AU2013100395A4

AU2013100395A4 - Structure for use with container-handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2013100395A4
Application number: AU2013100395A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Murray Robert BRIDLE
Original assignee: Australian Mobile Mining Equipment Systems and Accessories Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Australian Mobile Mining Equipment Systems and Accessories Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-31
Filing date: 2013-03-31
Publication date: 2013-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-31
Also published as: AU2013100395B4

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided a structure (10) to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus (14) for pick-up or release of an intermodal, shipping or cargo container (15), the structure including: a substantially horizontal base (11) having at least one longitudinal side (11a) and a ballast-locating area (16); and proximal to or at the longitudinal side (11a), at least one upwardly extending arm (12a) having a guide surface facing outwards relative to the base, wherein the upper part of each upwardly extending arm has a sloping portion (12b) which tapers inwards (relative to the perimeter of the base) from the lower edge to the upper edge of that upper part, and which upwardly extending arm(s) (12a) thereby guide the container-handling apparatus (14) into a position in which it can engage with a container (15) positioned alongside the longitudinal side (11a) of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container-handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side (11a) of the base. Preferably, each upwardly extending arm (12a) has at least one support (20), each of which includes one or more pad (19) of shock-absorbing or impact-absorbing material. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the upwardly extending arms (12a) cooperates with rollers or wheels (17) on the container-handling apparatus (14), to thereby guide it into a position in which it can readily engage with a container (15) located on a trailer (22) or other support surface when positioned alongside the longitudinal side (11a) of the base or, if a container (15) is already being held by the container-handling apparatus (14), it can release that container onto a trailer (22) or other support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side (11a) of the base. -QO aoO CD co ZZ %0 %0

Description

1 STRUCTURE FOR USE WITH CONTAINER-HANDLING APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and structure to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus and of a container for engagement of the container by the container-handling apparatus. It has particular application to loading and unloading of intermodal, shipping or cargo containers by container-handling equipment, where the containers are being used for the handling of bulk materials, such as ore, coal, grain, fluids etc., for shipping/transport purposes. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] For many years, a common method for loading ISO-style shipping containers into the holds of, or onto the decks of, ships, barges and the like is via a mobile harbour crane, ship's crane or other slewing type crane or lifting device. [0003] This method can however be difficult and somewhat dangerous due to uncontrolled and/or uncontrollable movement, such as swing of various items during the connection of the crane's lifting device to the container, and when subsequently returning the emptied container to the ground (or a trailer) for disconnection. One or more persons may need to manipulate a lanyard or rope system to control and line up the container-handling apparatus (mobile harbour crane etc.) with the container. [0004] This uncontrolled and/or uncontrollable movement can be caused by a number of factors, such as wind, boat / ship wash, ballasting error or operator's error. [0005] Over the years, many basic, and fairly rudimentary, loading frames have been manufactured with a view to minimising the effects of the above. [0006] With the advent of container rotation systems and container tipplers for the loading of bulk ore ships, this problem is now exacerbated due to the requirements of higher loading cycles to meet customer requirements. [0007] To meet the requirements of container-handling and rotating apparatus (such as the ROTAINER* apparatus described in the Applicant's International (PCT) Application No. PCT/AU2010/001337), there is a need for a purpose-designed container loading system.

2 [0008] A more efficient system would remove the need for one or two persons manipulating a lanyard or rope system to control and line up the container-handling apparatus (e.g. ROTAINER* apparatus) with the container, and would minimise the use of forklifts and other container-handling equipment (which might otherwise need to be over-employed in lining up the container with the container-handling apparatus) in the vicinity of the work area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a structure to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus for pick-up or release of an intermodal, shipping or cargo container includes: a substantially horizontal base having at least one longitudinal side and a ballast-locating area; and proximal to or at the longitudinal side, at least one upwardly extending arm having a guide surface facing outwards relative to the base, wherein the upper part of each upwardly extending arm has a sloping portion which tapers inwards (relative to the perimeter of the base) from the lower edge to the upper edge of that upper part, and which upwardly extending arm(s) thereby guide the container-handling apparatus into a position in which it can engage with a container positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container-handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base. [00010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a structure to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus for pick-up or release of an intermodal, shipping or cargo container includes: a substantially horizontal base having at least one longitudinal side and a ballast-locating area; and proximal to or at the longitudinal side, at least one upwardly extending arm having a guide surface facing outwards relative to the base, which guides the container-handling apparatus into a position in which it can engage with a container positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base; wherein each upwardly extending arm has at least one support, each of which includes one or more pad of shock-absorbing or impact-absorbing material.

3 [00011] There may, for example, be two spaced-apart upwardly extending arms. [00012] Preferably, one or more of the upwardly extending arms cooperates with rollers or wheels on the container-handling apparatus, to thereby guide it into a position in which it can readily engage with a container located on a trailer or other support surface when positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container-handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a trailer or other support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. [00014] In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the structure of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the structure of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an end view of the structure of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 1, with a container (with its payload), forming ballast, positioned on its base; Figure 6 is a plan view of the structure and container of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a front view of the structure and container of Figure 5; Figure 8 is an end view of the structure and container of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the various components of a system incorporating a structure of Figure 1 to assist in handling of containers which are delivered to a container-handling facility (container terminal of a port etc.) via road- or rail-based trailers; and Figures 10 to 14 are perspective views illustrating how the structure of Figure 1 guides container-handling apparatus into alignment for picking up a container from a trailer, and replacing (after emptying) the container to the same or different trailer, with ballast (such as a loaded container) being placed on a horizontal base of the structure.

