AU2014203318B2 - A container handling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container handling apparatus, an apparatus for the positioning of both a container, and the container handling apparatus for engagement of the container, and a system comprising the same. In one form, the system comprises a container handling apparatus, and an apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container and the container handling apparatus, the guide apparatus comprising a base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, an upstanding side wall, an upstanding end wall, each wall extending well above any container positioned with respect to the base, and a means for positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the walls of the apparatus by positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer in a desired position with respect to the apparatus, and wherein in use, the container handling apparatus is guided by the walls of the guide apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container and/or return the container to the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer. Figure 5 Figure 6

Description

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [0001] The present application claims priority from:

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013902201 titled “A CONTAINER HANDLING SYSTEM” and filed on 18 June 2013.

The content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates to a container handling apparatus, an apparatus for the positioning of both a container, and the container handling apparatus for engagement of the container, and a system comprising the same.

BACKGROUND [0003] The act of picking up an intermodal type bulk container with a crane suspended rotating tipping spreader (tippler) is not an easy one to effect, due to the lack of precise control a crane operator has over the position of the tippler. The task is further complicated by the fact that the standard mechanism for locking the tippler to the container requires precise alignment in order to function. By the time wind and uneven ground surfaces are taken into account, the degree of difficulty is significantly increased.

[0004] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY [0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a system for handling a container, the system comprising a container handling apparatus, and an apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container and the container handling apparatus, the guide apparatus comprising an elongate base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, the base comprising a pair of lengthwise extending sides, and a pair of ends, an upstanding side wall for at least one side of the base, an upstanding end wall for at least one end of the base, each wall depending from the base, and extending well above any container positioned with respect to the base, and wherein in use, the container handling apparatus is guided by the walls of the guide apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container.

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0006] In one form, the container is an intermodal type container, and the container handling apparatus is a spreader.

[0007] In one form, the container is an intermodal type bulk container, and the container handling apparatus is a tippler.

[0008] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in an apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container, and a container handling apparatus for engagement of the container, the guide apparatus comprising an elongate base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, the base comprising a pair of lengthwise extending sides, and a pair of ends, an upstanding side wall for at least one side of the base, an upstanding end wall for at least one end of the base, each wall depending from the base, and extending well above any container supported on the base.

[0009] In one form, the guide apparatus is adapted for drive through of the vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container. That is to say, in use, the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer supporting the container, roll onto the base at one end, and off of the base at the distal end thereof.

[0010] In one form, there is an upstanding end wall for each end of the base. In this way, the guide apparatus can be used with a vehicle and/or vehicle trailer rolling onto the base from either end thereof.

[0011] In one form, the length of the base of the guide apparatus is adjustable. In this way, the base of the guide apparatus may support one or more vehicle trailers.

[0012] In one form then, the vehicle tows a plurality of trailers, each supporting a container.

[0013] This length adjustment of the base could be effected by way of the base employing a telescoping structure, or by way of abutting one or more apparatus or apparatus modules in an end to end fashion. Modular construction of the guide apparatus may also simplify the repositioning thereof. In one form, a lowermost edge of the or each end wall is positioned at such a height that the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailers can pass beneath this.

[0014] In one form, the guide apparatus further comprises means for positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the apparatus by positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailers in a desired position with respect to the apparatus.

[0015] In one form, the means for positioning the container comprises means for positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailers and so the container in turn, in a desired position with respect to the side wall.

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0016] In one form, the means for positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailers and so the container in turn, in a desired position with respect to the side wall may comprise one or more of a guide rail against which a wheel (or wheels) may run, or a guide track (such as a depression) in which a wheel (or wheels) may run, or a visual guide such as a line or other markings for the driver to follow.

[0017] In one form, means for positioning the container comprises means for positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailers and so the container in turn, in a desired position with respect to the end wall.

