cu») United States 1 ‘US 201002435958 2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2010/0243595 Al Walker et al. (54) FOLDING JIB MAIN STRUT AND TRANSPORTABLE REEVED STRUT CAPS Robert J. Walker, Manitowoc, WI (US); Michael J. Wank, Two Rivers, WI(US) (75) Inventors: Comespondenee Address BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE/UTAH UTAIT OFFICE 222 South Main Street, Suite 1930 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101 (US) (73) Assignce: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC, Manitowoc, WI (US) Ql) Appl.Nos 127730421 (22) Filed Mar. 24,2010, Related US. Application Data (60) Provisional application No. 61/165,403, filed on Ma 31, 2000 (43) Pub, Date Sep. 30, 2010 Publication Classification G1) neck Bo6C 3926 200501) BGC 2942 (200501), (2) US.CL 212/94; 2121209 on, ABSTRACT A method of assembling 1 mobile lit rane tht includes, uring operation ia rotating bed having attached thereto Toling jib hoist cum an line, and a rigging winch drum and Tine, 4) a boom pivotally moved on the rotating bed, i). a Tulfing jib pivotally mounted oth strut also pivotally 4 second strat connected tothe boom flow the eonnection point of the first strut, the method including: a) pivotally ‘connecting the first strat to dhe end of the booa:b) pivotally ‘connecting fst section of te second stut nea the topof the ‘boom ©) connecting the riguing winch linet the top ofthe frst section; d) pivotally ataching a second section of the second sit o the frst section stich thatthe second section Ties folded onto the fist section, forming a folded second strut; and e) lifting the second section while retracting the rigging winch line to thereby bring the first and second se tions into alignment with each other,Patent Application Publication Sep. 30, 2010 Sheet 1 of 8 US 2010/0243595 AI FIG. 1Patent Application Publication Sep. 30, 2010 Sheet 2 of 8 US 2010/0243595 AIPatent Application Publication Sep. 30, 2010 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2010/0243595 AISep. 30, 2010 Sheet 4 of 8 ‘US 2010/0243595 AL Patent Application PublicationSep. 30, 2010 Sheet 5 of 8 ‘US 2010/0243595 AL Patent Application PublicationSep. 30, 2010 Sheet 6 of 8 ‘US 2010/0243595 AL Patent Application PublicationSep. 30, 2010 Sheet 7 of 8 ‘US 2010/0243595 AL Patent Application PublicationPatent Application Publication Sep. 30, 2010 Sheet 8 of 8 US 2010/0243595 AI FIG15US 2010/0243595 Al FOLDING JIB MAIN STRUT AND TRANSPORTABLE REEVED STRUT CAPS REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED "APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims the benefit of the {ing date under 35 U.S.C. $119(e) of Provisional US. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/165.403, whieh is hereby incoepo- rated by reference in ts entirety. BACKGROUND 10002] The present disclosure relates to @ mobile lifting ‘rane that uses a rigging winch drum and rigging to help ‘semble folded jib main strut when Tulling jib is ‘employedon the crane. Purthermorg, the disclosure relatesto the disassembly and assembly ofthe huffing jib struts on a job site in way that allows the sheaves of strit caps to remain reeved during transport to or from the jobsite, to prevent reeoeving the strut caps at anew job site 10003] | Mobie lift cranes typically include a carbody hav- ‘ng moveable ground engaging members; mating bed oal- ably connected tothe carbody such thatthe rotating bed can ‘wing with respect to the groin engaging members: «boom pivotally mounted on fon portion ofthe rotating bed, with ‘Jad hoist line extending therefrom, and counterweight 10 help balance the crane when the crane lifts a loa. Addition- ally, when the crane needs to work on particularly high build ngs orstrnetures, or in estrictel spaces, Tufingib pivotally ‘mounted at the top of the Boom may be extended out 1 provide required reach. When the Iffng jib is employed, one ‘oF more llfing jib stus are connected othe topo the boom ‘orbottomo the luling ji. Thesestuts support the Iain ib rigging and backstay straps. providing a moment am about ‘hich foree can be applied to raise the jib and suppor a load, being lifted hy the luting jib 10004} Since the crane wil be used in various locations, it nexds to be designedso that tan be anspated fom one jab site tothe next. This usually requines thatthe crane be dis- ‘mantle! into components that ae of size and weight that they can he transported by truck within highway transports tion limits. The ease with which the erane can be dismantled snd setup has a impact om the total cost of using dhe eran. “Ths, tothe extent that fewer man-hours ae needed to sep the crate, there is a direct advantage tothe crane owner of renter, When the fing ib rigging includes multiple parts of Tine between te struts, each strut exp usually includes mul- tiple sheaves through which the jib hoist line must be reeved whenever the crane is set up, which takes significant amount oftime. 10005] Several methods have been used in the past t0 assemble the laffing jib with its uffing jib strats. At least one ‘of those methods involves ataching the assembled jib struts to the end of the boom and reeving the caps of the ji struts with a ib host Hine. The reeving process is time consuming. AAvwhip hoist line may then be used to pull the top of the 160 ib struts (he jib msinstut) over center while itis raised with ‘an assist erane tothe point that «backstay suspension, on- nected atthe base of the boom, can he pinned the top ofthe ‘ain stat, The assist crane must travel while it its to per ‘orm this lifting operation, and assemblers need to work high ‘off the ground in pinning the backstay sspension, which may Jengthen the process and puts the assemblers at more risk Sep. 30, 2010 [0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes solu- tions tothe above drawbacks with previous methods by mak- ing the method for assembly of the jib struts more efficent ‘and safe. For instance, the noed o e-reeve the fib strut caps during set up of the erane on the job site is eliminated, the ‘assist crane need not tuvel when erecting the mai strut, and the assembly steps may be executed closer tothe ground BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP THE DRAWINGS. 0007] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of @ prefered embodiment of a mobile lift erane utilizing a ling ji sy3- tem of the present diselosure [0008] FIG. 2 is an enlarge side elevational view of the crane of FIG. I with some ofthe components removed for sake of elrity [0009] FIG. 3 isa side view of aj hoist drum and its jib hoist line reeved with pair of detached strut caps ofthe rane ‘of FIG. 1. showing fist transport mode embodiment, [0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the jib strut of FIG. 1, in Whiel the strut cap of the min str is roeved with, and attached to, the strut eap of the jib strut, showing a second transport mode embodimest. [QOL] FIG. $ isa side elevational view ofthe jib strut of | FIG. 1, in which the steut eap ofthe main strut is attached to aside of the ib strat and reoved withthe strut cap of the jib strut, showing a third transport mode embodiment. [0012] FIGS. 6 through 1Sare sie elevational views ofthe cmne of FIG. 1, showing step-by-step assembly of the jib struts, wherein FIG. 6 displays theatached jib strat and quick reeving of the ib stat caps with the jib hoist line [0013] F1G.7 displays the pivotal connection of first strat section, including an assembled! main strat butt and first insert of the main strut to the top of the boom. 0014] FIG. 8 displays the telescopic attachment of a strat ‘top between the boom and the main stut but, and the cone ‘necting ofa rigging wineh line tothe top ofthe fist inser. [0015] FIG. 9 displays the pivotal connection of a second rut section, inluding an assembled main strut top and sec- ‘ond insert tothe frst inser such thatthe main tut is folded fn itselE, and displays the attachment of hackstay stp see- sions to the main strut cap. 0016} FIG. 10 displays the lifting of the main stratcap and sections of backstay straps while paying out the eeved jib hoist ine, [0017] FIG. 11 displays the lowering ofthe main stut eap And the pining ofthe sctions of hackstay’straps to adlitional ‘sections of hackstay straps connected to the bottom of the boom, [0018] FIGS. 12 ehrowgh 14 display the connecting of the ‘main stat eap to the strut top af the main srt [0019] FIG. 15 displays the retracting ofthe riguing winch line while lifing the main strat top with a raising pendent attached thereto, to elose the folded! msi strat, hs eomplet- ing assembly ofthe lffing jib struts DETAILED DESCRIPTION OP THE DRAWINGS "AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED. EMBODIMENTS, [0020] The present disclosure will now be further Aeseribod. Inthe following passages, diferent aspocts ofthe ‘isclosure are defined in more detail, Each aspect so defined ‘may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the coatray. In particular, any featureUS 2010/0243595 Al Indicated as being preferred or advantageous n bined with any other feature oF features indicated as being prefered or advantageos [0021] The prefered embodiment of the present embod ments relates 0 a high capacity mobile lit erane, other aspects of which arecisclosed in US. Pat.No. 7,546,928 and the following co-pending United States patent applications sssigned to the assignee ofthe present application: “Mobile Tift Crane With Variable Position Counterweight" Ser. No. 121023,902, filed Jan. 31, 2008, (Attorney docket no. 3380- 490); "Masi Raising Stace And Process For High-Capae- ity Mobile Lift Crane.” Ser. No. 11/740.726, fled Ape 26 2007, (Attomey docket no, 3380-456); “Connection System For Crane Boom Segments” Ser. No. 12/273,310, filed Nov. 18, 2008, (Attomey docket no. 380-537); “Drive Tumbler And Track Drive For Mobile Vehicles, Including Lift “Cranes.” Ser. No, 12/368,143, filed Feb, 9, 2009, (Attorney docket no. 3380-550); “Track Connection Systom For Mobile Vehicles, Including Tift Cranes,” Ser, No, 12/368,125, filed Feb. 9, 2000, (Attomey docket no. 3380-589); “Track Ten- soning System For Mobile Vehicles, Ineuding Litt Cranes,” Ser. No. 12/368.113, filed Feb. 0, 2009, (Atiomey docket no. 3380-561}; "Boom [loist Transportation System And Crane Using Same." Ser. No. 12/561,007, filed Sep. 16, 2009, (At- ‘omey docket no. 3380-579); Carbody Connection System And Crane Using Same,” Ser. No. 12/561, 103, fled Sep. 16, 2009, (Attomey docket no, 3380-586); “Trunnion Transpor tation System And Crane Using Same.” Ser. No. 12/561, 058, filed Sep. 16, 2009, (Attorney docket no. 3380-595) "Drom Frame System For Cranes,” Ser. No. 12/561,094, fled Sep. 16, 2008, (Attomey docket no. 3380-596), “Crane Hook Block.” Ser. No. 12/700.678, filed Feb. 22, 2010, (Attomey docket no. 3380-607); Swing Drive System For Cranes,” Set No, 12/710.960, filed Feb. 23, 2010, (Attomey docket no. 3380-508); Counterweight Block And Assemblies For Cranes", Ser. No. 12/728,156, fled Mar. 5, 2010 (Attorney docket no. 3380-621); “Crane Boom Stop.” Ser.No. 61/175, 935, fled May 20,2009, Attorney docket no. 3380-566): and “Crane Backstay Spreader.” Ser. No. 61/175,983, fled May 20, 2009, (Attorney docket no. 3380-567), Bach of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference. 10022] Several terms used in the specification and claims have a meaning defined as follows. 0023] The term “strut cap” designates an arrangement of sheaves secured togetherin supporting structure soasto atin ‘concert in spreading tensional force between multiplepartsof the hoist ine. Thestruteapscome inpais. Fachof stand sccondstrut capsinclicles a mumberof sheaves through which ‘arereeveda wirerope. Inthe present disclosure, eachstrutcap ‘ofthe pairs connectedto the topof one ofthe ling jib struts ‘during normal erane operation, 10024) The terms “jib main strut" or simply “main strut” designates the iffing jib strut that connects to a lower pos tion on the boom, Trough at least one backstay str com- nected from the end of the main strut the bottom of the boom, a fixed angles maintained between the main strut and the boom. Tes the main srt to which the present disclosure refers when discussing erection ofa folded lffing jib strut 0025] |The tom ib stra” designates the Iufing jb sit that connects higheron (¢g., tb the top of the boom andor‘ the bottom of the fuffing jib. Through atleast one jib support siryp connected from the end ofthe jib strut tothe top ofthe Iuffing jb. a fixed angle is maintained betwen the jib sit ‘andthe fing jib, Sep. 30, 2010 [0026] ‘The term “jb hoist drum” designates winch used to take up and pay outline tht is wed to contro the angle between the two lulfing ib struts (dhe main andj struts) The jib