EP2222591A1 - Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard - Google Patents

Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard

Info

Publication number
EP2222591A1
EP2222591A1 EP08859516A EP08859516A EP2222591A1 EP 2222591 A1 EP2222591 A1 EP 2222591A1 EP 08859516 A EP08859516 A EP 08859516A EP 08859516 A EP08859516 A EP 08859516A EP 2222591 A1 EP2222591 A1 EP 2222591A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
straddle carrier
freight containers
containers
freight
picking
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP08859516A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2222591B1 (en
Inventor
Martinus Nicolaas Seine
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.)
Cargotec Finland Oy
Original Assignee
Cargotec Finland Oy
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 Cargotec Finland Oy filed Critical Cargotec Finland Oy
Publication of EP2222591A1 publication Critical patent/EP2222591A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2222591B1 publication Critical patent/EP2222591B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C19/00—Cranes comprising trolleys or crabs running on fixed or movable bridges or gantries
    • B66C19/007—Cranes comprising trolleys or crabs running on fixed or movable bridges or gantries for containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a straddle carrier provided with wheels for moving freight containers across a yard, which wheels comprise at least two steerable wheels, whilst the straddle carrier further comprises at least one portal frame as well as at least one frame which is movable with respect to said portal frame for picking up, lifting and/or carrying a freight container, using gripping means.
  • the invention further relates to a method for moving freight containers in a yard.
  • Such a straddle carrier is known from US-D-526,932S.
  • the straddle carrier known from US-D-526.932S comprises a portal frame comprising two parallel, substantially vertically extending portal structure members, which are provided with wheels at their lower end and which are interconnected by means of at least one bridge member at their upper end.
  • Mounted to the bridge member of the known straddle carrier is a frame that can be moved up and down for picking up, lifting and/or carrying a freight container.
  • the known straddle carrier has the drawback that the number of freight containers that can moved a certain distance therewith per unit time is relatively low.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an improved straddle carrier by means of which a larger number of freight containers can be moved a certain distance per unit time.
  • the movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers at a time with the longitudinal sides of the two freight containers facing each other.
  • straddle carrier Using such a straddle carrier, a number of parallel, side-by-side freight containers instead of a single freight container extending in the longitudinal direction can be picked up, lifted to a desired height and/or be carried to a different location in the yard and deposited at said location, for example for storage, with each moving operation. Productivity is significantly enhanced by using the straddle carrier according to the present invention.
  • Another advantage of the straddle carrier according to the present invention is the fact that more freight containers can be stored on the same yard area than is for example possible with the straddle carrier shown in US-D-526.932S.
  • the fact is that space is needed between all the parallel, facing longitudinal sides of the freight containers when using the known straddle carrier, so that the wheels of the straddle carrier can move between the freight containers for picking up each freight container in the yard and moving it.
  • rows of freight containers are formed in the yard, which rows are positioned at least so far apart that the parts of the straddle carrier which are provided with wheels can move between the rows, wherein two freight containers are positioned substantially parallel beside each other in each row, such that the spacing between facing longitudinal sides of the freight containers is smaller than the aforesaid minimally required spacing between rows.
  • the straddle carrier according to the present invention has very advantageous dimensions.
  • the portal frame is relatively wide, because at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers can be picked up, lifted and/or carried by means of the movable frame between substantially vertically extending structural members of the portal frame.
  • the straddle carrier according to the present invention thus has a width-height proportion which is relatively advantageous from the viewpoint of stability, so that the straddle carrier can travel at relatively high speeds across a storage yard, so that a larger number of freight containers can be moved a certain distance per unit time by means of the straddle carrier according to the present invention.
  • the construction of the straddle carrier according to the present invention may be substantially the same as that of the straddle carrier that is known from US-D-526.932S.
  • JP-09-151076 discloses a transfer crane which comprises wheels for moving only a longitudinal direction over a yard for picking up, lifting and/or carrying freight containers by means of trolleys. These trolleys can move in a transversal direction to said longitudinal direction. A crane as a whole cannot travel at relatively high speeds across a storage yard in more than one direction.
  • a special preferred embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the movable frame comprises at least two subframes, each subframe being provided with gripping means which gripping means are arranged for picking up at least one freight container.
  • the movable frame comprises at least two subframes, each subframe being provided with gripping means which gripping means are arranged for picking up at least one freight container.
