Rock grasping and removal apparatus

摘要

A manually deployed grasping apparatus may be utilized for retrieving objects, such as rocks, concrete chunks and other debris, from vertical excavations such as potholes, boreholes, drilled shafts, etc. Unlike backhoes and other articulated arm machinery, the disclosed grasping apparatus is manually lowered into the excavation by the user. Once the apparatus is adjacent to the object to be retrieved, the opposite facing jaw members of the apparatus are placed into an open position to receive the object. Once the object has been received by the opposite facing jaw members, the jaw members are closed to capture the object. The jaw members are then manually withdrawn from the vertical excavation to retrieve the object.

主权项

1. A grasping apparatus for retrieving objects from a generally vertical excavation as the apparatus is manually lowered and raised within the vertical excavation, the grasping apparatus comprising:
a first jaw member and a second jaw member in opposite facing relation, each jaw member depending from and pivotally attached to a pivot plate, the jaw members, upon a first manipulation of an air valve by a user, pivotable from a first position to a second position and, upon a second manipulation of the air valve by the user, pivotable from the second position to the first position; a frame member attached to the pivot plate; a first pneumatic ram operationally linked between at least one of the jaw members and the frame member, the pneumatic ram receiving air when the air valve is opened by the user and exhausting air when the air valve is closed by the user; a handle member attached to the frame, the handle member comprising a length of tubing having a grasping surface to be manually grasped by the user as the jaw members are lowered and raised within the vertical excavation, the handle member further comprising an air conduit providing air to the pneumatic ram when the air valve is opened; and an air supply operationally connected to the air conduit, wherein the air valve is disposed between the air supply and the air conduit.