IE893605A1

IE893605A1 - Apparatus for tipping a skip

Info

Publication number: IE893605A1
Application number: IE360589A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Manus Coffey Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 1989-11-09
Filing date: 1989-11-09
Publication date: 1991-05-22
Also published as: GB2237792A; ZA908971B; GB9024410D0

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for mounting on a truck (1) for transferring a skip (8) onto and from a flat bed (6) of the truck (1) and for tipping skip (8) comprises a jib (29) pivotally mounted on a column (28) on the flat bed (6). A carriage (52) movable along the jib (8) supports a first skip engaging bracket (50) on a winch rope (51) for raising and lowering the skip (8). The first skip engaging bracket (50) comprises a pair of hook members (67) extending downwardly for engaging a first pivot shaft (22) of the skip (8). A second skip engaging bracket (71) mounted on the jib (29) carries a pair of hooks (76) for engaging a second pivot shaft (24) on the skip (8) for tipping the skip (8) on lowering of the first skip engaging bracket (50). Preferably the truck holds a number of such skips (8).

Description

The present invention relates to apparatus for tipping a skip and in particular, though not limited, to such apparatus for mounting on a truck for tipping a skip. The invention also relates to a truck incorporating the apparatus and to a skip for use with the apparatus.

The invention further relates to a method for tipping a skip using the apparatus according to the invention.

Trucks for transporting skips are known. In general, such trucks are suitable for transporting only one skip at a time. Such trucks comprise a transfer mechanism for lifting and transferring a skip from the ground onto the truck and vice versa. In most cases, such trucks are not provided with apparatus for tipping a skip. This is a serious disadvantage. Even where such trucks are provided with a tipping apparatus for tipping a skip, the tipping apparatus is in most cases inefficient. In general, to adequately tip a skip, two people are required to operate the tipping apparatus. There is therefore a need for apparatus for tipping a skip, and there is a need for a truck with such apparatus mounted thereon. There is also a need for a skip suitable for use with the apparatus. Furthermore, there is a need for a method for tipping the skip.

The present invention is directed towards providing such apparatus, a truck, skip and a method for tipping the skip.

According to the invention, there is provided apparatus for tipping a skip, the apparatus comprising a jib, a first skip engaging means depending from the jib for engaging the skip about a first pivot axis, a second skip engaging means depending from the jib for engaging the skip about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being parallel to and spaced apart from the first pivot axis, one of the first and second skip engaging means being movable relative to the other so that on relative movement of the skip engaging means, the skip is tipped about one of the pivot axis.

Preferably, one of the skip engaging means is vertically movable relative to the other, the vertical plane through which the movable skip engaging means acts being spaced apart horizontally from the other skip engaging means. Advantageously, the first skip engaging means is vertically movable. In one embodiment of the invention, the first skip engaging means defines the first pivot axis and the second skip engaging means defines the second pivot axis, the first pivot axis lying in a first vertical and first horizontal plane, and the second pivot axis lying in a second vertical and second horizontal plane, the first vertical plane, in use, passing through the centre of gravity of the skip, and the first horizontal plane being above the centre of gravity of the skip and above the second horizontal plane prior to tipping of the skip.

Additionally, the invention provides a truck comprising a bed for receiving one or more skips, and apparatus according to the invention mounted on the truck for transferring a skip onto and from the truck and for tipping a skip.

In another embodiment of the invention, the truck comprises a flat bed for receiving a plurality of skips, the apparatus being mounted to one end of the flat bed.

Additionally, the invention provides a skip comprising a container defining a hollow interior region, first and second mounting means on the container for engaging the first and second engaging means, respectively, of the apparatus according to the invention, the first mounting means defining a first pivot axis and the second mounting means defining a second pivot axis, the first pivot axis lying in a first vertical plane and the second pivot axis lying in a second vertical plane, the first and second vertical planes being spaced apart horizontally from each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes, respectively, lie in first and second horizontal planes, the first horizontal plane being above the centre of gravity of the skip and being above the second horizontal plane.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first mounting means comprises a pair of first pivot shafts defining the first pivot axis extending sidewardly outwardly of the container.

Further, the invention provides a method for tipping the skip according to the invention using the apparatus according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of pivotally engaging the first mounting means of the skip by the first skip engaging means about the first pivot axis, pivotally engaging the second mounting means by the second skip engaging means about the second pivot axis, moving one of the skip engaging means relative to the other skip engaging means for tipping the skip.

