Method and apparatus for constructing drilling platforms without driven pins
First Claim
1. A method of erecting a drilling platform comprising:
- positioning a first box support member comprising a load bearing frame and a first spreader support bracket, said first spreader support bracket comprising a first spreader support surface and at least one locking aperture having a mouth end and a base end opposite a second box support member comprising a load bearing frame and a second spreader support bracket comprising a second spreader support surface and at least one locking aperture so that said first spreader support bracket and said second spreader support bracket face one another;
lowering a load bearing spreader beam comprising a first end opposite a second end and a front surface opposite a rear surface, said front surface and said rear surface each having a substantially vertical orientation, and a locking pin extending from said spreader beam substantially perpendicular to said front surface of said spreader beam onto said first and second spreader support brackets, said locking pin positioned to engage one of said locking apertures as said spreader beam is lowered.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A drilling platform constructed from columns of box support members. Each column has one or more spreader support brackets extending toward another spreader support bracket on an opposite column. Outwardly flaring locking arms rise from the spreader support brackets. A locking aperture is contained in the flared portion of each locking arm. The mouth of the aperture is preferably at about a thirty degree angle to its base so that the mouth is generally facing up. Spreader beams connect the columns. Each spreader beam has a locking pin at each end. The spreader beams are lowered onto the support arms of each column. As they are lowered, the locking pins are aligned to engage the locking apertures and thereby secure the spreader beams to the columns. Once the spreader beams are in place, a work platform can be built on top of the columns and spreader beams.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of erecting a drilling platform comprising:
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positioning a first box support member comprising a load bearing frame and a first spreader support bracket, said first spreader support bracket comprising a first spreader support surface and at least one locking aperture having a mouth end and a base end opposite a second box support member comprising a load bearing frame and a second spreader support bracket comprising a second spreader support surface and at least one locking aperture so that said first spreader support bracket and said second spreader support bracket face one another; lowering a load bearing spreader beam comprising a first end opposite a second end and a front surface opposite a rear surface, said front surface and said rear surface each having a substantially vertical orientation, and a locking pin extending from said spreader beam substantially perpendicular to said front surface of said spreader beam onto said first and second spreader support brackets, said locking pin positioned to engage one of said locking apertures as said spreader beam is lowered. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification