Somero Enterprises, Inc.

Other

Daniel R Stoltzfus

Jacob R Stoltzfus

Protective shield for covering concrete hose joints

Protective shield for concrete hose joints

A protective shield device is disposed at the joint between connected concrete hoses to protect the joint connecting one concrete hose to another from accidentally catching on an obstruction on the surface over which the concrete hose joint is moved during operation and disconnecting the two concrete hoses. The protective shield device is formed by two housing portions that are hinged on one side and connected by one or more retaining elements to surround and encapsulate the concrete hose joint. The closed protective shield device has a larger central portion to accommodate the joint structure, and narrower end portions to provide no protruding structure that will catch any underlying obstructions that could cause the enclosed joint latch to be exposed.

A protective shield device is mounted on the joint between connected concrete hoses to protect the joint connecting one concrete hose to another from accidentally catching on an obstruction on the surface over which the concrete hose joint is moved during operation and disconnecting the two concrete hoses. The protective shield device is formed by two hollow shells that are hinged on one side and connected by friction closure members to surround and encapsulate the concrete hose joint. The assembled protective shield device is preferably in the shape of an ovoid with a larger central portion to accommodate the joint structure, and narrower end portions to provide no protruding structure that will catch any underlying obstructions that could cause the enclosed joint latch to be exposed. The protective shield device can be opened by forcing the two shell members apart, or by using a mechanically disengagable latch.

A mobile apparatus moves a concrete pump hose over a base surface and has a wheeled frame in which the wheels are pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis between a longitudinal orientation and a transverse orientation. Each of the front pair of wheels and the rear pair of wheels are coupled to a steering mechanism to permit independent pivotal movement of the respective pairs of wheels to provide four wheel steer of the frame. The hose is supported by front and rear horn members above the base surface and below the frame. An intermediate grappling apparatus engages the hose to affect elevation thereof onto the horn members. The horn members are split between a fixed portion and a pivotally movable portion that pivots away from the fixed portion to permit the hose to be elevated above the horn members. A boom apparatus can substitute for the grappling apparatus.

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Narvon, PA, United States of America

Daniel R Stoltzfus