  • the subframes can be operated independently of each other, it is for example possible to lift a first freight container by means of the first subframe while depositing a second freight container by means of a second subframe. It is also possible to position two freight containers at different heights, i.e. a first freight container on top of a vertical stack of two freight containers and a second freight container on top of a stack of three freight containers.
  • the independently movable subframes make it possible to handle freight containers relatively quickly by means of the straddle carrier according to the present invention, thus increasing the productivity as well as the flexibility of the straddle carrier enormously.
  • Yet another embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the movable frame or the subframes is/are arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two TEU (Twenty feet Equivalent Unit) containers at a time.
  • TEU wenty feet Equivalent Unit
  • TEU or teu is the standard designation for the dimension of freight containers.
  • One (1 ) teu is equivalent to a container having a length of 20 ft. (6.06 m).
  • the standard 20 ft container is 8 ft (2.44 m) wide and 8.5 ft (2.59 m) high.
  • Two (2) teu is equivalent to two 20 ft containers or one 40 ft container.
  • the portal frame preferably comprises at least two parallel, substantially vertically extending portal structure members, which are interconnected by means of at least one bridge member, which bridge member is provided with a frame that can be moved up and down for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers between said at least two parallel, substantially vertically extending portal structure members.
  • the minimum spacing between said substantially vertically extending portal structure members is larger than 4.88 m, preferably larger than 5.5 m.
  • a straddle carrier having the aforesaid dimensions has very good driving characteristics, so that it can be moved across a yard at relatively high speeds.
  • Another embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers positioned longitudinally in line with each other at a time.
  • each subframe is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers positioned longitudinally in line with each other at a time.
  • the subframes are preferably provided with telescopically extendable parts for adapting the dimension of the subframes to the number of containers to be moved and/or to the dimension(s) of the container(s).
  • Figure 1 is a front view of the straddle carrier according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the straddle carrier according to the invention.
  • Figures 3a, 3b are top plan views of a storage yard for freight containers.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of the straddle carrier 1 according to the invention in use.
  • the straddle carrier 1 comprises a portal frame 3 comprising a substantially vertically extending right-hand portal structure member 5 as well as a substantially vertically extending left-hand portal structure member 7.
  • the right- hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 are interconnected by a bridge member 9.
  • the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention is suitable for moving at least one "10 ft container”, “20 ft container” (teu container), “30 ft container”, “40 ft container” or “45 ft container”.
  • the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention is also suitable for moving so-called “high cube containers”, which containers are higher than the standard containers, and also for moving "pallet wide containers”, which containers are wider than the standard containers.
  • the straddle carrier 1 For reasons of productivity, it is preferred to move more than one container 10 at a time by means of the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention, including, for example, at least two teu containers or a combination of minimally two of the aforesaid containers, although it is possible to move only one container 10 at a time by means of the straddle carrier 1 according to the invention.
  • the spacing x between the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 is larger than twice the width of the freight containers 10 shown in the figure. More specifically, the spacing x between the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 or, in other words, the inside width of the portal frame 3, is more than 4.88 m. Preferably, however, said spacing is at least 5.5 m.
  • a straddle carrier 1 having such dimensions can at all times be moved over two parallel, side-by-side standard containers 10 which are not spaced far apart, i.e. not more than 1 metre.
  • both the right- hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 are provided with a chassis with wheels 11 , at least two of which wheels 11 are steerable, so that the straddle carrier 1 can freely move in a storage yard.
  • the ends 17, 19 remote from the ends 13, 15 of the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 are interconnected by the bridge member 9.
  • Two subframes 21 , 23 (also called “spreaders") are mounted to the bridge member 9 of the portal frame 3.
  • the subframes 21 , 23 can be moved up and down by hoisting mechanisms 25, 27.
  • Said subframes 21 , 23 are further provided with guides 29, 31 , which are movably joumalled in guide rails (not shown) provided in the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7.
  • Such guides 29, 31 function to ensure a stable up-and-down movement of the subframes 21 , 23.
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of the straddle carrier according to the present invention in use.
  • the portal structure member 5 comprises two substantially vertically extending beams 35, 37, which are interconnected at the end remote from the storage yard 43 by a substantially horizontal beam 39 of the bridge member 9.
  • the portal structure member 7 that is not shown in figure 2 is preferably of identical design.
  • the end 13 of the portal structure member 5 located near the ground surface 43 comprises a chassis 45 provided with wheels 11.
  • the straddle carrier 1 further comprises a cabin 41 , from where an operator of the straddle carrier 1 can operate the hoisting mechanisms 25, 27 and thus the subframe 21 , 23 either individually or simultaneously. Furthermore, the operator can control the drive of the wheels 11 and steer the steerable wheels thereof for moving the straddle carrier 1 across a storage yard 43.
  • the subframes 21 , 23 are attached to steel cables 49 of the hoisting mechanisms 25, 27 by means of known quick-action couplings 47, so that said subframe can be moved up and down by means of the hoisting mechanisms 25, 27.
  • the straddle carrier 1 is driven to freight containers 10, 100, which have just been unloaded from a ship. Said freight containers 10, 100 must be moved to another position in the yard 43, for example for storage thereof.
  • the freight containers 10 are "20 ft freight containers", whilst the freight containers 100 are “40 ft freight containers”.
  • the freight containers 10, 100 are preferably positioned in rows in the storage yard (for example as shown in figure 1 and in particular in figure 3).
  • the containers 10, 100 can be stacked or picked up maximally 4 high by the straddle carrier 1 shown in the figures.
  • a container 10 is lifted from a stack of two containers 10 by means of the subframe 23 and the hoisting mechanism 27, whilst a container 10 is lifted from a stack of four containers 10 by means of the subframe 21 and the hoisting mechanism 25.
  • the containers 10 can then be moved across the yard and be positioned for storage elsewhere.
  • Figure 2 shows how two different sized containers 10, 100 can be moved by means of the straddle carrier 1.
  • the figure also shows how the subframes 21 , 23 can extend telescopically in horizontal direction so as to adapt themselves to the dimension of the containers 10, 100 to be moved.
  • the subframe 21 has telescoped out for a "40 ft container” 100, whilst the subframe 23 has not telescoped out.
  • the subframe 23 is coupled to a "40 ft container”.
  • the quick-action couplings 47 of the subframe 21 , 23 are shown apart for the sake of clarity, whereas in actual fact they should be shown one behind another in the side view of figure 2.
  • the containers 10, 100 are coupled to the subframe 21 , 23 by means of known quick-action couplings 51 , such as the so-called "twistlocks”.
  • Figures 3a and 3b show how a storage yard for freight containers 10, 100 can be optimally utilised when using the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention.
  • the storage yard shown in figure 3a has a dimension I x b, for example a yard 70 m long and 43 m wide, i.e. having a surface area of 3010 m 2 .
  • the freight containers 10, 100 are arranged in rows 101 , a row 101 being made up of at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers 10, 100, the longitudinal sides of which freight containers 10, 100 face each other.
  • the freight containers are arranged in a usual manner, i.e. in rows 102 one freight container 10, 100 wide.
  • the dimension I x b of the storage yard shown in figure 3b is slightly larger than that of the storage yard shown in figure 3a, being 72.5 x 43, i.e. having a surface area of 3117 m 2 .
  • the containers 10, 100 have been deposited, whether or not stacked one on top of another, by means of the straddle carrier 1 known from US-D-526.932S.
  • the spacings between the freight containers 10, 100 on the storage yard of figure 3 are substantially identical on either longitudinal side of the freight containers 10, 100, said driving spacing being sufficiently large for a straddle carrier to move therebetween.
  • the containers 10, 100 have been deposited, whether or not stacked one on top of another, by means of the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention.
  • the spacing 105 between the longitudinal sides of two side- by-side freight containers 10, 100 in a row 101 is smaller than the driving spacing required for the straddle carrier 1 to move therebetween.
  • the straddle carrier 1 according to the invention can move over a row 102 shown in figure 3a for depositing and/or picking up containers 10, 100.
  • the storage yards shown in figure 3a and 3b are both maximally utilised, which means that the containers 10, 100 are stacked three high.
  • the capacity of the storage yard shown in figure 3a (3010 m 2 ), which has a smaller surface area than the storage yard shown in figure 3b (3117 m 2 ) has increased by nearly 18 per cent by positioning the freight containers 10, 100 in rows 101.
  • the storage yard shown in figure 3a has 420 teu stored thereon, whereas the storage yard shown in figure 3b has 357 teu stored thereon.
  • the spacing 105 between the containers 10, 100 in a row 101 is preferably smaller than 1 metre.
  • the advantages of the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention are the following: increased productivity, because more containers can be moved between various positions in a yard per unit time with the straddle carrier according to the invention, as well as increased flexibility, due to the use of the subframe, and an increased storage capacity of existing and new yards, which directly leads to a major saving in costs realised by using the straddle carrier according to the present invention.
  • the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention has an advantageous width-height ratio, so that it can be moved in a stable manner at relatively high speeds. As a result of the increased productivity of the straddle carrier according to the present invention, fewer straddle carriers are needed for an existing storage yard, which has a positive effect as regards CO 2 emissions, maintenance costs as well as personnel costs.
  • the straddle carrier with a single movable frame, by means of which at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers can be picked up, lifted and/or carried in one go, with the longitudinal sides of the two freight containers facing each other.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a straddle carrier which is provided with wheels for moving freight containers across a yard. The wheels comprise at least two steerable wheels. The straddle carrier further comprises at least one portal frame, as well as at least one frame which is movable with respect to said portal frame for picking up, lifting and/or carrying a freight container, using gripping means. The movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers at a time with the longitudinal sides of the two freight containers facing each other.

Description

Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard
The invention relates to a straddle carrier provided with wheels for moving freight containers across a yard, which wheels comprise at least two steerable wheels, whilst the straddle carrier further comprises at least one portal frame as well as at least one frame which is movable with respect to said portal frame for picking up, lifting and/or carrying a freight container, using gripping means.
The invention further relates to a method for moving freight containers in a yard.
Such a straddle carrier is known from US-D-526,932S. The straddle carrier known from US-D-526.932S comprises a portal frame comprising two parallel, substantially vertically extending portal structure members, which are provided with wheels at their lower end and which are interconnected by means of at least one bridge member at their upper end. Mounted to the bridge member of the known straddle carrier is a frame that can be moved up and down for picking up, lifting and/or carrying a freight container.
The known straddle carrier has the drawback that the number of freight containers that can moved a certain distance therewith per unit time is relatively low.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved straddle carrier by means of which a larger number of freight containers can be moved a certain distance per unit time.
This object is accomplished with the straddle carrier according to the invention in that the movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers at a time with the longitudinal sides of the two freight containers facing each other.
Using such a straddle carrier, a number of parallel, side-by-side freight containers instead of a single freight container extending in the longitudinal direction can be picked up, lifted to a desired height and/or be carried to a different location in the yard and deposited at said location, for example for storage, with each moving operation. Productivity is significantly enhanced by using the straddle carrier according to the present invention.
Another advantage of the straddle carrier according to the present invention is the fact that more freight containers can be stored on the same yard area than is for example possible with the straddle carrier shown in US-D-526.932S. The fact is that space is needed between all the parallel, facing longitudinal sides of the freight containers when using the known straddle carrier, so that the wheels of the straddle carrier can move between the freight containers for picking up each freight container in the yard and moving it. With the straddle carrier according to the present invention, rows of freight containers are formed in the yard, which rows are positioned at least so far apart that the parts of the straddle carrier which are provided with wheels can move between the rows, wherein two freight containers are positioned substantially parallel beside each other in each row, such that the spacing between facing longitudinal sides of the freight containers is smaller than the aforesaid minimally required spacing between rows. By minimising said spacing between freight containers thus arranged in rows, it is possible to achieve a capacity increase of the storage yard, because more freight containers can be stored per hectare.
Furthermore, the straddle carrier according to the present invention has very advantageous dimensions. The portal frame is relatively wide, because at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers can be picked up, lifted and/or carried by means of the movable frame between substantially vertically extending structural members of the portal frame. The straddle carrier according to the present invention thus has a width-height proportion which is relatively advantageous from the viewpoint of stability, so that the straddle carrier can travel at relatively high speeds across a storage yard, so that a larger number of freight containers can be moved a certain distance per unit time by means of the straddle carrier according to the present invention.
With the exception of the movable frame and the width dimension of the portal frame, the construction of the straddle carrier according to the present invention may be substantially the same as that of the straddle carrier that is known from US-D-526.932S. JP-09-151076 discloses a transfer crane which comprises wheels for moving only a longitudinal direction over a yard for picking up, lifting and/or carrying freight containers by means of trolleys. These trolleys can move in a transversal direction to said longitudinal direction. A crane as a whole cannot travel at relatively high speeds across a storage yard in more than one direction. A special preferred embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the movable frame comprises at least two subframes, each subframe being provided with gripping means which gripping means are arranged for picking up at least one freight container. By picking up at least one freight container with each subframe, using gripping means, at least two freight containers can be coupled to the movable frame in a relatively quick and reliable manner, which containers are jointly and simultaneously moved up or down. In this way a straddle carrier is provided by means of which a relatively high productivity level is achieved. Another embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the subframes are movable both with respect to each other and with respect to the portal frame.
Since the subframes can be operated independently of each other, it is for example possible to lift a first freight container by means of the first subframe while depositing a second freight container by means of a second subframe. It is also possible to position two freight containers at different heights, i.e. a first freight container on top of a vertical stack of two freight containers and a second freight container on top of a stack of three freight containers. The independently movable subframes make it possible to handle freight containers relatively quickly by means of the straddle carrier according to the present invention, thus increasing the productivity as well as the flexibility of the straddle carrier enormously.
Yet another embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the movable frame or the subframes is/are arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two TEU (Twenty feet Equivalent Unit) containers at a time.
TEU or teu is the standard designation for the dimension of freight containers. One (1 ) teu is equivalent to a container having a length of 20 ft. (6.06 m). The standard 20 ft container is 8 ft (2.44 m) wide and 8.5 ft (2.59 m) high. Two (2) teu is equivalent to two 20 ft containers or one 40 ft container.
The portal frame preferably comprises at least two parallel, substantially vertically extending portal structure members, which are interconnected by means of at least one bridge member, which bridge member is provided with a frame that can be moved up and down for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers between said at least two parallel, substantially vertically extending portal structure members. In the straddle carrier according to the present invention, the minimum spacing between said substantially vertically extending portal structure members is larger than 4.88 m, preferably larger than 5.5 m. As indicated above, a straddle carrier having the aforesaid dimensions has very good driving characteristics, so that it can be moved across a yard at relatively high speeds.
Another embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that the movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers positioned longitudinally in line with each other at a time.
In this way it is possible to move four teu freight containers simultaneously, two teu freight containers crosswise and two teu freight containers lengthwise, by means of the straddle carrier according to the present invention. Moving two containers positioned in line with each other by means of the frame leads to a further productivity increase of the straddle carrier according to the present invention. The dimension of the frame is adapted by means of telescopically extendable parts in dependence on the number of containers to be moved and/or the dimension(s) of the container(s). Yet another embodiment of the straddle carrier according to the invention is characterised in that each subframe is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers positioned longitudinally in line with each other at a time.
By substituting the frame for subframes, by means of which two pairs of freight containers positioned in line with each other are movable with respect to each other, the flexibility as well as the productivity of the straddle carrier according to the invention is further increased.
The subframes are preferably provided with telescopically extendable parts for adapting the dimension of the subframes to the number of containers to be moved and/or to the dimension(s) of the container(s).
It is of course possible to use more subframes, for example four subframes, in order to increase the flexibility of the straddle carrier according to the present invention even further.
The invention will now be explained by way of an example in more detail with reference to the appended figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of the straddle carrier according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the straddle carrier according to the invention;
Figures 3a, 3b are top plan views of a storage yard for freight containers.
Like parts are indicated by the same numerals in the various figures. Figure 1 is a front view of the straddle carrier 1 according to the invention in use.
The straddle carrier 1 comprises a portal frame 3 comprising a substantially vertically extending right-hand portal structure member 5 as well as a substantially vertically extending left-hand portal structure member 7. The right- hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 are interconnected by a bridge member 9.
The straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention is suitable for moving at least one "10 ft container", "20 ft container" (teu container), "30 ft container", "40 ft container" or "45 ft container". The straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention is also suitable for moving so-called "high cube containers", which containers are higher than the standard containers, and also for moving "pallet wide containers", which containers are wider than the standard containers. For reasons of productivity, it is preferred to move more than one container 10 at a time by means of the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention, including, for example, at least two teu containers or a combination of minimally two of the aforesaid containers, although it is possible to move only one container 10 at a time by means of the straddle carrier 1 according to the invention.
The spacing x between the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 is larger than twice the width of the freight containers 10 shown in the figure. More specifically, the spacing x between the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 or, in other words, the inside width of the portal frame 3, is more than 4.88 m. Preferably, however, said spacing is at least 5.5 m. A straddle carrier 1 having such dimensions can at all times be moved over two parallel, side-by-side standard containers 10 which are not spaced far apart, i.e. not more than 1 metre.
At their ends 13, 15 located near the ground surface, both the right- hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 are provided with a chassis with wheels 11 , at least two of which wheels 11 are steerable, so that the straddle carrier 1 can freely move in a storage yard.
The ends 17, 19 remote from the ends 13, 15 of the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7 are interconnected by the bridge member 9. Two subframes 21 , 23 (also called "spreaders") are mounted to the bridge member 9 of the portal frame 3. The subframes 21 , 23 can be moved up and down by hoisting mechanisms 25, 27. Said subframes 21 , 23 are further provided with guides 29, 31 , which are movably joumalled in guide rails (not shown) provided in the right-hand and the left-hand portal structure member 5, 7. Such guides 29, 31 function to ensure a stable up-and-down movement of the subframes 21 , 23.
Figure 2 shows a side view of the straddle carrier according to the present invention in use.
As the figure shows, the portal structure member 5 comprises two substantially vertically extending beams 35, 37, which are interconnected at the end remote from the storage yard 43 by a substantially horizontal beam 39 of the bridge member 9. The portal structure member 7 that is not shown in figure 2 is preferably of identical design.
The end 13 of the portal structure member 5 located near the ground surface 43 comprises a chassis 45 provided with wheels 11.
The straddle carrier 1 further comprises a cabin 41 , from where an operator of the straddle carrier 1 can operate the hoisting mechanisms 25, 27 and thus the subframe 21 , 23 either individually or simultaneously. Furthermore, the operator can control the drive of the wheels 11 and steer the steerable wheels thereof for moving the straddle carrier 1 across a storage yard 43.
The subframes 21 , 23 are attached to steel cables 49 of the hoisting mechanisms 25, 27 by means of known quick-action couplings 47, so that said subframe can be moved up and down by means of the hoisting mechanisms 25, 27.
The operation of the straddle carrier 1 according to the invention is as follows:
The straddle carrier 1 is driven to freight containers 10, 100, which have just been unloaded from a ship. Said freight containers 10, 100 must be moved to another position in the yard 43, for example for storage thereof. The freight containers 10 are "20 ft freight containers", whilst the freight containers 100 are "40 ft freight containers".
The freight containers 10, 100 are preferably positioned in rows in the storage yard (for example as shown in figure 1 and in particular in figure 3).
The containers 10, 100 can be stacked or picked up maximally 4 high by the straddle carrier 1 shown in the figures.
In figure 1 , a container 10 is lifted from a stack of two containers 10 by means of the subframe 23 and the hoisting mechanism 27, whilst a container 10 is lifted from a stack of four containers 10 by means of the subframe 21 and the hoisting mechanism 25.
The containers 10 can then be moved across the yard and be positioned for storage elsewhere.
Figure 2 shows how two different sized containers 10, 100 can be moved by means of the straddle carrier 1. The figure also shows how the subframes 21 , 23 can extend telescopically in horizontal direction so as to adapt themselves to the dimension of the containers 10, 100 to be moved. The subframe 21 has telescoped out for a "40 ft container" 100, whilst the subframe 23 has not telescoped out. The subframe 23 is coupled to a "40 ft container". In figure 2, the quick-action couplings 47 of the subframe 21 , 23 are shown apart for the sake of clarity, whereas in actual fact they should be shown one behind another in the side view of figure 2. The containers 10, 100 are coupled to the subframe 21 , 23 by means of known quick-action couplings 51 , such as the so-called "twistlocks".
Using an extended subframe 21 , 23, it is also possible to pick up, move and put down two "20 ft containers" 10 positioned in line with each instead of the container 100.
Figures 3a and 3b show how a storage yard for freight containers 10, 100 can be optimally utilised when using the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention. The storage yard shown in figure 3a has a dimension I x b, for example a yard 70 m long and 43 m wide, i.e. having a surface area of 3010 m2. The freight containers 10, 100 are arranged in rows 101 , a row 101 being made up of at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers 10, 100, the longitudinal sides of which freight containers 10, 100 face each other.
In the storage yard shown in figure 3b, the freight containers are arranged in a usual manner, i.e. in rows 102 one freight container 10, 100 wide. The dimension I x b of the storage yard shown in figure 3b is slightly larger than that of the storage yard shown in figure 3a, being 72.5 x 43, i.e. having a surface area of 3117 m2. In figure 3b the containers 10, 100 have been deposited, whether or not stacked one on top of another, by means of the straddle carrier 1 known from US-D-526.932S. The spacings between the freight containers 10, 100 on the storage yard of figure 3 are substantially identical on either longitudinal side of the freight containers 10, 100, said driving spacing being sufficiently large for a straddle carrier to move therebetween.
In figure 3a the containers 10, 100 have been deposited, whether or not stacked one on top of another, by means of the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention. The spacing 105 between the longitudinal sides of two side- by-side freight containers 10, 100 in a row 101 is smaller than the driving spacing required for the straddle carrier 1 to move therebetween. The straddle carrier 1 according to the invention can move over a row 102 shown in figure 3a for depositing and/or picking up containers 10, 100.
The storage yards shown in figure 3a and 3b are both maximally utilised, which means that the containers 10, 100 are stacked three high. The capacity of the storage yard shown in figure 3a (3010 m2), which has a smaller surface area than the storage yard shown in figure 3b (3117 m2) has increased by nearly 18 per cent by positioning the freight containers 10, 100 in rows 101. The storage yard shown in figure 3a has 420 teu stored thereon, whereas the storage yard shown in figure 3b has 357 teu stored thereon. The spacing 105 between the containers 10, 100 in a row 101 is preferably smaller than 1 metre.
Instead of using the hoisting mechanism is 25, 27 with the steel cables 49 as shown, it would also be possible to use different mechanisms for moving the subframes up and down, for example hydraulically actuated cylinders. In summary, the advantages of the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention are the following: increased productivity, because more containers can be moved between various positions in a yard per unit time with the straddle carrier according to the invention, as well as increased flexibility, due to the use of the subframe, and an increased storage capacity of existing and new yards, which directly leads to a major saving in costs realised by using the straddle carrier according to the present invention. Furthermore, the straddle carrier 1 according to the present invention has an advantageous width-height ratio, so that it can be moved in a stable manner at relatively high speeds. As a result of the increased productivity of the straddle carrier according to the present invention, fewer straddle carriers are needed for an existing storage yard, which has a positive effect as regards CO2 emissions, maintenance costs as well as personnel costs.
In spite of the fact that the figures only shows subframes, it is also possible to provide the straddle carrier with a single movable frame, by means of which at least two parallel, side-by-side freight containers can be picked up, lifted and/or carried in one go, with the longitudinal sides of the two freight containers facing each other.
In the above detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, an example embodiment disclosing specific details is set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the according to the present teachings that depart from the specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well- known apparati and methods may be omitted so as to not obscure the description of the example embodiment. Such methods and apparati are clearly within the scope of the present teachings.

