| 摘要 |
A gripping system (6a, 6b figure 1) for use in gripping a member (4 figure), i.e. in supporting and jacking a structure supported on one or more supporting members, such as a platform supported on one or more legs. The gripping system comprises a fixed assembly 100 comprising a resilient gripping assembly comprising a housing 102, ribs 108 and resilient rings 110a, 110b for applying a gripping force to the member. The system also comprises a load assembly 120 movable relative to the fixed assembly between a gripping position and a released position, the load assembly comprising a load member (122 figure 4), wherein in the gripping position the load member applies a compressive force on the resilient rings sufficient to cause them to expand laterally into contact with the supporting member to apply the gripping force. A later embodiment relates to a method of operating a gripping system to grip a member is also provided, the method comprising applying a compressive force to a resilient member in a first direction, allowing the resilient member to expand in a second direction, different to the first direction, thereby urging the resilient member into contact with the member to thereby grip the member. |