Preferably, the first skip engaging means is moved vertically relative to the second engaging means. Advantageously, the first skip engaging means is lowered relative to the second skip engaging means for tipping the skip.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a truck according to the invention comprising apparatus also according to the invention for tipping a skip also according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of portion of the truck of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a plan view of portion of the truck of Fig· 1, Figs. 4(a) and (b) are side elevational views of 15 portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Figs. 5(a) and (b) are plan views of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 4, Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating the portion in a different position, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 4, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 4, Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 4 in use, Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the skip of 10 Fig. 1, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of portion of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention for tipping a skip, and Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the portion 15 of the apparatus of Fig. 12 in use.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 11, there is illustrated a truck according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The truck 1 comprises a chassis 2 supported on pairs of front and rear ground engaging wheels 3 and 4, respectively. The chassis 2 supports a flat bed 6 for carrying a plurality of skips 8 also according to the invention, in this case six skips 8. The skips 8 are described in more detail below. A cab 9 is also provided on the chassis 2. Apparatus also according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 for tipping the skips 8 is mounted on the flat bed 6. The apparatus 10 also lifts and transfers the skips 8 from the flat bed 6 to the ground and vice versa. Before describing the apparatus 10 in more detail, the skips 8 will first be described.

Each skip 8 comprises a container 11 having a base 12, upstanding side walls 13 extending upwardly from the base 12 joined by inclined end walls 14. The base 12, upstanding side walls 13 and end walls 14 define a hollow interior region 15 for receiving rubbish and the like. A reinforcing rim 16 extends round the top of the side and end walls 13 and 14 to define an open mouth 17 to the interior region 16 of the skip 8. When full with a load evenly distributed within the interior 16, the skip 8 defines a centre of gravity 18 which lies midway between the side walls 13 and the end walls 14. The centre of gravity is approximately 700 mm up from the base 12. The centre of gravity 18 lies in a first vertical plane 19 and a horizontal plane 20, see Fig. 10. e First mounting means for co-operating with the apparatus 10 for transferring and tipping the skip 8 comprises a first pair of mounting brackets 21 which support a first pivot shaft 22 extending between and outwardly of the mounting brackets 21 at each end thereof. The first pivot shaft 22 defines a first pivot axis about which the skip 8 pivots during tipping by the apparatus 10 as will be described below. The mounting brackets 21 and in turn the pivot shaft 22 are substantially centrally arranged on the side walls 13 between the end walls 14 adjacent the open mouth 16 of the skip 8. A pair of second mounting means also for co-operating with the apparatus 10 for tipping the skip 8 comprises two pairs of second mounting brackets 23 mounted on the side walls 13 and extending outwardly therefrom. Each pair of mounting brackets 23 carry respective second pivot shafts 24 which define second pivot axes which are parallel to the first pivot axis defined by the first shaft 22. The skips 8 pivot about one of the second pivot axes during tipping of the skip. The first pivot axis defined by the first pivot shaft 22 lies in the first vertical plane 19 and in a first horizontal plane 25. The second pivot axes defined by the second pivot shafts 24 lie in second vertical planes 26 and in a second horizontal plane 27. As can be seen, the first and second vertical planes 19 and 26 are horizontally spaced apart from each other and the first horizontal plane 25 is spaced vertically above the horizontal plane 20 of the centre of gravity. The second horizontal plane 27 is spaced vertically below the horizontal plane 25 and also below the horizontal plane 20 of the centre of gravity.

Returning now to the apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 comprises an upstanding column 28 of circular outer cross section defining a central vertical axis. The upstanding column 28 is rigidly mounted on the flat bed 6 and extends upwardly therefrom. A jib 29 extending horizontally of the column 28 is pivotally mounted on the column 28 for pivotal movement about the central vertical axis of the column 28. The jib 29 comprises an elongated beam 30 of rolled steel of eye cross section having a top web 31 and a bottom web 32 joined by a main web 33. A top plate bracket 34 of metal plate material welded to and extending from the top web 31 of the beam 30 pivotally engages a pivot shaft 35 extending upwardly from the column 28 for pivoting the jib 29 around the column 28. A pair of side plate brackets 36 of metal plate material welded to the bottom web 32 extends downwardly from the beam 30. A hoop 37 mounted on the side brackets 36 extends around the column 28 and carries roller bearings 38 which roll on a surface 39 of the column 28 as the jib 29 pivots about the column 28.

A pair of hydraulic rams 40 and 41 mounted on respective sides of the main web 33 of the beam 30 pivot the jib 29 around the column 28. Piston rods 42 of the rams 40 and 41 are connected to respective chains 43 and 44 which are anchored by an anchor member 45 welded to the column 25, see Figs. 6 and 7. Accordingly, contraction of the ram 40 and extension of the ram 41 causes the jib 29 to pivot around the column 28 in the direction of the arrow A, see Fig. 3, while extension of the ram 40 and contraction of the ram 41 causes the jib 29 to pivot around the column 28 in the opposite direction, namely in the direction of the arrow B. The chains 43 and 44 pass around idler sprockets 46 which are rotatably mounted on brackets 47 welded to the top web 31 of the beam 30 for increasing the slew angle of the jib 29. In other words, the angle through which the jib 29 pivots about the column 25 from one extreme position 29a to the other extreme position 29b, see Fig. 3. In this embodiment of the invention, the slew angle of the jib 29 is 240°.

A first skip engaging means for co-operating with the first pivot shaft 22 of the skip 8 for tipping the skip 8 comprises a first skip engaging bracket 50 depending downwardly from the jib 29. The first skip engaging bracket 50 is supported on a winch rope 51 extending downwardly from a carriage 52 movable along the jib 29 as will be described below. The winch rope 51 is anchored by an anchor bracket 53 at the free end 49 of the beam 30, and is wound round a winch drum (not shown) mounted between the side plate brackets 36. An hydraulic motor 54 mounted on one of the side plate brackets 36 drives the winch drum (not shown) for raising and lowering the first skip engaging bracket 50. The winch rope 51 passes around pulleys 55 which are rotatably mounted in the carriage 52.

The carriage 52 comprises a pair of side plates 56 joined by cross members (not shown). Rollers 57 rotatably mounted on the side plates 56 roll on the bottom web 32 and carry the carriage 52 on the beam 30. A chain 58 around sprockets 59 and 60 rotatably mounted in the main web 33 of the beam 30 drives the carriage 52 along the beam 30. Free ends 61 of the chain 58 are anchored to the carriage 52 at 62. An hydraulic motor (not shown) drives the sprocket 59 for driving the chain 58 and in turn the carriage 52 along the beam 30. Buffers 63 engagable with stop members 64 on the carriage 52 limit the travel of the carriage 52 along the beam 30. One buffer 63 is mounted on one of the side plate brackets 36, while the other buffer 63 is mounted on a mounting bracket 65 extending downwardly from the bottom web 32 of the beam 30.

The first skip engagement bracket 50 comprises a cross member 66 carrying a pair of spaced apart hook shaped brackets 67 forming hooks 68 for engaging the first pivot shaft 22 of the skip 8, as can be seen in Figs. 1 and 10 for lifting and tipping the skip 8. The hooks 68 engage the portions of the first pivot shaft 22 extending outwardly of the skip 8. The hook shaped brackets 67 are welded to the ends of the cross member 66 and the hooks 68 define a first pivot axis which when the hooks 68 are engaged with the first pivot shaft 22 co-incides with the first pivot axis of the skip 8. A carrier bracket 69 mounted on the cross member 66 rotatably carries a pulley 70 around which the winch rope 51 is passed for vertically raising and lowering the bracket 50.

A second skip engaging means for co-operating with the second pivot shaft 24 of the skip 8 for tipping the skip 8 comprises a second skip engaging bracket 71 which extends downwardly from the jib 29. The second skip engaging bracket 71 is rigidly mounted at the free end 49 of the beam 30 and extends downwardly therefrom. The second skip engaging bracket 71 comprises a top cross member 72 which is rigidly mounted on the beam 30 by a bracket 73. Side members 74 are welded to and extend downwardly from the cross member 72 and rigidly carry a lower cross member 75. A pair of spaced apart hooks 76 are mounted fast on and extend downwardly from the cross member 75 for engaging the second pivot shaft 24 of the skip 8 for retaining the second pivot axis of the skip 8 in a fixed position so that as the skip 8 is lowered by the first skip engaging bracket 50, the skip 8 pivots around the second pivot axis in the direction of the arrow C for tipping the skip 8, see Fig. 10.

The hooks 76 define a second pivot axis which corresponds with the second pivot axis of the second pivot shaft 24 when the hooks 76 are engaged on the second pivot shaft 24. The side members 74 of the second skip engaging bracket 71 are spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the skip 8 therebetween for engaging the hooks 76 onto the second pivot shaft 24.

