GB1148772A - Apparatus for stowing articles - Google Patents

Abstract

1,148,772. Mechanical garages; endless conveyers. C. MASCHERPA. 13 June, 1966 [12 June, 1965], No. 26195/66. Headings B8A and B8E. Apparatus for stowing articles, e.g. automobiles, comprises carriages 1 for supporting the articles, fixed tracks supporting the carriages and along which the latter can move in a closed vertical loop while remaining horizontal, and chains 14 interconnecting the carriages to move them round the loop, the tracks comprising on each side of the carriages upper and lower horizontal lengths 2, 3 extending outwardly at their ends into prolongations 4<SP>1</SP>, 5<SP>1</SP> and 6, 7 at equal and opposite inclinations, and individual slanting lengths 4, 5 and 61, 7<SP>1</SP> parallel to and spaced from each prolongation, the arrangement being such that each carriage in moving between the horizontal lengths 2, 3 has on each side one wheel running on one of the prolongations and another wheel running on the associated slanting length, idler wheels being provided to support the carriage during movement of the said other wheel between the horizontal length 2 and the associated slanting length. Each carriage has four wheels 8 on axles 12, two diagonally opposed axles being extended at 13 for engagement with the chains 14 which run on guide rollers 15 and are driven by a motor 18. The articles are carried by platforms (not shown) which are removably supported on the carriages. Two or more sets of carriages supported on concentric-track systems may be provided, Fig. 2 (not shown), serviced by an elevator 26. The apparatus is preferably mounted below ground, Figs. 6, 7 (not shown). Operation may be automatic.