Pump Jack Pole Brace Latch and Method
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.
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.