GB2231026A - Lifting device for e.g. reels - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting device for, e.g. reels, has spaced supporting arms (13) or (130) arranged for movement substantially vertically on a linkage, via the vertical movement of either a means (28) arranged to be acted upon by an external actuator, e.g. a fork lift truck, or a built-in means (126) arranged to be operated by hand. In the embodiment of Figs 1-3, tines (41) of a lift truck act on a shaft (28) to lift a frame (12), and hence pivots (35), links (37) and bars (32), which cause an arcuate movement upwards of arms (13), between which a reel can be supported. In the embodiment of Figs 5-7, actuator (126) lifts arms (130) via a similar linkage. In the embodiment of Figs 8-10, a piston-and-cylinder lifts levers (241), (251), which in turn lifts a frame (257) with parallel arms (263). <IMAGE>

Description

HANDLING DEVICE This invention relates to a handling device and more particularly to a handling device adapted for use with a load lifting vehicle.

So called blister packs are commonly manufactured from high density plastics strip material which is supplied in large, heavy reels on pallets. It is necessary for the reels to be transferred individually from the pal lets to processing machinery and commonly this transfer is carried out manually. However this can be inconvenient and possibly unsafe having regard to the weight of the reels. Load lifting vehicles of the pallet truck kind are used to move the pal lets but are generally unsuitable for transferring individual reels to processing machines having regard to the limited scope of lifting movement and the difficulty of holding the reels stably.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handling device with which articles such as reels can be lifted and transported in a particularly convenient and safe manner.

According to a first aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided a handling device for use with a movable actuator having a liftable member, said device comprising attachment means for attachment of said device relative to said actuator so as to be movable therewith, displaceable engagement means adapted for engagement with said liftable member so as to be displaced by lifting thereof, spaced apart pivotally mounted support elements to support therebetween an article to be moved, and linkage means adapted to connect said engagement means and said support elements whereby lifting of said liftable member causes said support elements to swing upwardly, the upward displacement of the elements being greater than that of said liftable member.

With this arrangement, a relatively small lifting movement of the actuator member can be converted to a relatively large upward displacement of the support elements whereby the article can be conveniently lifted through an appreciable height. At the same time secure, stable holding of the article is feasible due to the nature and mode of movement of the support arrangement.

The invention therefore is suited to the transfer of heavy reels to processing machinery, although the invention is not intended to be restricted to this and the handling device may be used for any suitable purpose in any suitable context.

With regard to the actuator this may be a load lifting vehicle particularly a powered pallet truck or the like whereby said liftable member comprises a liftable fork. However other kinds of vehicles and other kinds of actuators whether powered or hand operated (via hydraulic or other devices) may be used.

Preferably said support elements comprises two support arms arranged to engage the article. The arms may extend horizontally and may be parallel to each other. The support elements may be pivotally mounted so as to swing upwardly in opposite directions. The swinging movement is preferably such that the elements move towards each other to grip the article therebetween.

The handling device may further comprise one or more auxiliary supports above the support elements whereby the article is lifted by the elements into engagement with the top support or supports to be securely held therebetween. The top support or supports may comprise one or more adjustable arms preferably two spaced apart generally parallel horizontal arms.

The engagement means may comprise a frame. The engagement means may be connected to the lifting member or may be provided with an engagement member which is separate from but engaged by said lifting member. In the latter case the engagement member may comprise at least one wheel or roller.

In one embodiment, the engagement means comprises a frame, at least one shaft is mounted on said frame and said shaft has a roller at each end thereof for engagement with said lifting member.

With regard to the linkage means, this may comprise any suitable arrangement of pivotal connection elements between each support element and the linkage means. In one embodiment each element is provided at one end of at least one lever arm, the other end of such arm being pivotally mounted, and the linkage means comprises one or more connection elements pivoted to the linkage means and also to the lever arm between its ends. Each support element may be mounted on two horizontally spaced apart lever arms.

Said support elements may be shaped in any desired manner and thus may be shaped for engagement with a part of an article to be lifted.

In order to promote more hygienic storage conditions and an arrangement from which it is convenient to remove the articles subsequently, it is possible to transfer the articles to a storage frame which retains the articles above the ground surface and clear of soiled surfaces.

The frame can be freestanding and can be configured such that it facilitates ease of removal and positioning of multiple articles therein with the handling device of the invention.

Thus and in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for transferring articles, preferably using a handling device as described above, wherein as an intermediate step to transferring said articles from a supply location to a use location, said articles are removably located in a storage frame, said frame comprising a mounting part and a support part, said support part comprising two spaced apart side by side elongate support members adapted to engage a lower surface of said articles.

