exploded view of base member  53  and kelly bar assembly  52  of one embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective, exploded view of base member  53 A and kelly bar assembly  52 A of one embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of base member  53  and kelly bar assembly  52  of one embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective, exploded view of base member  53  and extraction coupling  70  of one embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of base member  53  and extraction coupling  70  of one embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the extraction tool lifting apparatus of the present invention 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting bracket  130  of the present invention 
         FIG. 7  depicts a plan view the triangular base member  131   
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
     The table below lists the reference numerals employed in the figures, and identifies the element designated by each numeral.
           52  kelly bar assembly  52       53  base member  53       54  drive tool adapter  54       55  extraction tool adapter  55       56  threaded portion  56       57  squared head portion  57       58  drill bit  58       59  handle  59  of extraction coupling     60  middle portion  60  of base member     61  drill bit socket  61       62  adapter fastener  62       63  Kelly Bar Adapter  63       64  drill bit fasteners  64       65  drill bit coupling stem  65       66  adapter socket  66       67  drive tool fastener holes  67       68  extraction tool fastener holes  68       69  conical transition bit mounting foot  69       70  extraction coupling  70       74  upper end  74  of extraction coupling     100  leg  100       110  leg second portion  110       111  leg first portion  111       112  leg holes  112       113  leg first end  113       114  leg second end  114       115  leg mounting holes  115       116  support pads  116       117  leg retention band  117       120  hydraulic cylinder assembly  120       121  load bearing coupling  121       122  first end  122  of hydraulic cylinder assembly     123  second end  123  of hydraulic cylinder assembly     124  connection aperture  124  of load bearing coupling     125  vertical mounting lobes  125  of hydraulic cylinder assembly     126  aperture  126  of vertical mounting lobes     130  mounting bracket  130       131  end-truncated triangular shaped base member (a.k.a. triangular base member)  131  of mounting bracket     132  elongated aperture  132  of triangular base member     133  vertical support member  133  of mounting bracket     134  aperture  134  of vertical support member of mounting bracket     135  mounting pin  135       52 A kelly bar assembly  52 A     53 A base member  53 A     54 A drive tool adapter  54 A     55 A extraction tool adapter  55 A     56 A first threaded portion  56 A     57 A squared head portion  57 A     58 A drill bit  58 A     59 A handle  59 A of extraction coupling     60 A middle portion  60 A of base member     61 A drill bit socket  61 A     62 A adapter fastener  62 A     63 A Kelly Bar Adapter  63 A     64 A drill bit fasteners  64 A     65 A drill bit coupling stem  65 A     66 A adapter socket  66 A     67 A drive tool fastener holes  67 A     68 A extraction tool fastener holes  68 A     69 A conical transition bit mounting foot  69 A     70 A extraction coupling  70 A     74 A upper end  74 A of extraction coupling     75 A second threaded portion  75 A       

     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, an extraction tool comprises: an elongated base member  53 A having first and second ends  69 A, 57 A; and a drill bit  58 A being removably attachable to a socket  61 A in the first end. 
     Base member  53 A has a first threaded portion  56 A that is disposed approximate the first end and a second threaded portion  75 A that is disposed approximate the first end between the first threaded portion  56 A and the second end of the base member. 
     Second threaded portion  75 A has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of first threaded portion  56 A. This facilitates the threaded portions gripping, or digging, into the wood as the tool is screwed therein. Second end  57 A is adapted to be removably connected to a load bearing coupling. In one embodiment, elongated base member  53 A is made of 4140 grade steel, and made from a unitary piece of stock to promote extra strength characteristics. 
     Drill bit  58 A is inserted into a socket  61 A in the first end and secured by screws (e.g. threaded allen head screws)  64 A or the equivalent. The load bearing coupling can be either a kelly bar adapter  52  (a.k.a. Kelly bar assembly) for use with the boom of a line truck; an extraction ring  70  (a.k.a. extraction coupling), having a first end  55  adapted to be removably connected to the second end  57  (a.k.a. squared head portion) of base member  53  and a second end  59  essentially having a ring shape, for use with a line truck or other pulling or rotating means; or load bearing coupling  121  having a rectangular cross section (a.k.a. a “squared portion”) and a connection aperture  123  (aligned with adapter socket  66  when assembled) through which a pin can be inserted. Kelly bars and Kelly bar adapters (a.k.a. AB chance adapters) are known. They are removably connectable to the boom of a line truck. 
     Other than second threaded portion  75 A, base member  53 A (depicted in  FIG. 1A ) is essentially the same as base member  53  ( FIG. 1 ), and likewise for the relationships depicted in  FIGS. 2 through 4 . 