A stabilizer 78 pivotally mounted on the flat bed 6 is pivoted upwardly and downwardly by a hydraulic ram 79 for engaging the ground to stabilise the truck 1 during lifting and tipping of a skip, see Fig. 2.

Control levers 77 operate valves (not shown) for operating the rams 40 and 41, the ram 79, the hydraulic winch motor 54, and the hydraulic motor (not shown) for driving the carriage 52 along the beam 28 are provided on the column 28.

Hoses (not shown) connect the hydraulic valves (also not shown) to the rams 40 and 41, the ram 79, the hydraulic winch motor 54, and the hydraulic motor (not shown) for driving the carriage 52.

In use, the apparatus 10 for tipping the skips 8, as well as being used for tipping the skips 8, is also used for raising and lowering the skips 8 onto and from the flat bed 6 of the truck 1. When it is desired to raise a skip 8 onto the flat bed 6, the jib 29 is pivoted around the column 28 and the carriage 52 is driven along the jib 29 until the first skip engaging bracket 50 is positioned over the skip 8 to be raised. The first skip engaging bracket 50 is lowered on the winch rope 51 to the skip 8 and the hooks 68 are engaged on the first pivot shaft 22 of the skip 8. The winch motor 54 is driven to raise the first engaging bracket 50 and the skip 8 on the winch rope 51 above the flat bed 6. The jib 29 is pivoted and the carriage 52 is moved along the beam 30 until the carriage 52 is at the appropriate position for lowering the skip 8, which is then lowered onto the flat bed 6 by the winch rope 51.

To tip a skip 8 using the apparatus 10, the skip is first engaged by the first skip engaging bracket 50 with the hooks 68 engaging the first pivot shaft 22.

The skip is raised on the winch rope 51 until the first skip engaging bracket 50 is adjacent the carriage 52. The jib 29 is pivoted around the column 28 to the desired position where the contents of the skip are to be tipped. The carriage 52 is driven outwardly along the beam 30 until portion of the skip 8 is between the side members 74 of the second skip engaging bracket 71 with the second pivot shaft 24 adjacent the second skip engaging bracket 71 above the hooks 76. The skip 8 is lowered slightly on the winch rope 51 until the second pivot shaft 24 engages the hooks 76 of the second skip engaging bracket 71. The hooks 76 retain the pivot shaft in a fixed position and on further lowering of the first skip engaging bracket 50 on the winch rope 51, the skip 8 pivots around the second pivot shaft 24, thereby causing the skip 8 to pivot in the direction of the arrow C about the second pivot shaft 24, thus tipping the skip 8 to empty its contents, see Fig. 10.

On the contents of the skip 8 being emptied, the first skip engaging bracket 50 is raised, thereby pivoting the skip in the direction of the arrow D about the second pivot shaft 24 until the skip 8 is in a substantially upright position suspended from the first skip engaging bracket 50. Further raising of the first skip engaging bracket 50 on the winch rope 51 causes the second pivot shaft 24 to disengage the hooks 76.

The carriage 52 is driven inwardly along the jib 29 and the jib 29 is pivoted around the column 28 to a desired location. The skip 8 is winched downwardly on the winch rope 51 into a desired position on the flat bed 6 or on the ground.

The truck 1 and apparatus 10 according to the invention have many advantages. The truck 1 may be used for transporting a number of skips which may be picked up from a number of outlying locations for transportation to a central receiving location, such as, for example, a refuse tip. On being transported to the refuse tip, the apparatus 10 may then be used for tipping the contents of the skips onto the refuse tip. The truck 1 may then be used for transporting the skips back to the outlying locations. As already described, the apparatus 10 as well as being used for tipping the skips may also be used for raising and lowering skips onto and from the truck 1.

Referring now to Figs. 12 and 13, there is illustrated portion of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 80 for tipping a skip 8. The apparatus 80 is substantially similar to the apparatus 10 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The apparatus 80 in practice is mounted on a truck in similar fashion to the apparatus 10. The main difference between this apparatus 80 and the apparatus 10 is that an additional second skip engaging means is provided. In this embodiment of the invention, the additional second skip engaging means comprises a pair of flexible members, namely, chains 82 which are mounted on and depend downwardly from respective side plates 56 of the carriage 52. Brackets 83 secured by rivets 84 to the side plates 56 mount the chains 82 to the carriage 52. The chains 82 carry respective hooks 85 for engaging the appropriate second pivot shaft 24 for retaining the second pivot shaft 24 in a fixed position, and for permitting the skip to pivot about the axis of the second pivot shaft for tipping the skip 8 as can be seen in Fig. 13.

