Patent Publication Number: US-9422779-B1

Title: Pipe handling assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/703,618 filed Feb. 10, 2010, entitled “Pipe Handling Assembly,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/152,106 filed Feb. 12, 2009, entitled “Pipe Handling Assembly.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The claimed invention relates to the field of pipe management and more particularly to pipe handling and transportation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The ability to effectively secure and transport piping of various size such as oil derrick piping has been a continued goal of the energy industry for many years. 
     Historically, heavy and cumbersome oil well piping was manually transported and manipulated during the drilling of an oil well. Several workers would have to work in combination to lift, move, and position extremely dangerous oil well pipe numerous times a day. The combination of heavy loads and awkward shapes created potentially deadly hazards for everyone on a well site. 
     Mechanisms have been introduced to relieve workers from handling oil well piping unnecessarily. However, the mechanisms have created as many dangerous hazards as they have prevented due to the excessive force of hydraulic pistons and numerous moving parts. An oil well worker could easily get a body part severed or suffer a deadly trauma from the sudden and powerful movement of the various components of past pipe management mechanisms. 
     As such, the ever growing demand for increased energy production from drilling operations calls for a pipe handling assembly that increases safety while effectively supplying oil well pipe to an oil derrick. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved pipe handling assemblies that can secure and transport pipe in a safe and efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments, a pipe handling assembly is provided that has a pusher member, trough, and elevation feature. A pipe component is transported from a first position of the trough to a second position with the pusher member. The pipe component is elevated to a predetermined height through engagement with the elevation feature that is stationary during the pipe component&#39;s movement. 
     These and various other features and advantages that characterize the claimed invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon review of the associated drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of an exemplary pipe handling assembly constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an exemplary operation of the convertible mobile receptacle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  provides a view of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 1  from cross-section AA. 
         FIG. 4  displays a view of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 1  from cross-section BB. 
         FIG. 5  shows a view of a portion of the pipe handling assembly constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary operation of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  provides an exemplary operational view of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  displays a side view of an alternative exemplary pipe handling apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of the alternative exemplary pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  provides a flow chart representation of a pipe loading operation performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  provides a flow chart representation of a pipe unloading operation performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of an alternate exemplary pipe handling assembly constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of an alternate exemplary operation of the convertible mobile receptacle of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  provides a view of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 12  from cross-section AA. 
         FIG. 15  displays a view of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 12  from cross-section BB. 
         FIG. 16  shows a view of a portion of the pipe handling assembly constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary operation of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 18  provides an exemplary operational view of the pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 19  displays a side view of an alternative exemplary pipe handling apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a top view of the alternative exemplary pipe handling assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to one or more examples of the invention depicted in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a different embodiment. Other modifications and variations to the described embodiments are also contemplated within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary pipe handling assembly  100  constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The assembly  100  features a frame  102  that is capable of supporting various components as well as numerous pipe members. It should be noted that the size and configuration of the frame is not limited and can be any configuration that provides the necessary support for the other components of the pipe handling assembly  100 . In some embodiments, pipe components are secured and transported via a pusher member  104 . The pusher member  104  preferably comprises a rigid portion  106  and a flexible portion  108  that allows secured control of a pipe component during handling. While the flexible portion  108  of the pusher member  104  is shown having a spring, the use of an energy absorbing element is not limited. 
     Further, the position of the pusher member  104  in relation to the frame  102  is controlled by a drive mechanism  110 . In various embodiments, the drive mechanism  110  is capable of positioning the pusher member  104  along the full length of the pipe handling assembly  100 . Similarly, the drive mechanism  110  is preferably configured to transport the pusher member  104  and a pipe component along the length of the assembly  100  simultaneously. A preferred embodiment of the present invention has the drive mechanism  110  comprising a hydraulic motor, chain, and sprocket oriented to propel the pusher member  104  along the length of the frame  102 . However, the components and configuration of the drive mechanism  110  is not limited and can be any number of appropriate drive elements including, but not limited to, belts, internal combustion engines, electric motors, pulleys, and compressed air. 
     In addition, a plurality of alignment features  112  are positioned along the length of the frame  102 . It can be appreciated that the number and position of the alignment features  112  in  FIG. 1  is not limiting as any number of features can be placed throughout the frame  102  to aid in pipe component handling. Meanwhile at one end of the frame  102 , an elevation feature  114  is attached to the frame  102  with at least an adjustment member  116 . It should be noted that the orientation and size of the elevation feature is not limited and can be any configuration. 
     Also in  FIG. 1 , the frame  102  has multiple stand members  118  capable of supporting the pipe handling assembly  100 . In a preferred embodiment, control of the stand members  118  is facilitated by a rotatable handle  120 . Hence, manipulating the rotatable handle  120  preferably raises or lowers a portion of the stand member  118  to support and level the assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 2  displays a top view of the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 . The frame  102  is shown covered, but a covering is not required. The position of the pusher member  104  in relation to the frame  102  is shown as in substantially the midline of the major axis along a trough  122 . However, the location of the trough  122  and pusher member  104  is not limited to the midline of the frame  102 . Likewise, the shape of the trough  122  can be any configuration that effectively guides the pusher member  104  along the length of the frame  102 . The alignment features  112  are displayed in an adjacent relationship to the trough  122 , but can be placed anywhere on the frame  102 . The trough  122  is preferably stationary, non-movable, and non-rotatable relative to the frame  102 , as shown by  FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 . Having the trough  122  stationary, non-movable a non-rotatable lends to the stability of the trough  122  during active operation of the pipe handling assembly  100 , in transporting pipe components, such as  140  of  FIG. 6 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, as shown by  FIG. 1 , the trough  122  does not protrude above a top surface  103  of the frame  102  but is rather nested within the top surface  103  of the frame  102 , as shown by  FIGS. 2 and 7 . 
     In some embodiments, the frame  102  includes a number of stand members  118  that equal the number of corners of the frame  102 . It should be noted that the relationship of the pusher member  104  with the trough  122  is not limited to a certain orientation. That is, the pusher member  104  can be substantially above, between, or below the trough  122  without detracting from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the connection of the pusher member  104  to the drive mechanism  110  with respect to the trough  122  can be facilitated in any number of orientations that allow efficient movement of the pusher member  104 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  is provided from cross-section AA. The frame  102  of the assembly  100  supports a plurality of stand members  118  that each has rotatable handles  120  and foot portions  124 . The drive mechanism  110  is shown mounted below the pusher member  104  and enclosed by the frame  102 . However, this configuration is not limiting as the drive mechanism  110  can be mounted in any relation to the frame  102  including, but not limited to, external generation locations. The drive mechanism  110  preferably includes connection couplings  126  that allow control of the drive mechanism  110  by a user. 
     It can be appreciated that the type and number of connection couplings  126  is not limited and can be configured to facilitate any number of control technology. For instance, the connection couplings  126  can have an input and output for hydraulic fluid as well as an electrical connection for remote control management of the drive mechanism  110 . Additionally, several sweep members  128  are affixed to the frame  102  of the assembly  100  adjacent to the drive mechanism  110 . The sweep members  128  provide added structural support as well as the ability to manipulate the alignment features  112  of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  from cross-section line BB. Similarly to  FIG. 3 , a plurality of stand members  118  each having foot portions  124  and rotatable handles  120  are affixed to the frame  102 . In contrast to  FIG. 3 , the elevation feature  114  is mounted to the frame  102 . The elevation feature  114  is connected to the frame  102  by at least the adjustment member  116 . In some embodiments, the adjustment member  116  comprises a turnbuckle that maintains the elevation feature  114  in a constant angular relation to the frame  102  and trough  122  of  FIGS. 1-2 . However, the use of a turnbuckle is not limiting as the adjustment member can be any number of components that constantly maintains a rigid position of the elevation feature  114  in relation to the frame  102 . 
     Further in various embodiments, the elevation feature  114  comprises a v-shaped channel to which a pipe component can easily traverse while maintaining alignment. The highest plane of the elevation feature  114  can include a roller  130  that provides dynamic support for a pipe component. Similarly, a pipe component is maintained in the channel of the elevation feature  114  by a pair of elevation flanges  132 . While the flanges  132  are shown at the highest plane of the elevation feature  114 , the configuration is not limiting and any number of flanges can be utilized in any orientation to provide added alignment and support for pipe components. 
     An alternative view of a portion of the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The elevation feature  114  is shown connected to the frame  102  in a preferred embodiment that has the adjustment member  116  affixed to brackets  134  mounted on both the elevation feature  114  and frame  102 . The elevation feature  114  also has an angled portion  136  adjacent to the trough  122  and top of the frame  102 . The angled portion  136  provides increased alignment for any pipe member by positioning an increased amount of surface area adjacent to the trough  122 . Hence, as a pipe component traverses the length of the frame  102 , the angled portion  136  directs the pipe component to the desired channel of the elevation feature  114  in proper alignment. 
     It should be noted that the roller  130  is shown in  FIG. 5  positioned below the elevation feature  114 . This configuration is not limiting as the roller and elevation flanges  132  can be oriented in any desired locations to efficiently support and align pipe components traversing the elevation feature  114 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the pipe handling assembly  100  in operation in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The operation of the assembly  100  is preferably carried out with a pipe component  140  positioned in the trough  122  of the frame  102 . The drive mechanism  110  is controlled to matriculate the pusher member  104  and pipe component  140  along the length of the frame  102 . In the process, the pipe component  140  encounters the angled portion  136  of the elevation feature  114 , the v-channel, and the roller  130 . Thus, as shown, the pipe component  140  is engaged by the roller  130 , elevation feature  114  and pusher member  104 . However, various other components can be encountered and engaged by the pipe component  140  such as the alignment members  112  and elevation flanges  132   
     In an alternative embodiment, a pipe component  140  can be received by the pipe handling assembly  100 . The pipe component  140  could encounter the elevation feature  114  and be drawn towards the distal end of the frame  102  by the pusher member  104  being manipulated to move backwards by the drive mechanism  110  while supporting and securing the pipe component  140 . As such, the alignment elements such as the alignment features  112  and the elevation flanges  132  direct the pipe component  140  to move along the trough  122  in a desired manner. Additionally, the foot portions  124  of the stand members  118  are extended to provide support for the assembly  100 . Preferably, the position of the foot portions  124  is controlled through manipulation of each rotatable handle  120 , as needed. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the operation of the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIG. 6  in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The pusher member  104  has several wheels  142  aligned with the outermost portion of the trough  122 . While the number and size of the wheels  142  is not limited, the wheels  142  facilitate a low amount of friction between the trough  122  and the pusher member  104  in some embodiments. The displayed perspective view clearly shows the increased surface area of the angled portion  136  of the elevation feature  114 . Similarly, the alignment features  112  are preferably shown in close adjacent relation to the pipe component  140  and trough  122 . 
     In addition, various embodiments of the present invention allow the alignment features  112  to be manipulated to disengage a pipe component  140  from the trough  122 . Thus, the alignment features  112  can be configured to engage the trough  122  to manipulate the lateral movement of the pipe component  140 . Also, the manipulation of the alignment features  112  can be facilitated manually or remotely through the use of the sweep members  128  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . It should also be noted that the flexible portion  108  of the pusher member  104  can adjust to compensate for the increased (or decreased) load of a pipe component  140  as it traverses the trough  122  to provide consistent speed and secure control of the pipe component  140 . That is, the flexible portion  108  can adjust to move the pipe component  140  at a constant speed in a controlled manner as the pipe engages the elevation feature  114 . 