4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00015] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes an exemplary embodiment, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain of the parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. [00016] Also, in order to simplify nomenclature, various upwardly extending arm(s) are referred to as "vertical arm(s)". However, it should be noted that these references to "vertical arm(s)" include within their scope substantially vertical arm(s), and also arm(s) having portions (such as sloping portions of their upper and/or lower parts) which are not themselves vertical. [00017] An embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figures 1 to 14. The structure 10 of the present invention includes a base 11 (which is substantially horizontal) and vertical arms 12a. The base and vertical arms may, for example, be joined together by a bolting or pinning system, or any other suitable system. [00018] The vertical arm(s) 12a are designed to assist with guiding the container handling apparatus 14 to a position which allows easy connection to a container 15 which has been transported to the loading area (dock, container terminal etc.) on a road or rail-based trailer system, and is/are located proximal to or at a longitudinal side 11a of the base. [00019] The vertical arm(s) 12a may be positioned atop an elevating structure 13 (preferably, a framework structure), to thereby elevate the vertical arm(s) 12a above the level of the base 11. The elevating structure 13 may, for example, be a substantially rectangular, cubic or box-like structure located beneath each vertical arm 12a. The height of the elevating structure 13 is preferably selected so as to elevate the vertical arm(s) 12a to a level at which their lower edge(s), which abut the upper level of their corresponding elevating structure 13, are above the level of the trailer bed.

5 [00020] As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5 (in particular), the upper part of each upwardly extending vertical arm 12a has a sloping portion 12b, which tapers inwards (relative to the perimeter of the base) from the lower edge to the upper edge of that upper part. [00021] Similarly, a sloping portion 12c may be provided in the lower part of each vertical arm 12a. That sloping portion 12c tapers inwards (relative to the perimeter of the base) from the upper edge to the lower edge of that lower part. [00022] The overall effect is that each upwardly extending arm 12a has a substantially planar portion 12d, and two sloping portions 12b and 12c at either end of that substantially planar portion 12d, which thereby allows the vertical (upwardly extending) arm 12a to extend outwards from the longitudinal edge 11a of the base 11, so that the vertical arm 12a partially overlies the adjacent trailer 22, on which a container 15 is positioned in readiness for being picked up by the container-handling apparatus 14. This arrangement is depicted in Figures 10 to 14. [00023] The base 11 includes a ballast-locating area 16, which may (for example) be located between the elevating structures 13 of two spaced-apart vertical arms 12a. A container 15a (with payload) or other ballast is loaded onto the ballast-locating area 16, to weigh down the structure 10, and minimise the risk of it being moved out of position as a result of impact by the container-handling apparatus 14, especially when the mass of container-handling apparatus 14 is further increased by itself carrying a loaded container 15. [00024] The container 15 enters the loading area (dock, container terminal etc.) aboard a road- or rail-based trailer 22. The trailer is positioned alongside the longitudinal edge 11a of the base 11 of structure 10. [00025] Once the trailer, with container on board, is appropriately positioned, the container-handling apparatus 14 is swung over the top of the trailer and toward the vertical arm(s) 12a of the structure of the present invention. The vertical arm(s) 12a act as guide arms to assist in correctly aligning the container-handling apparatus 14 with the container 15. [00026] Preferably, there are two upwardly extending arms 12a, spaced apart so as to generally correspond in position with either end of the container-engaging head of the container-handling apparatus 14, to thereby guide the container-handling apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container 15.

