Search

US-12623891-B2 - Apparatus for spreading opposing surfaces

US12623891B2US 12623891 B2US12623891 B2US 12623891B2US-12623891-B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanically advantaged system that is purposed to spread opposing surfaces with user input. This apparatus needs only one operator. This apparatus can be used to move or spread material or equipment over a long-range, by extending the base unit 2 inches at a time, or by adding multiple extension tubes of 1 foot, 2 foot, 4 foot, or custom length extensions.

Inventors

  • Stuart Hazen Page

Assignees

  • Stuart Hazen Page

Dates

Publication Date
20260512
Application Date
20220816

Claims (9)

  1. 1 . An apparatus for spreading objects, the apparatus comprising: a first elongated tube and a second elongated tube telescopically and slidably coupled to one another; a plurality of extensions, each of the plurality of extensions having an extension coupler and an extension tube, the extension coupler having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the extension tube, wherein the extension coupler receives one of a distal end of the second elongated tube, or one of the plurality of extensions into the inner diameter of the extension coupler; a hydraulic jack coupled to a distal end of the first elongated tube; a jack shaft coupled to the hydraulic jack; a first shoe interchangeably coupled directly to a distal end of the jack shaft through a first shoe receiving recess, the first shoe being interchangeable with one of a plurality of accessories, wherein the plurality of accessories are coupled directly to the distal end of the jack shaft; and a second shoe interchangeably couplable in a static condition to a distal end of one of the plurality of extension tubes or the distal end of the second elongated tube, wherein the second shoe is interchangeable with one or more of the first shoe, or the plurality of accessories; wherein the jack shaft is configured to selectively increase a first spacing that is defined between the first shoe and the second shoe by actuating the jack shaft.
  2. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the jack shaft is configured to selectively increase a second spacing that is defined between the first tube and the first shoe.
  3. 3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a pin configured to lock the first elongated tube and the second elongated tube in position relative to one another.
  4. 4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the first elongated tube defines a plurality of first openings and the second elongated tube defines a plurality of second openings, the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings being configured to receive the pin.
  5. 5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first spacing is adjustable between approximately 32 inches to 48 inches by slidably adjusting at least one of the plurality of extensions.
  6. 6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second shoe is detachably coupled to the distal end of the second elongated tube.
  7. 7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first elongated tube and the second elongated tube are formed from aluminum.
  8. 8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of accessories are interchangeably couplable to the distal end of the second elongated tube, or one of the plurality of extensions.
  9. 9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of accessories include at least one of: a first accessory shoe having a coupler and a faceplate, the faceplate having a right-angle bend thereon; or a second accessory shoe having a coupler and a faceplate, the second accessory shoe faceplate having an arcuate shape.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/233,469 filed Aug. 16, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to mechanical devices and, more particularly, to a mechanically advantaged system purposed to spread opposing surfaces with user input. There is currently not a good portable, hand-carry device for spreading or moving materials or equipment that requires an extendable means of adding leverage. Traditional jacking devices are limited to the operational length of the jack ram and cylinder and typically require a separate hydraulic pump with a hydraulic hose. Other devices are made of heavier steel, most requiring multiple users or lifting equipment to use, not strong lightweight aluminum tubes, other devices have a limited range of usable motion, and do not have extensions to allow use over longer spaces. As can be seen, there is a need for an apparatus as detailed herein. The apparatus of the present invention needs only one operator to carry and operate. This apparatus can be used to move or spread material or equipment over a long-range, by extending the base unit two inches at a time, or by adding multiple extension tubes of 1 foot, 2 foot, 4 foot, or custom length extensions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for spreading objects is disclosed, with the apparatus comprising: a first elongated tube and a second elongated tube telescopically and slidably coupled to one another; a hydraulic jack coupled to a distal end of the first elongated tube; a jack shaft coupled to the hydraulic shaft; a first shoe coupled to a distal end of the jack shaft; and a second shoe coupled to a distal end of the second elongated tube, wherein the jack shaft is configured to selectively increase a first spacing that is defined between the first shoe and the second shoe. In certain embodiments, the jack shaft is configured to selective increase a second spacing that is defined between the first tube and the first shoe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a pin configured to lock the first elongated tube and the second elongated tube in position relative to one another. In certain embodiments, the first elongated tube defines a plurality of first openings and the second elongated tube defines a plurality of second openings, the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings being configured to receive the pin. In certain embodiments, a third spacing, which is defined between the first shoe and the second shoe, is adjustable between approximately 32 inches to 48 inches. In certain embodiments, the second shoe is detachably coupled to the distal end of the second elongated tube. In certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an extension tube configured to couple the distal end of the second elongated tube and to the second shoe. In certain embodiments, the first shoe is fixedly coupled to the jack shaft. In certain embodiments, the first elongated tube and the second elongated tube are formed from aluminum. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention, shown in retracted position; FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention, shown in the partially extended position; FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention, shown extended and pressing out the right jamb; FIG. 6 is a section view taken along 6-6 in FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is an perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention, shown with an extension coupler and tube; FIG. 8 is a front view of a first shoe of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a front view of a second shoe of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a front view of a third shoe of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a front view of a first extension of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a front view of a second extension of the embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 13 is a front view of a third extension of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, whe