Said mounting part may comprise a first frame part having outwardly inclined sides. Said mounting part may further comprise a second frame part adapted to be cooperable with said first frame part and which may be secured thereto. The support members may be secured to said first frame part.

In the case where the actuator is hand operated it is possible for the actuator, upon operation thereof, to cause support elements to move straight upwardly by way of an alternative form of linkage means.

Thus and in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a handling device having a hand operated actuator therefor, said device comprising a lift member displaceable by lifting on operation of said actuator, spaced apart support elements to support therebetween an article to be lifted, said elements being pivotally mounted on said device by way of a linkage means whereby lifting of said lift member causes said support elements to move upwardly.

Said support elements may be shaped for engagement with an article to be lifted.

Said linkage means may comprise one or more linkage arms which link said elements to said device. Each said linkage arm may be pivotally connected at ends thereof to said device and at least one said element.

The device of the third aspect of the invention may incorporate some or all of the features of the first and second aspects.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of one form of handling device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view to a larger scale of part of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a storage frame for use in storing reels before use; Figure 5 shows a side view of an alternative form of handling device according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a plan view of the device of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a front view, partly cut away of the device of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a side view of a further alternative form of handling device according to the invention; Figure 9 shows a plan view of the device of Figure 8; and Figure 10 shows a front view of the device of Figure 8.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 the handling device 10 comprises an attachment frame 11 adapted to attach the device 10 to a pallet truck, an engagement frame 12 mounted for movement relative to the attachment frame 11, two support arms 13 to lift a reel and an articulated linkage 14 between the support arms 13 and the engagement frame 12.

The attachment frame 11 comprises generally rectangular base part 15 having a front portion 16 which is inclined downwardly from the remainder of the base part 15. A strut 17 extends from each side of a rear portion of the base part 15 at substantially 450 thereto in a direction towards the front of the frame 11. The struts 17 connect with a pair of generally L-shaped attachment arms 18 which are adapted at one end to secure the frame 11 to the pallet truck by way o-f a screwed actuator 19. The other end of each attachment arm 18 is connected to the respective side of the base part 15. A transverse member 20 extends between the two attachment arms 18, and the ends of the transverse member 20 connect with the arms 18 in the region adjacent the connection to the struts 17.

Attached to a forward face of the transverse member 20 is a generally U-shaped member 21 whose base 22 is secured to the transverse member 20 such that it extends generally downward the attachment being in the region of one of the arms 18. The upper arm 23 of the member 21 extends perpendicularly to the transverse member 20 and the lower arm 24 extends to and connects with the front 16 of the base part 15. Secured to the end of the upper arm 23 is an upstanding T-bar 25 having two adjustable supports 26 protruding from a front face thereof.

Wheel attachments 27 are provided on either side of the base part 15 of the frame 11 enabling the frame to move over a ground surface when attached to the pallet truck.

The engagement frame 12 comprises a generally square frame which is disposed symmetrically above the lower arm 24 of the U-shaped member 21 of the attachment frame 11.

A shift 28 is mounted across the frame 12 along the axis of symmetry perpendicular to the lower arm 24 and is coupled to the frame 12 by way of two mountings 29. The ends of the shaft 28 extend beyond the frame 12 and have rollers 30 mounted thereon. Thus it can be seen the bodily movement of the rollers 30 leads to similar movements of the engagement frame 12. Pivot mountings 31 are provided at each corner of the square frame 12 and form part of the linkage 14 to be described hereinafter.

The support arms 13 comprise two generally cylindrical rods which extend horizontally substantially parallel to each other and to the lower arm 24 of the U-shaped member 21 of the attachment frame 11. The arms 13 are symmetrically disposed one on each side of the lower arm 24 and-are each connected thereto in two places by way of two bars 32, 33. Each of the bars 32, 33 on both sides of the lower arm 24 are pivotally connected to the lower arm 24 by way of a pivot joint 34, 35. Thus two pivot joints 34, 35 are provided spaced along the lower arm 24 and each is adapted to receive two bars 32 or 33, one from each support arm 13. Thus it can be seen that the support arms 13 can pivot about the lower arm 24 of the U-shaped member 21 of the attachment frame 11.

The support arms 13 extend beyond the front 16 of the attachment frame 11 to provide a support for a reel to be lifted.

Articulated linkages 14 connect the engagement frame 12 to each bar 32, 33 connected to the support arms 13.

Each linkage 14 comprises a pivot mounting 31 on a corner of the engagement frame 12. The pivot mounting 31 is a Ushaped bracket, having wings projecting from the ends of the arms by which it can be attached to the frame 12.