hoist drum includes a eylindrical body on Which the jib ‘ois ine is wound, 2s wall asthe mechanical and hydraulic ccntrols for controlling ration of the cylindrical boy [0027] The term “ib hoist drum frame” designates the structure that is used to hold the jib hoist drum components together, aad to mount thea to other erane components, if needed. Also, other components may be mounted to the frame, The term “mont” includes immobilizing the com- ponent tothe stracure to which its mounted, Flowever, the ‘erm “frame” is meant to designate structure that i reason- ahly close in size tothe dram and used for the above enmer fated purposes, Thus stricture that is used as another major ‘component of crane, or thats more than twice as longa the «vlinieal par of the drum, oF more than ice the diameter ofthe drum, would not be considered part ofa frame of the ‘rum. [0028] ‘The term *srut stop” designates a srscture used to ‘prevent he Tuling jib from tipping over backwards, and is connected between the jib main strut andthe boom. The strut ‘Stop Works in conjunction wih the at least one backstay strap to retain fixed angle between the jib main strut and the ‘boom, thus preventing the jib strut from rotating too far toward the boom, [029] The termed “pinned” (and variations thereof, such as “pinning”) is meant to designate a connection between ‘components that allows forthe transfer of forees between the ‘components, and also allows the connection o be easly di assembled. Most typically, a pinned connection is one that transfers force thoogh shear forees ona pin passing trough holes in the two connected strictures. In addition to bolts eam be use to makes “pinned” connection a that fem is used herein, [0030] _Whilethe disclosure will ave applicability to many types of cranes, it will be described in connection with 3 ‘mobile lift erane 10, shown in an operations configuration in FIG. 1. The mobile lif crane 10 includes lower works, also referred asa carbody 12, and moveable ground engaging ‘members in the form of crawlers 14 and 16, There are v0 front crawlers 14 andro rear erates 16, only one each of whieh ean he seen from the side view of PIG. 1, Inthe rane 10, the ground engaging members could be just one set of | crawlers, one crave on each side. OF course, aditional craters than those shown can be used, as well a other ypes of ground engaging members, sch as tires. [0031] rotting bed 20s rotatably connected to the cat= body 12 such thatthe rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members, The rotating bed is mounted to the carbody 12 witha slewing ring, such that the rotating ‘ed 20 can swing about an axis wih respect tothe ground ‘engaging members 14, 16. The rotating bed supports a boom 22 pivotally mounted on a font portion of the ocating be: ‘must 28 mounted at its frst end on the rotating bed, with a lower equalizer 47 connected to the mast adjacent the second ced of the mast: a backhitch 30 connected hetween the mast 28 and a rear portion ofthe rotating bed 20; and a moveable ‘ouintemeight unit 34. Counterveights used on the counter ‘weight unit 34 may be in the form of multiple stacks of individual counterweight members (or blocks) 44 on a sup- port member. [0032] Boom hoist rigging (described in more detail below) between the top of mast 28 and boom 22 is used to control theUS 2010/0243595 Al boom angle and transfer load so that the counterweight canbe used to balance load lifted by the crane. load ist ine 24 js trained over pulley on the boom 22, supporting a hook 2. Atte other end. the Toad hoist line is wound on a fist main load hoist drum 70 connected tothe rotating be, described in more detail below, The rotating bed 20 includes other ele- ments commonly found on a mobile Tit erane, such as an ‘operator's cab,» hoist drum 80 forthe hoom hoist rigging. 3 second main host drum 80 and an auxiliary load hoist dram 90 for a wip line, also described in more detail below. 10033] As shown in FIG. 1, the boom 22 includes a fffing jib 23 pivotally mounted tothe top ofthe main boom 22. The ‘rane also includes first andl second jib struts 27 and 29, also referred to herein respectively asthe jib and main struts, as well as associated luffing jib riguing and a luing jib hoist ‘drum 100, which inthe embodiment depicted is mounted on the font roller earrier ofthe rotating bed 20. In other embed ‘mens, the Taffing jb hoist drm may be attached to the main ‘oom 190, the mast 28, or another structure that is mounted 10 the rotating bed 20. Taffing jb hoist Hine 19 rans fom the ‘drum 100, through one or more wie guides 18, and upto the rigging tht controls theangle betwen the jib and main struts 27, 28. Inone embodiment, the Tufling jib boist line 19 38 8 wire rope of about 34 mm in thickness. The rigging that ‘controls the angle between the struts includes fest and second, rut cups 31, euch respectively attached o the fist and see- ‘ond struts 27, 29. The jib hoist line 19 is reeved through sheaves ofthe fist and second strut caps 3L The strut cap 31 ‘of a strtis detachable in some embodiments. The ltfing ib hoist line 19 dead ends on either ofthe sirt cups 3 oon one ‘of the fist and second strats 27,29. 0034) -Twobackstay straps 33, are connected etwoen the ‘end of the main strut 29, eg. to the cap thereof, and the bottom of the boom 22. These hackstay straps are made of rnutiple fixed-length sections. Selection of the number of ‘cctions and the length of each section allows changing the hypotenuse ofthe fxed-angle tangle formed between the rain strut 29 and the boom 22 to accommodate dierent boom lengths. By changing the length of the backstay straps 33, a constant angle may be maintained between the main ‘rut 29 and tho boom 22 for each length of the boom for Which the erane is designed 10035] Similarly, sections of jib suppor straps 388 may be ‘conned betwen the end of thejib stat 27 and adjacent the ‘op of the Tung jb 23 to maintain a constant angle therebe- tween, By using the jib suppor: sttaps 333 as described, paying out or retracting the llfing jib hoist Hine 19 allows ‘Expanding or retracting the angle hetween only the frst and second ji struts 27, 29, Furthermore, a strut stop 38 is con rected between the main strut 29 and the boom 22 to provide support to the main stat 29 if no load ison the jib and the ores pulling the mainsteut up are less than the foroes pulling the main stut down, 10036] The boekhitch 30 is connected adjacent the top of the mast 28, but down the mast far enough that it does not ‘interfere with other items connected 10 the mast. The back- hitch 30 may comprise a latice member, as shown in FIG. 1, ‘designed o cary both compression and tension loads. Inthe ‘rane 10,themast28 isheld ata fixed angle with respect tothe rotating bed 20 during crane operations, suchas. pick, move and set operation, 10037] The counterweight unit 34s moveable with respect to the rest of the rotating hed 20.-A tension member 32 ‘connected adjacent the top ofthe mast supports the counter- Sep. 30, 2010 ‘weight unit ina suspended mode. A counterweight movemes structure is connected between the rotating bed and the cou ‘erweight unit such thatthe counterweight unit may bemoved toand held at ist position font ofthe top ofthe mast and ‘moved to and held ata second position rearward ofthe top of the mast, described more flly in US. patent application Ser No. 121023,902 [0038] At least one linear actuation device 36, such as hydraulic eyinder, or alternatively a rack and pinion assem- by and atleast one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and ata second end to thea linear aetation device 36, are used in the counterweight movement stuctire ‘oferane 10 to change the postion of the counterweight. The fam and lines actuation device 36 are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit suc that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device 36 changes the positon of the counterweight unit compared tothe rotating bed, While FIG. 1 shoses the counterweight wit in its most ‘orwand position, the linear aetuation device 36 can be pat= tially or fully extended, which moves the counterweight init ‘to mid anda positions, or any intermesiate position, such as ‘whet a lod is suspended from the hook 26 [039] In a prefered embodiment of dhe counterweight ‘movement structure, a pivot frame 40, which may bea solid ‘welded plate structure is connected beeen te rotating bed 2Wand thesscand endo the linear aetustion device 36. rear ‘am 38 is connected between the pivot frame 40 and the ‘counterweight unit M, The rearama 38 also a welded plate structure with an angled portion 39 the end that connects 10 the pivot frame 40, Thisallows thearm 38 o connect directly in line withthe pivot frame 40, The backhiteh 30 has an ‘shape configuration, with spread-apart lower legs, which allows the counterweight: movement structure’ t0 pass between the legs when necded, [0040] The crane 10 may be equipped witha counterweight support system 46, which may be required to comply with fname regulations in some countries. The counterweight ‘movement stractre and counterweight suppor sinictare are more fully disclosed in US. patent application Ser. No. 121023,902. [0041] The boom hoist igaing includes boom hoist ine in the form of wire rope 25 wound ona boom hoist drum $9, and eeved through sheaves ona lower equalizer 47 and an upper ‘equalizer 48. The boom hoist dram is mounted in frame 60 (FIG. 2) connected to the rotating bed. The rigging also ‘includes fixed length pendants 21 connected between the ‘boom top aad the upper equalizer 48, The lower equalizer 47 js connected to the rotating bed 20 though the mast 28. This ‘aangement allows rotation of the Boor hoist drum 80 t0 ‘change the amount of boom hoist Hine 25 betwen the loser equalizer 47 andthe upper equalizer 48, thereby changing the angle between the rotating bed 20 and the hoom 22, [0042] Tae boom hoist drum frame 60, the lower equalizer 47 aad the upper equalizer 48 each include cooperating attachment structures hereby the lower and upper equaliz~ ers can be detachably connected to the boom hoist drum frame so thatthe boom hoist drum. the lower equalizer, the ;pper equalizer and the boom heist fine can be wansported 3s, ‘a combinied assembly. The combined boo hoist dum 80 trame60, lower equalizer 47andupper equalizer 48, arranged as they would be for tansportation between job sites, are \deseribed in US. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/098,632. 0043] As noted above, in a preferred embodiment, the frame includes four drums each mounted in a frame andUS 2010/0243595 Al ‘connected tothe rotating bed in a stacked contiguraton, (The rotating bed includes 2 mainframe and front and rear roller carriers.) The ib hoist drum is mounted ina frame attached to the front surfice ofthe front roller cartier, Frames af two of the four stacked drums ure connected directly to the rotating bed, while the frames ofthe other two drums are indirectly ‘connected to therotating bed by being diretly connected toat Jeast one of the two drum frames connected directly to the rotating bed. In this case, the four stacked drums are pefer- ably the first main load hoist dram 70 with loa hoist line 24 ‘wound thereon the second main lod hoist drum 80 with load hoist line 17 wound thereon, the auxiliary load hoist drum 90 with whip Hine 18 wound thereon, and the boom hoist drum 50 with boom hoist ine 28 wound thereon, Preferably, the frame ‘91 ofthe auxiliary load hoist dram 90 and frame 81 of the second main load hoist dam 80 are connected directly to the rotating bed (the frame 91 pins tits font onto the front roller ‘aren, the frame 71 of the frst main load hoist drum 70 is, ‘connected both of fames 81 and 91 while the fame 60 for the boom hoist drum 80 is connected (0 frame 81, Ia that regard, dhe boom hoist drum frame 60 i thus stacked on top ‘of and pinned directly to the second main load hoist dram frame 81, and the first main load hoist drum frame 71 is stacked on top of and pinned directly to the auxiliary load hoist drum frame 91. The deum frames are comnected to the rotating bedand to each otherby removable pins, allowing the James wo be disconnected Irom and tansported separately from the rotating bed 10044) _A sixth drum includes rigging winch drum 110 0 Which is wound a rigging winch ine 111. The rigging winch ‘drum 110 issttached to a lower section of the rotating bed 20 ‘and is lighter weight than the other drums. The rigging winch fine 111, inoneembodiment, may bea 19 mm winch lie that Js generally used to help assemble canes, Hereit, the rigging ‘winch line 111 is employed to belp to speed rooving the sheavesof thestruteaps 31, and assembly ofthe main strut 29. 10045] The trot caps 31 may be transported between job sites while reeved together as pair. OF the several dierent ‘embodiments ofthis concept, three embotiments are shown, in FIGS. 35, When reeved together, and possibly alached to ‘one ofthe jib struts 27,29, the struts caps 31 may be easily transported and employed for use on the jib struts 27, 29 ‘during assembly ofthe crane. A first embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 in which a par of detached strat eaps 3 are reeved ‘with the Toffing jib hoist line 19 and transported with the Jufling jib hoist drum 100. second embodiment is showa in FIG. 4in which an attached por of strut caps 31 are reeved together and atached to one ofthe lulling ji struts 27,29. third embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 in which both strat caps 31 are attached to the end of a lufing jib strut, and remain reeved together, [0046] More particulary, FIG. 3 displays the pair of ‘detached sieutcaps 31 reeved with te ling jib bois line 19, ‘wherein the Jffing jib hoist ine 19 has been retracted so the strut caps31 may be transported on the same carreras the jib hoist drum 100. In an embodiment, the strut eaps 31 are transported adjacent each other so that they remain reeved together. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 3, the jib heist line 19 is retracted ftom the wire guides 18 of the boom 22 without being threaded therethrough, to thus avoid having to un-reeve ‘and then re-oeve the sheaves ofthe stn caps 27, 29 during disassembly and assembly: Any wire gues Iattached tothe boom 22 ary, therefore, configured with a detachable (or Sep. 30, 2010 [0047] Each steut cap 31 includes, as mentioned, @ number fof sheaves, and also a pir of side brackets 114, each wit aperture 115 therethrough. Furthermore, each strut exp 31 includes frst and second protrusions 116, 18 each having an aperture therethnough. The protrusions 16, 118 may be used {orattachment of a strut cap to another strut cap, tothe main or jib stat 27,29, or othe fame of the jib hoist deum 100. ‘These attachments may be executed by pinning. Forinstanee pin is displayed in FIG. 3 for connecting the stut caps 31 10 cach other through the first protrusions 116, While FIG. 3 splays the strut caps 31 so attached, they need not be attiched for tansportaton as they are sill reve together, and noed only be adjacent to each other to remain reeved Furermore, the fis or second protrusions 116, 118, or the brackets 114, may be ws for atachment ofthe strat caps 31 to the frame ofthe ib hoist dum 100 for transport. Alterna tively, the cops may be transported with the igging winch ‘drum 110, in which case the rigging wineh line 111 would be reeved through the sheaves of the stra caps 31. [0048] FIG. 4 displays analtemative embodiment of tans- porting the strat caps, ths time with one of the strat caps 31 Attached fo the end of one of the main or jib struts 27,29. As ‘ill be explained with respect tothe assembly and disassem- bly embodiments disclosed herein, the preferred embodiment is thatthe strut is the jib (or frst strut 27, and the diseon- nected sut cap 31 displayed comes from the main (or see~ fond) stra 29. An auxiliary (oF fist) line 119 may be reeved through thesheaves ofthe strutcaps 31 during disassembly of the erane so thatthe strat caps 31 remain reeved together during tansportation. The auxiliary ine 119 is a shorter piece, but le enough for reeving the sheaves of the strut aps 31, being dea-ended to one of them, ort a stra The auxiliary Tine 119 may bea 19 mm ine ike that of the rigging ‘winch drum 110, may be a simple piece of wire rope, or @ ‘gging line also connocted to the rigging winch drum 110. 049} Reeving the stut caps 31 with the auxiliary fine 19 ‘may be done by detaching a dead end ofthe lffing ib host line 19 and attaching it to the auxiliary line. Attachment of ‘so Finest exch other like this may be done with a thimble (not shown) having a hole which is attached tothe end ofthe Iuffing jib hoist line 19. The 19 mm line ioehudes wedged, ‘two-pronged ends with holes that may be positioned over the ‘thimble so thatthe wo Fines ean then be pied together. This famangement is one of several methods commonly usd to securely attach to nes to each other. The llling jib hoist Tine 19, once attached to the auxiliary line 119, is retracted ‘nto the jib hoist drum 100 until the auxiliary line 119 is reeved within the sheaves of the strat caps. The lufing jib his fine 19 may then be detoched fom the auxiliary line 119 and reracted the rest ofthe way into its drum 100 for trans- portation. The auxiliary line 119 may be dead-ended toone of the strut caps ort the strut, although it need not be, and the strut caps 31 may or may not be attached to each other The ‘ino ib str 27, 29 having ataced thereto the str caps 31 reeved with the ailiary line 119 may then be transported ‘san assembly, [0050] FIG. § displays an altemative embodiment of that shown in FIG. 4, differing in that the strat eap attached tothe ‘main or jib strut 27, 29 isnot detachable, and the dotoched Strut cap 31 has been attached fo a steut tp of the stat, near the noudctachable strat cap 31 sch that they may sil be eeved together. In this embodiment, the rotnision 118 mayUS 2010/0243595 Al be attached to the strut for added support in addition to the brackets 114, As before, the prefered embostiment is that the strut isthe fib (or first) strut 27 a iis the main strut 29 that Will be disassembled during disassembly of the crane, support stand 122 may be positioned under the strut in the ‘embodiments of either FIG, 4 or § during disassembly oF assembly. 10051} "After arival on a job site, the crane 10 may be ‘erecta! 10 the point displayed in FIG. 6, which includes attachment ofthe jib strt 27 to the end ofthe boom 22. support 123 may be deployed below the hoom 22 to provide ‘clearance forthe rigging winch line 111 and the jib ist ine 19 below the boom. Depending on which embodiment used FIGS. 3-8 fortransportationof the strut caps 3, the assembly ‘ay die slightly. The goal, however, isto reeve the jib hoist line 19 through the sheaves ofthe strut caps 41 if aot already reeved, For instance, ia frst embodiment shosin in FIG. 3 is used for transportation, once the jib strut 27 is connected to the top of the oom, then the strut caps.31 need only be pled vay from the jib hoist drum 100, while paying out the jib hoist fine 19, thus eating sack in the jib hoist Fine 19 so thst the strut cap 31 of the ib strat 27 may be attached thereto 10082] Inthe case of the embodiments displayed in FIG. 4 ‘oF, the atiliry ine 119 was reeved through the sr caps 31 for transportation, and may be used w quickly reeve ‘nother line though the sheaves of strut caps. For instance, in ‘second embodiment (ot shown), the rigging Winch line 111 ‘ay he connected to one end ofthe auxiliary line 19 and the ibhoist ine 19 othe other. The riguing winch line 11 is then retracted onto the deum 110 until theuxifiary lines removed ‘andthe jib hoist ine 19 is reoved through the sheaves ofthe strut caps. The rigging winch line 111 can then be discon- nected and retracted OM of the Way’ until ti used again in later steps discussed below. The auxiliary line 119 38 also removed, but can be re-emplayed to reverse the steps when readying the strut caps 31 for tansportation after use of the ‘rane. Ina third embodiment, thejib hoist line 19s eonnected to an end of the auxiliary line 119, as before, but an assist ‘rane Tine 124 may be connected to the other end of the ‘uxiliary ine 119. The assist crane Hilts its line 124, thus emoving the auxiliary fine 119 while reoving the jib hoist Fine 19 therein, 10053] _FIG. 7 displays the pivotal connection of first strut section, ineling an assembled main stat butt 126 and fst Jnser 127, of the main strut 29 o the op ofthe boom. The Joeation ofattachment tothe boom 22 isnot rita, but ikely will be ata point somewhat distanced from the attachment Point ofthe jib strut 27. The jb host line 19 may be tempo- rary positioned off to the side of the jib stu 27 while the ‘ain strut 29 is assembled, so that ts ot inthe way of that process [0054] FIG. 8 displays the attachment ofthe strut stop 38 bherwoen the boom 22 and the main strut butt 126. The strut stop 35 is configured to extend telescopically for attachment to the top ofthe main strut butt 126, bu to retract toa shorter position once the main strut 29 is lifled Wo a closed positon (FIG. 18). The rigging winch line 111i connected 1 the top ‘of the fist insert 127 ofthe main ste 29. [0085] FIG. 9 displays the pivotal connection of a second sirut section, including an assembled main sirut top 128 and second insert 129, to the first insert 127 such that the main rut 29 is folded on itself. A number of sections of the backstay straps 338 are pinned to the main strat cop 31 ‘depeoding on the height of the boom 22. The number of Sep. 30, 2010 sections of backslay straps 33 pinned to the bottom ofthe ‘boom may be keep constant, for instance, and the number of sections of backstay steps 38 pinned tothe main stew cap 31 may be selected according 10 lenglh required for varying ‘boom lengths. Remember that the disclosed embodiments sock to maintain a constant angle between the min sil 29 and te hoom 22, such as just under 90 degrees. Also, in FIG. 9. the ji hoist line 19s raise over on tp of the Folded main strut 29 in preparation for iting the main sia eap 31 into the [0056] FIG. 10 displays the lifting of the main strut cap 31 And ackstay straps 33 while paying aut dhe reeved ib Bost line 19. The paying out of the jib hoist line 19 provides slack so thatthe main stat cap 3 (including the sections of back= stay straps 33) can be lowered to the strut top 128 of the ‘main strut 129, as shown in FIG. 11. The sections of backstay straps 334 pinned to the min seul cap 31 are pinned to the sections of backstay straps 33 connected tothe bottom of ‘the boom 22,0 complete the string aid backstay steps 33 between the main strt 29 and the hoom 22 (F1G. 18) [0057] ‘Themainsteutcap31 is then attached (pinned) othe topof the main strut 129, shown in FIGS. 12-14, using one ofthe brackets 114 wo attach one side ofthe main stra cap 31 land then pivoting the stnit cap to the other bracket 114 t0 ‘attach the other side, While the main strut cap 31 is pivoted, the backstay straps are positioned underneath the sit top 128, ontop ofthe sirut top 38, and ifneeded, the jib hoist line 19 is pulled in to take up excess slack on the reeved lines ‘within the iru caps 31. Note thatthe seetions of backstay straps 33—those atached tthe bottom of the boom and those attached to the main strut cap—could be pinned together, in alignment sith each other, before or after the ‘main steut cap 31 is ataced tothe main stew 29, [0058] FIG. 18 displays retracting of te rigging winch fine 111 while lifting the main strat top 128 and main strut cap M1 A raising pendant 130, ora rigid pole, may be pinned tothe sruttop 128 ormain strutcap M, and bepivolal to beartoched to the main srt 29 in a stomage configuration ant be lifts {o connect to an assist crane (not shown) ina Tifting configu- rion, The efsist crane may lift sight up on the raising pendant 130 while the raging winch line 11 is pulled into the rigging winch dram 110, causing the sds of the fist and second inserts 127, 129 0 come together as the main strut 29 strmightens and closes. Accordingly, the assist erane nood not travel and assembly ofthe llfing jib struts is simplified. [0050] Tae other side of the strut inserts 127, 129 may then be pinned to each other to complete assembly ofthe jib main sr 29, The rigging winch line 111 is disconnected, a isthe assisterane fom te raising pendant 130, The raising pendant js attached the main strut 29 for storage during operation of ‘thecrane 10. The jib hoist line 19 may now bereiracted to pu the ib strut 27 off the ground, generating room onthe ground attheendof the boom 22 for attachment thereon ofthe fff {ib23. While not displayed, sections of jib suppor straps 333 are pinned between the to ofthe luffing jb 28nd the end of the jb (r fist) strut 27. Accordingly, a ist aumber of see- ‘ions of jib support sirps 338. may be connected to the jib strut cap 31 before the jb strut 27 is pled off the ground, to ‘aciitate pinning ofthe fist numberof sections of jib support straps o the rest of the sections of jib support straps pinned to the end ofthe luffing jib 23 [060] It should he understood that various changes and ‘modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled inthe ar.US 2010/0243595 Al For instance, one or more ofthe strut caps may not be made removable. Furthermore, the line btwoea the jib strats may bbe made rigid while one of the angles between the boom and the main and jib struts, espectively, could be made change- able with a reeved ib hoist Tne, thus changing slightly how the lulfing jib is raised and lowered. Certain steps in the transportation ofthe erane and the assembly or disassembly ‘of the struts may be performed indifferent orders; accont- ingly, any orderof listing such method seps inthe appended ‘claims do not imply a required order, unless specifically rouired by the language of 2 claim. Such changes and modi ‘eations ean be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing ts fntended advantages. It is therefore intended that such ‘changes and modifications be covered by the appended ‘luis 1.Amethod of assembling a mobile lift crane, the ifterane ‘comprising, during operation, i) a rotating’ bed having tached thereto luffing joist drum and line, anda rigging wineh drum and Ine, i) a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed ii) luting jib pivotally mounted tothe end of the boom, iv}a first stratals pivotally connected tothe end of the boom, and v)a second strut eonnectedto the boom below the connection point ofthe frst strut, the method comprising: ‘8) pivotally connecting the ist strut tothe endothe oom: ») pivotally connecting a frst section of the second strut near the top of the boom; ©) connecting the rigging Winch Hine tothe top ofthe first, pivotally attaching a second section ofthe second srutto the first section such tha the second section lies folded ‘oto the ist section, forming a folded second strut; and 6) lifting the second section while retracting the rigging ‘Winch line to thereby bring the fist and second sections into alignment with each ether. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the FR erane, during ‘operation, further comprises vi) a strat stop connected between the second strut andthe boom, and wherein the fist and second struts have respective fist and second caps attached thereto, each having a plurality of sheaves, the tcthod further comprising: roving the Tulling jib hoist line trough the plural sheaves in each of the firs and second seu eaps: connecting the stut stop between the boom and the fist ‘section ofthe second sini stop. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein reeving. the fling jib hoist line comprises connecting a dead end ofthe luling jib hoist line to one of the sirut caps or one of the sits, the smthod further comprising: ‘inning off at least one connection between the fst and ‘second sections of the second strut; and detoching the rigging wineh line from the frst section 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the ft erane, during ‘operation, further comprises vii) atleast one jib backstoy sirap connected between the bottom of the boom and the second cap attached to the second sti, the method further ‘comprising: 1) before step (), connecting the reeved second cap ofthe second strut tothe top of the sscond section, wherein Tifing the second section comprises Tfting, with an assist crane, a raising pendant attached toa srt top of the second section while retmeting the rigging winch Tine to Bring the ist an scoond sections ito alignment with each other; and Sep. 30, 2010 ybefore connection of the second eap tothe second strut, ‘connecting sections ofthe at least one ib backstay strap to the sevond stut cap, and connecting the sections of theat least one ib backs stryp ofthe second strut cap toa plurality of addtional sections ofthe at least one jib Duckstay strap which are attached to the bottom of the ‘boom 5. A method of assembling.a mobile lift rane the lifterane ‘comprising, during operation, i) a rotating bed, i) a boom pivollly mounted on the rotating bed it) lung ib piv ally mounted to the end of the boom: iv) a first strut aso pivoully connected to the end of the boom, the fist strut ‘ncludinga fst strat cap having sheaves, and v)asecondstrat ‘connected o the boom below the eonacetion point of the first strut, the sevond strut including a second strut ap having sheaves, the method comprising 8) connecting the fist strut, together with the frst and second sirut caps reeved witha fistine tothe end ofthe boom: ») connecting a second line wo an end of the frst line, the second fine being wound around a rotatable dam ‘mounted on an immobilized drum frame: and ©) removing the first line to thereby pall the second line ‘through the sheaves to reeve the frst and second strat caps with the second line, 6. The method of eliza 5, wherein the first steut apis connected 1 a distal end of the fist strut while boing trans- ported, wherein step b) is executed before step a), further ‘comprising prior to assembling the mobile lit erane: ‘ransporting toajb site the second strut cap, disconnected fom a distal end ofthe second stat and reeved together ‘with the frst strut eap sing the first Tine; and transporting the fist and second steuts to the job site 7. The method of claim 8, wherein the It crane, during ‘operation, futher comprises vi) alfing jib hoist drum and Tine, and vi) a rigging winch drum and line, wherein each drum is altached to the rotating bed, wherein the second line ‘comprises the jb hoist ine, andl wherein removing the first Tine comprises: ‘connecting te rigging winch line to a second end ofthe firs in: retracting the rigging winch line to remove the fist Hine from the plurality of sheaves of the strut caps while recving the ling jib hoist in: sconnecting the lulling jib hoist Tine fom the first line ‘and ‘connecting a dead end ofthe lffing ji hoist Fine toone of the strats o srt caps. 8. The method of claim 8, wherein the lif erane, during ‘operation, futher comprises vi) a Ilfing jib hoist drum and Jine, and vi) a rigging winch drum and line, wherein each drum is attached to the rotating bed, and wherein the second Tine comprises the rigging winch line, the method further comprising ‘connecting the lffing jib hist ine tothe end ofthe rigging ‘winch line: retracting the rigging winch fine to reeve the plurality of sheaves ofthe strut caps withthe lufing jib hoist line; lsconnocting the lulling jib hoist line from the rigaing ‘wineh fine: and ‘connecting a dead end ofthe lffiag jb hoist line to one of the strats or sri caps. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the lift erane, during ‘operation, further comprises vi) a srut stop connectedUS 2010/0243595 Al between the main strut and the boom, vii) llling jib hoist ‘drum and line, and viii) a rigaing winch drum and line, wherein exch drum is attached (0 the rotating bed, and Wherein the second line comprises the jb hoist lin, the method further comprising: ‘) pivotally connecting «frst section ofthe second strut ‘ear the top of the Boom; ‘connecting the stat stop between the hoom andthe first, 1) attaching the rigging winch line to the top of the frst, ) pivotally attaching a second section ofthe second strutto the first section such tha the second section lies folded ‘onto the first section, forming a folded second strut ‘hp connecting setions of at least one jib backstay strap 10 ‘the soon strut ep 1) lifting the second strat cap with an assist crane while paying out the lling jib hoist line, to ruse the second Strut cap vertically and create slack between the reeved first and second caps; and 1) pinning the second strat cap to the top of the second 10. The method of elaim 9, faber comprising positioning the lffing jb hoist Fine ofT 0a side ofthe fist steut before step): and laying the luffing jib hoist Hine over the second section of ‘the secon strut before steps i) and 11, The method of elses 9, futher comprising: selecting the number of the sections ofthe at least one jib Dackstay’stcap depending on the length ofthe boom, 12. The method of elaim 9, fanber comprising connecting the sections ofthe at least one ib backstay strap toaplurlity of additional sections ofthe a least one jb bbackstay strap that are attached to the bottom of the ‘oom: connecting line of the assist erane toa raising pendant attached tothe end ofthe second section: ‘while rising the socond section withthe assist crane con= nected (0 the raising pendant, retracting the rigging wineh line to bring the fist and second sections into ligament with each ober pinning off atleast one connection between the fst and ‘second sections of the second strut, disconnecting the rigging wineh line and the assis erane Tine connecting « plurality of sctions oft least one jib support ‘Seup between the jib strut ad the top ofthe ling jis and connecting the bottom of the lung jb tothe top of the ‘boom, 13. A method of dsissembling and transporting a mobile JiR erane from a job site, the lit erane comprising, during ‘operation, i) a pair of luting jib struts; i) a cap attached 10 ‘each strut, each having plurality of sheaves, andi) Ting Sib hoist line eeved through the plurality of sheaves of eae strut cap, the methos! comprising: ‘8) detaching at least onestnat cap from one ofthe lafing ib ‘simuts ‘retracting the lung jib hoist line until the stat eaps are adjacent to each ther: ©) retaining the strut caps adjacent to eal ter such that they romain reoved to each other and <4) teansporting the pairof rseved caps together from thejob Sep. 30, 2010 14, The method of claim 13, wherein the paie of llling jib struts comprise fist and second struts that are pivotally cone ‘ected to a boom of the ill crane during operation, wherein ‘the llling jib hoist line dend ends on one ofthe seus or strut aps, and wherein the second stut cap i detached and eon- ected tothe fst siut cap or oa strut top ofthe fist seut, the ‘method farther comprising: ©) connecting a first Tie to the dead end of the Ifing ib 1 retracting the luffing jib hoist ine until fre ofthe strat ‘caps andthe frst line is roeved within the phuraity of sheaves ofthe frst and second strat eaps and transporting the ist strut an the reeved frst and second strut caps together from the jobsite 15, The method of claim 13, wherein the sit eaps are ‘connected o each other while being transported from the job site 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the llling jib host Jinedeadends on one ofthe stu caps, and wherein both ofthe strut caps are removed from their respective struts, the ‘method further comprising: «) removing the ufing ib hoist Hine from a plurality of wire _Buidesltached toa boom of the crane, wherein the wire ‘guides are designed for release ofthe Ifling jb hoist Tine without being thresded therethrough: 1 retreting the luting jib hoist ine until the pai of strat capsareadjacentalifing jib hoist drum ofthe lifterane; )atching the connected caps toa frame ofthe ling jib hoist drum; and by) transporting the pair of reeved caps together with the Tulfing ji bist drum Sr the job sit, 17. A method of transporting and assembling a mobile lit ‘rane the lifterane comprising, during operation, i rotating bed, ii) a boom pivotally mounted ted, Jufing ib pivotally mounted to theend of the strut also pivotally connected othe end of the boom, the first strut including a fist strut cap, v)a second strat connected 10 the boom below the connection point of the first stut, the socond strut including a socond strat eap, and vi) a ffing jib hoist drum and lin, the lung ib hoist drum attached wo the ‘tating bed, the method comprising: 4) iransporting oa job site the frst and second strut caps detached from the ist and second strat, withthe huffing. jib hoist drum, wherein the ufing jib hoist line is reeved ‘through sheaves ofthe fist and second strut caps; ') transporting the first and second struts to the jobsite: ‘connecting the fst strut cap, while reeved tothe second steut cap, to the end ofthe first strut and 4) connecting the fist str tothe end ofthe boom. 18, The method of elaim 17, wherein step 4) is executed before step ¢) 19. A strut cap assembly comprising: a) first and second removable jib strut caps, ech comp ing: i) plurality of sheaves: i) a pair of side brackets each having a first apermre through which to detachably attach the stat cap t9 3 first uffing jb stat ofa mobile ft erane; and 4 fist protrusion having a fist aperture trough ‘which tobe pitied to the othr strut cap oF toa strut top of asecand lufing jib tru; and ') a wire ope reved through the plurality of sheaves of ‘each of the firs nd second strut caps.US 2010/0243595 Al 20, The stut cap assembly of ela 19, the assembly far. ther comprising: ‘a strut having atached atthe top thereof the fist strut cap, the sit including a pair of scoond proirsions attached toa sido thereof nea the first stat ep, the pairof second protrusions having second apertures, wherein the side Sep. 30, 2010 brackets of the second strut cap ae attached to the see ‘ond protrusions through the fist and second apertures, Wherein the fst protrusion ofthe second strut cap is toch tothe strat top throwgh the fist apertre