Claims

1. A straddle carrier provided with wheels for moving freight containers across a yard, which wheels comprise at least two steerable wheels, whilst the straddle carrier further comprises at least one portal frame as well as at least one frame which is movable with respect to said portal frame for picking up, lifting and/or carrying a freight container, using gripping means, characterised in that the movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two parallel, side-by- side freight containers at a time with the longitudinal sides of the two freight containers facing each other.
2. A straddle carrier according to claim 1 , characterised in that the movable frame comprises at least two subframes, each subframe being provided with gripping means which gripping means are arranged for picking up at least one freight container.
3. A straddle carrier according to claim 2, characterised in that the subframes are movable both with respect to each other and with respect to the portal frame.
4. A straddle carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable frame or the subframes is/are arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two TEU (Twenty feet Equivalent Unit) containers at a time.
5. A straddle carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable frame is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers positioned longitudinally in line with each other at a time.
6. A straddle carrier according to claim 2, characterised in that each subframe is arranged for picking up, lifting and/or carrying at least two freight containers positioned longitudinally in line with each other at a time.
7. A method for positioning freight containers in a yard by means of a straddle carrier according to any one of the preceding claims.
8. A method according to claim 7, characterised in that rows of freight containers are formed in the yard by means of the straddle carrier, which rows are positioned at least at a driving spacing of each other such that the parts of the straddle carrier that are provided with wheels can move between the rows, wherein at least two freight containers are positioned substantially parallel beside each other in each row, such that the spacing between two facing longitudinal sides of the freight containers of said row is smaller than the aforesaid minimally required driving spacing between rows.
9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that the minimally required driving spacing between rows is about 1 metre.
10. A method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterised in that further freight containers are stacked on top of the freight containers arranged in rows by means of the straddle carrier.
EP08859516A 2007-12-12 2008-12-08 Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard Not-in-force EP2222591B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1034816A NL1034816C2 (en) 2007-12-12 2007-12-12 Portal forklift as well as method for moving freight containers over a terrain.
PCT/NL2008/000271 WO2009075569A1 (en) 2007-12-12 2008-12-08 Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2222591A1 true EP2222591A1 (en) 2010-09-01
EP2222591B1 EP2222591B1 (en) 2011-05-18

