WO2002048017A1 - Handling apparatus - Google Patents

Handling apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002048017A1
WO2002048017A1 PCT/GB2001/005584 GB0105584W WO0248017A1 WO 2002048017 A1 WO2002048017 A1 WO 2002048017A1 GB 0105584 W GB0105584 W GB 0105584W WO 0248017 A1 WO0248017 A1 WO 0248017A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
support means
cross member
upright
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/005584
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Colin Jones
Simon Peter Studer
Original Assignee
Level Lift Trolleys Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Level Lift Trolleys Limited filed Critical Level Lift Trolleys Limited
Priority to AU2002222246A priority Critical patent/AU2002222246A1/en
Publication of WO2002048017A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002048017A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/10—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
    • B62B3/104—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape the object being of cylindrical shape, e.g. barrels, buckets, dustbins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/12—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members
    • B66F9/18—Load gripping or retaining means
    • B66F9/187—Drum lifting devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B2203/00—Grasping, holding, supporting the objects
    • B62B2203/42—Grips for grasping the upper rim of the barrels

Definitions

  • This invention relates to handling apparatus especially but not exclusively for handling individual items disposed on a tray or pallet and transporting them to -another location.
  • Pallets and trays such as spillage containers are commonly used for the transportation and storage of material in containers, whether they be drums such as the traditional 45 or 50-gallon (up to 230 litres) metal drum type containing for example a liquid or resinous material, containers such as plastics kegs containing for example a granular or powder material such as a pigment, or other bulk containers such as sacks.
  • the containers when full, are heavy items and their handling by operatives falls within the scope of manual handling regulations in order to minimise the risk of personal injury.
  • pallets may contain up to four large drums or a larger number of smaller drums.
  • apparatus for handling a container comprises a base including laterally spaced-apart wheel means and container support means which is raisable and lowerable relative to the base, the container support means being laterally movable between the wheel means.
  • the apparatus In use, the apparatus is placed in position with the wheel means disposed on either side of a tray or pallet containing one or more containers to be transported individually to another location and the container support means is laterally moved between the wheel, .means, if necessary, to bring the support means adjacent the container to be transported.
  • the support means is then height-adjusted to a container-engagement position and engaged in supporting relationship to the container, raised to lift the container off the tray or pallet and the apparatus including the container is then transported on the wheel means to the other location for lowering and release of the container.
  • the base of the apparatus preferably comprises essentially horizontal side members which carry the wheel means and to which are respectively attached an upright member, the upright members being joined together by at least one cross member which defines the extent to which the side members, and hence the wheel means, are laterally spaced apart.
  • the cross member may be adjustable in length so that the side members can accommodate pallets or trays of different sizes.
  • the wheel means preferably comprises castors for ease of movement in different directions and for manoeuvring the apparatus over a tray or pallet.
  • the cross member or preferably, respective upper and lower cross members conveniently mount the container support means for lateral translational movement between the upright side members and for vertical raising and lowering movement.
  • the support means may include means for releasable locking thereof to the or a cross member at a desired position between the side members.
  • the container support means comprises a frame to which is attached suitable container engagement means, the frame being vertically slidable in runners which themselves are movable along the cross member or members to provide the lateral translational movement.
  • the container engagement means which is preferably vertically selectably disposed on the frame to enable containers of different heights to be accommodated and may also be adjustable in reach, may comprise an upper latching hook member for releasable engagement with the rim or other suitable part of a container and a lower brace member for maintaining the container upright as it is lifted away from the tray or pallet or other supporting surface.
  • the frame complete with container engagement means is preferably vertically moved in the runners by means of a lever-operated ratchet-type jacking mechanism, although raising and lowering movement may be effected by a hydraulic or other servomechanism.
  • Apparatus according to the invention is intended especially for the handling of material contained in drums or kegs but is also suitable for the handling of material in other containers.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of drum-handling apparatus
  • Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
  • FIG 3 is a side view of the apparatus as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus carrying a drum container.
  • the apparatus as shown consists essentially of upright side members 11, 12 having handles 11a, 12a, the side members being attached at their lower ends to respective horizontal foot members 13, 14 each carrying wheels 15, 16 and castors 17, 18.
  • the side members 11, 12 are connected together by respective upper and lower cross members 19, 20 which carry, for sliding lateral movement, a sub-assembly for supporting a drum container.
  • the sub-assembly consists of upper 21 and lower 22 carriers which are equipped with roller bearings for lateral sliding movement on the cross members 19, 20 and are connected by rearwardly-disposed handles 23, by means of which the sub-assembly can be manually moved laterally towards either side member.
  • the carriers 21, 22 are connected by channel members 24, 25; a ladder-type frame assembly consisting of stiles 26, 27 and "rungs" 28 is journalled for vertical sliding movement in the channels of the members 24, 25.
  • Vertical sliding movement is controlled by a ratcheting jack mechanism 29 (shown more clearly in Figure 3) and operated via handle 30. As seen in Figure 3, the ratchet mechanism moves up or down a vertical perforated bar 31.
  • a pivotable hooking latch mechanism 32 for engagement with the rim of a container drum, a curved bracing member 33 being attached to the lower ends of the stiles.
  • the apparatus is manoeuvred so that the lower side members 13, 14, are disposed on either side of a pallet, shown at 34 in Figure 2 in dashed outline; the cross members 19, 20 may be made longitudinally adjustable to suit the dimensions of a given pallet or trolley.
  • the drum-supporting sub-assembly is then moved, if necessary, to one side or the other so that it is adjacent the drum container to be moved and the latch mechanism 32 is attached to an appropriate rung to enable it to be readily engaged with the rim of the container.
  • the ladder assembly is then lowered using the jacking mechanism until the pressure pad is disposed towards the lower end of the drum container and the latching hook member is engaged with the rim of the drum, whereupon the jacking mechanism is raised so that the ladder assembly, complete with the drum container, is lifted clear of the pallet 3.4 and can be transported to another location, lowered and released.
  • the handling apparatus enables a single operator to move drums or other containers on or off pallets and spillage containers in confined areas and within the constraints imposed by manual handling regulations.
  • the use of forklift trucks or other lifting devices is thus avoided without the risk of personal injury arising from manhandling the containers, especially when laden.
  • two or more container-supporting sub-assemblies can be provided, carried on common cross members as part of the same apparatus.