In use, to tip the skip 8, the first skip engaging brackets 50 are engaged on the first pivot shaft 22 and the skip 8 is raised on the winch ropes 51. The hooks 85 of the second skip engaging means are manually attached to the appropriate second pivot shaft 24 of the skip 8. The first skip engaging bracket 50 is then lowered on the winch rope 51, thereby causing the skip to tip as can be seen in Fig. 13. Alternatively, the skip 8 may be tipped using the second skip engaging bracket 71 as already described with reference to Figs. to 11.

In this embodiment of the invention, the hooks 84 of the second skip engaging means define a second pivot axis about which the skip 8 pivots during tipping when the hooks 85 are engaged on the second pivot shaft 24. Indeed, it is envisaged in certain cases the second pivot shaft on the skip 8 may be dispensed with using the apparatus 80. In which case, it is envisaged that the hooks 85 would be engaged in corresponding openings in the mounting brackets 23. Further, it is envisaged that in certain cases a single hook on a single chain 82 would be sufficient, which may either engage the second pivot shaft or an appropriately mounted bracket on the skip 8. In all cases, the hook 85 would define the second pivot axis about which the skip 8 pivots on tipping.

One advantage of tipping the skip 8 using the chains 82 and hooks 85 instead of the skip engaging bracket 71 is that the skip 8 is tipped away from the truck, rather than towards the truck, which is the case when the second skip engaging bracket 71.

While the truck has been described as being suitable for carrying six skips, the truck may be adapted for carrying any number of skips from one upwards.

Needless to say, the skips may be of any other size, shape or construction without departing from the scope of the invention. Indeed, other suitable mounting means besides pivot shafts may be provided on the skips. In certain cases, it is envisaged that the mounting means of the skip may comprises hooks, and pivot shafts engagable with the hooks may be provided on the skip engaging brackets.

Needless to say, while the jib has been described as 10 being provided by an elongated beam, a jib of any other shape or construction may be used. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the carriage may not be movable along the jib. Further it will be appreciated that the jib may not be pivotal about the column.

Indeed, it is envisaged that the beam forming the jib may not always be horizontally mounted. In certain cases, it may be provided at an angle to the horizontal.

While the first skip engaging bracket has been described as being raisable and lowerable, either the first or second or indeed both skip engaging means may be raisable and lowerable. Further, it is envisaged that instead of the skip engaging means being vertically movable, they may be movable in other directions. It is also envisaged that the skip engaging means may not necessarily be spaced apart horizontally, in use, and further, while it is preferable it is not essential that the skip engaging means should engage the skip at spaced apart positions both vertically and horizontally. Indeed, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that while it is preferable that the first pivot axis should be in a horizontal plane above the centre of gravity of the skip and the second pivot axis should be in a horizontal plane below the centre of gravity of the skip, this is not essential.

It will also be appreciated that other suitable first and second skip engaging means besides those already described may be provided. Indeed, as discussed above, first and second pivot shafts may constitute the first and second skip engaging means.

Needless to say, while the pivot shafts have been described as extending the width of the container forming the skip, this is not necessary. The first pivot shaft may be provided by a pair of stub shafts extending inwardly or outwardly from opposite side walls of the skip. Similarly, the second pivot shaft may comprise a pair of stub shafts extending outwardly of the container.

While the skips have been described as comprising a pair of second pivot shafts, it will of course be appreciated that one second pivot shaft is all that is required. However, for convenience, two second pivot shafts are provided, so that the skip can be engaged at opposite ends by the hooks 76 on the second skip engaging bracket 71.

While the skip has been described as comprising a container of a specific shape and construction, skips of other shape and construction may be used.

While the second skip engaging means has been described as being rigidly mounted to the jib in the case of the apparatus 10, this is not essential. Furthermore, it is not essential that the second skip engaging bracket should be mounted at the free end of the jib. The second skip engaging bracket may be mounted in any desired location along the jib or indeed at the end of the jib adjacent the column.

