Claims:1. A pole handling apparatus (100) coupled to an earth mover, said apparatus (100) comprising:
a first frame (102) adapted to be attached to said earth mover;
a second frame (104) having a first end (104a) and a second end (104b) adapted to be connected to said first frame (104), said second frame (104) is rotatable relative to said first frame (102);
a clamping assembly (106) having a fixed clamp member (108) and a movable clamp member (110) operably engaging with said fixed clamp member (108), said clamping assembly (106) coupled to said first end (104a) and said second end (104b) of said second frame (104);
at least one clamp actuating member (112) pivotally attached to said fixed clamp member (108) and said movable clamp member (110); and
at least one tilt actuating member (114) disposed pivotally one at each said first end (104a) and to said second end (104b) of said second frame (104) and coupled to said first frame (102),
wherein,
said clamp actuating member (112) is pivotally hinged to a hinge point (120) defined on said fixed clamp member (108);
said clamp actuating member (112) is operated to pivotally move said movable clamp member (110) towards said fixed clamp member (108); and
said tilt actuating member (114) is operated to move said second frame (104) from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

2. The pole handling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movable clamp member (110) is configured to move in a curvilinear path to grasp a pole between said fixed clamp member (108) and said movable clamp member (110).
3. The pole handling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said movable clamp member (110) includes a front end (110a) and a rear end (110b) opposite to said front end (110a), said movable clamp member (110) is configured to move from a first position in which said front end (110a) is held above a reference level from ground towards a second position in which said front end (110a) is held below said reference level and proceeds towards a third position which is above said reference level and towards said fixed clamp member (108).
4. The pole handling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixed clamp member (108) and said movable clamp member (110) includes a first pole clamp surface (116) and a second pole clamp surface (118), respectively.
5. The pole handling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first pole clamp surface (116) and said second pole clamp surface (118) resists sliding between pole and said clamping assembly (106) when said second frame (104) is held in a direction perpendicular to said ground.
6. The pole handling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first pole clamp surface (116) and said second pole clamp surface (118) includes a plurality of mounting pads (122) which are made up of at least one of Nylon 6 (polycaprolactam) and rubber reinforced with cotton wire.
7. The pole handling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tilt actuating member (114) is adapted to move said second frame (104) from about 0? to at least 95?.
8. A method (200) of erecting a pole using a pole handling apparatus, said method (200) comprising:
positioning a fixed clamp member (108) which is coupled to a second frame (104) of said pole handling apparatus (100);
pivoting a movable clamp member (110) of said pole handling apparatus (100) relative to said fixed clamp member (108) about a hinge point defined on said fixed clamp member (108);
clamping a pole between a first pole clamp surface (116) defined on said fixed clamp member (108), a second pole clamp surface defined on said movable clamp member (110), respectively;
lifting said pole;
rotating said pole from a horizontal position to a vertical position by rotating said second frame (104) by operating at least one tilt actuating member (114) disposed pivotally one at each a first end (104a) and a second end (104b) of said second frame (104);
aligning said pole with a vertical bore;
lowering a bottom end of said pole into said vertical bore while maintaining said pole in a vertical position; and
unclamping said pole,
wherein,
said movable clamp member (110) is configured to move in a curvilinear path to grasp said pole between said fixed clamp member (108) and said movable clamp member (110).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a pole lifting and setting apparatus. More particularly, to a pole handling apparatus coupled to an earth mover wherein the apparatus is configured to lift the pole from a ground surface, move the pole from a horizontal position to a vertical position and set the pole in a desired location. Further, the embodiments herein relates to a method of erecting a pole using the pole handling apparatus.

BACKGROUND
[002] Erecting elongated poles such as lamp posts, power poles and similar heavy structures at a desired site is a common operation followed by many electrical and constructional companies. It is a known procedure to first establish a foundation or drill a hole at a constructional site, and then erect the pole by means of a crane. Conventionally, the poles are handled using end loader equipment, such as tractors equipped with hydraulically actuated end loader buckets, skid steer and tracked type vehicles equipped with such buckets, etc.
[003] However, the process of pole erection cannot be accomplished solely by a vehicle operator. At least one or more number of additional workers (other than vehicle operator) are required depending upon the size of the pole to be erected. Further, the additional workers are required to attach a chain around the pole and to the bucket, maneuver and position the pole (as it is being carried by the end loader vehicle) and detach the chain from the pole and bucket once the pole is set for erection. The same need for at least one person in addition to the vehicle operator also applies when the poles are to be removed from the site of a previous installation. Further, the additional workers are required to position the poles in a particular direction and hold them at a particular height for easy handling, which increases overall labor cost.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a pole handling apparatus coupled to an earth mover configured to lift the pole from a ground surface, move the pole from a horizontal position to a vertical position and set the pole in a desired location, and eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a pole handling apparatus coupled to an earth mover and the like.