     In one embodiment, first and second threaded portions  56 A &amp;  75 A have outer diameters of 2 &amp; 2.5 inches, respectively and are 13 and 10 inches long, respectively. Both portions incorporate a 60 degree angle thread, 4 threads per inch. 
     In one embodiment ( FIGS. 1 through 4 ), second end  57  (a.k.a. squared head portion) transitions to a middle portion  60  which is 2.0 inches in diameter. Middle portion  60  transitions to a threaded portion  56 , that is 2½″-4 UNC male-threaded rod and 12.0 inches in length. Various thread sizes may be used. It is preferred that the thread used is aggressive, so as to facilitate drilling through wood, etc. 
     In one embodiment, an extraction tool lifting apparatus comprises: a load bearing coupling  121  capable of being removably connected to an extraction tool (for example, the tool as depicted in  FIG. 1A , or  FIGS. 1 through 4 ); an hydraulic cylinder assembly  120  being operatively connected at a first end  122  to load bearing coupling  121 ; a mounting bracket  130  being operatively connected to the second end  123  of the hydraulic cylinder assembly  120 ; and three legs  100 , each operatively connected at a first end  113  to the mounting bracket  130 ; whereby the extraction tool lifting apparatus can be removably connected to an extraction tool for removal of an object embedded within a confinement (e.g. a wooden utility pole embedded within the ground); further whereby the extraction tool lifting apparatus can be disassembled when not in use. 
     Hydraulic cylinder assembly  120  (known in the art) has two hydraulic hose couplings (not shown) whereby hydraulic force can be exerted to cause the cylinder to forcefully extend outward, or retract inward. The present invention utilizes the latter to extract poles from the ground and the former to prepare the cylinder for a pull by extending it. 
     In one embodiment, hydraulic cylinder assembly  120  has an 18 inch stroke and 3 inch bore (other combinations can be used), and is rated at 3,000 psi. Legs  100  are pivotably and removably secured to mounting bracket  130  so they can be extended outward and removed for storage or transportation. Load bearing coupling  121  is adapted to be removably connected to an extraction tool (e.g. that depicted in either  FIG. 1  or  1 A). Second end  123  of hydraulic cylinder assembly  120  has 2 vertical mounting lobes  125 , spaced laterally apart, each with an aperture  126 , that are coaxial with each other. 
     Mounting bracket  130  comprises end-truncated triangular shaped base member  131  (a.k.a. triangular base member) and three vertical support members  133  attached to triangular base member  131  essentially at 120 degrees apart with respect to each other ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Triangular base member  131  has two elongated apertures  132  for receiving the 2 mounting lobes  125  of hydraulic cylinder assembly  120 , the mounting lobes extending through the apertures  132  when assembled. 
     One of the three vertical support members  133  has an aperture  134  adapted to be collinear with the apertures  126  of the 2 mounting lobes  125  of hydraulic cylinder assembly  120  (fitting within the elongated apertures  132  of triangular base member  131 ) whereby a pin  135  can be extended through the 3 apertures so as to removably attach the mounting bracket  130  to the hydraulic cylinder assembly  120 . 
     In one embodiment, legs  100  are telescoping to facilitate a greater latitude of vertical movement and horizontal positioning of the apparatus. Each of the three legs has cooperating first and second portions  111 ,  110  so as to be adjustable among a plurality of lengths. Both leg portions have mounting holes  115  that line up with each other so the legs may be adjusted and a pin inserted therein to lock the leg in place. 
     In one embodiment, legs  100  have support pads  116  pivotably connected to the second end  114  of each leg. The pads are connected with an orbital joint or the like to achieve 3 dimensional rotation to facilitate differing ground contours. The pads are round and flat to prevent legs  100  from sinking into the ground and to facilitate a secure footing. 
     In one embodiment, legs  100  have restraining means (a.k.a. leg retention band) operatively connected to all of the legs approximate the second ends  114  thereof to prevent over extension of the legs resulting in collapse or insecurity of the apparatus. The restraining means can be chain, cable, or rope, or any similar material. Each leg is comprised of (2) 4 ft pieces of round tubing arranged in a telescoping way. There are multiple mounting holes (a.k.a. leg holes) in each leg, at 3 in increments. Each tube has approximately ⅛ in wall thickness and the outer diameters are sized to allow a cooperating fit with the transitional outer diameter being approximately 1.75 in. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , one embodiment of the extraction tool utilized with the extraction tool lifting apparatus comprises base member  53  having squared head portion  57 , adapter socket  66 , cylindrical middle portion  60 , threaded portion  56 , conical transition bit mounting foot  69 , drill bit socket  61 , drill bit  58 , and a plurality of drill bit fasteners  64 ; Kelly bar assembly  52  having drive tool adapter  54 , drive tool fastener holes  67 , and Kelly Bar Adapter  63 ; and extraction coupling  70  having extraction tool adapter  55 , and handle  59 . 