Family

ID=39609167

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08859516A Not-in-force EP2222591B1 (en) 2007-12-12 2008-12-08 Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2222591B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE509883T1 (en)
ES (1) ES2366878T3 (en)
NL (1) NL1034816C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2009075569A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009042853A1 (en) * 2009-09-24 2011-06-22 Pfenning Elektroanlagen GmbH, 97199 Straddle carriers for use in container terminals and general transport tasks
US9147175B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-09-29 Mi-Jack Products, Inc. Dynamic inventory tracking and transfer system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4715762A (en) * 1983-02-24 1987-12-29 Mi-Jack Products, Inc. Grappler system for lifting apparatus
JP2709047B2 (en) * 1995-11-27 1998-02-04 川崎重工業株式会社 Transfer crane and its operation method
DE102005050893A1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2007-04-26 Consens Transport Systeme Gmbh Vehicle for transporting containers has portal frames to carry freight containers, with lifting drive and multiple wheels
JP2007269425A (en) * 2006-03-30 2007-10-18 Mitsui Eng & Shipbuild Co Ltd Container crane

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2009075569A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL1034816C2 (en) 2009-06-15
ATE509883T1 (en) 2011-06-15
EP2222591B1 (en) 2011-05-18
ES2366878T3 (en) 2011-10-26
WO2009075569A1 (en) 2009-06-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US12522437B2 (en) Automated storage and retrieval system, a method of operating the system and a multi trolley vehicle
US11167921B2 (en) Automated storage and retrieval system
EP3431416B1 (en) Three-dimensional warehouse system
US3727778A (en) Material handling system
US10710807B2 (en) Shuttle for use in a three-dimensional warehouse system
EP3283418B1 (en) Method and container transfer installation for placing containers into and removing containers from container storage areas
NO20180750A1 (en) An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a storage container lift assembly
US20060182526A1 (en) Multi-trolley container crane
WO2019076760A1 (en) Vehicle for an automated storage and retrieval system.
CN117533682A (en) Storage system based on shelf robot
US8517192B2 (en) Dual mast arrangement for a crane
CN104108610A (en) Shuttle carrier system for container terminal and container carrying method of shuttle carrier system
US20250171240A1 (en) Track sensor arrangement
CN114180352A (en) Automatic wharf container loading and unloading system and loading and unloading method
CN116750393A (en) Multipath warehouse-in and warehouse-out warehouse system
EP2222591B1 (en) Straddle carrier and method for moving freight containers across a yard
CN221317798U (en) Storage system based on shelf robot
CN118047329A (en) Cargo carrying platform and stacker
WO2011071941A1 (en) Container storage yard transportation system
CN211322659U (en) Rail guided guidance trolley for black soldier fly breeding
NO348629B1 (en) Track sensor arrangement
CN221955765U (en) Cargo carrying platform for storing and taking long and short cargoes and stacker
CN111689114A (en) Tray system
CN222556514U (en) Long material stacking machine capable of crossing roadway
US20250187827A1 (en) Shuttle for use in a three-dimensional warehouse system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100706

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602008007098

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20110518

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20110401953

Country of ref document: GR

Effective date: 20110916

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2366878

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20111026

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110919

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110818

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20111223

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20120221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602008007098

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111231

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20121218

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20121219

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20121220

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20121220

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20121221

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20121218

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20130123

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20121219

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110818

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: ML

Ref document number: 20110401953

Country of ref document: GR

Effective date: 20130703

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121231

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110518

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121231

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130703

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: CARGOTEC FINLAND OY

Effective date: 20131231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008007098

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20131208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131208

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008007098

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20140829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131231

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140701

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131208

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20150327

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131208