Claims

1. Apparatus for tipping a skip, the apparatus comprising a jib, a first skip engaging means depending from the jib for engaging the skip about a first pivot 5 axis, a second skip engaging means depending from the jib for engaging the skip about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being parallel to and spaced apart from the first pivot axis, one of the first and second skip engaging means being movable relative to 10 the other so that on relative movement of the skip engaging means, the skip is tipped about one of the pivot axis.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which one of the skip engaging means is vertically movable relative to 15 the other, the vertical plane through which the movable skip engaging means acts being spaced apart horizontally from the other skip engaging means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 in which the first skip engaging means is vertically movable. 20

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first skip engaging means defines the first pivot axis and the second skip engaging means defines the second pivot axis, the first pivot axis lying in a first vertical and first horizontal plane, and the second pivot axis lying in a second vertical and second horizontal plane, the first vertical plane, in use, passing through the centre of gravity of the skip, and the first horizontal plane being above the centre of 5. Gravity of the skip and above the second horizontal plane prior to tipping of the skip.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 in which, in use, the second horizontal plane is below the centre of gravity of the skip prior to tipping of the skip. 10

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first skip engaging means is lowered relative to the second skip engaging means for tipping the skip.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which winch means are provided for moving the first 15 skip engaging means.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first skip engaging means comprises a first skip engaging bracket comprising a hook member, the hook member defining the first pivot axis. 20

9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 in which the second skip engaging means comprises a second skip engaging bracket comprising a hook member, the hook member defining the second pivot axis.

10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the hook member of the first skip engaging bracket comprises a transverse cross member comprising a pair of spaced 5 apart hooks depending therefrom defining the first pivot axis, the cross member carrying a pulley operatively connected to the winch means.

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which the second skip engaging bracket comprises a transverse 10 cross member having a pair of spaced apart hooks depending therefrom, the hooks defining the second pivot axis.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second skip engaging means is rigidly mounted 15 to the jib.

13. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 in which the second skip engaging means comprises an elongated flexible member carrying a second hook, the second hook defining the second pivot axis. 20

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which means for moving the first skip engaging means longitudinally along the jib is provided for moving the skip from one position to another.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first skip engaging means is raisable and lowerable for transferring a skip from a position at 5 one level to a position at another level.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the jib comprises an elongated member mounted on and extending substantially horizontally from an upstanding column, the upstanding column defining a 10 vertical axis, the jib being pivotal about a vertical axis defined by the column.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second skip engaging means is mounted at the free end of the jib. 15

18. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 16 when dependent on Claim 14 in which the second skip engaging means is mounted on the means for moving the first skip engaging means longitudinally along the jib.

19. Apparatus for tipping a skip, the apparatus being 20. Substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

20. A truck comprising a bed for receiving one or more skips, and apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 19 mounted on the truck for transferring a skip onto and from the truck and for tipping a skip. 5

21. A truck as claimed in Claim 20 in which the truck comprises a flat bed for receiving a plurality of skips, the apparatus being mounted to one end of the flat bed.

22. A truck substantially as described herein with 10 reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .

23. A skip comprising a container defining a hollow interior region, first and second mounting means on the container for engaging the first and second engaging 15 means, respectively, of the apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 19, the first mounting means defining a first pivot axis and the second mounting means defining a second pivot axis, the first pivot axis lying in a first vertical plane and the second pivot axis lying in 20 a second vertical plane, the first and second vertical planes being spaced apart horizontally from each other.

24. A skip as claimed in Claim 23 in which the first and second pivot axes, respectively, lie in first and second horizontal planes, the first horizontal plane being above the centre of gravity of the skip and being above the second horizontal plane.

25. A skip as claimed in Claim 23 in which the second 5 horizontal plane is below the centre of gravity of the skip.

26. A skip as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 in which the first mounting means comprises a pair of first pivot shafts defining the first pivot axis 10 extending sidewardly outwardly of the container.

27. A skip as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 26 in which the second mounting means comprises a second pivot shaft extending transversely of the container externally thereof between a pair of mounting brackets 15 extending from the container, the second pivot shaft defining the second pivot axis.

28. A skip as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 27 in which the first and second pivot axes of the skip correspond, in use, with the first and second pivot 20 axes respectively of the first and second skip engaging means .

29. A skip substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .

30. A method for tipping the skip of any of Claims 23 to 29 using the apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 19, the 5 method comprising the steps of pivotally engaging the first mounting means of the skip by the first skip engaging means about the first pivot axis, pivotally engaging the second mounting means by the second skip engaging means about the second pivot axis, moving one 10 of the skip engaging means relative to the other skip engaging means for tipping the skip.

31. A method as claimed in Claim 30 in which the first skip engaging means is moved vertically relative to the second engaging means . 15

32. A method as claimed in Claim 31 in which the first skip engaging means is lowered relative to the second skip engaging means for tipping the skip.

33. A method for tipping a skip using the apparatus of the invention, the method being substantially as 20 described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.