     Extraction tool fastener holes  68  are displaced on opposite sides of extraction coupling  70 . Extraction coupling  70  has an upper end  74 . Base member  53  works in conjunction with either kelly bar assembly  52  or extraction coupling  70 . Kelly Bar Adapter  63 , is attached by bolted flange to drive tool adapter  54 , which has two drive tool fastener holes  67 . 
     In one embodiment, base member  53  is formed of solid steel stock (e.g. 4140 alloy steel) for optimum rigidity and torque resistance, and is preferably 36.0 inches in length. However, other lengths may be used; as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the spirit of the invention comprises removal of rigid bodies from the ground; therefore, the overall length of base member  53  may be varied accordingly. 
     In one embodiment, squared head portion  57  has a cross section of essentially 1.6 inches by 1.6 inches outside dimension and is essentially 5.0 inches in length. Squared head portion  57  has an adapter socket  66  (essentially 0.80 inches in diameter), located to enable releasable attachment to either drive tool adapter  54  or extraction tool adapter  55  by adapter fastener  62 . Squared head portion  57  transitions to a middle portion  60  which is essentially 2.0 inches in diameter. Middle portion  60  transitions to a threaded portion  56 , that is essentially a 2½″-4 UNC male-threaded rod and essentially 12.0 inches in length. 
     Threaded portion  56  uses a sixty degree thread, four threads per inch, with an outer diameter of two inches. As will be apparent, various thread sizes may be used. It is preferred that the thread used is aggressive, so as to facilitate drilling through wood, etc. 
     Threaded portion  56  transitions to conical transition bit mounting foot  69  and is essentially tapered from 2.0 inches in diameter to 1.38 inches in diameter. Conical transition bit mounting foot  69  is designed to help prevent binding, and burning, and it makes for easier removal of drill bit  58 . 
     Bit mounting foot  69  has a centrally located drill bit socket  61  and a plurality of drill bit fasteners  64 . The embodiment depicted comprises 2 drill bit fasteners. However, other quantities may be used provided the spirit of the invention is not compromised. 
     Drill bit socket  61  is essentially 0.875 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in length, and fabricated to accommodate the mounting of drill bit coupling stem  65  of drill bit  58 . 
     Drill bit  58  is essentially made of steel and 1.5 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches in length. Drill bit  58  has a drill bit coupling stem  65  that is essentially cylindrical (so as to allow it to fit within drill bit socket  61 ), and essentially 0.75 inches in diameter and 2.25 inches in length. 
     Drill bit fasteners  64  are preferably stainless steel Allen screw sets of a predetermined size sufficient to secure drill bit coupling stem  65 . 
     Kelly Bar Adapter  63 , is attached by bolted flange to a drive tool adapter  54 , which has two drive tool fastener holes  67 . Drive tool adapter  54  is capable of releasable attachment to squared head portion  57  of base member  53 . Drive tool fastener holes  67 , located one on each of parallel opposite sides, are to be aligned with adapter socket  66 , and are preferably 0.80 inches in diameter. Drive tool adapter  54  has an inner recessed portion of rectangular cross section having dimensions of approximately 1.725 inches by 1.725 inches whereby squared head portion  57  is capable of fitting within. 
     Extraction coupling  70  is made capable of releasable attachment to squared head portion  57  of base member  53 , and comprises extraction tool adapter  55 , handle  59 , and extraction tool fastener holes  68 . Extraction coupling  70  is preferably made of steel and 8.0 inches in length. 
     Extraction tool adapter  55  is of sufficient thickness to provide sufficient rigidity and strength as required for the extraction of rigid bodies. It is preferably 4.0 inches in length, and has an outer cross section of 2.13 inches by 2.13 inches. Extraction tool adapter  55  has an inner recessed portion of rectangular cross section having dimensions of 1.725 inches by 1.725 inches whereby squared head portion  57  is capable of fitting within. 
     Extraction tool fastener holes  68 , located one on each of parallel opposite sides, are to be aligned with adapter socket  66 , and are preferably 0.80 inches in diameter. 
     Handle  59  is preferably welded onto upper end  74  of extraction coupling  70 , and 4.0 inches outer diameter and 0.50 inches thick. Handle  59  is made to provide sufficient rigidity and strength as required for extraction of the rigid body. The shape is such to allow for the hook shaped member of a winch system to be attached to handle  59  for extraction of the rigid body. The shape is also such to allow a worker to manually turn the handle to unscrew and disengage base member  53  (in combination with extraction coupling  70 ) from the rigid body. 
     The primary purpose of drive tool adapter  54  and extraction tool adapter  55  is to accommodate squared head portion  57 . Therefore, as will be apparent, the shapes thereof may be deviated from provided said primary purpose is not compromised. 
     Threaded adapter fastener  62  is preferably a common ⅝ inches diameter steel bolt with nut and lock washer, or a common ⅝ inches diameter steel belt-arm retaining pin with coil lock. Threaded adapter fastener  62  is preferably 0.7375 inches outer diameter and capable of fitting within adapter socket  66 , and within either drive tool fastener holes  67  or extraction tool fastener holes  68 . 
     It is preferred that conical transition bit mounting foot  69 , threaded portion  56 , middle portion  60  of base member  53 , and squared head portion  57  be made from one piece of metal. This can be accomplished utilizing various known machining techniques. The invention as a whole is stronger in terms of its ability to withstand various forces, stresses, and tensions when made in this manner. However, other techniques may be used. The various parts of the invention can originate as separate pieces being joined together. Various means of joining, such as welding, can be used provided the invention maintains sufficient strength. 
     The embodiment depicted comprises squared head portion  57  having larger cross-sectional dimensions than the diameter of middle portion  60  of base member  53 . This is not essential. In fact, if the invention is machined out of one piece of metal, squared head portion  57  will have smaller cross-sectional dimensions. The foregoing designs may be used provided squared head portion  57  can fit within drive tool adapter  54  and extraction tool adapter  55 . Thus the radius of middle portion  60  of base member can be varied to achieve the foregoing. 
     As will be appreciated, the purpose of the present invention is to be embedded within another object and extract it upon being pulled. Accordingly, it will be apparent that middle portion  60  of base member  53  does not have to have circular cross section. It can have any shape provided the structural integrity is not compromised. 
     As will be appreciated, the present invention is intended to be used with pre-existing kelly bar assembly  52 . Accordingly, as will be obvious, these pre-existing elements can be found in various sizes and squared head portion  57  and extraction coupling  70  can be varied in size to accommodate such variations. 
     It is preferred that drill bit  58  not be specially made but of the off-the-shelf variety. Accordingly, the sizes of drill bit coupling stem  65  and drill bit socket  61  may be varied as needed. It is preferred that drill bit  58  be sized so as to facilitate the insertion of the threaded portion  56  into a rigid body (e.g. wooden pole). An oversized drill bit will prevent the threads from digging in. 
     In operation, the user first attaches drill bit  58  to base member  53 . Drill bit coupling stem  65  of drill bit  58  is capable of releasable attachment to drill bit socket  61 , and is secured by drill bit fasteners  64 . Next, kelly bar assembly  52  is attached to squared head portion  57  of base member  53 , and secured by inserting adapter fastener  62  through drive tool fastener holes  67  and adapter socket  66 . 
     Kelly Bar Adapter  63  is then connected to the matching Kelly Bar of a drive system. Drill bit  58  of the tool is then positioned centrally in the exposed end of a rigid body that requires removal from the ground or from the water. The drive is engaged to transfer rotational and downward force through base member  53  and drill bit  58  to enable the improved extraction tool to be inserted within the rigid body to a predetermined length. Threaded portion  56  of base member  53  thereby engages and secures the rigid body for removal. The drive with Kelly Bar is then disengaged from Kelly Bar Adapter  63 . Adapter fastener  62  is removed, and kelly bar assembly  52  is detached from squared head portion  57 . 
     At this point, load bearing coupling  121  of hydraulic cylinder assembly  120  is attached to squared head portion  57 A with a retention pin. Mounting bracket  130  is attached to second end  123  of hydraulic cylinder assembly  120 . Legs  100  are then attached to mounting bracket  130 . Cylinder  120  is energized to extend to piston outward, the telescoping legs are lowered into position, then hydraulic pressure is applied to retract cylinder  120  thus exerting upward force on the embedded object. 
     As will be apparent, base member  53  could be modified such that drill bit  58  is not separate but part of the base member. Although possible, this embodiment is not preferred. 
     As will be apparent, the present invention can achieved by assembling various parts or by machining one part to have the necessary shapes using means and/or methods known in the art to achieve the spirit of the invention. The spirit of this invention comprises using a first rigid body (e.g. a base member) to bore within a second rigid body (e.g. a wooden pole) embedded within a confinement (e.g. the ground), the first rigid body is pulled thus pulling the second rigid body from the confinement, and then removing the first rigid body from the second rigid body.