Quick engage and release sling for tubular members

Abstract

A pipe lay down machine which incorporates a main cable adapted to be rigged from the rig floor to a winch overlying a pipe rack where the winch is bidirectionally operable to slack the main line. Wheeled carriages travel up and down the main line. The carriages support releasable pipe connective mechanisms which have a flexible cable extending around the pipe connected to a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism includes a transverse bar having protruding ears or tabs which interlock with a rolled lip, thereby anchoring the lever and the end of the cable. Pipe is picked up or laid down by placing slack in the main cable. The carriages traverse the main cable by means of separate winches which apply power to auxiliary lines rigged from winches which are bidirectionally operable to the carriages. Alternative quick release mechanisms are disclosed. In one form, a cable is looped about the pipe and beneath a spring load pin. The pin is pushed to close and cable tension holds it closed. The delivery of the pipe to the destination is accompanied by slacking the cable whereupon the spring loaded pin is withdrawn and releases the cable. A very desirable alternative device is a hook having an arm appended to it. The arm is easily handled and the hook reaches over a cable or rope looped around a pipe to be lifted. The arm is weighted to drop free on slacking the load on the cable. The handle is weighted to drop away and release.