[006] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a pole handling apparatus which is configured to lift the pole from a ground surface, move the pole from a horizontal position to a vertical position and set the pole in a desired location.
[007] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a pole handling apparatus which is adapted to grip the pole firmly and avoid slippage of the pole from pole holding clamp assembly.
[008] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a pole handling apparatus which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[009] Also, another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method of erecting a pole using the pole handling apparatus.
[0010] 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
[0011] The embodiments herein 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:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pole handling apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective rear view of a first frame of the pole handling apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a right side view of the pole handling apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a path followed by a movable jaw of the pole handling apparatus while lifting a pole from a ground surface, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart indicating a method of erecting a pole using the pole handling apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] 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.
[0018] The embodiments herein disclose a pole handling apparatus coupled to an earth mover and the like. Further, the embodiments herein disclose the pole handling apparatus which is configured to lift the pole from a ground surface, move the pole from a horizontal position to a vertical position and set the pole in a desired location. Furthermore, the embodiments herein disclose the pole handling apparatus which is adapted to grip the pole firmly and avoid slippage of the pole from pole holding clamp assembly. Additionally, the embodiments herein disclose the pole handling apparatus which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Also, the embodiments herein disclose a method of erecting a pole using the pole handling apparatus. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0019] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pole handling apparatus is explained herein below in conjunction with an earth mover such as tractor, skid steer, wheel loader, tractor backhoe loader etc. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to assemble the pole handling apparatus in any other earth mover equipments without otherwise deterring the intended function of the erecting a pole as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Further, the pole handling apparatus is considered for installing the pole in a vertical bore any shape and any dimension. Further, the pole handling apparatus is considered for moving the pole from a ground surface to a vertical position.
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pole handling apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the pole handling apparatus (100) for an earth mover includes a first frame (102), a second frame (104) having a first end (104a) and a second end (104b), a clamping assembly (106) having a fixed clamp member (108) and a movable clamp member (110), at least one clamp actuating member (112) (as shown in FIG. 2), at least one tilt actuating member (114), a first pole clamp surface (116) (as shown in FIG. 2) and a second pole clamp surface (118) (as shown in FIG. 2), a pole (shown), a hinge point (120) (as shown in FIG. 2), a plurality of mounting pads (122) and a trunnion pin (124) (as shown in FIG. 2).
[0021] The pole handling apparatus (100) coupled to the earth mover (not shown) includes the first frame (102). The first frame (102) is configured to be attached to a front or a rear portion of the earth mover. In an embodiment, the first frame (102) is substantially a rectangular frame. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first frame (102) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of attaching components of the pole handling apparatus with the earth mover as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The first frame (102) is made of rigid structure as it has to support all components of the pole handling apparatus to the earth mover. In an embodiment, the first frame (102) includes a plurality of connecting bracket (not shown) to connect the first frame (102) with the earth mover. Further, the first frame (102) defines a first central through-bore (not shown) to receive a trunnion pin (124)(as shown in FIG. 2). The trunnion pin (124) is fixedly coupled to the first frame (102) and it extends away from the first frame (102) towards the second frame (104).
[0022] The pole handling apparatus (100) includes the second frame (104). The second frame (104) includes a first end (104a) and a second end (104b) which is opposite to the first end (104a). The second frame (104) is adapted to be connected adjacent to the first frame (104). Further, the second frame (104) defines a second central through-bore (not shown) corresponding to the first central through-bore defined on the first frame (102) to receive the trunnion pin (124) (as shown in FIG. 1). The trunnion pin (124) is coupled between the first frame (102) and the second frame (104) such that the second frame (104) is rotatable relative to the first frame (102). The trunnion pin (124) is adapted to locate the second frame (104) and support rotation or tilting of the second frame (104) with respect to the first frame (102). The second frame (104) is adapted to rotate about an axis A defined by the trunnion pin (124) (as shown in FIG. 1). In an embodiment, the second frame is adapted to be rotated about 0? to at least 95? with respect to the first frame (102).