Abstract

Apparatus for handling a container, the apparatus comprises a base including laterally spaced-apart wheel means (15, 16, 17, 18) and container support means (32, 33) which is raisable and lowerable relative to the base, the container support means (32, 33) being laterally movable between the wheel means. In use, the apparatus is placed in position with the wheel means disposed on either side of a tray or pallet containing one or more containers to be transported individually to another location and the container support means (32, 33) is laterally moved between the wheel means, if necessary, to bring the support means (32, 33) adjacent the container to be transported. The support means is then height-adjusted to a container-engagement position and engaged in supporting relationship to the container, raised, to lift the container off the tray or pallet and the apparatus including the container is then transported on the wheel means to the other location for lowering and release of the container.

Description

HANDLING APPARATUS
This invention relates to handling apparatus especially but not exclusively for handling individual items disposed on a tray or pallet and transporting them to -another location.
Pallets and trays such as spillage containers are commonly used for the transportation and storage of material in containers, whether they be drums such as the traditional 45 or 50-gallon (up to 230 litres) metal drum type containing for example a liquid or resinous material, containers such as plastics kegs containing for example a granular or powder material such as a pigment, or other bulk containers such as sacks. In any event, the containers, when full, are heavy items and their handling by operatives falls within the scope of manual handling regulations in order to minimise the risk of personal injury. For moving loaded containers such as drums, mechanical handling apparatus exists but is of limited utility in that generally it is possible only to move a drum from a singly-loaded pallet whereas, in practice, pallets may contain up to four large drums or a larger number of smaller drums.
It is an object of the present invention to provide handling apparatus which can selectively remove from or place on a tray or pallet an individual container, the tray or pallet already containing other such containers.
According to one aspect of the invention, apparatus for handling a container comprises a base including laterally spaced-apart wheel means and container support means which is raisable and lowerable relative to the base, the container support means being laterally movable between the wheel means.
In use, the apparatus is placed in position with the wheel means disposed on either side of a tray or pallet containing one or more containers to be transported individually to another location and the container support means is laterally moved between the wheel, .means, if necessary, to bring the support means adjacent the container to be transported. The support means is then height-adjusted to a container-engagement position and engaged in supporting relationship to the container, raised to lift the container off the tray or pallet and the apparatus including the container is then transported on the wheel means to the other location for lowering and release of the container.
The base of the apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises essentially horizontal side members which carry the wheel means and to which are respectively attached an upright member, the upright members being joined together by at least one cross member which defines the extent to which the side members, and hence the wheel means, are laterally spaced apart. The cross member may be adjustable in length so that the side members can accommodate pallets or trays of different sizes. The wheel means preferably comprises castors for ease of movement in different directions and for manoeuvring the apparatus over a tray or pallet. The cross member or preferably, respective upper and lower cross members, conveniently mount the container support means for lateral translational movement between the upright side members and for vertical raising and lowering movement. The support means may include means for releasable locking thereof to the or a cross member at a desired position between the side members. Preferably, for vertical movement, the container support means comprises a frame to which is attached suitable container engagement means, the frame being vertically slidable in runners which themselves are movable along the cross member or members to provide the lateral translational movement. The container engagement means, which is preferably vertically selectably disposed on the frame to enable containers of different heights to be accommodated and may also be adjustable in reach, may comprise an upper latching hook member for releasable engagement with the rim or other suitable part of a container and a lower brace member for maintaining the container upright as it is lifted away from the tray or pallet or other supporting surface.
The frame complete with container engagement means is preferably vertically moved in the runners by means of a lever-operated ratchet-type jacking mechanism, although raising and lowering movement may be effected by a hydraulic or other servomechanism.
Apparatus according to the invention is intended especially for the handling of material contained in drums or kegs but is also suitable for the handling of material in other containers.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of drum-handling apparatus;
Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus carrying a drum container. Referring firstly to Figure 1, the apparatus as shown consists essentially of upright side members 11, 12 having handles 11a, 12a, the side members being attached at their lower ends to respective horizontal foot members 13, 14 each carrying wheels 15, 16 and castors 17, 18. The side members 11, 12 are connected together by respective upper and lower cross members 19, 20 which carry, for sliding lateral movement, a sub-assembly for supporting a drum container. The sub-assembly consists of upper 21 and lower 22 carriers which are equipped with roller bearings for lateral sliding movement on the cross members 19, 20 and are connected by rearwardly-disposed handles 23, by means of which the sub-assembly can be manually moved laterally towards either side member. At the front, the carriers 21, 22 are connected by channel members 24, 25; a ladder-type frame assembly consisting of stiles 26, 27 and "rungs" 28 is journalled for vertical sliding movement in the channels of the members 24, 25. Vertical sliding movement is controlled by a ratcheting jack mechanism 29 (shown more clearly in Figure 3) and operated via handle 30. As seen in Figure 3, the ratchet mechanism moves up or down a vertical perforated bar 31.
Attached to a selected rung of the ladder-type frame assembly is a pivotable hooking latch mechanism 32 for engagement with the rim of a container drum, a curved bracing member 33 being attached to the lower ends of the stiles.
use, the apparatus is manoeuvred so that the lower side members 13, 14, are disposed on either side of a pallet, shown at 34 in Figure 2 in dashed outline; the cross members 19, 20 may be made longitudinally adjustable to suit the dimensions of a given pallet or trolley. The drum-supporting sub-assembly is then moved, if necessary, to one side or the other so that it is adjacent the drum container to be moved and the latch mechanism 32 is attached to an appropriate rung to enable it to be readily engaged with the rim of the container. The ladder assembly is then lowered using the jacking mechanism until the pressure pad is disposed towards the lower end of the drum container and the latching hook member is engaged with the rim of the drum, whereupon the jacking mechanism is raised so that the ladder assembly, complete with the drum container, is lifted clear of the pallet 3.4 and can be transported to another location, lowered and released.
The handling apparatus according to the invention enables a single operator to move drums or other containers on or off pallets and spillage containers in confined areas and within the constraints imposed by manual handling regulations. The use of forklift trucks or other lifting devices is thus avoided without the risk of personal injury arising from manhandling the containers, especially when laden. If appropriate, two or more container-supporting sub-assemblies can be provided, carried on common cross members as part of the same apparatus.

Claims

Claims
1. Apparatus for handling a container, the apparatus comprising a base including laterally spaced-apart wheel means and container support means which is raisable and lowerable relative to the base, the container support means being laterally movable between the wheel means.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the base comprises essentially horizontal side members which carry the wheel means and to which are respectively attached an upright member, the upright members being joined together by at least one cross member.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the at least one cross member is adjustable in length.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the at least one cross member includes means for mounting the container support means for lateral translational movement between the upright side members and for vertical raising and lowering movement.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the support means includes means for releasable locking thereof to the or a cross member at a desired position between the side members.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the container support means comprises a frame to which is attached container engagement means, the frame being vertically slidable in runners, the runners being movable along the cross member or members to provide lateral translational movement.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, in which the container engagement means comprise an upper latching hook member for releasable engagement with the rim or other suitable part of a container and a lower brace member for maintaining the container upright
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which the container engagement means is vertically selectably disposed on the frame and be adjustable in reach.
9. Apparatus according to ant of claims 6 to 8, in which the frame vertically movable in the runners by means of a lever-operated ratchet-type jacking or other servomechanism.
PCT/GB2001/005584 2000-12-15 2001-12-17 Handling apparatus WO2002048017A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002222246A AU2002222246A1 (en) 2000-12-15 2001-12-17 Handling apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0030663.9 2000-12-15
GB0030663A GB0030663D0 (en) 2000-12-15 2000-12-15 Handling apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002048017A1 true WO2002048017A1 (en) 2002-06-20

