[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to an apparatus for handling tubular members. More particularly to a handheld apparatus adapted to hold, lift, release and aid in transferring cylindrical objects or tubular members, such as pipes, storage drums, trumpet housing, thin-walled tubes and the like.
BACKGROUND
[002] Often in machine assembly line or plant, it is necessary to engage and lift tubular structures, such as pipes, tubing, trumpet housing and other equipment. As used herein, the term "tubular" will be used to refer to any and all tubular and/or generally cylindrical structures, such as lengths of pipe or tubing, lift subs, and like equipment. Such tubular members may have considerable mass and dimensions, and therefore be cumbersome to properly and safely grip and transport such structures. Most of the conventional cylindrical objects handling devices are either operated hydraulically or pneumatically. Further, they include a curved clamping jaws extending far enough to provide an adequate gripping span or surface, for which the objects to be handled must be substantially spaced apart to permit such gripping jaws to reach between them for selection of the object to be gripped and raised. Due to the size and weight of this type of tubular members, stability and balance of handling of these members are very important. For this reason, any minor misalignment between structure in the gripping apparatus for engaging the tubular member and the members could cause handling problems during lifting or other movement. Also, misalignment between the handling structure and the tubular member could cause loading problems. Furthermore, conventional gripping mechanisms for thin-walled cylindrical objects does not provide any safeguard against deforming and crushing the objects walls, since the clamping force applied

by these conventional mechanisms is not limited or reduced during their operating cycle.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a handheld apparatus adapted to hold, lift, release and aid in transferring tubular members that eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a handheld apparatus adapted to hold, lift, release and aid in transferring tubular members, such as pipes, storage drums, trumpet housing, thin-walled tubes and the like.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for handling a tubular member.
[006] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[007] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[008] FIG. 1 depicts aside view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein;
[009] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged sectional view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for handling a tubular member, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0015] The embodiments herein achieve a handheld apparatus adapted to hold, lift, release and aid in transferring tubular members, such as pipes, storage drums, trumpet housing, thin-walled tubes and the like. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for handling a tubular member. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures there are shown embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the handheld apparatus 100 for handling a tubular member 102 includes an outer body 104, a first end 104a, a second end 104b, the outer body 104 defines a plurality of longitudinal openings 106, a guide rod 108, a connecting rod 110, an actuating assembly 112, a plurality of gripping members 114 and a biasing mechanism 116.
[0017] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the biasing mechanism 116 is considered to be a resilient

member. However, using pneumatic means and hydraulic means are also within the scope of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a top view and a bottom view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. The handheld apparatus 100 includes the outer body 104. In an embodiment, the outer body 104 is cylindrical in shape and has predetermined dimension. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to implement any shape for the outer body 104 without otherwise deterring the intended function of supporting as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Further the outer body 104 forms a frame enclosing all the components of the handheld apparatus 100. The outer body 104 includes a hollow portion (not shown). The outer body 104 further includes an inner wall supporting the guide rod 108 and an inner supporting member 118 for supporting the plurality of gripping members 114. Furthermore, the outer body defines the plurality of longitudinal opening 106. In an embodiment, the gripping members 114 are circular or spherical in shape. The longitudinal openings 106 provided in the outer body 104 has a diameter d (not shown) lesser than a diameter D (not shown) of the gripping members 114. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to implement any shape for the gripping member 114 without otherwise deterring the intended function of holding as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Further, it is also within the scope of the invention to define a shape for the longitudinal opening corresponding to the shape of the gripping member 114.
[0019] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a sectional view and an enlarged sectional view of a handheld apparatus, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. The handheld apparatus 100 further includes the guide rod 108. The guide rod 108 is adapted to be received in the hollow portion defined in the outer body 104. The plurality of gripping

members 114 are circumferentially disposed about the guide rod 108. The guide rod 108 includes a plurality of recess 120 corresponding to the plurality of gripping members 114 wherein the recess 120 is adjustable from a first dimension to a second dimension i.e. the plurality of gripping members 114 are located within the recess 120 when the guide rodl08 is moved in downward direction, and the plurality of gripping membersll4 are urged out of the recess 120 and into the longitudinal openings 106 of the outer body 104 to grip an inner wall of the tubular member 102 when the guide rod 108 is moved in upward direction.
[0020] The handheld apparatus 100 further includes the connecting rod 110. The connecting rod 110 connected to the guide rod 108 at said first end 104a. A portion (not shown) of the connecting rod 110 is enclosed in the outer body 104 as shown in FIG. 4. The apparatus 100 further, includes the actuating assembly 112. The actuating assembly 112 is connected to the outer body 104 at the first end 104a and is coupled to the connecting rod 110 as shown in FIGS 4 and 5. The actuating assembly 112 includes a lever 112a, a connecting bar 112b, a stopperll2c and a hinge mechanism 112d. The lever 112a is operated manually. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any means to operate the lever without otherwise deterring the intended function of aiding handling as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The lever 112a is connected to the connecting rod 110 through the connecting bar 112b and the hinge mechanism 112d. The lever 112a is adapted to be pushed towards and away from the connecting rod 110. When the lever 112a is pushed towards the connecting rod 110 it moves the connecting rod 110 vertically downwards. Similarly, when the lever 112a is pushed or moved away from the connecting rod 110, it causes the connecting rod 1 lOto move vertically upwards.

[0021] The handheld apparatus 100 further includes the plurality of gripping members 114. The plurality of gripping members 114 are disposed within the plurality of longitudinal openings 106 of the outer body 104. Each gripping member 114 is adapted to radially move towards and away from the guide rod 108. Each of the gripping member 114 disposed in the longitudinal openings 106 of the outer body 104 includes an engaging portion (not shown) which is adapted to urge out of the longitudinal openings 106 provided in the outer body 104 to engage with an inner wall of the tubular member 102. The plurality of gripping members 114 are circumferentially disposed about the guide rod 108 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] The handheld apparatus 100 further includes the resilient member 116 disposed between the guide rod 108 and the outer body 104. The resilient member 116 is configured to exert uniform engagement force to said plurality of gripping members 114 and apply a balanced load during movement and handling of the tubular member 102. In an embodiment, the resilient member is a spring. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any means to convey force applied by lever to gripping members without otherwise deterring the intended function of aiding handling as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. For example, the resilient member 116 may be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for handling a tubular member, according to the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method 600 includes, pushing a lever 112a towards a connecting rod 110, causing said connecting rod 110 to move vertically downward, wherein said connecting rod 110 moves a guide rod 108 enclosed in an outer body 104 to move vertically downwards causing a plurality of gripping members 114 to come in contact with said

guide rod 108 (step 602). The method 600 further includes, aligning a portion of said outer body 104 in said tubular member 102 (step 604). Furthermore, the method 600 includes pulling said lever 112a away from said connecting rod 110, causing said connecting rod 110 to move vertically upwards, wherein said connecting rod 110 moves said guide rod 108 in upward direction causing said plurality of gripping members 114 to move away from said guide rod 108 to hold said tubular member 102 firmly (step 606). Also, the method 600 includes transferring said tubular member 102 to a predetermined location (step 608).
[0024] The method 600 for handling said tubular member 102 is explained herein. When the lever 112a is pushed towards the connecting rod 110 it causes the connecting rod 110 to move vertically downward, thereby moving the guide rod 108 enclosed in the outer body 104 to move in vertically downward direction. This causes the resilient member to pull the plurality of gripping members 114 towards the guide rod 108. After this, the handheld apparatus is aligned in said tubular member 102. The handheld apparatus 100 is assembled to the inner wall (not shown) of the tubular member. After aligning, the lever 112a is pulled away from the connecting rod 110. When the lever 112a is pulled away from the connecting rod 110 it causes the connecting rod 110 to move vertically upwards. The vertical movement of the connecting rod 110 moves the guide rod 108 in upward direction causing the plurality of gripping members 114 to move away from the guide rod 108. When the plurality of gripping members 114 move away from the guide rod 108 it holds the tubular member 102 firmly. Once the tubular member 102 is held firmly in the apparatus 100 it may be transferred to any desired location.
[0025] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various

applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We claim,

A handheld apparatus 100 for handling a tubular member 102, comprising:
an outer body 104 defining a plurality of longitudinal openings 106 on a surface thereof;
a guide rod 108 adapted to be received in said outer body 104;
a connecting rod 110 adapted to be connected to said guide rod 108 near a first end 104a of said outer body 104;
an actuating assembly 112 connected to said outer body 104 near said first end 104a and configured to be coupled to said connecting rod 110;and
a plurality of gripping membersll4 adapted to be disposed between said guide rod 108 and said outer body 104, wherein said each gripping member 114 is adapted to radially move towards and away from said guide rod 108 to disengage and engage said apparatus 100 with respect to said tubular member 102, respectively.
. The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes a biasing mechanism 116 disposed between said guide rod 108 and said outer bodyl04, said biasing mechanism 116 is configured to exert uniform engagement force to said plurality of gripping members 114 and apply a balanced load during movement and handling of said tubular member 102.
. The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 1, wherein said each of gripping member 114 includes an engaging portion which is adapted to

urge out of said longitudinal openings 106 defined in said outer body 104 to engage with an inner wall of said tubular member 102.
The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 3, wherein said longitudinal openings 106 includes a diameter d lesser than a diameter D of said gripping members 114.
The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 1, wherein said outer body 104 includes an inner wall to support said guide rod 108 and an inner supporting member 118 to support said plurality of gripping members 114.
The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 1, wherein said guide rod 108 includes plurality of recess 120 corresponding to said plurality of gripping members 114 wherein the recess 120 is adjustable from a first dimension, where said plurality of gripping membersll4 are located within said recess 120, to a second dimension where said plurality of gripping membersll4 are urged out of said recess 120 and into said longitudinal openings 106 of said outer body 104 to grip said inner wall of said tubular member 102.
The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 1, wherein said actuating assembly 112 includes a lever 112a, a connecting bar 112b, a stopperl 12c and a hinge mechanism 112d.
The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 7, wherein said lever 112a is adapted to be pushed towards said connecting rod 110 to move said connecting rod 110 vertically downwards and said lever 112a is adapted to be moved away from said connecting rod 110 to move said connecting rod 110 vertically upwards.

The handheld apparatus 100 as claimed as claim 1, wherein said plurality of gripping members 114 are circumferentially disposed about said guide rod 108.
i. A method 600 for handling a tubular member 102, comprising:
pushing a lever 112a towards a connecting rod 110, causing said connecting rod 110 to move vertically downward, wherein said connecting rod 110 moves a guide rod 108 enclosed in an outer body 104 to move vertically downwards causing a plurality of gripping members 114 to come in contact with said guide rod 108;
aligning a portion of said outer body 104 in said tubular member 102;
pulling said lever 112a away from said connecting rod 110, causing said connecting rod 110 to move vertically upwards, wherein said connecting rod 110 moves said guide rod 108 in upward direction causing said plurality of gripping members 114 to move away from said guide rod 108 to hold said tubular member 102 firmly; and
transferring said tubular member 102 to a predetermined location.