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a right side view of the pole handling apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The pole handling apparatus (100) includes the clamping assembly (106). The clamping assembly (106) further includes the fixed clamp member (108) and the movable clamp member (110). The movable clamp member (110) is adapted to operably engage with the fixed clamp member (108). The clamping assembly (106) is provided at both the first end (104a) and the second end (104b) of the second frame (104). The clamping assembly (106) is configured to handle the pole (not shown). The clamping assembly (106) is adapted to grasp the pole which is disposed on a ground surface. In an embodiment, the movable clamp member (110) includes a front end (110a) and a rear end (110b) opposite to the front end (110a). The movable clamp member (110) is configured to move from a first position (not shown) towards a second position. In the first position the front end (110a) is held above a reference level of ground. Further, the movable clamp member (110) is held open with respect to the fixed clamp member (108) at the first position. The movable clamp member (110) is configured to move towards the second position in which the front end (110a) is held below the reference level. Further, the movable clamp member (110) is configured to proceed towards a third position. In third position the front end (110a) of the movable clamp member (110) is held above the reference level and front end (110a) of the movable clamp member (110) moves towards the fixed clamp member (108). The movable clamp member (110) is configured to move in a curvilinear path to grasp the pole between the fixed clamp member (108) and the movable clamp member (110) as shown in FIG. 4. Further, the movable clamp member (110) is pivotally hinged to a hinge point (120) defined on the fixed clamp member (108). The movable clamp member (110) moves in the curvilinear path with respect to a hinge axis (not shown) defined at the hinge point (120). In an embodiment, the fixed clamp member (108) and the movable clamp member (110) are made up of steel. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any material for fabricating the clamping assembly without otherwise deterring the intended function of the clamping members as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0024] The pole handling apparatus (100) includes at least one clamp actuating member (112). In an embodiment, the clamp actuating member (112) is a hydraulic cylinder. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other actuating member without otherwise deterring the intended function of moving the clamping members of the pole handling apparatus (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The clamp actuating member (112) is pivotally attached to the fixed clamp member (108) on one end and the movable clamp member (110) at the other end. The clamp actuating member (112) is mounted at both the first end (104a) and the second end (104b) of the second frame (104). The clamp actuating member (112) is operated to pivotally move the movable clamp member (110) towards the fixed clamp member (108).
[0025] The pole handling apparatus (100) further includes the tilt actuating member (114). In an embodiment, the tilt actuating member (114) is a hydraulic cylinder. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other actuating member without otherwise deterring the intended function of moving or tilting the second frame (104) of the pole handling apparatus (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The tilt actuating member (114) is connected between the first frame (102) and the second frame (104). The tilt actuating member (114) is provided at both the first end (104a) and the second end (104b) of the second frame (104) and is operated oppositely so that the second frame (104) moves or tilts relative to the first frame (102). In an embodiment, the tilt actuating member (114) is adapted to move the second frame (104) from about 0? to at least 95? i.e. the tilt actuating member (114) tilts the second frame from the horizontal position to the vertical position.
[0026] Further, the fixed clamp member (108) and the movable clamp member (110) includes a first pole clamp surface (116) and a second pole clamp surface (118), respectively. The first pole clamp surface (116) and the second pole clamp surface (118) are configured to resist sliding of the pole held in the clamping assembly (106) when the second frame (104) is held in a direction perpendicular to the ground surface. In an embodiment, the first pole clamp surface (116) and the second pole clamp surface (118) includes plurality of mounting pads (122) which are made up of at least one of Nylon 6 (polycaprolactam) and rubber reinforced with cotton wire. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any material for fabricating the mounting pads without otherwise deterring the intended function of the supporting as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart indicating a method of erecting a pole using the pole handling apparatus (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. A method (200) of erecting a pole using a pole handling apparatus is provided. The method (200) includes positioning a fixed clamp member (108) which is coupled to a second frame (104) of said pole handling apparatus (100) (at step 202). Further, the method includes pivoting a movable clamp member (110) of said pole handling apparatus (100) relative to said fixed clamp member (108) about a hinge point defined on said fixed clamp member (108) (at step 204). Furthermore, the method includes clamping a pole between a first pole clamp surface (116) defined on said fixed clamp member (108), a second pole clamp surface defined on said movable clamp member (110), respectively (at step 206). Moreover, the method includes lifting said pole (at step 208). Additionally, the method includes rotating said pole from a horizontal position to a vertical position by rotating said second frame (104) by operating at least one tilt actuating member (114) disposed pivotally one at each a first end (104a) and a second end (104b) of said second frame (104) (at step 210). Also, the method includes aligning said pole with a vertical bore (at step 212). The method further includes lowering a bottom end of said pole into said vertical bore while maintaining said pole in a vertical position (at step 214). Finally, the method includes unclamping said pole (at step 216). The movable clamp member (110) is configured to move in a curvilinear path to grasp the pole between the fixed clamp member (108) and the movable clamp member (110).
[0028] 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 preferred 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.