AU2008237536A1 - Lifting device and system of lifting - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Paul Tyszyk INVENTION TITLE: LIFTING DEVICE AND SYSTEM OF LIFTING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - LIFTING DEVICE AND SYSTEM OF LIFTING 5 Field of the Invention This invention relates to the transportation of containers or cargo via trucks and in particular, to a lift device which provides a simple and effective means for the loading and unloading of a container on trucks without jerking or tilting the container. 10 Whilst the invention may be applied to any suitable type of container and any suitable type of vehicle, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a lift device for lifting ISO containers to and from transport trucks. Background to the Invention 15 ISO containers are commonly used for the transportation of goods worldwide whether by land, sea or air freight. For land transportation, the ISO containers are generally transported on a chassis trailer of a truck. The problem with these containers arises when it is time to unload the goods from the container. 20 Conventional means for unloading the ISO containers involve using truck trailers with a tilting tray. Lifting devices have also been developed including side loaders, swing lifters and hook lifts which are designed to assist in loading and unloading the entire container from the truck. The disadvantage with these current lifting devices is that they fail to provide a means of ensuring the container is not jerked or tilted during the 25 lifting process. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a lift device which provides a simple and effective means for the loading and unloading of a container(s) without 30 jerking or tilting the container. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the invention there is provided a lifting device including: at least one extendable ram means, at least one attachment means extending from the lifting 35 device and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the perimeter of a container and engage therewith; and a controllable pressure means able to be controlled to provide required pressure for controlling the extension of the ram member such that the ram member can increase or decrease the height of the container and allows the loading and unloading of the container on a transport means. The at least one attachment means includes a plurality of spaced attachment points 5 for connecting to different points on the container substantially vertically aligned. One attachment point can be a magnetic clamp that is able to magnetically engage a side of the metal container whereby the upper one of two attachment points can be partially up the side of the container. 10 In one form the plurality of attachment points includes a twist lock which comprises a locking mechanism and a latch portion that releasably attaches to a locking point at the base of the container, and a second attachment point that is a magnetic clamp that releasably attaches to the container through magnetic forces. 15 The extendable ram means has provided an external outer casing in the form of a rectangular or cylindrical telescopic member around a ram member extending from a foot portion wherein the structure of the lifting device allows for portability while maintaining lifting strength. The outer casing can be manufactured from a high 20 grade, high strength aluminium while the body portion can be manufactured from high grade steel. It can be seen that the invention in one form provides a portable lifting device that can be readily transported from location to location and readily manhandled. This is 25 due to the configuration in that it can be attached to a lower point of a shipping container and partially up the side due to top magnetic clamp. It is also due to the construction including an outer casing that has aluminium body but the ram and the attachment means being high grade steel between foot and the lifting connection to the container so as to maintain strength but minimise weight. 30 The at least one lifting member has provided a body portion in the form of a rectangular or cylindrical telescopic member. The at least one lifting member includes an outer casing. 35 The at least one lifting member has provided a foot portion.

-.4 The foot portion provides a flat surface and has a flange portion extending along its perimeter to provide stability for the foot portion, particularly on an unlevel surface. The at least one lifting member is a plurality of independent lifting members. 5 The plurality of independent lifting members can be controlled separately via the control panel to provide a smoother control for lifting and lowering the container. The outer casing is manufactured from a high grade, high strength aluminium. 10 The body portion is manufactured from steel. A removable plate is located within the body to act as a wearing point so the ram and body portion are maintained in parallel to each other. 15 A block is adapted to be placed underneath the foot portion in order to securely hold the lifting member on the ground surface. The block is formed from a non slip material. 20 The block is formed as a substantially rectangular shape. The block includes a recessed portion such that the foot portion can sit in the recess to provide further stability. 25 The ram member may be operated by a hydraulic, air pressure, electric or any other suitable means available. The lifting member has provided at least one attachment portion to provide a means 30 of securing the lifting member to the container. The at least one attachment point includes a plurality of attachment points. The plurality of attachment points includes a twist lock which comprises a locking 35 mechanism and a latch portion that releasably attaches to a locking point at the base of the container, and a second attachment point that is a magnetic clamp that releasably attaches to the container through magnetic forces.

The magnetic clamp will exert a mechanical force towards the middle of the container due to the gravity due to the alignment of the lifting device when attached to the container. 5 The lifting member has provided at least one connection point which is adapted to receive a line connected thereto that may be connected to the means of operation such as a hydraulic, air pressure source, electric or any other suitable means available. 10 The line is to be in the form of a flexible hose. The line includes at least one valve to prevent liquid or gas leak when the line is disconnected. 15 A connection means such as a cable or a hose connects the at least one lifting member to the control panel. The height of the lifting device is at least equal to the height of the container being lifted when the lifting member is in an extended position. 20 The system can be charged through the use of the hydraulic or pneumatic systems of a vehicle. The system can be charged through the use of a portable pump. 25 At least one switch which is adapted to control the raising or lowering of a lifting member. The plurality of lifting members can be locked in position together. 30 The container to be lifted is a standard ISO container. The invention therefore also provides a system of lifting including providing a plurality of portable independent lifting devices each having at least one extendable ram 35 means, and at least one attachment means extending from each of the lifting devices and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the perimeter of a container and engage therewith; and a controllable pressure means able to be controlled to provide required pressure for controlling the extension of the ram member such that the ram -6 member can increase or decrease the height of the container and allows the loading and unloading of the container on a transport means. By the use of four separately attachable and transportable lifting devices a ready 5 means of loading and unloading of a container on a transport vehicle is achieved. This also allows for the raising and lowering of containers without a truck being required so that while loading or unloading the container the truck can be used at another sight. Also the portable lifting devices can be readily transported with the container on the transport means or by other transport such as trolley. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more readily understood an embodiment will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a system of lifting devices in accordance 15 with an embodiment of the invention in use with a shipping container; Figure 2 is diagrammatic view of a system of lifting devices in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in use with a shipping container with a control panel for operating all four lifting devices; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a system of lifting devices in accordance 20 with an embodiment of the invention in use with a shipping container when loading on sloping ground; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a system of lifting devices in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in use with a shipping container with connected lifting devices; 25 Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a plurality of lifting devices in accordance with an embodiment mounted on a shipping container for transport to another location for use; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a trolley for lifting devices in accordance with an embodiment for transport to another location for use; and 30 Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of a plurality of lifting devices in accordance with an embodiment mounted on a shipping container for operation from the hydraulics of the truck. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention 35 An embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings provides a lift device which provides a simple and effective means for the loading and unloading of a container(s) without jerking or tilting the container. The lift device will be described herein in terms of being used to lift ISO containers from transport trucks. However, it is envisaged that the device could be modified to be suitable for use with other types of containers and/or vehicles. It is envisaged that the shape, style, dimension and features of the lift device and/or its components may be varied as required to suit 5 different containers, vehicles and/or other applications. The lift device has provided at least one lifting member and an outer casing. In a preferred embodiment there are provided four lifting members which are adapted to be positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the truck at each corner of the container. 10 The lifting members are made from a metal material such as high grade and strength aluminum or steel. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material may also be employed. When using a plurality of lifting devices, all lifting devices can be raised or lowered independently of the others. If needed, the plurality of lifting devices can be locked together to raise and lower all members at the same time. 15 The lifting members have provided a body portion. The body portion may be in the form of a rectangular or cylindrical telescopic member. However, it is envisaged that the lifting members could also take any other suitable form provided that the requirements of the invention are met. It is envisaged that the dimensions of the body 20 portion of the lifting members may be varied to tolerate a given load capacity for a container. The height of the body portion should be sufficient to match the height of the container when the lifting member is-in an extended position. The lifting member has provided a mount or block, preferably made of rubber or any 25 other suitable material, which is adapted to be placed underneath a foot portion of the lifting member in order to securely hold the lifting member on the ground surface and ensure that the lifting member will not slip or collapse during the raising or lowering process of the container. The rubber mount or block is in the form of a square or rectangular mount or block. However, it is envisaged that any other 30 suitable shape or form may also be employed. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that a recessed portion may be provided on an upper surface of the rubber mount or block to provide further stability for a foot portion of the lifting member. It is further envisaged that this mount or block could be omitted if not required. 35 The lifting member has provided a foot portion. The foot portion has provided a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end provides a flat surface and has a flange - 8 portion extending along its perimeter. The flange portion is adapted to provide stability for the foot portion, particularly on an unlevel surface. The foot portion is adapted to be received on a ground surface and/or the rubber mounting block. The top end of the foot portion is adapted to be received within, or connected to, a bottom 5 end of the body portion of the lifting member. The lifting member has provided at least one ram member. The ram member is adapted to provide a means for increasing or decreasing the height of the lifting member as required. It is envisaged that the ram member may be operated by a 10 hydraulic, air pressure, electric or any other suitable means available. In this preferred embodiment of the invention the ram member shall be described as being a hydraulic, air-pressure, electric or any other suitably operated ram member. The bottom end of the ram member is adapted to be connected to the top end of the foot portion of the lifting member. The top end of the ram member is adapted to be 15 connected to, or be received within, a bottom end of the body portion of the lifting member. The ram member may be connected to the body portion of the lifting member via a wielding means or any other suitable securing or fastening means. In an alternate embodiment, it is envisaged that another device which is designed to achieve the same functionality of the ram member may also be adopted. It is 20 envisaged that the dimensions of the ram member may be varied to suit the load capacity of the container. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the ram member may also have provided a manual winding/operation option which may be provided in addition to, or instead of, a powered means of operation. In an alternate embodiment, it is envisaged that an electric model of the ram member may be 25 provided which would preferably be operated by an electric motor. The lifting member has provided at least one attachment portion. The attachment portion is adapted to provide a means of securing the lifting member to the container. The attachment portion is in the form of a twist lock which comprises a locking 30 mechanism and a latch portion. The latch portion is adapted to be received within an aperture provided on the container. The latch portion is in the form of a hook like member which is adapted to function such that when the locking mechanism is turned the hook member will also turn to abut against a solid part of the container so that it can not be withdrawn back through the aperture. 35 In a preferred embodiment the lifting member has provided two attachment portions. The first releasable attachment portion is provided at the top end of the body portion -9 and the second attachment is a magnetic clamp that is releasable attachable to the mid point of the container causing the magnetic clamp to exert a force towards the middle of the container providing extra holding forces. 5 The lifting member has provided at least one connection point. The connection point is adapted to receive a line connected thereto. The lifting member has provided at least one line which may be connected to the means of operation such as a hydraulic, air pressure source, power supply or any other suitable source. The line is adapted to be in the form of a flexible hose member. A first end of the hose member 10 is adapted to be connected to the connection point provided on the body portion of the lifting member and a second end of the hose member is adapted to be connected to an air pressure or hydraulic source provided on the truck or an external source to provide the air pressure or hydraulic means of operation for the ram device. It is envisaged that the line may have provided at least one valve which is adapted to 15 ensure that there is no fluid or air leak as the line is being connected or disconnected. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that a retractable hose line could be adopted so that the hose line can easily be retracted and stored away when it is not required. 20 The invention has provided a control panel or control box which is adapted to control the raising or lowering of the lifting member(s). The lifting member(s) is/are connected to the control box or control panel via a cable, hose or other suitable means connected to the control panel or control box. It is envisaged that each of the lifting members could be separately connected to the control panel or control box or 25 else a single cable or connection could be used to connect all four lifting members to the control panel or control box. The control panel has provided at least one switch which is adapted to control the raising or lowering of a lifting member. In a preferred embodiment the control panel or control box has provided four separate switches which are adapted to individually operate each lifting member in addition to a 30 universal switch which is adapted to control all the lifting members simultaneously. The control panel has provided at least one button or switch which may be used for other functions of the control panel such as power or other safety/functional features. The control box has provided a power source. The power source may be a battery or direct current supply where available. 35 The lifting device can be manufactured to weigh a total of 96 kilograms when using Aluminum as one of the main components materials. When being used, the device - 10 can lift containers that weigh a total of 12 tonnes a total of 1.6 meters off the ground. This means that the containers can be safely raised high enough to be loaded on a tray of a low chassis truck. The minimum sized cylinder that can be used to work the lifting device suitably, is a 2 meter long cylinder allowing a suitable lift height to be 5 achieved. In practice, when a truck bearing an ISO container arrives, the lifting members are positioned at each corner of the truck and container, with the foot portion of the lifting member securely placed on the rubber mount/block or ground surface. The first line 10 can then be connected to a hydraulic or air pressure source provided on the truck or other external hydraulic or air pressure source. The lifting members can then be connected to the control panel if not done so already and the control panel can be activated to control the raising and lowering operation of the lifting members. The switches provided on the control panel can then be used to control the lifting or 15 lowering of the container as required. Where the truck container is on an unlevel ground it is envisaged that the switches can be used to lift or lower the container at different times/rates in order to keep the container level. Once the lifting members have been used to raise the container from the truck body the truck can then be driven out from underneath the container and the container can be lowered safely to 20 the ground for use, storage or further transportation. The lifting devices can be charged from a portable pump or power takeoff pump, or even off the pneumatic or hydraulic systems of a vehicle such as the truck that is being loaded. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that at least one additional telescopic leg 25 member may be provided which is adapted to raise and/or lower the body/trailer of the truck itself. It is envisaged that the telescopic leg members would be used on an uneven ground surface in order to level the truck prior to the container being loaded or unloaded. 30 The lifting device may further include a trolley device having a base portion, at least one wheel member and a handle portion which is adapted to allow the lift member(s) to be easily transported for use and/or storage. The trolley device is designed to enable the lifting member(s) to be carried or moved in a vertical position. 35 While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a lifting device, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be Understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing roni the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (32)