[0018] In one form, the means for positioning the vehicle and /or vehicle trailers and so the container in turn, in a desired position with respect to the end wall may comprise one or more of a wheel stopper, which may, for instance, be deployable to stop a wheel and retractable to release the wheel, or a trough or rut (i.e. a depression) into which a wheel (or wheels) may drop, or a visual guide such as a line or other markings for the driver to stop at.

[0019] In one form, the vehicle comprises a cabin for the operator, and the means for positioning the container positions at least the cabin on an outer-side of the end wall, where it is protected from the container handling apparatus.

[0020] In one form, the vehicle is a semi-trailer comprising a prime mover towing one or more container carrying trailers, and the means for positioning the container positions at least a cabin of the prime mover on an outer-side of the end wall, where it is protected from the container handling apparatus.

[0021] In one form, the apparatus comprises at least one outrigger assembly extending outward from the base on the side wall equipped side thereof.

[0022] In one form, the apparatus further comprises at least a pair of outrigger assemblies extending outward from the base on the non-side wall equipped side thereof.

[0023] In one form, the or each outrigger comprises a ground engaging foot. This foot is extendable into ground engagement, and retractable clear of the ground. In this way, the feet can be employed to level the base.

[0024] In one form, the or each foot depends from a linear actuator which depends from the outrigger.

[0025] In one form, the apparatus comprises a power pack for powering the or each linear actuator. In an alternative, a manual jacking system may be employed.

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0026] In one form, the guide apparatus comprises means for weighing any vehicle and/or vehicle trailers positioned thereon. In this way, the guide apparatus may be used to determine the net weight of container contents by subtracting tare weight from gross weight.

[0027] According to a further aspect, there is provided a container handling apparatus comprising externally directed impact absorbing means for protecting the container handling apparatus from damage resulting from collisions with an apparatus for positioning the container handling apparatus for engagement with a container (or vice versa), at least.

[0028] In one form, the externally directed impact absorbing means depends from at least one exterior surface of the container handling apparatus.

[0029] In one form, the externally directed impact absorbing means comprise bumpers of resilient material. In one form, the resilient material is an elastomeric one, such as rubber.

[0030] In one form, externally directed impact absorbing means depend from the walls of the guide apparatus.

[0031] In one form, the externally directed impact absorbing means comprise springs.

[0032] According to a further aspect, there is provided a system for handling a container, the system comprising a container handling apparatus, and an apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container and the container handling apparatus, the guide apparatus comprising a base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, an upstanding side wall and an upstanding end wall, each wall depending from the base, and extending above any container positioned with respect to the base, and a means for positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the walls of the apparatus by positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer in a desired position with respect to the apparatus, and wherein in use, the container handling apparatus is guided by the walls of the guide apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container and/or return the container to the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer.

[0033] According to a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container handling apparatus for engagement of the container, the guide apparatus comprising a base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, an upstanding side wall, an upstanding end wall, each wall depending from the base, and extending above any container supported on the base, and a means for positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the walls of the apparatus by

2014203318 30 May 2018 positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer in a desired position with respect to the apparatus, and wherein in use, the container handling apparatus is guided by the walls of the guide apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container and/or return the container to the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer.

[0034] According to a further aspect there is provided a method for unloading a container from a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container using the above-described apparatus and/or system, the method comprising the steps of rolling the vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container onto the base of the apparatus, positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the walls of the apparatus using the means provided for this purpose, guiding the handling apparatus into a comer formed by the walls, lowering the handling apparatus against the walls and into engagement with the container, and then raising the container.

[0035] According to a further aspect there is provided a method for loading a container onto a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer for supporting the container using the above-described apparatus and/or system, the method comprising the steps of rolling the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer onto the base of the apparatus, positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer in a desired position with respect to the apparatus using the means provided for this purpose, guiding the handling apparatus carrying the container into a comer formed by the walls, lowering the handling apparatus against the walls until the container rests on the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer, and then releasing the container.

[0036] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying Figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0037] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0039] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus (guide apparatus) for the positioning of both a container, and a container handling apparatus for engagement of the container;

[0040] Figure 2 is a side view of the guide apparatus of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 3 is an end view of the guide apparatus of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 4 is a top view of the guide apparatus of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 5 is a detail view of an outrigger for use with the guide apparatus of Figure 1; and [0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a container handling apparatus (tippler) for use with the guide apparatus of Figure 1.

[0045] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0046] Referring now to Figures 1 through 4, there is shown an apparatus 1 (hereinafter ‘guide apparatus 1 ’) for the positioning of an intermodal container 200 and a container handling apparatus 100 (hereinafter ‘handling apparatus 100’) (see Figure 6) for engagement of the container 200 by the handling apparatus 100. Together, the guide apparatus 1 and the handling apparatus 100 (or tippler) form part of a container handling system.

[0047] The guide apparatus 1 comprises an elongate base 2 for supporting a vehicle 50 and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container 200, and onto and off of which base 2 the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 50 is a semi-trailer comprising a prime mover 52 pulling one or more trailers 54, where the or each trailer 54 supports a container 200.

[0048] The base 2 comprises a pair of lengthwise extending sides 2a, and a pair of ends 2b, an upstanding side wall 4 for one side of the base 2, an upstanding end wall 6 for one end 2b of the base 2, so that the walls cooperate to form a comer, and each wall 4 and 6 extends well above any container 200 positioned on the base.

[0049] The base 2 comprises ramps 3 at each end 2b thereof, so that the vehicle 50 can roll onto and off of the base 2 in a drive through manner, by rolling onto the base 2 at one end 2b, and off of the base 2 at the distal end 2b thereof.

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0050] So that the vehicle 50 can drive through, a lowermost edge of the (or each) end wall 6 is positioned at such a height that the container 200 supporting vehicle 50 can pass beneath this. This is achieved by supporting the walls 4, 6 with columns or posts 8 which extend upwardly from the base 2.

[0051] Walls 4 and 6 can extend straight up (i.e. 90 degrees) from the base 2 to the top, or the walls can start straight (90 degrees) and then, at a point higher than a top of container 200, angle outward (up to 45 degrees). Moreover, walls 4 and 6 extend considerably higher than a container 200 so that these can capture the swinging handling apparatus 100.

[0052] The side and end walls 4 and 6 may each comprise skid pads 9 of a material such as an ultra-highmolecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW) of the type sold under the proprietary name ‘Polystone 8000’. These skid pads 9 are optional, and their inclusion is dependent on the type of tippler 100 being used.

[0053] Back supports (not illustrated) may absorb excess shock associated with the increased weights of a tippler 100 as compared with a standard container lifting spreader. Central shock absorbing legs may be used to soften the impact loads on the levelling pads. These shock absorbing legs can have rubber/wood/spring type dampeners attached during operation.

[0054] The apparatus 1 comprises means for locating the container 200 for engagement by the tippler, by locating the container supporting vehicle 50 in a preferred position on the base 2.

[0055] The trailer 54 is equipped with means for positioning the container 200 thereon. In this way, the position of the container 200 with respect to the trailer 54 can be closely controlled. These means may comprise any one of flared guard portions for comers of the container, or pins or lugs,(not visible) sized and shaped for insertion into lower ‘twist lock’ points or comer fittings of the type generally found on intermodal containers.

[0056] In order to ensure that the container 200 is correctly positioned with respect to the side wall 4, the apparatus 1 comprises a pair of guide rails 11 for the steering wheels of the vehicle 50, and which extend lengthwise along the base 2 and parallel to the side wall 4 and each other. The guide rails 11 will form a non-parallel lead in or ‘funnelling’ portion (not illustrated), so that as the operator of the vehicle 50 drives this onto the base 2, the wheels of the vehicle will be guided between the guide rails 11.

[0057] In order to ensure that the container 200 is correctly positioned with respect to the end wall 6, the apparatus 1 may comprise means for indicating to the vehicle operator when to stop. This might employ a sensor (not visible) for sensing the position of the container 200, and a means, such as a stop light (not illustrated) for instance, for indicating to the vehicle operator to stop when the sensor detects that the

2014203318 30 May 2018 container 200 is correctly positioned with respect to the end wall 6. A green light could further be employed to indicate to the vehicle operator when it is appropriate to drive the vehicle 50 off of the base

2.

[0058] Alternatively, the base 2 may comprise a wheel chock for stopping the vehicle 50 in the correct position. When the operator is clear to drive the vehicle 50 off of the base 2, this wheel chock can be retracted.

[0059] Referring now to Figure 5, where there is illustrated an outrigger assembly 10 of the type which, preferably, extends outward from a position at or near each comer of the base 2, for stabilising the apparatus 1.

[0060] Each outrigger assembly 10 comprises an outrigger arm 12, a linear actuator 20 (a hydraulic ram in this case) depending from an outer position of the outrigger arm 12, and a ground engaging foot 30 depending from a free end of the linear actuator 20. The feet 30 are connected to the linear actuator 20 via a ball joint, so as to compensate for uneven surfaces, and to improve load distribution.

[0061] This foot 30 is driven by extension of the actuator 20 toward the ground and into ground engagement, and retractable away from the ground by retraction of the linear actuator 20. In this way, the feet 30 can be employed to level the base 2.

[0062] The base 2 of the guide apparatus comprises a power pack (hydraulic pump and motor) for powering all of the linear actuators 20, and a control system for the power pack. In one form this control system comprises means for sensing (such as a mercury tilt switch) whether the base 2 is level both longitudinally and transversely, and means for actuating the linear actuators (control valves, solenoids etc.) as required to level the base 2.

[0063] Without these levelling characteristics, the containers 200 are not level and the handling apparatus 100 can have difficulty interfacing with the container 200.

[0064] Referring now to Figure 6, the handling apparatus 100 comprises externally directed impact absorbing means for absorbing impacts resulting from collisions with the guide apparatus 1 at least. More particularly, the handling apparatus 100 is fitted with a plurality of heavy duty bumper elements 110 of, for example, an elastomeric material such as rubber. These bumper elements 110 are secured to external surface of the handling apparatus 100, including at or near or along edges or comers of these external surfaces.

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0065] Preferably, these bumpers 110 are secured to the handling apparatus 100 by releasable means such as fasteners or clips, so that the bumper elements 110 can be replaced as required.

[0066] The base 2 of the guide apparatus 1 may comprise heavy duty castor wheels (not illustrated) which are extendable into ground engagement, and retractable clear of the ground. When extended, these wheels may be used to tow the apparatus 1 around for positioning as required. Additionally (or alternatively) the base 2 may comprise slots for receiving tines of a forklift, and/or lifting lugs for handling via a reach stacker.

[0067] In one possible application, a full container 200 is positioned on the pins of the trailer 2 using a lifting device such as a forklift, reach stacker, crane etc.

[0068] The container 200 supporting trailer 54 is then towed onto the base 2 by the prime mover 52, the operator of the prime mover making use of the guide rail 11 to ensure correct positioning of the container 200 with respect to side wall 6.

[0069] The operator of the prime mover 52 continues to tow the trailer 54 forward until indicated to stop. In preference, the prime mover 52 comes to a stop once a cab of the prime mover 52 is on the outside of, and protected from the tippler 100 by, the end wall 6, but leaves the trailer 54 and container 200 atop of the base 2 to serve as ballast for the guide apparatus 1.

[0070] The handling apparatus 100, which is suspended from a crane, is then carefully positioned between the walls 4 and 6, and guided into the wall comer formed between these walls of apparatus 1, so that bumpers 110 fitted at or near this comer of the handling apparatus 100 bear against this wall comer. The handling apparatus 100 is then lowered, potentially bumping and dragging against the walls 4 and 6 and the skid plates 9 as it is lowered, until it comes to rest against the top of the container 200 in a position which is ideal for connection of the handling apparatus 100 with the container 200.

[0071] A pivotal factor to the success of the above described operation is the positioning of the walls 4 and 6 relative to the container 200 position with respect to the base 2, and particularly the spacing of the walls 4 and 6 from the container 200, as this will determine whether the handling apparatus 100 is correctly positioned for engagement with the container 200. The spacing of the walls 4 and 6 from the container 200 will be selected to substantially match the extent of handling apparatus 100 (tippler) overhang relative to the container 200, and should take into account the additional overhang created by the bumpers 110.

[0072] The container 200 can then be lifted up and swung away from the guide apparatus 1 for emptying.

2014203318 30 May 2018 [0073] In cases where the handling apparatus 100 is a tippler, the container 200 is emptied by way of being upended into a hold of a ship.

[0074] If it is necessary to return the container to the trailer 54, then the apparatus 1 will also be of use in guiding the handling apparatus 100 and the container 200 supported thereby to effect positioning of the container 200 on the trailer 54.

[0075] The system and apparatus according to the present invention has been found to yield the following benefits or advantages:

a. Quicker placement of tippler onto containers and improved efficiency of tippler operation;

b. Significant reduction in tippler twist lock malfunctions;

c. Reduction in damage to tippler;

d. Reduction in damage to containers; and

e. Safer operation, as it eliminates the need for personnel on the ground guiding the tippler onto the container.

[0076] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0077] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0078] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A system for handling a container, the system comprising a container handling apparatus, and an apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container and the container handling apparatus, the guide apparatus comprising a base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, an upstanding side wall and an upstanding end wall, each wall depending from the base, and extending above any container positioned with respect to the base, and a means for positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the walls of the apparatus by positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer in a desired position with respect to the apparatus, and wherein in use, the container handling apparatus is guided by the walls of the guide apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container and/or return the container to the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container is an intermodal type container, and the container handling apparatus is a spreader.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the container is an intermodal type bulk container, and the container handling apparatus is a tippler.

4. An apparatus (a guide apparatus) for positioning a container, and a container handling apparatus for engagement of the container, the guide apparatus comprising a base for supporting a vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container, and onto and off of which base the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can roll, an upstanding side wall, an upstanding end wall, each wall depending from the base, and extending above any container supported on the base, and a means for positioning the container in a desired position with respect to the walls of the apparatus by positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer in a desired position with respect to the apparatus, and wherein in use, the container handling apparatus is guided by the walls of the guide apparatus into a position in which it can engage with the container and/or return the container to the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein this is adapted for drive through of the vehicle and/or a vehicle trailer supporting the container.

6. The apparatus as in either of claims 4 or 5, wherein a lowermost edge of the or each end wall is positioned at such a height that the container supporting vehicle and/or vehicle trailer can pass beneath this.

2014203318 30 May 2018

7. The apparatus as in any one of claims 4 through 6, wherein the means for positioning the container comprises means for positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer and so the container in turn, in a desired position with respect to the side wall.

8. The apparatus as in any one of claims 4 through 7, wherein the means for positioning the container comprises means for positioning the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer and so the container in turn, in a desired position with respect to the end wall.

9. The apparatus as in any one of claims 4 through 8, wherein the vehicle comprises a cabin for the operator, and the means for positioning the container positions at least the cabin on an outer-side of the end wall, where it is protected from the container handling apparatus.

10. The apparatus as in any one of claims 4 through 9, wherein the vehicle is a semi-trailer comprising a prime mover towing a container carrying trailer, and the means for positioning the container positions at least a cabin of the prime mover on an outer-side of the end wall, where it is protected from the container handling apparatus.

11. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein this comprises at least one outrigger assembly extending outward from the base on the side wall equipped side thereof.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the or each outrigger comprises a ground engaging foot which is extendable into ground engagement, and retractable clear of the ground.