     An exemplary alternative pipe handling assembly  150  is displayed in  FIGS. 8 and 9  as constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The alternative pipe handling assembly  150  has a safety rail  152  mounted to a location adjacent an edge of the frame  154 . It should be noted that the size and orientation of the safety rail  152  in relation to the assembly  150  is not limited and can be configured to any necessary arrangement. For example, the safety rail  152  could extend along a complete length of the assembly  150  and having a variety of support beams and overall heights. 
     In addition to the safety rail  152 , an access feature  156  is mounted to the frame  154  of the assembly  150  to allow access from a reference plane (i.e. ground) to the top of the frame  154 . Much like the safety rail  152 , the displayed access feature  156  is not limiting and can be any size or shape necessary to provide efficient access to the top of the frame  154 . As such, the access feature  156  could be a ramp that selectively extends from a distal end of the frame  154  to a proximal end of the frame  154  while sloped to vertically connect the top of the frame  154  with the reference plane. 
     It can be appreciated that the alternative pipe handling assembly  150  can function in a substantially similar manner to the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIGS. 1-7 . That is, the pusher member  104  forces a pipe component  140  along a trough  122  to the elevation feature  114  that vertically relocates the pipe component  140  upward. Therefore, the safety rail  152  and access feature  156  do not materially affect the securing or transporting of pipe components. 
       FIG. 10  provides a flow chart representation of an exemplary pipe loading operation  160  performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The operation  160  begins with a pipe component being loaded onto the trough of the pipe handling assembly at step  162  and secured to the pusher member. The pipe component can be loaded either manually or remotely from either an external pipe storage location or the frame of the pipe handling assembly itself. With a pipe component aligned with the trough, step  164  instructs to control the drive mechanism of the pipe handling assembly to matriculate the pipe component along the length of the trough. Step  166  has the pipe component engaging the elevation feature at the distal end of the pipe handling assembly. 
     It can be appreciated that the pipe component preferably engages the v-shaped channel of the elevation feature to maintain alignment. However, the pipe component can be raised to the top of the elevation feature while keeping with the spirit of the present invention. That is, the elevation feature is stationary at all times during operation of the pipe handling assembly, but the pipe component can be lifted during its travel along the trough so that the top of the elevation feature engages the pipe component, if at all. 
     In step  168 , the pipe component is unsecured from the pusher member as the drive mechanism reverses the position of the pusher member in relation to the elevation feature. Finally, in step  170 , the pipe component disengages the elevation feature as it has been vertically lifted from the top of the pipe handling assembly frame to a predetermined elevation. 
     In contrast to the pipe loading operation  160 ,  FIG. 11  provides a flow chart representation of an exemplary pipe unloading operation  180  performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A pipe component initially engages the elevation member of the pipe handling assembly at step  182  from a predetermined elevation. The pipe component preferably travels down the v-shaped channel of the elevation feature and is received and secured to the pusher member at step  184 . Step  186  controls the drive mechanism of the pipe handling assembly to matriculate the pipe component from the elevation feature onto the trough. 
     In step  188 , the pipe component disengages from the elevation feature as the pusher member and drive mechanism reach the opposing side of the pipe handling assembly from the elevation feature. As the pipe component comes to rest in the trough, step  190  instructs to either manually or remotely transfer the pipe component from the trough to a pipe storage region. 
     It should be noted that the various steps are not limited to singular function. That is, several of the steps of either operation  160  or  180  can be carried out simultaneously. Likewise, the position of the elements of the pipe handling assembly can vary so that the preferred operations  160  and  180  are not applicable without deterring from the spirit of the present invention. Regardless, various steps of the operations of  FIGS. 10 and 11  can be omitted, substituted, or repeated as necessary without diverting from the spirit of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  shows an exemplary pipe handling assembly  200  (also referred to herein as “assembly”  200 ) constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The assembly  200  features a frame  102  that is capable of supporting various components as well as numerous pipe members. It should be noted that the size and configuration of the frame is not limited and can be any configuration that provides the necessary support for the other components of the pipe handling assembly  200 . In some embodiments, pipe components are secured and transported via a pusher member  104 . The pusher member  104  preferably comprises a rigid portion  106  and a flexible portion  108  that allows secured control of a pipe component during handling. While the flexible portion  108  of the pusher member  104  is shown having a spring, the use of an energy absorbing element is not limited. 
     Further, the position of the pusher member  104  in relation to the frame  102  is controlled by a drive mechanism  110 . In various embodiments, the drive mechanism  110  is capable of positioning the pusher member  104  along the full length of the pipe handling assembly  200 . Similarly, the drive mechanism  110  is preferably configured to transport the pusher member  104  and a pipe component along the length of the assembly  200  simultaneously. A preferred embodiment of the present invention has the drive mechanism  110  comprising a hydraulic motor, chain, and sprocket oriented to propel the pusher member  104  along the length of the frame  102 . However, the components and configuration of the drive mechanism  110  is not limited and can be any number of appropriate drive elements including, but not limited to, belts, internal combustion engines, electric motors, pulleys, and compressed air. 
     In addition, a plurality of alignment features  112  are positioned along the length of the frame  102 . It can be appreciated that the number and position of the alignment features  112  in  FIG. 12  is not limiting as any number of features can be placed throughout the frame  102  to aid in pipe component handling. In a preferred embodiment, each alignment feature  112  is operatively coupled to an alignment feature drive  202 . Preferably, each alignment feature drive  202 , includes at least a motor  204  secured to the frame  102 , and an overhung load adapter  206  affixed to the motor  204  and attached to the frame  102 . In a preferred embodiment, the motor is a rotary hydraulic motor  204 . However, the components and configuration of the alignment feature drive  202  is not limited and can be any number of appropriate drive elements including, but not limited to, belts, internal combustion engines, electric motors, pulleys, and compressed air. Meanwhile, at one end of the frame  102 , an elevation feature  114  is attached to the frame  102  with at least an adjustment member  116 . It should be noted that the orientation and size of the elevation feature is not limited and can be any configuration. 
       FIG. 12  further shows the elevation feature  114  further includes a offload roller assembly  208 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the offload roller assembly  208  includes at least a hydraulic motor driving a one way clutch connected to a sprocket, which links a roller by a chain and sprocket, as shown in  FIG. 13 . However, the components and configuration of the offload roller assembly  208  is not limited and can be any number of appropriate drive elements including, but not limited to, belts, internal combustion engines, electric motors, pulleys, and compressed air. 
     Also in  FIG. 12 , the frame  102  has multiple stand members  118  capable of supporting the pipe handling assembly  200 . In a preferred embodiment, control of the stand members  118  is facilitated by an extension member  210 , which in a preferred embodiment is a hydraulic cylinder. Hence, activating the extension member  210  preferably raises or lowers a portion of the stand member  118  to support and level the assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 13  displays a top view of the pipe handling assembly  200  of  FIG. 12 . The frame  102  is shown covered, but a covering is not required. The position of the pusher member  104  in relation to the frame  102  is shown as in substantially the midline of the major axis along a trough  122 . However, the location of the trough  122  and pusher member  104  is not limited to the midline of the frame  102 . Likewise, the shape of the trough  122  can be any configuration that effectively guides the pusher member  104  along the length of the frame  102 . The alignment features  112  are displayed in an adjacent relationship to the trough  122 , but can be placed anywhere on the frame  102 . 
       FIG. 13  further provides a better view of the offload roller assembly  208 , which preferably includes at least a hydraulic motor  212 , driving a one way clutch  214 , connected to a sprocket  216 , which links a roller  218 , by a chain and sprocket  220 . Again it is noted that the components and configuration of the offload roller assembly  208  is not limited and can be any number of appropriate drive elements including, but not limited to, belts, internal combustion engines, electric motors, pulleys, and compressed air. 
     In some embodiments, the frame  102  includes a number of stand members  118  that equal the number of corners of the frame  102 . It should be noted that the relationship of the pusher member  104  with the trough  122  is not limited to a certain orientation. That is, the pusher member  104  can be substantially above, between, or below the trough  122  without detracting from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the connection of the pusher member  104  to the drive mechanism  110  with respect to the trough  122  can be facilitated in any number of orientations that allow efficient movement of the pusher member  104 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , an rear end view in elevation of the pipe handling assembly  200  of  FIG. 12 , and is provided from cross-section AA. The frame  102  of the assembly  200  supports a plurality of stand members  118  that each have extension members  210  and foot portions  124 . The drive mechanism  110  is shown mounted below the pusher member  104  and enclosed by the frame  102 . However, this configuration is not limiting as the drive mechanism  110  can be mounted in any relation to the frame  102  including, but not limited to, external generation locations. The drive mechanism  110  preferably includes connection couplings  126  that allow control of the drive mechanism  110  by a user. 
     It can be appreciated that the type and number of connection couplings  126  is not limited and can be configured to facilitate any number of control technology. For instance, the connection couplings  126  can have an input and output for hydraulic fluid as well as an electrical connection for remote control management of the drive mechanism  110 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of the pipe handling assembly  200  of  FIG. 12  from cross-section line BB. Similarly to  FIG. 14 , a plurality of stand members  118  each having foot portions  124  and their associated extension members  210 . In contrast to  FIG. 14 , the elevation feature  114  is mounted to the frame  102 . The elevation feature  114  is connected to the frame  102  by at least the adjustment member  116 . In some embodiments, the adjustment member  116  comprises a turnbuckle that maintains the elevation feature  114  in a constant angular relation to the frame  102  and trough  122  of  FIGS. 1-2 . However, the use of a turnbuckle is not limiting as the adjustment member can be any number of components that constantly maintains a rigid position of the elevation feature  114  in relation to the frame  102 . Further provided by  FIG. 15 , is an enhanced view of the offload roller assembly  208 , which preferably includes at least a hydraulic motor  212 , driving a one way clutch  214 , connected to a sprocket  216 , which links a roller  218 , by a chain and sprocket  220 . 
     Additionally, in various embodiments the elevation feature  114  comprises a v-shaped channel to which a pipe component can easily traverse while maintaining alignment. The highest plane of the elevation feature  114  can include a roller  218  that provides dynamic support for a pipe component. Similarly, a pipe component is maintained in the channel of the elevation feature  114  by a pair of elevation flanges  132 . While the flanges  132  are shown at the highest plane of the elevation feature  114 , the configuration is not limiting and any number of flanges can be utilized in any orientation to provide added alignment and support for pipe components. 
     An alternative view of a portion of the pipe handling assembly  200  of  FIGS. 12, 13, and 14  is shown in  FIG. 16 . The elevation feature  114  is shown connected to the frame  102  in a preferred embodiment that has the adjustment member  116  affixed to brackets  134  mounted on both the elevation feature  114  and frame  102 . The elevation feature  114  also has an angled portion  136  adjacent to the trough  122  and top of the frame  102 . The angled portion  136  provides increased alignment for any pipe member by positioning an increased amount of surface area adjacent to the trough  122 . Hence, as a pipe component traverses the length of the frame  102 , the angled portion  136  directs the pipe component to the desired channel of the elevation feature  114  in proper alignment. 
     It should be noted that the roller  218  is shown in  FIG. 16  positioned below the elevation feature  114 . This configuration is not limiting as the roller and elevation flanges  132  can be oriented in any desired locations to efficiently support and align pipe components traversing the elevation feature  114 . 
       FIG. 17  shows the pipe handling assembly  200  in operation in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The operation of the assembly  200  is preferably carried out with a pipe component  140  positioned in the trough  122  of the frame  102 . The drive mechanism  110  is controlled to matriculate the pusher member  104  and pipe component  140  along the length of the frame  102 . In the process, the pipe component  140  encounters the angled portion  136  of the elevation feature  114 , the v-channel, and the roller  218 . Thus, as shown, the pipe component  140  is engaged by the roller  218 , elevation feature  114  and pusher member  104 . However, various other components can be encountered and engaged by the pipe component  140  such as the alignment members  112  and elevation flanges  132 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, a pipe component  140  can be received by the pipe handling assembly  200 . The pipe component  140  could encounter the elevation feature  114  and be drawn towards the distal end of the frame  102  by the pusher member  104  being manipulated to move backwards by the drive mechanism  110  while supporting and securing the pipe component  140 . As such, the alignment elements such as the alignment features  112  and the elevation flanges  132  direct the pipe component  140  to move along the trough  122  in a desired manner. Additionally, the foot portions  124  of the stand members  118  are extended to provide support for the assembly  200 . Preferably, the position of the foot portions  124  is controlled through manipulation of each extension member  210 , as needed. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the operation of the pipe handling assembly  200  of  FIG. 17  in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The pusher member  104  has several wheels  142  aligned with the outermost portion of the trough  122 . While the number and size of the wheels  142  is not limited, the wheels  142  facilitate a low amount of friction between the trough  122  and the pusher member  104  in some embodiments. The displayed perspective view clearly shows the increased surface area of the angled portion  136  of the elevation feature  114 . Similarly, the alignment features  112  are preferably shown in close adjacent relation to the pipe component  140  and trough  122 . 
     In addition, various embodiments of the present invention allow the alignment features  112  to be manipulated to disengage a pipe component  140  from the trough  122 . Thus, the alignment features  112  can be configured to engage the trough  122  to manipulate the lateral movement of the pipe component  140 . Also, the manipulation of the alignment features  112  can be facilitated manually or remotely through the use of the sweep members  128  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . It should also be noted that the flexible portion  108  of the pusher member  104  can adjust to compensate for the increased (or decreased) load of a pipe component  140  as it traverses the trough  122  to provide consistent speed and secure control of the pipe component  140 . That is, the flexible portion  108  can adjust to move the pipe component  140  at a constant speed in a controlled manner as the pipe engages the elevation feature  114 . 
     An exemplary alternative pipe handling assembly  230  is displayed in  FIGS. 19 and 20  as constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The alternative pipe handling assembly  230  has a safety rail  152  mounted to a location adjacent an edge of the frame  154 . It should be noted that the size and orientation of the safety rail  152  in relation to the assembly  230  is not limited and can be configured to any necessary arrangement. For example, the safety rail  152  could extend along a complete length of the assembly  230  and having a variety of support beams and overall heights. 
     In addition to the safety rail  152 , an access feature  156  is mounted to the frame  154  of the assembly  230  to allow access from a reference plane (i.e. ground) to the top of the frame  154 . Much like the safety rail  152 , the displayed access feature  156  is not limiting and can be any size or shape necessary to provide efficient access to the top of the frame  154 . As such, the access feature  156  could be a ramp that selectively extends from a distal end of the frame  154  to a proximal end of the frame  154  while sloped to vertically connect the top of the frame  154  with the reference plane. 
     It can be appreciated that the alternative pipe handling assembly  230  can function in a substantially similar manner to the pipe handling assembly  100  of  FIGS. 1-7 . That is, the pusher member  104  forces a pipe component  140  along a trough  122  to the elevation feature  114  that vertically relocates the pipe component  140  upward. Therefore, the safety rail  152  and access feature  156  do not materially affect the securing or transporting of pipe components. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed by the appended claims.