1. A lifting device including: at least one extendable ram means at least one attachment means extending from the lifting device and adapted 5 to be positioned adjacent to the perimeter of a container and engage therewith; and a controllable pressure means able to be controlled to provide required pressure for controlling the extension of the ram member such that the ram member can increase or decrease the height of the container and allows the 10 loading and unloading of the container on a transport means.

2. A lifting device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment means includes a plurality of spaced attachment points for connecting to different points on the container substantially vertically aligned. 15

3. A lifting device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein one attachment point is a magnetic clamp that is able to magnetically engage a side of the metal container whereby the upper one of two attachment points can be partially up the side of the container. 20

4. A lifting device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the plurality of attachment points includes a twist lock which comprises a locking mechanism and a latch portion that releasably attaches to a locking point at the base of the container, and a second attachment point that is a magnetic clamp that releasably attaches to the 25 container through magnetic forces.

5. A lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the extendable ram means has provided an external outer casing in the form of a rectangular or cylindrical telescopic member around a ram member extending 30 from a foot portion wherein the structure of the lifting device allows for portability while maintaining lifting strength.

6. A lifting device according to claim 5 wherein the outer casing is manufactured from a high grade, high strength aluminium. 35

7. A lifting device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the body portion is manufactured from high grade steel.

8. A lifting device according to claim 5 wherein a bottom end of the foot portion provides a flat surface and has a flange portion extending along its perimeter to provide stability for the foot portion, particularly on an unlevel surface. 5

9. A lifting device according to claim 5 wherein a removable plate is located within the body so the ram and body portion are maintained in alignment parallel to each other.

10 10. A system of lifting including providing a plurality of portable independent lifting devices each having at least one extendable ram means, and at least one attachment means extending from each of the lifting devices and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the perimeter of a container and engage therewith; and a controllable pressure means able to be controlled to provide required pressure for 15 controlling the extension of the ram member such that the ram member can increase or decrease the height of the container and allows the loading and unloading of the container on a transport means.

11. A system of lifting according to claim 10 wherein the at least one attachment 20 means includes a plurality of spaced attachment points for connecting to different points on container substantially vertically aligned.

12. A system of lifting according to claim 10 or 11 wherein one attachment point is a magnetic clamp that is able to magnetically engage a side of the metal container 25 whereby the upper one of two attachment points can be partially up the side of the container.

13. A system of lifting according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the plurality of attachment points includes a twist lock which comprises a locking mechanism and a latch 30 portion that releasably attaches to a locking point at the base of the container, and a second attachment point that is a magnetic clamp that releasably attaches to the container through magnetic forces.

14. A system of lifting according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the extendable 35 ram means has provided an external outer casing in the form of a rectangular or cylindrical telescopic member around a ram member extending from a foot portion - 14 wherein the structure of the lifting device allows for portability whi:e maintainir, lifting strength.

15. A system of lifting according to claim 14 wherein the plurality of independent lifting 5 members can be controlled separately via the control panel to provide a smoother control for lifting and lowering the container.

16. A system of lifting according to any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein a block is adapted to be placed underneath the foot portion in order to securely hold the 10 lifting member on the ground surface.

17. A system of lifting according to claim 16 wherein the block is formed from a non slip material. 15

18. A system of lifting according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the block is formed as a sUbstantially rectangular shape.

19. A system of lifting according to claim 16, 17 or 18 wherein the block includes a recessed portion such that the foot portion can sit in the recess to provide further 20 stability.

20. A lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ram member may be operated by a hydraulic, air pressure, electric or any other suitable means available. 25

21. A system of lifting according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the magnetic clamp will exert a mechanical force towards the middle of the container due to the gravity due to the alignment of the lifting device when attached to the container. 30

22. A system of lifting according to any one of claims 10 to 21 wherein the lifting member has provided at least one connection point which is adapted to receive a line connected thereto that may be connected to the means of operation such as a hydraulic, air pressure source, electric or any other suitable means available. 35

23. A system of lifting according to claim 22 wherein the line is to be in the form of a flexible hose. - 15

24. A system of lifting according to claim 22 or 23 wherein the line includes at least one valve to prevent liquid or gas leak when the line is disconnected.

25. A system of lifting according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein a connection means 5 such as a cable or a hose connects the at least one lifting member to the control panel.

26. A lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the system can be charged through the use of the hydraulic or pneumatic systems of a 10 vehicle.

27. A lifting device according to claims 1 to 24 wherein the system can be charged through the use of a portable pump. 15

28. It is preferred that the control panel has provided at least one switch which is adapted to control the raising or lowering of a lifting member.

29. A lifting device according to claim 6 to 27 wherein the plurality of lifting members can be locked in position together. 20

30. A lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container to be lifted is a standard ISO shipping container.

31. A lifting device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the 25 figures.

32. A system of lifting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures.