Method and Apparatus for Elevator Hobble Compensation

Abstract

A compensating hobbling assembly secures a set of elevators in a level position, while compensating for side or non-axial loading. An adjustable bail clamp is affixed to a bail, while an extendable hobble compensation assembly is pivotally attached to a set of elevators. A cable, chain or other flexible member having a finite length extends between the bail clamp and the hobble compensation assembly. Tension of said cable, chain or other flexible member can be adjusted so that the elevators are maintained in a substantially level position when suspended or hanging from bails. The hobble compensating assembly can extend, allowing the elevators to tilt and relative to the bails.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for hobbling elevators comprising:
 a) a clamp mounted to at least one bail;   b) a compensating assembly mounted to said elevators;   c) a connecting member having a first end, a second end and a fixed length, wherein said first end is connected to said clamp and said second member is connected to said compensating assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member comprises a cable. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member comprises a chain. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said compensating assembly comprises:
 a) a housing;   b) a rod movably disposed in said housing; and   c) a compression spring disposed around said rod and biasing said rod toward a retracted position.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said clamp comprises:
 a) a first semi-cylindrical member having a first side and a second side;   b) a flange member, having at least one aperture, extending from said first side of said first semi-cylindrical member;   c) a second semi-cylindrical member having a first side and a second side, wherein said second side of said second semi-cylindrical member is hingedly attached to the second side of said first semi-cylindrical member; and   d) a flange member, having at least one aperture, extending from said first side of said second semi-cylindrical member.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of said flange members has tapered surfaces defining an apex. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said compensating assembly is rotatably mounted to said elevators. 
     
     
         8 . A method for hobbling elevators comprising:
 a) mounting a clamp to at least one bail;   b) mounting a compensating assembly to said elevators;   c) attaching a connecting member between said clamp and said compensating assembly.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said connecting member comprises a cable. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said connecting member comprises a chain. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said compensating assembly comprises:
 a) a housing;   b) a rod movably disposed in said housing; and   c) a compression spring disposed around said rod and biasing said rod toward a retracted position.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said clamp comprises:
 a) a first semi-cylindrical member having a first side and a second side;   b) a flange member, having at least one aperture, extending from said first side of said first semi-cylindrical member;   c) a second semi-cylindrical member having a first side and a second side, wherein said second side of said second semi-cylindrical member is hingedly attached to the second side of said first semi-cylindrical member; and   d) a flange member, having at least one aperture, extending from said first side of said second semi-cylindrical member.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of said flange members has tapered surfaces defining an apex.