Pipe pulling assembly

Abstract

A pipe pulling assembly ( 10 ) consisting of a first circular band ( 12 ) and an identical second circular band ( 12 ′). The two bands ( 12, 12 ′) are each comprised of an upper arcuate band ( 14 ) and a lower arcuate band ( 13 ) that are placed around the circumferential end of a first circular pipe ( 100 ) and a second circular pipe ( 110 ). Attached adjacent to the first and second end ( 20,22 ) of the upper arcuate band ( 14 ) is an upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) and attached adjacent to the first and second end ( 19,21 ) of the lower arcuate band ( 13 ) is a lower band attachment structure ( 29 ). A first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) is connected between the two structures ( 30,29 ) to cause the two structures ( 30,29 ) to close and tighten the two bands ( 14,13 ) around the first and second circular pipes ( 100,110 ). A second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) is then connected between the first and second upper band attachment structures ( 30 ) to cause the first circular pipe ( 100 ) to be pulled into and attached to the second circular pipe ( 110 ).

1 . A pipe pulling assembly (PPA) that functions in combination with a first circular pipe ( 100 ) having an outer diameter ( 102 ), an upper section ( 104 ) and an integral lower section ( 106 ), and a second circular pipe ( 110 ) having an inner diameter ( 112 ) that is larger than the outer diameter ( 102 ) of the first circular pipe ( 100 ), an upper section ( 114 ) and an integral lower section ( 116 ), wherein said PPA also functions in combination with a first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) that has attached a first ratchet hook ( 120 ) and a second ratchet hook ( 122 ), and a second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) that has attached a first ratchet hook ( 126 ) and a second ratchet hook ( 128 ), said PPA comprising:
 a) a first circular band ( 12 ) comprising:
 (1) an upper arcuate band ( 14 ) having a first end ( 20 ), a second end ( 22 ) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the upper section ( 104 ) of the first circular pipe ( 100 ), and 
 (2) a lower arcuate band ( 13 ) having a first end ( 19 ), a second end ( 21 ) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the integral lower section ( 106 ) of the first circular pipe ( 100 ), 
   b) a second circular band ( 12 ′) comprising:
 (1) an upper arcuate band ( 14 ) having a first end ( 20 ), a second end ( 22 ) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the upper section ( 114 ) of the second circular pipe ( 110 ) and 
 (2) a lower arcuate band ( 13 ) having a first end ( 19 ), a second end ( 21 ) and that is dimensioned to be placed over the integral lower section ( 116 ) of the second circular pipe ( 110 ), 
   c) means for tightening and securing the first ends ( 20 , 19 ) and the second ends ( 22 , 21 ) of said respective first circular band ( 12 ) and said second circular band ( 12 ′) and   d) means for pulling the first circular pipe ( 100 ) into the second circular pipe ( 110 ).   
   
   
       2 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 1  wherein said means for tightening and securing the first ends ( 20 , 19 ) and the second ends ( 22 , 21 ) of said first circular band ( 12 ) and said second circular band ( 12 ′) comprises an upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) that is attached adjacent to the first end ( 20 ) and adjacent to the second end ( 22 ), and a lower end attachment structure ( 29 ) that is attached adjacent to first end ( 19 ) and to the second end ( 21 ), wherein each set of said structures ( 30 , 29 ) are attached by means of a chain ( 45 ) having a plurality of chain links that include an inner link ( 47 ) that is attached to said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ) and an outer link ( 49 ), wherein when the chain ( 45 ) is looped over a chain slot ( 66 ) located on said upper band attachment structure ( 30 ), the chain's outer link ( 49 ) from each of the chains ( 45 ) extends outward, thereby allowing each outer link ( 49 ) to be attached to opposite hook ends of the first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) that when operated, the two ends ( 29 , 19 ) and ( 22 , 21 ) are brought together and are tightened. 
   
   
       3 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 1  wherein said means for pulling the first circular pipe ( 100 ) into the second circular pipe ( 110 ) comprises placing a second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) on each side of the first and second circular pipes ( 100 , 110 ), wherein each of the ratcheting tools ( 124 ) is respectively connected between a D-ring ( 80 ) which is attached respectively to said first upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) that is attached to the first circular pipe ( 100 ), and a second D-ring ( 80 ) which is attached to said upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) that is attached to the second circular pipe ( 110 ), wherein when each of the second ratcheting tools ( 124 ) are operated, the first circular pipe ( 100 ) is accurately, safely and quickly pulled into the second circular pipe ( 110 ). 
   
   
       4 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 2  wherein said upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) is further comprised of
 a) a base ( 32 ) having an inner end ( 34 ), an outer end ( 36 ), an upper surface ( 38 ), a lower surface ( 40 ), a first side ( 42 ) and a second side ( 44 ), wherein the first side ( 42 ) and the second side ( 44 ) of said base ( 32 ) are located within the boundaries of the first side ( 24 ) and the second side ( 26 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ), and the outer end ( 36 ) of said base ( 32 ) is spaced inward from five to six inches (12.70 to 15.24 cm) from the first end ( 20 ) and the second end ( 22 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ), wherein the lower surface ( 40 ) of said base ( 32 ) is attached to the outer surface ( 16 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ) by an attachment means ( 46 ),   b) a vertical section ( 50 ) having a lower edge ( 52 ), an upper edge ( 54 ), an inner side ( 56 ) and an outer side ( 58 ), wherein the lower edge ( 52 ) is integrally attached to the outer end ( 36 ) of said base ( 32 ), with the vertical section ( 50 ) further having a substantially centered chain passage bore ( 60 ),   c) an inverted chain channel ( 62 ) with a flat upper section ( 64 ) having a chain slot ( 66 ), an integral right side ( 68 ) that terminates with a lower right edge ( 70 ), an integral left side ( 72 ) that terminates with a lower left edge ( 74 ), an outer surface ( 76 ) and an inner surface ( 78 ), wherein the lower right edge ( 70 ) and the lower left edge ( 74 ) of the inverted chain channel ( 64 ) extend inward from the first side ( 42 ) and the second side ( 44 ) respectively of the base ( 32 ) and are attached to the base ( 32 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), wherein the outer surface ( 76 ) of the inverted chain channel ( 62 ) is attached to the inner side ( 56 ) of the vertical section ( 50 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), and   d) a D-ring retainer ( 82 ) having an inverted U-shape that has an integral right side ( 84 ) that terminates with a lower right edge ( 86 ) and an integral left side ( 88 ) that terminates with a lower left edge ( 90 ), wherein the D-ring retainer ( 82 ) movably retains the D-ring ( 80 ) and is in substantial alignment with a chain slot ( 66 ) and has a outer surface ( 76 ) that is substantially flush with the upper edge ( 54 ) of the vertical section ( 50 ), wherein the D-ring ( 80 ) is inserted into the D-ring retainer ( 82 ) prior to attaching the lower right edge ( 70 ) and a lower left edge ( 74 ) to the flat upper section ( 64 ) of the inverted chain channel ( 62 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ).   
   
   
       5 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 4  wherein said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ) is further comprised of
 a) an inverted U-sleeve ( 31 ) having an inner edge ( 33 ), an outer edge ( 35 ), a first side ( 37 ), a second side ( 39 ) and a sleeve opening ( 41 ) that retains a D-ring ( 43 ), wherein the first and second sides ( 37 , 39 ) are located inward from the first and second sides ( 23 , 25 ) respectively of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) and are attached to the outer surface ( 15 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), wherein the sleeve opening ( 41 ) of said inverted U-sleeve ( 31 ) is located normal to the first side ( 37 ) and the second side ( 39 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ), and   b) the chain ( 45 ) having a plurality of chain links that include the inner chain link ( 47 ) and the outer chain link ( 49 ), wherein the inner chain link ( 47 ) is inserted into the D-ring ( 43 ).   
   
   
       6 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 1  wherein said upper arcuate band ( 14 ) and said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) are substantially curved to facilitate their engagement with the upper section ( 104 ,  114 ) and the integral lower section ( 106 ,  116 ) of the first circular pipe ( 12 ) and the second circular pipe ( 12 ′) respectively, wherein the material for said first circular band ( 12 ) and said second circular band ( 12 ′) is selected from the group consisting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper. 
   
   
       7 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 1  further comprising a protective cover ( 92 ) that substantially covers the length of said first arcuate band ( 14 ) and said second arcuate band ( 13 ), wherein the material for said protective cover ( 92 ) is selected from the group consisting of canvas, closely woven cloth, fiber and rubber. 
   
   
       8 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 1  wherein said chain ( 45 ) is comprised of a welded chain that is selected from the group consisting of a grade 80 high-strength alloy steel, a grade 80 cold-galvanized alloy steel, and a grade 50 stainless steel. 
   
   
       9 . A pipe pulling assembly (PPA) that functions in combination with a first circular pipe ( 100 ) having an outer diameter ( 102 ), an upper section ( 104 ) and an integral lower section ( 106 ), and a second circular pipe ( 110 ) having an inner diameter ( 112 ) that is larger than the outer diameter ( 102 ) of the first circular pipe ( 100 ), wherein each of the pipes ( 100 , 110 ) have an upper section ( 114 ) and an integral lower section ( 116 ), wherein said PPA also functions in combination with a first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) that has attached a first ratchet hook ( 120 ) and a second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) that has attached a first ratchet hook ( 126 ) and a second ratchet hook ( 128 ), said PPA comprising:
 A. a first circular band ( 12 ) comprising:
 a) an upper arcuate band ( 14 ) that is dimensioned to fit over and to be attached to the upper section ( 104 ) of the first circular pipe ( 100 ), said upper arcuate band ( 14 ) having an outer surface ( 16 ), an inner surface ( 18 ), a first end ( 20 ), a second end ( 22 ), a first side ( 24 ), a second side ( 26 ) and a pair of identical upper band attachment structures ( 30 ), wherein each said structure ( 30 ) comprises:
 (1) a base ( 32 ) having an inner end ( 34 ), an outer end ( 36 ), an upper surface ( 38 ), a lower surface ( 40 ), a first side ( 42 ) and a second side ( 44 ), wherein the first side ( 42 ) and the second side ( 44 ) of said base ( 32 ) are located within the boundaries of the first side ( 24 ) and the second side ( 26 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ), and the outer end ( 36 ) of said base ( 32 ) is spaced inward from five to six inches (12.70 to 15.24 cm) from the first end ( 20 ) and the second end ( 22 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ), wherein the lower surface ( 40 ) of said base ( 32 ) is attached to the outer surface ( 16 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ) by an attachment means ( 46 ), 
 (2) a vertical section ( 50 ) having a lower edge ( 52 ), an upper edge ( 54 ), an inner side ( 56 ) and an outer side ( 58 ), wherein the lower edge ( 52 ) is integrally attached to the outer end ( 36 ) of said base ( 32 ), with the vertical section ( 50 ) further having a substantially centered chain passage bore ( 60 ), 
 (3) an inverted chain channel ( 62 ) with a flat upper section ( 64 ) having a chain slot ( 66 ), an integral right side ( 68 ) that terminates with a lower right edge ( 70 ), an integral left side ( 72 ) that terminates with a lower left edge ( 74 ), an outer surface ( 76 ) and an inner surface ( 78 ), wherein the lower right edge ( 70 ) and lower left edges ( 74 ) of the inverted chain channel ( 62 ) extend inward from the first side ( 42 ) and the second side ( 44 ) respectively of the base ( 32 ) and are attached to the base ( 32 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), wherein the outer surface ( 76 ) of the inverted chain channel ( 62 ) is attached to the inner side ( 56 ) of the vertical section ( 50 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), 
 (4) a D-ring ( 80 ), 
 (5) a D-ring retainer ( 82 ) having an inverted U-shape that has an integral right side ( 84 ) that terminates with a lower right edge ( 86 ) and an integral left side ( 88 ) that terminates with a lower left edge ( 90 ), wherein the D-ring retainer ( 82 ) is in substantial longitudinal alignment with a chain slot ( 66 ) and has a outer surface ( 76 ) that is substantially flush with the upper edge ( 54 ) of the vertical section ( 50 ), wherein the D-ring ( 80 ) is inserted into the D-ring retainer ( 82 ) prior to attaching the lower right edge ( 70 ) and the lower left edge ( 74 ) to the flat upper section ( 64 ) of the inverted chain channel ( 62 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), 
 
 b) a lower arcuate band ( 13 ) that is dimensioned to fit over and to be attached to the integral lower section ( 106 ) of the first circular pipe ( 100 ), said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) having an outer surface ( 15 ), an inner surface ( 17 ), a first end ( 19 ), a second end ( 21 ), a first side ( 23 ) and a second side ( 25 ), wherein the first and second ends ( 19 , 21 ) of the lower arcuate band ( 13 ) are dimensioned to overlap the first and second ends ( 20 , 22 ) of the upper arcuate band ( 14 ) when the upper and the lower arcuate bands ( 14 , 13 ) are attached, wherein the lower band ( 13 ) further has a pair of identical lower band attachment structures ( 29 ), wherein the first structure ( 29 ) is attached from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm) from the first end ( 19 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) and the second structure ( 29 ) is also attached from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm) from the second end ( 21 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ), wherein each said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ) comprises:
 (1) an inverted U-sleeve ( 31 ) having an inner edge ( 33 ), an outer edge ( 35 ), a first side ( 37 ), a second side ( 39 ) and a sleeve opening ( 41 ) that retains a D-ring ( 43 ), wherein the first and second sides ( 37 , 39 ) are located inward from the first and second sides ( 23 , 25 ) respectively of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) and are attached to the outer surface ( 15 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) by the attachment means ( 46 ), wherein the sleeve opening ( 41 ) of said inverted U-sleeve ( 31 ) is located normal to the first side ( 37 ) and the second side ( 39 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ), 
 (2) a chain ( 45 ) having a plurality of chain links that include an inner chain link ( 47 ) and an outer chain link ( 49 ), wherein the inner chain link ( 47 ) is inserted into the D-ring ( 43 ), and 
 
 B. a second circular band ( 12 ′) that is identical with the first circular band ( 12 ), and that is dimensioned to fit over and to be attached to the second circular pipe ( 110 ), wherein the upper and lower arcuate bands ( 14 , 13 ) of said first circular band ( 12 ) and said second circular band ( 12 ′) are attached by said upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) in combination with said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ) and are tightened over their respective first and second circular pipes ( 100 , 110 ) by the first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) which is attached between said upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) and said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ), wherein after the two arcuate bands ( 14 , 13 ) are attached and tightened around the respective circumference of the first and second circular pipes ( 100 , 110 ), a second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) is located on each facing side of the first and second circular pipes ( 100 , 110 ), and are respectively attached between the two upper band attachment structures ( 30 , 29 ), wherein when each of the second ratcheting tools ( 124 ) are simultaneously operated, the first circular pipe ( 100 ) is accurately, safely and quickly pulled into the second circular pipe ( 110 ). 
   
   
   
       10 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein the material for said first circular band ( 12 ) and said second circular band ( 12 ′) is selected from the group consisting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper. 
   
   
       11 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein said upper arcuate band ( 14 ) and said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) are substantially curved to fit over the upper section ( 104 ,  114 ) and the integral lower section ( 106 ,  116 ) of the first circular pipe ( 12 ) and the second circular pipe ( 12 ′) respectively. 
   
   
       12 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein said upper arcuate band ( 14 ) has a length ranging from 92.0 to 96.0 inches (233.7 to 243.8 cm), a width ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm) and a thickness ranging from 0.375 to 0.625 inches (0.953 to 1.59 cm). 
   
   
       13 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 12  wherein said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) has a length ranging from 70.0 to 72.0 inches (177.8 to 182.9 cm), a width ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm) and a thickness ranging from 0.375 to 0.625 inches (0.953 to 1.59 cm). 
   
   
       14 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein said attachment means is comprised of a welding process or a brazing process. 
   
   
       15 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein the length of said chain ( 45 ) ranges from 16 to 20 inches (40.64 to 50.8 cm). 
   
   
       16 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  further comprising a protective cover ( 92 ) that substantially covers the length of said first arcuate band ( 14 ) and said second arcuate band ( 13 ), wherein the material for said protective cover ( 92 ) is selected from the group consisting of canvas, closely woven cloth, fiber and rubber. 
   
   
       17 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 16  wherein said protective cover ( 92 ) has a sealed cross-section that is inserted into the upper arcuate band ( 14 ) and the lower arcuate band ( 13 ) prior to attaching said upper band attachment structure ( 30 ) and said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ). 
   
   
       18 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 16  wherein said protective cover has longitudinal edges that are closed by a closure means that is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, ZIP-LOCK™ fasteners and a zipper. 
   
   
       19 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein said chain ( 45 ) is further comprised of a welded chain that is selected from the group consisting of a grade 80 high-strength alloy steel, a grade 80 cold-galvanized alloy steel and a grade 50 stainless steel. 
   
   
       20 . The pipe pulling assembly as specified in  claim 9  wherein the first circular pipe ( 100 ) is pulled into the second circular pipe ( 110 ) by performing the following steps:
 a) insert the outer chain link ( 49 ) of the chain ( 45 ) extending from the D-ring ( 43 ) located on said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ) that is adjacent to the first end ( 19 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) into the respective chain passage bore ( 60 ),   b) pull the chain ( 45 ) until the inner surface ( 17 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) overlaps the outer surface ( 16 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ),   c) secure the chain ( 45 ) over the chain slot ( 66 ) to allow the outer chain link ( 49 ) to extend outward,   d) insert the outer chain link ( 49 ) of the chain ( 45 ) extending from the D-ring ( 43 ) located on said lower band attachment structure ( 29 ) that is adjacent to the second end ( 21 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) into the respective chain passage bore ( 60 ),   e) pull the chain ( 45 ) until the inner surface ( 17 ) of said lower arcuate band ( 13 ) overlaps the outer surface ( 16 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ),   f) insert the chain ( 45 ) over the chain slot ( 66 ) to allow the outer chain link ( 49 ) to extend outward,   g) insert the first ratchet hook ( 120 ) located on the first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) into the outer chain link ( 49 ) extending from said upper attachment structure ( 30 ) that is located adjacent to the first end ( 20 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ),   h) insert the second ratchet hook ( 122 ) located on the opposite end of the first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) into the outer chain link ( 49 ) extending from said upper attachment structure ( 30 ) that is located adjacent to the second end ( 22 ) of said upper arcuate band ( 14 ),   i) operate the first ratcheting tool ( 118 ) until the upper arcuate band ( 14 ) and the lower arcuate band ( 13 ) are securely tightened around the circumference of the first circular pipe ( 100 ),   j) repeat steps a-i to attach and tighten the upper arcuate band ( 14 ) and the lower arcuate band ( 13 ) over the second circular band ( 12 ′),   k) insert the first ratchet hook ( 126 ) attached to a first end of the second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) into the D-ring ( 80 ) located on said upper band attachment structures ( 30 ), attached on the first circular pipe ( 100 ),   l) insert the second ratchet hook ( 128 ) attached to a second end of the second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) into the D-ring ( 80 ) located on an aligned upper band attachment structures ( 30 ), attached on the second circular pipe ( 110 ),   m) insert the first ratchet hook ( 126 ) attached to a first end of the second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) into the D-ring ( 80 ) located on the upper band attachment structures ( 30 ), attached on a second side of the first circular pipe ( 100 ),   n) insert the second ratchet hook ( 128 ) attached to a second end of the second ratcheting tool ( 124 ) into the D-ring ( 80 ) located on an aligned upper band attachment structure ( 30 ), attached on a second side of the second circular pipe ( 110 ), and   o) simultaneously operate each of the second ratcheting tools ( 124 ) until the first circular pipe ( 100 ) is inserted into the second circular pipe ( 110 ).