6 [00027] A set of large rollers or wheels 17 may be fitted to a lower part 18 (which preferably tapers inwards, from the top to bottom of that lower part) of the container handling apparatus 14. Interaction between the rollers/wheels 17 of the container handling apparatus and the vertical arm(s) 12a ensures that the container-handling apparatus is positioned perpendicularly above the container. To facilitate this guiding / positioning of the container-handling apparatus 14 by the vertical arm(s) 12a, the upper part 12b of each vertical arm preferably has a sloping portion which tapers inwards (relative to the perimeter of the base) from the lower edge to the upper edge of that upper part 12b. Cooperation between the rollers/wheels 17 of the container-handling apparatus 14 and the sloping upper part 12b of some or all of the vertical arm(s) 12a effectively nudges the container-handling apparatus 14 into correct alignment (where it is positioned perpendicularly above the container), so that it can pick up the container 15 from the trailer 22. [00028] Due to the considerable weight and swing mass of the container-handling apparatus 14 and of the loaded container 15, a cushioning or energy/impact-absorbing system is preferably incorporated. That cushioning or energy/impact-absorbing system may be a device which includes one or more pad 19 of shock-absorbing or impact absorbing material (e.g. rubber). [00029] Reinforcing struts (supports) 20 may also be incorporated to strengthen the impact/shock resistance of the vertical arm(s) 12a, and to form part of the cushioning or energy/impact-absorbing system. The pad(s) 19 of shock-absorbing or impact-absorbing material may conveniently be located at an end (fulcrum point) of each reinforcing strut, where it attaches to another part of the structure of the present invention (for example, base 11 or elevating structure 13). [00030] Referring to Figures 7 to 9: A full (loaded) container 15a may conveniently be used as ballast, and is placed (using a forklift or similar equipment) on the ballast locating area 16 of the base 11. That container 15a acts as ballast to weigh down the structure 10. This will minimise the risk of the structure 10 sliding along the ground, under the force exerted by impact from the container-handling apparatus (which may swing against the structure 10, prior to being nudged into correct alignment by the vertical arm(s) 12a). [00031] A further loaded container 15 is delivered to the dock, container terminal etc. by means of a road- or rail-based trailer 22, and the payload of that further container 15 is, for example, to be emptied into the hold of a ship or barge. The container-handling 7 apparatus 14 is used to pick up the loaded container 15 from trailer 22, and move it to the ship, barge etc. for emptying. [00032] Once the container-handling apparatus 14 and the container 15 (aboard the trailer 22) are aligned, the container-handling apparatus is lowered to the container, preferably whilst being guided by rollers or wheels 17 fitted to the lower part 18 of the container-handling apparatus. The container-locating apparatus, when sufficiently lowered, is connected to the container 15. [00033] The sequence of operations is depicted in Figures 9 to 14, and is as follows: Figure 9: A loaded container 15a is positioned on the structure 10 as ballast. A further loaded container 15 arrives on a port trailer 22. The container-handling apparatus 14 approaches from above. Figure 10: The trailer 22 parks in position alongside the structure 10. Figure 11: The vertical arms 12a of structure 10 guide the container-handling apparatus 14 into correct alignment over the loaded container 15 (on trailer 22). Figure 12: The container-handling apparatus 14 is in position, engaging with the container 15. Figure 13: The container-handling apparatus 14 lifts container 15 clear of trailer 22 and completes discharge of the container's payload into the hold of a ship, barge etc. Figure 14: The container-handling apparatus has returned the now empty container 15 back onto the trailer 22, and has moved clear ready for the next full container and trailer to park in position (as in Figure 10). [00034] As depicted in Figure 13, the container-handling apparatus may include an automated lid-opening-and-closing mechanism to remove the container's lid 15b, and then replace the lid on the container after it has been emptied. [00035] Upon completion of the emptying of a container 15, the emptied container is replaced on the same or different trailer 22, for transport back to the mine etc., where it is to be re-loaded with more payload (such as bulk ore). The structure of the present invention can assist in guiding the container-handling apparatus 14 to an appropriate position to deposit the emptied container back on the same (or different) trailer from whence it was initially picked up by the container-handling apparatus 14. Alternatively, the emptied container 15 is placed on the loading area (dock, container terminal etc.), awaiting transport elsewhere.

8 [00036] Forklift tyne pockets 21 may be fitted to or included in the structure (e.g. at or near the middle of one longitudinal side of the base 11) to allow easy transportation (by forklift or similar apparatus) around the loading area (dock, container terminal etc.), as needed. [00037] The loading system of the present invention is particularly suited to modern cranes or other container-handling apparatus that have a "point-to-point" guidance/positioning system. This means that the coordinates for pick-up and replacing of containers can be pre-set to semi-automate the loading process. [00038] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be appreciated that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A structure to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus for pick-up or release of an intermodal, shipping or cargo container, the structure including: a substantially horizontal base having at least one longitudinal side and a ballast-locating area; and proximal to or at the longitudinal side, at least one upwardly extending arm having a guide surface facing outwards relative to the base, wherein the upper part of each upwardly extending arm has a sloping portion which tapers inwards (relative to the perimeter of the base) from the lower edge to the upper edge of that upper part, and which upwardly extending arm(s) thereby guide the container-handling apparatus into a position in which it can engage with a container positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container-handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base.

2. A structure to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus for pick-up or release of an intermodal, shipping or cargo container, the structure including: a substantially horizontal base having at least one longitudinal side and a ballast-locating area; and proximal to or at the longitudinal side, at least one upwardly extending arm having a guide surface facing outwards relative to the base, which guides the container-handling apparatus into a position in which it can engage with a container positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base; wherein each upwardly extending arm has at least one support, each of which includes one or more pad of shock-absorbing or impact-absorbing material. 10

3. A structure according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, having two spaced-apart upwardly extending arms.

4. A structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the upwardly extending arms cooperates with rollers or wheels on the container-handling apparatus, to thereby guide it into a position in which it can readily engage with a container located on a trailer or other support surface when positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base or, if a container is already being held by the container handling apparatus, it can release that container onto a trailer or other support surface positioned alongside the longitudinal side of the base.

5. A structure to facilitate positioning of container-handling apparatus for pick-up or release of an intermodal, shipping or cargo container, substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.