Family

ID=9905184

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2001/005584 WO2002048017A1 (en) 2000-12-15 2001-12-17 Handling apparatus

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002222246A1 (en)
GB (1) GB0030663D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2002048017A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010136102A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2010-12-02 Airbus Operations Gmbh Transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft
US9364982B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2016-06-14 Novartis Ag Method of manufacturing an illuminated surgical instrument
US9402643B2 (en) 2008-01-15 2016-08-02 Novartis Ag Targeted illumination for surgical instrument
US9956053B2 (en) 2016-03-04 2018-05-01 Novartis Ag Cannula with an integrated illumination feature
US10244931B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2019-04-02 Novartis Ag Illuminated ophthalmic infusion line and associated devices, systems, and methods
US11173008B2 (en) 2015-11-01 2021-11-16 Alcon Inc. Illuminated ophthalmic cannula

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29716003U1 (en) * 1997-09-06 1997-10-30 Honisch Peter Hand-operated industrial truck
US5697756A (en) * 1996-01-17 1997-12-16 Moore Business Forms, Inc. Apparatus for lifting and moving large rolls of material
US5879021A (en) * 1996-04-09 1999-03-09 Decoma International Inc. Expandable painting wagon

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5697756A (en) * 1996-01-17 1997-12-16 Moore Business Forms, Inc. Apparatus for lifting and moving large rolls of material
US5879021A (en) * 1996-04-09 1999-03-09 Decoma International Inc. Expandable painting wagon
DE29716003U1 (en) * 1997-09-06 1997-10-30 Honisch Peter Hand-operated industrial truck

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9402643B2 (en) 2008-01-15 2016-08-02 Novartis Ag Targeted illumination for surgical instrument
US9510848B2 (en) 2008-01-15 2016-12-06 Novartis Ag Targeted illumination for surgical instrument
US9510847B2 (en) 2008-01-15 2016-12-06 Novartis Ag Targeted illumination for surgical instrument
WO2010136102A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2010-12-02 Airbus Operations Gmbh Transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft
CN102458999A (en) * 2009-05-29 2012-05-16 空中客车作业有限公司 Transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft
CN102458999B (en) * 2009-05-29 2014-11-26 空中客车作业有限公司 Transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft
US9434484B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2016-09-06 Airbus Operations Gmbh Transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft
US9364982B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2016-06-14 Novartis Ag Method of manufacturing an illuminated surgical instrument
US10244931B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2019-04-02 Novartis Ag Illuminated ophthalmic infusion line and associated devices, systems, and methods
US11173008B2 (en) 2015-11-01 2021-11-16 Alcon Inc. Illuminated ophthalmic cannula
US9956053B2 (en) 2016-03-04 2018-05-01 Novartis Ag Cannula with an integrated illumination feature

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0030663D0 (en) 2001-01-31
AU2002222246A1 (en) 2002-06-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6386560B2 (en) Dolly for large appliances
US7462009B2 (en) Hand-truck apparatus having locking handle
US6059512A (en) Lifting and moving apparatus
US20050042068A1 (en) Forklift with stabilizing forks
EP0889818B1 (en) Convertible barrow for ground level loading
US20060219836A1 (en) Adjustable height coil dispenser
US5417541A (en) Manual forklift pallet jack for unloading the contents of a beverage delivery truck
US6095537A (en) Universal display case dolly
NO327940B1 (en) Pallet-like chassis for transport and storage containers for liquids
CA2089685A1 (en) Support frame for use in loading and unloading, by means of a handling apparatus having a hydraulic lifting arm, of goods for transport
US4331324A (en) Lift device for pinball game
US5941347A (en) Portable lift
WO2002048017A1 (en) Handling apparatus
EP0763459A1 (en) Truck body or trailer with vertically adjustable second platform
EP0726224A2 (en) Drum lifting and transporting device
EP1816051A2 (en) Trolley, particularly for moving pieces of furniture
US20030180130A1 (en) Cart and lift system
US5039270A (en) Physically integrated manufacturing and materials handling system
US7506879B1 (en) Transport cart system incorporating a portable floor surface for unloading palleted containers from a vehicle and method of use
US20030129048A1 (en) Easy load barrel dolly
US20050046131A1 (en) Pry bar for lifting vending machines
US20080190917A1 (en) Freight Handling Apparatus
US6619905B2 (en) Drum handling device
US5030055A (en) Physically integrated manufacturing and materials handling system
WO1997011023A1 (en) Good liffting/moving device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP