CA2375960A1 - Apparatus for handling ground cover mats - Google Patents

Apparatus for handling ground cover mats Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2375960A1
CA2375960A1 CA 2375960 CA2375960A CA2375960A1 CA 2375960 A1 CA2375960 A1 CA 2375960A1 CA 2375960 CA2375960 CA 2375960 CA 2375960 A CA2375960 A CA 2375960A CA 2375960 A1 CA2375960 A1 CA 2375960A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
engaging
movable
claw
ground cover
coupling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2375960
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Raymond B. Macmillan
Victor E. Veidt
Mark A. Mcdonald
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PRECISION GRADALL SERVICES Ltd
Original Assignee
PRECISION GRADALL SERVICES LTD.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PRECISION GRADALL SERVICES LTD. filed Critical PRECISION GRADALL SERVICES LTD.
Priority to CA 2375960 priority Critical patent/CA2375960A1/en
Publication of CA2375960A1 publication Critical patent/CA2375960A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C19/00Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving
    • E01C19/52Apparatus for laying individual preformed surfacing elements, e.g. kerbstones
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66CCRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/22Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks
    • B66C1/28Duplicate, e.g. pivoted, members engaging the loads from two sides
    • B66C1/30Duplicate, e.g. pivoted, members engaging the loads from two sides and also arranged to grip the sides of the loads

Abstract

An apparatus for handling ground cover mats includes a body having two opposed engaging claws for engaging a rigid body of a ground cover mat. At least one of the two opposed engaging claws is movable between an engaging position and a release position. A coupling is provided for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus. An actuator is provided for selectively moving the movable engaging means between the engaging position and the release position.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Apparatus for handling ground cover mats FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling ground cover mats BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ground cover mats are used to cover soft or muddy ground.
In environmentally sensitive areas, the ground cover mats serve to protect the environment. In other applications, the ground cover mats are simply intended to provide a stable surface.
This stable surface is used to support equipment, facilitate pedestrian traffic or facilitate vehicular traffic as required.
The ground cover mats generally have rigid bodies which support a surface. They are transported to remote sites by truck, where they are off loaded by forklift and placed in position by crews of men.
SUI~ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an apparatus for handling ground cover mats.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for handling ground cover mats which includes a body having two opposed means for engaging a rigid body of a ground cover mat. At least one of the two opposed engaging means is movable between an engaging position and a release position.
Means is provided for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus.
Means is provided for selectively moving the movable engaging means between the engaging position and the release position.
With the apparatus, as described above, one of the opposed engaging means engages the rigid body of the ground cover mat while the of the engaging means is moved to an engaging position. When both of the engaging means are engaging the i frame of the ground cover mat, the apparatus is lifted using lifting equipment and the ground cover mat is placed in a desired position on site. The engaging means is then moved to the release position to release the ground cover mat.
While the apparatus described above can be made in a variety of configurations, beneficial results have been obtained when the body is a rectangular frame having opposed ends and opposed sides. The opposed engaging means can be positioned either at the opposed ends or the opposed sides.
While the apparatus described above can be made with two movable engaging means, beneficial results have been obtained when one of the two engaging means is fixed and the other is movable.
While the form of engaging means can vary, beneficial results have been obtained when engaging means is in the form of an inwardly directed depending engaging claw.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus described above, it is preferred that some means be included to facilitate the movable engaging means engaging the frame of the ground cover mat. Even more beneficial results have been obtained when the movable engaging claw rotatably supports a roller. As the movable engaging claw moves to the engaging position, the roller rolls along the frame of the ground cover mat. This assists in speeding the movement of the movable engaging claw to the engaging position as it reduces friction of the movable engaging claw against the frame of the ground cover mat. It also reduces, if not eliminates, damage to the ground cover mat.
While the movable engaging claw can be moved with sliding or other types of movement, beneficial results have been obtained when the movable engaging means is pivotally mounted to the body. Pivotal movement eliminates the needs for bearings and other structures necessary to facilitate sliding or other types of movement.
While there are different types of actuators which can be used to move the movable engaging means between the engaging and the release position, beneficial results have been obtained when an extendible fluid powered cylinder serves as means for selectively moving the movable engaging means between the engaging position and the release position. Most lifting apparatus have hydraulic supply lines and pumps which can be used to provide hydraulic fluid to an hydraulic actuator.
Hydraulic actuators are more efficient than screw type and other forms of mechanical actuators.
In order to facilitate positioning of the ground cover mats with a minimum of manoeuvring of lifting equipment, it is preferred that the means for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus includes a centrally positioned rotational axis extending perpendicularly from the body. Means can be provided to rotate the body about the rotational axis. This enables the angular positioning of the ground cover mat during installation or removal to be rapidly adjusted.
Although there are different types of lifting apparatus suitable for use with the present invention, it is preferred that the body be coupled to a lifting apparatus which is capable of positioning the body at an angle in relation to a ground surface. This angular movement further assists positioning of the ground cover mat during installation or removal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for handling ground cover mats constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus for handling ground cover mats illustrated in FIGURE 1, in the process of engaging a frame of a ground cover mat with the moveable engagement claw in a release position.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of the apparatus for handling ground cover mats illustrated in FIGURE l, engaged with a frame of a ground cover mat with the moveable engagement claw in an engaging position.
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus for handling ground cover mats illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The pref erred embodiment , an apparatus f or handl ing ground cover mats generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURE 1, apparatus 10 includes a rectangular body 12 that has a first end 14, a second end 16, a first side 18, a second side 20, a top surface 22 and an underlying surface 24. Referring to FIGURE 2, an inwardly directed depending fixed engaging claw 26 is positioned at first end 14.
Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, an inwardly directed depending movable engaging claw 28 is positioned at second end 16.
Movable engaging claw 28 is pivotally mounted to body 12 for pivotal movement between an engaging position, illustrated in FIGURE 3, and a release position, illustrated in FIGURE 2.
Movable engaging claw 28 rotatably supports a roller 30.
Referring to FIGURE 1, a coupling 32 is provided that is adapted for coupling body 12 to a lifting apparatus 34.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, i coupling 32 includes a body 36 which is centrally located on top surface 22 of apparatus 10. Securing bolts 38 are used to secure coupling 32 to lifting apparatus 34, however ever it will be appreciated that other methods of securing coupling 32 5 to lifting apparatus 34 can also be used. Referring to FIGURES
1 and 4, coupling 32 includes a centrally positioned rotational axis 40 that extends perpendicularly from body 12 and a drive motor 42 with a chain 44 that engages a gear assembly 46 to rotate body 12 about rotational axis 40.
Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, an extendible fluid powered actuator cylinder 48 is provided for selectively moving movable engaging claw 28 between the engaging position and the release position. Fluid powered actuator cylinder 48 is supplied with hydraulic fluid via hydraulic lines 50 that extends from a source of hydraulic fluid 52 to fluid powered actuator cylinder 48.
Operation:
The use and operation of apparatus for handling ground cover mats generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
The description which follows will describe how apparatus 10 is used to a ground cover mat, generally indicated by reference numeral 52. Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, ground cover mat 52 includes a rigid body 54 with a top surface 56, a underlying surface 58, a first end 60 and a second end 62.
Referring to FIGURE 2, apparatus 10 is positioned so that it overlies ground cover mat 52. First end 60 of ground cover mat 52 is engaged with fixed engaging claw 26 that is positioned at first end 14 of body 12. Referring to FIGURE 3, hydraulic cylinder 48 is then activated to move movable engaging claw 28 to the engaging position. As movable engaging claw 28 moves to engaging position, roller 30 rolls along underlying surface 58 of frame 54 of ground cover mat 52. This assists in speeding the movement of movable engaging claw 28 to the engaging position as it reduces friction of movable engaging claw 28 against frame 54 of ground cover mat 52. It also reduces, if not eliminates, damage to ground cover mat 52.
When both fixed engaging claw 26 and movable engaging claw 28 are engaged with frame 54 of ground cover mat 52, apparatus 10 is then lifted using lifting apparatus 34. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 4, drive motor 42 can be activated to rotate body 12 about rotational axis 40 to assist in the positioning of ground cover mat 52 to facilitate installation and the positioning of body 12 during removal of ground cover mat 52.
It is preferred that lifting apparatus 34 be capable of positioning body 12 at an angle in relation to a ground surface. This angular movement further assists positioning of the ground cover mat during installation or removal. When ground cover mat 52 has been placed in a desired position on site, then movable engaging claw 28 is moved from the engaging position illustrated in FIGURE 3 to the release position illustrated in FIGURE 2, to release ground cover mat 52 from apparatus 10.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.

Claims (18)

1. An apparatus for handling ground cover mats, comprising:
a body having two opposed means for engaging a rigid body of a ground cover mat, at least one of the two opposed engaging means being movable between an engaging position and a release position;
means for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus; and means for selectively moving the movable engaging means between the engaging position and the release position.
2. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the body is a rectangular frame having opposed ends and opposed sides, the opposed engaging means being positioned at one of the opposed ends or the opposed sides.
3. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein one of the two engaging means is fixed and the other is movable.
4. The apparatus as defined in Claim 3, wherein the fixed engaging means is in the form of an inwardly directed depending claw.
5. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the movable engaging means is in the form of an inwardly directed depending claw.
6. The apparatus as defined in Claim 5, wherein claw rotatably supports a roller.
7. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the movable engaging means is pivotally mounted to the body.
8. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein an extendible fluid powered cylinder serves as means for selectively moving the movable engaging means between the engaging position and the release position.
9. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the means for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus includes a centrally positioned rotational axis extending perpendicularly from the body, means being provided to rotate the body about the rotational axis.
10. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the body is coupled to a lifting apparatus which is capable of positioning the body at an angle in relation to a ground surface.
11. An apparatus for handling ground cover mats, comprising:
a rectangular body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side a top surface and an underlying surface;
an inwardly directed depending fixed engaging claw positioned at the first end;
an inwardly directed depending movable engaging claw positioned at the second end, the movable engaging claw being movable between an engaging position and a release position;
a coupling adapted for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus; and an actuator for selectively moving the movable engaging claw between the engaging position and the release position.
12. The apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein the movable engaging claw rotatably supports a roller.
13. The apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein the movable engaging claw is pivotally mounted to the body.
14. The apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein the actuator is an extendible fluid powered cylinder.
15. The apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein the coupling includes a centrally positioned rotational axis extending perpendicularly from the body, and a drive motor rotates the body about the rotational axis.
16. The apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein the body is coupled to a lifting apparatus which is capable of positioning the body at an angle in relation to a ground surface.
17. An apparatus for handling ground cover mats, comprising:
a rectangular body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side a top surface and an underlying surface;
an inwardly directed depending fixed engaging claw positioned at the first end;
an inwardly directed depending movable engaging claw positioned at the second end, the movable engaging claw being pivotally mounted to the body for pivotal movement between an engaging position and a release position, the movable engaging claw rotatably supports a roller;
a coupling adapted for coupling the body to a lifting apparatus, the coupling including a centrally positioned rotational axis extending perpendicularly from the body, and a drive motor which engages a gear assembly to rotate the body about the rotational axis; and an extendible fluid powered actuator cylinder for selectively moving the movable engaging claw between the engaging position and the release position.
18. The apparatus as defined in Claim 17, wherein the body is coupled to a lifting apparatus which is capable of positioning the body at an angle in relation to a ground surface.
CA 2375960 2002-03-11 2002-03-11 Apparatus for handling ground cover mats Abandoned CA2375960A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2375960 CA2375960A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2002-03-11 Apparatus for handling ground cover mats

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2375960 CA2375960A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2002-03-11 Apparatus for handling ground cover mats

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2375960A1 true CA2375960A1 (en) 2003-09-11

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2375960 Abandoned CA2375960A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2002-03-11 Apparatus for handling ground cover mats

Country Status (1)

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CA (1) CA2375960A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2428484A1 (en) * 2010-09-13 2012-03-14 E. Norton & Associates Hydraulic lifting apparatus
GB2510878A (en) * 2013-02-18 2014-08-20 Terra Roadways Ltd Fa A crane grab head
CN111962635A (en) * 2019-06-28 2020-11-20 吴洋 Road surface ditch cover plate laying device for municipal works

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2428484A1 (en) * 2010-09-13 2012-03-14 E. Norton & Associates Hydraulic lifting apparatus
GB2510878A (en) * 2013-02-18 2014-08-20 Terra Roadways Ltd Fa A crane grab head
US9132996B2 (en) 2013-02-18 2015-09-15 Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc Crane-mounted grab head
US9297124B2 (en) * 2013-02-18 2016-03-29 Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc Methods of moving at least one mat with a crane-mounted grab head
CN111962635A (en) * 2019-06-28 2020-11-20 吴洋 Road surface ditch cover plate laying device for municipal works
CN111962635B (en) * 2019-06-28 2021-10-22 淮北联诚网络科技有限公司 Road surface ditch cover plate laying device for municipal works

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