U.S. patent application number 12/802901 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for shackle apparatus.
Invention is credited to Victor J. Segura.
Application Number | 20110175383 12/802901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44277067 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110175383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Segura; Victor J. |
July 21, 2011 |
Shackle apparatus
Abstract
A shackle apparatus including a generally U-shaped shackle body
having an arcuate end, a pair of parallel arms, and a retaining
member spanning a gap defined between the shackle arms. The
retaining member cooperates with the shackle body to define a
closed loop which can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting
cable. The retaining member prevents the shackle apparatus from
being removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable
without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the
present invention.
Inventors: |
Segura; Victor J.; (New
Iberia, LA) |
Family ID: |
44277067 |
Appl. No.: |
12/802901 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61296958 |
Jan 21, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
294/82.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66C 1/10 20130101; B66C
1/66 20130101; F16G 15/06 20130101; B66C 1/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/82.1 |
International
Class: |
B66C 1/00 20060101
B66C001/00 |
Claims
1. A shackle apparatus comprising: a. an arcuate body; b. a first
arm connected to said arcuate body, said first arm having a
transverse bore extending therethrough; c. a second arm connected
to said arcuate body, said second arm having a transverse bore
extending therethrough, wherein said first and second arms are
substantially parallel to each other, and said transverse bores are
in axial alignment; d. a retaining member disposed between said
first and second arms; and e. a rigid member received within said
aligned transverse bores.
2. The shackle apparatus of claim 1, wherein a loop of a cable
sling is disposed between said arcuate body and said retaining
member.
3. The shackle apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rigid member
comprises a bolt having a first end and a second end, a head
disposed at said first end and threads at said second end.
4. The shackle apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a castle
nut threadably connected to the threads of said bolt.
5. The shackle apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a cable
having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is
connected to the head of said bolt, and said second end is
connected to said arcuate body.
6. The shackle apparatus of claim 1, wherein said retaining member
comprises a substantially straight member.
7. The shackle apparatus of claim 1, wherein said retaining member
comprises an arcuate member, and said arcuate body and retaining
member together define a substantially circular loop.
8. The shackle apparatus of claim 2, where said retaining member
further comprises: a. a first projection on said first arm
extending toward said second arm; and b. a second projection on
said second arm extending toward said first arm; wherein the
distance between said first and second projections is less than the
diameter of the cable forming said sling.
9. The shackle apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an RFID
chip.
10. The shackle apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a. a
recess in said retaining member for receiving said RFID chip; and
b. an adhesive for securing said RFID chip within said recess.
11. The shackle apparatus of claim 1, further comprising indicia
disposed on said arcuate body or retaining member.
12. A shackle apparatus comprising: a. an arcuate body; b. a first
arm connected to said arcuate body, said first arm having a
transverse bore extending therethrough; c. a second arm connected
to said arcuate body, said second arm having a transverse bore
extending therethrough, wherein said first and second arms are
substantially parallel to each other, and said transverse bores are
in axial alignment; d. a retaining member disposed between said
first and second arms; e. a bolt received within said aligned
transverse bores, said bolt having a first end and a second end, a
head disposed at said first end and threads at said second end; f.
a castle nut threadably connected to the threads of said bolt; and
g. a cable having a first end and a second end, wherein said first
end is connected to the head of said bolt, and said second end is
connected to said arcuate body.
13. The shackle apparatus of claim 12, wherein a loop of a cable
sling is disposed between said arcuate body and said retaining
member.
14. The shackle apparatus of claim 12, wherein said retaining
member comprises a substantially straight member.
15. The shackle apparatus of claim 12, wherein said retaining
member comprises an arcuate member, and said arcuate body and
retaining member together define a substantially circular loop.
16. The shackle apparatus of claim 13, where said retaining member
further comprises: a. a first projection on said first arm
extending toward said second arm; and b. a second projection on
said second arm extending toward said first arm; wherein the
distance between said first and second projections is less than the
diameter of the cable forming said sling.
17. The shackle apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an RFID
chip.
18. The shackle apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a recess
in said retaining member for receiving said RFID chip.
19. The shackle apparatus of claim 18, wherein said RFID chip is
secured within said recess using an adhesive, epoxy or resin.
20. The shackle apparatus of claim 12, further comprising indicia
disposed on said arcuate body or retaining member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] PRIORITY OF UNITED STATES PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION
SERIAL No. 61/296,958 FILED JANUARY 21, 2010, INCORPORATED HEREIN
BY REFERENCE, IS HEREBY CLAIMED.
STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY
SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] NONE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to an assembly for
connecting a sling, cable, or other lifting device to a load to be
lifted. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
shackle apparatus that is permanently attached to a set of slings,
lifting cables or the like. More particularly still, the present
invention relates to a captivated shackle apparatus that must also
be discarded when attached slings or lifting cables are
discarded.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Numerous devices have been devised for the purpose of
lifting baskets, skids and/or similar equipment, especially in
connection with the transportation of said baskets, skids and/or
equipment from one location (such as, for example, the deck of a
boat) to another location (such as, for example, an offshore
platform) using a crane, hoist or other lifting means. In the
course of such lifting operations, consideration must be given to
maintaining control of a load during the lifting process.
Consideration must also be given to other factors, such as ease in
making connections and disconnections to such load, as well as the
protection or preservation of the load being transported. Perhaps
more significantly, consideration must also be given to minimizing
possible failure locations on the item(s) being lifted, as well as
the related lift equipment, in order to prevent damage to property
or personnel.
[0007] During lifting operations, large or heavy loads are
typically lifted using a set of slings connected to the line of a
crane, or hoist or other lifting apparatus. Although it is often
possible to connect a crane or hoist line directly to a load to be
lifted using shackles or the like, slings generally provide an
intermediate means to quickly and efficiently connect a lifting
device to a load. Further, because many slings utilize two or more
separate lines connected to a central link or loop, slings are
generally preferred because they allow for more even weight
distribution during the lifting process.
[0008] The use of slings to lift and/or transport equipment, cargo
or other loads is very common in offshore or marine operations, as
well as numerous other applications, such as the loading and
unloading of ships and other vessels. It should be noted that the
offshore oil and gas industry, although representative of the
issues faced in the lifting and transportation of heavy loads, is
but one application involving such issues.
[0009] The use of lifting slings or cables as an intermediary link
for connecting a load to a lifting device (such as a crane hook or
the like) is well known. In conventional lifting applications, a
lifting sling normally has a plurality of cable legs of
substantially equal length, which are joined together at their
upper ends and are coupled to a common, master connection assembly.
In most instances, said master connection assembly is a loop
dimensioned so that it can easily connect to a crane hook. Each
cable leg of the sling is normally fitted with a looped terminal
end which is formed using a mechanical joint or crimped band.
[0010] In many instances, shackles or other means can be used to
connect the individual lines of a set of slings to pad-eyes of a
load to be lifted. Specifically, a shackle or clevis is commonly
used to connect each looped end of a sling or lifting cable to a
load to be lifted. In conventional lifting applications utilizing
existing shackle assemblies, a substantially U-shaped shackle
having a mouth or opening is passed through the loop or eye of a
sling or lifting cable. Thereafter, a bolt is threaded through
aligned bores in said shackle and an opening in a lift lug or pad
eye of a load to be lifted. In this manner, the shackle provides a
quick and efficient means for affixing a sling, cable, or other
lifting device to a load to be lifted.
[0011] Safety regulations and customary safety procedures often
dictate that lifting slings or cables be discarded after a
predetermined threshold is met, such as a certain period of time or
number of lifts. Despite such safety regulations and/or procedures,
it has been observed that shackles are often removed from such
lifting slings or cables prior to discarding of the slings or
cables. The removal of shackles from such slings and re-use of such
shackles on other slings or lifting cables defeats the purpose of
the aforementioned safety practices. As such, it would be
beneficial to provide a captivated shackle apparatus permanently
attached to a set of lifting slings or cables that must be
discarded along with such attached slings or lifting cables in
order to ensure that such shackles are not re-installed or re-used
on other slings or lifting cables.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0012] The present invention comprises a shackle apparatus having a
generally U-shaped shackle body having an arcuate end, a pair of
substantially parallel arms, and a retaining member disposed
between said shackle arms. Each arm has a lower end with a
transverse bore for receiving a bolt or other rigid member, the
lower ends being substantially parallel such that the transverse
bores are in general axial alignment.
[0013] The shackle apparatus of the present invention is intended
to be permanently attached to a sling of a lifting cable such that
the retaining member prevents such shackle apparatus from being
removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable without
substantially damaging or destroying the shackle apparatus of the
present invention, thereby rendering it effectively useless.
[0014] The shackle apparatus of the present invention can be
affixed to a load to be lifted by passing a bolt or other rigid
member through aligned bores in the shackle arms and through a
complimentary hole in a pad eye or lift lug on the load to be
lifted. In the preferred embodiment, said bolt includes an
externally threaded portion and can be secured in place using a
threaded-nut or other similar device.
[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a captivated
shackle apparatus that is permanently attached to a lifting sling
or cable.
[0016] It is a more particular object of the present invention to
provide a shackle apparatus which cannot be removed from one
lifting sling or cable and installed on another lifting sling or
cable without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the
present invention and rendering it useless.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
shackle apparatus that must be discarded along with a lifting sling
or cable after a predetermined threshold is satisfied such as, for
example, length of time or number of lifts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when
read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, the drawings show certain preferred
embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed.
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a partially exploded front view of a prior
art shackle apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an embodiment the shackle
apparatus of the present invention installed on a sling loop.
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts partially exploded perspective view of the
shackle apparatus of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of the shackle
apparatus of the present invention installed on a sling loop.
[0023] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the shackle apparatus of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a first alternative
embodiment of the shackle apparatus of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a second alternative
embodiment of the shackle apparatus of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a third alternative
embodiment of the shackle apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a
partially-exploded front view of an embodiment of a conventional
lifting assembly utilizing a prior art shackle member 1 having a
curved, substantially U-shaped body section 8, first arm 2 and
second arm 3. A throat or gap 5 is defined between said first arm 2
and second arm 3, and a mouth or opening 4 leads to said throat 5.
Arms 2 and 3 of prior art shackle 1 also include substantially
parallel ends 6 and 7 respectively. Substantially parallel ends 6
and 7 include aligned coaxial transverse bores 6a and 7a (not
visible in FIG. 1), respectively, for receiving a bolt 23 or other
rigid member.
[0028] In the conventional lifting assembly depicted in FIG. 1,
mouth 4 of prior art shackle 1 is first passed through loop 21 of a
sling or lifting cable 20. Coaxial transverse bores 6a and 7a of
prior art shackle 1 are aligned with an opening (not visible in
FIG. 1) in a lift lug or pad eye 28 of a load to be lifted. Bolt 23
is thereafter inserted through aligned coaxial bores 6a and 7a, as
well as said opening (not visible in FIG. 1) in the lift lug 28 of
the load to be lifted. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, bolt
23 can be rotated so that external threads 24 present on said bolt
23 can engage with internal threads in transverse bore 7a extending
through end 7 of arm 3. Thereafter, cotter pin 29 can be introduced
through cotter pin hole 25 in bolt 23 and secured in place to
prevent said bolt 23 from traveling axially with respect to aligned
bores 6a and 7a (not visible in FIG. 1).
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of shackle apparatus 100
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Shackle apparatus 100 has a substantially U-shaped shackle body
section 108, and substantially parallel first arm 102 and second
arm 103. A throat or gap is defined by the space between said first
arm 102 and second arm 103. Retaining member 130 is disposed
between said shackle arms 102 and 103. In the preferred embodiment,
retaining member 130 is a rigid, integrated cross member disposed
between first and second arms 102 and 103, such that retaining
member 130 spans the throat or gap between said first and second
arms. Retaining member 130 cooperates with shackle body 108 to
effectively form a closed loop. In the preferred embodiment, said
closed loop formed by cooperating elements shackle body 108 and
retaining member 130 is permanently affixed to loop 21 of a sling
or lifting cable 20.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, first shackle arm 102 has lower
end 106, while second shackle arm 103 has lower end 107. Shackle
arms 102 and 103 are substantially parallel and are provided with
aligned transverse bores 102a and 103a (not shown in FIG. 2),
respectively, for axially receiving a bolt 120 or other rigid
member. Specifically, bolt 120 is passed through aligned coaxial
bores in arms 102 and 103 of shackle 100 (as well as an opening in
lift lug 28) to affix shackle apparatus 100 to a load to be lifted.
Bolt 120 preferably includes an externally threaded portion 124 and
cotter pin hole 125 (not shown in FIG. 2) through which cotter pin
129 can be inserted and secured after a threaded fitting, such as a
castle nut 121, is installed on externally threaded portion 124 of
bolt 120.
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of shackle apparatus
100 of the present invention installed on sling loop 21 having
reinforcing sleeve 22. Shackle apparatus 100 has a substantially
U-shaped shackle body 108, first arm 102 and second arm 103
defining a gap between said first arm 102 and second arm 103.
[0032] Retaining member 130 is disposed between shackle arms 102
and 103. In the preferred embodiment, retaining member 130 is a
rigid, integrated cross member disposed between the upper ends of
first and second arms 102 and 103, respectively, such that
retaining member 130 spans the space formed between said first and
second arms 102 and 103 of shackle 100. Substantially U-shaped
shackle body 108 and retaining member 130 cooperate to define a
substantially closed loop that can be permanently affixed to loop
21 of a sling or lifting cable 20.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, lower end 106 of shackle arm
102, and lower end 107 of shackle arm 103, are substantially
parallel and are provided with aligned transverse bores (not shown
in FIG. 4) for axially receiving a bolt 120 or other rigid member.
Bolt 120 is passed through said aligned coaxial bores in lower end
106 of first arm 102, and lower end 107 of second arm 103 (as well
as an aligned opening in lift lug 28) to affix shackle apparatus
100 to a load to be lifted. In the preferred embodiment, retaining
cable 123 is provided. Said retaining cable is affixed at one end
to head 122 of bolt 120, and at the other end to shackle body 108
using bracket 126. Retaining cable 123 beneficially prevents bolt
120 from being removed from shackle apparatus 100 and subsequently
re-used on another shackle with severing retaining cable 123.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of shackle
apparatus 100 of the present invention having a substantially
U-shaped shackle body 108, first arm 102 and second arm 103. A gap
is defined between said first arm 102 and second arm 103. Retaining
member 130 is disposed between shackle arms 102 and 103 and spans
said gap between said arms.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment, retaining member 130 is a
rigid, integrated, cross member disposed between first and second
arms 102 and 103, respectively, such that retaining member 130
spans the gap formed between arms 102 and 103.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, lower end 106 of shackle arm
102, and lower end 107 of shackle arm 103, are substantially
parallel. Transverse bore 104 extends through said lower end 106 of
shackle arm 102, while transverse bore 105 extends through lower
end 107 of shackle arm 103. Transverse bores 104 and 105 are
substantially aligned with one another.
[0037] Bolt 120 having head 122 and external threaded portion 124
is inserted through transverse bore 104, an aligned hold in a
lifting lug or pad-eye of a load to be lifted (such as, for
example, lift lug 28 depicted in FIG. 4), and transverse bore 105.
Thereafter, castle nut 121 can be installed on, and threadably
engaged with, threaded portion 124 of bolt 120 in order to secure
said bolt 120 in place. Alternative bolt embodiment 140 is also
depicted in FIG. 3. Alternative bolt embodiment 140 has external
threaded portion 144, which can mate with optional threads disposed
on the internal surface of transverse bore 107.
[0038] Shackle apparatus 100 depicted in FIG. 5 includes a curved
retaining member 130 bowing in substantial alignment with the
generally arcuate shape of shackle body 108. FIG. 6 depicts an
alternative embodiment of shackle apparatus 200 having a
substantially straight retaining member 230 disposed in
substantially perpendicular orientation to shackle arms 202 and
203. The alternative embodiment of shackle apparatus 300 depicted
in FIG. 7 includes a curved retaining member 330 that cooperates
with substantially arcuate body section 308 to form a generally
circular closed loop. In the alternative embodiment of shackle 400
depicted in FIG. 8, retaining member 430 comprises a pair of
projections 430a and 430b. The reduced gap between retaining member
projections 430a and 430b is less than the cross-sectional distance
(thickness) of a sling loop (such as sling loop 21 depicted in FIG.
4, for example), such that said sling loop cannot pass through the
space formed between arms 402 and 403.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, shackle apparatus 100 and bolt
120 of the present invention are beneficially constructed of
unitary pieces preferably produced by forging using a durable
material and can be strengthened using conventional heat treating
processes. In the preferred embodiment, the forged shackle
apparatus 100 is permanently attached to the looped end of a sling
or lifting cable 20.
[0040] Still referring to FIG. 5, apparatus 100 of the present
invention can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting cable
such that cooperation between the shackle body and retaining member
130 prevents shackle apparatus 100 from being removed and installed
on another sling or lifting cable without substantially damaging or
destroying shackle apparatus 100 of the present invention.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment, shackle apparatus 100 of the
present invention may be beneficially provided with a radio
frequency identification (RFID) chip or tag. A RFID tag
incorporated into shackle apparatus 100 enables a user to monitor
the conditions of a shackle apparatus 100 including, but not
limited to, the identity, location and history of operation and
use. Moreover, shackle apparatus 100 of the present invention may
be beneficially provided with identifying indicia on the surface of
the shackle body 108 or retaining member 130. Such identifying
indicia may comprise much different information, but in the
preferred embodiment would reflect significant information
regarding the shackle apparatus including, without limitation,
manufacturer, date of manufacture, owner, load
rating/specifications and/or useable life.
[0042] Although a RFID can be incorporated into shackle apparatus
100 in many different ways, in the preferred embodiment depicted in
FIG. 5, recess 135 is disposed on retaining member 130. A RFID chip
can be installed in said recess 135, and secured in place using an
adhesive, resin, epoxy or other material having desired
properties.
[0043] The above-described invention has a number of particular
features that should preferably be employed in combination,
although each is useful separately without departure from the scope
of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that
the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically
illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and
arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the
invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of
the invention.
* * * * *