Pump Jack Pole Brace Latch and Method

Abstract

A pump jack pole brace. The brace comprises a U-shaped yoke member having a first leg and a second leg. The brace includes a latch plate assembly having a first side slidably and pivotably attached to the first leg, and a second side having a tab which engages with the second leg to form a closed envelope with the yoke. A method for securing a pole for use of a pump jack system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pump jack pole brace comprising:
 a U-shaped yoke member having a first leg and a second leg; and   a latch plate assembly having a first side slidably and pivotably attached to the first leg, and a second side having a tab which engages with the second leg to form a closed envelope with the yoke.   
     
     
         2 . A brace as described in  claim 1  wherein the assembly includes a tensioner for tightening the assembly against the poles. 
     
     
         3 . A brace as described in  claim 2  wherein the first leg has an attachment portion for attaching the assembly to the yoke. 
     
     
         4 . A brace as described in  claim 3  including means for attaching the first side to the attachment portion. 
     
     
         5 . A brace as described in  claim 4  wherein the tab is fixed in a permanent position to the second side. 
     
     
         6 . A brace as described in  claim 5  wherein the tensioner includes a threaded handle. 
     
     
         7 . A brace as described in  claim 6  wherein the attachment portion includes a hinge barrel. 
     
     
         8 . A brace as described in  claim 7  wherein the second leg includes a yoke slot in which the tab engages to form the closed envelope. 
     
     
         9 . A brace as described in  claim 8  wherein the first side includes a horizontal slot through which the attachment means extends to attach the member to the assembly. 
     
     
         10 . A brace as described in  claim 9  wherein the assembly includes a top through which the threaded assembly extends, a first side connected to the top having the horizontal slot, and a second side connected to the top having another horizontal slot in alignment with the horizontal slot. 
     
     
         11 . A brace as described in  claim 10  wherein the attachment means includes a bolt. 
     
     
         12 . A brace as described in  claim 10  wherein the attachment means includes a rivet. 
     
     
         13 . A method for securing a pole for use of a pump jack system comprising the steps of:
 pivoting a latch plate assembly about a first leg of a yoke member from an open position about the pole to a partially closed position about the pole; and   sliding the assembly forward to a second leg of the member relative to the first leg into a fully closed position about the pole wherein a tab of the assembly is inserted into a yoke slot of the member.   
     
     
         14 . A method as described in  claim 13  including the step of tightening a threaded handle that extends through the assembly against the pole. 
     
     
         15 . A method for securing a pole for use of a pump jack system comprising the steps of:
 placing a brace about the pole; and   securing the brace to the pole using only one hand.