The brackets 31 are adapted to receive one end of a pin 35 in such a manner that the pin 35 can rotate in the bracket 31. The other end of the pin 35 is received in a bore 36 in an upper end of a lever 37, in such a manner as to be rotatable therein. The other end of the lever 37 has a similar bore 38 in which another pin 39 is rotatably received. This pin 39 is also rotatably received in a bore (not shown) in the respective bars 32 or 33 connected to the support arm 13. It will be appreciated that via this articulated linkage 14 it is possible to amplify any movement of the engagement frame 12 into a larger pivotal movement of the support arms 13.

This arises due to the fact that the linkage 14 is provided between the pivot joint of the bar 32 or 33 and the support arms 13.

In use the device 10 is attached to a pallet truck as follows.

The upper end of the attachment arms 18 of the attachment frame 11 are connected to the truck by way of the screwed actuators 19. The rear portion of the base part 15 of the attachment frame 11 is also attached to the truck in any suitable manner. It will be appreciated that the device can be permanently attached to the truck or can be attached so as to be removable if desired.

Once attached to the lower arm 24 of the U-shaped member 21 of the attachment frame 11, the support arms 13 and the base part 15 of the attachment frame 11 all extend generally parallel to the ground surface with the wheels 40 in contact with the ground. Thus the device 10 is movable over the surface in combination with the truck. The load lifting member of the truck, in this case two forwardly extending tines 41 extend underneath the rollers 28 mounted on the engagement frame 12.

The reels of material (e.g. high density plastics strip material to be used in the manufacture of blister packs) are supplied mounted on a pallet disposed vertically and arranged coaxially. The reels are removed from the pallet to a storage frame 45 to be described hereinafter in any suitable manner. Subsequent removal of the reels from the frame 45 is effected by the truck with device 10 attached, in the following manner.

The truck is manoeuvred to approach the frame 45 with the tines 41 in a lowered position i.e. out of contact with the rollers 28 of the engagement frame 12.

In this situation the support arms 13 are also in a lowered position i.e. lying flat against the front portion 16 of the attachment frame 11. The truck is positioned such that the adjustable supports 26 are above the reel and the support arms 13 extend below the reel.

The tines 41 are raised bringing them into contact with the rollers 28 of the engagement frame 12 and further movement upwards causes the engagement frame 12 to move upwards. This movement of the engagement frame 12 causes the lever 37 in each linkage to pivot and cause the arms 13 to pivot about the two pivot joints 34, 35. Thus a small movement of the tines 41 of the pallet loading truck upwards of the order of 10cm (4") causes the support arms 13 to swing upwards by the order of 20cm (8"). Thus the support arms 13 will contact the reel and lift it clear of the frame 45. The reel will be supported between the fixed supports 26 and the support arms 13. The reels can then be transferred to a production machine or further storage. Disposal of the reels from the device 10 is the reverse of the above.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 7. The handling device 100 shown is hand operated and comprises a mounting. frame 110 adapted for movement over a surface, an engagement member 120 mounted for movement relative to the mounting frame 110 upon movement of an actuating handle 125, two support arms 130 to lift a reel and an articulated linkage 140 between the support arms 130 and the engagement member 120.

Thus the device 100 is generally similar to the embodiment described above. However, in this case movement of the engagement member 120 thereby to move the support arms 130 occurs not in response to engagement with the upwardly moving tines of a pallet truck but on manual movement of the actuating handle 125.

The mounting frame 110 is generally U-shaped having a base member 111 and two cranked arms 112, 113. At the ends of the two arms 112, 113 remote from the base 111 are provided attachments for wheels 114 which enable the device 100 to be moved over the ground. A cross-bar 115 extends across the frame 110 and attaches to each arm 112, 113 in the region of the crank. An upstanding T-bar 116 is mounted on the cross-bar 115 in the centre thereof and such bar 116 has two adjustable supports 117 projecting from the front face.

Two plates 118, 119 are fixed respectively at the centre of the base member 111 and cross-bar 115 and a platform structure 121 is mounted on these plates. The platform structure 121 comprises a support plate 122 and two side plates 123, 124 which extend downwardly from each side of the support plate 122. The upper surface of the support plate 122 provides a mounting for a conventional hydraulic cylinder arrangement 126 and the under surface provides a housing for a further wheel attachment 127.

The engagement member 120 comprises an elongate hollow member having one side open and having attachments 128 at each corner for connection to an articulated linkage 140. The internal surface 129 of the engagement member 120 provides a seating for the upper part of the hydraulic cylinder arrangement 126.

The support arms 130 are generally similar to those described above in relation to the first embodiment.

The articulated linkage 140 is also generally similar to that described above however in this case one end of the lever 370 is pivotally attached to a corner 128 of the engagement member 120 and the other end is pivotally attached to a respective one of the bars 320 connected to a support arm 120. The second pivotal attachment of the bar 320 is, in this case, to a corner of the platform structure 121. In this embodiment as above two such linkages 140 are connected to each support arm 120, spaced from each other.

The actuating handle 125 comprises an elongate member which is connected to the hydraulic cylinder arrangement 126 in such a manner that movement of the handle 125 causes operation of the arrangement 126 to lift a reel. The handle 125 is also used to move the device 100 across a ground or floor surface.

Operation of the device 100 is as follows: The device 100 is positioned with the two arms 112, 113 astride the frame 45 having the reels provided thereon. With the support arms 120 thus one on each side of the reel to be lifted an operator can then actuate the hydraulic cylinder arrangement 126 by movement of the actuating handle 125. It will be appreciated that with hydraulic assistance it is possible for a single person to move relatively heavy loads. Upon actuation the hydraulic arrangement 126 will drive the engagement member 120 upwards away from the mounting frame 110.

This causes the support arms 120 to move in an arcuate fashion upwardly via the articulated linkages 140 in a similar manner to that described above. The arms 120 contact the reel and lift it clear of the frame 45. The reel is lifted until the upper part contacts the fixed supports 117 on the T-bar 116 of the mounting frame.

Thus the reel is supported between the support arms 120 and the fixed supports 117 and can be conveniently moved.

Unloading of the reel is effected by reversing the above procedure.

With regard to the transfer of reels from the pallet to the frame 45, this can be carried out with the handling devices as described above or alternatively can be effected by use of a conventional pallet truck.

In Figure 4 there is shown a storage frame 45 suitable for storing reels conveniently and hygienically.

The frame 45 comprises first 46 and second 47 frame parts and two support bars 50.

The first frame part 46 comprises two spaced U-shaped bars 51, 52 linked together across adjacent ends by two foot members 53, 54. The arms 55, 56, 57, 58 of each U-shaped bar 51, 52 are angled away from the vertical.

The second frame part 47 comprises a generally rectangular arrangement of bars 59 having downwardly projecting legs 60 at each corner thereof.

The first 46 and second 47 frame parts are joined together by attachment of the base 61, 62 of the U-shaped bars 51, 52 being attached to an inner surface of two sides 63, 64 of the rectangular arrangement of bars 59.

Joined in this way each leg 60 projects downwardly on the outside of an arm 55, 56, 57 or 58 of a U-bar 51 or 52 over a major portion of its length. The two frame parts 46, 47 are further attached by way of four seating members 66 one of which projects inwardly from each arm 55, 56, 57, 58 of the U-bar 51, 52. The pair of seating members 66 on each side of the frame 45 act to support each support bar 50 in a spaced parallel relationship.

The legs 60 connect with the outer surface of the seating member 66 between the support bars 50 and the arms 55, 56, 57 or 58 of the U-bar 51, 52.

In use the reels are positioned in the frame 45 with their lower surfaces supported by the support bars 50.

It will be appreciated that multiple reels can be supported on such a frame disposed coaxially on the support members 50, and can be maintained in hygienic conditions and in a manner in which subsequent removal therefrom is facilitated.

The reel or reels can be transferred to the frame 45 from a supply pallet using a conventional pallet truck.

Thus, where reels are stacked upright side by side on the top of a pallet with cores horizontal, the pallet can be lifted and moved so that the reels can be positioned between and above the support bars whereby lowering of the pallet then leaves a reel or reels supported on the support bars, the pallet can then be withdrawn. The supported reel or reels can then be removed, using the handling devices described above, for transfer to a processing machine or the like.

Figures 8 to 10 show a further alternative handling device 200 which is generally similar to the device 100 shown in Figures 5 to 7.

The device 200 is hand operated and comprises a mounting frame 210 ada?ted for movement over a surface, an engagement member 220 mounted for movement relative to the frame upon movement of an actuating handle (not shown), two support arms 230 to lift a reel and an articulated linkage 240 between the support arms 230 and the engagement member 220.

However with the device 200, the articulated linkage 240 is of a different form to that described in relation to the above embodiments.

Thus the articulated linkage 240 comprises a first cranked attachment arm 241 which is pivotally mounted at one end thereof between a pair of generally L-shaped rear members 242, 243 which are mounted relative to a base member 244 of the mounting frame 210 in such a manner that a substantially longer part 246, 247 of each rear member 242, 243 extends upwardly from the frame 210. A pair of support struts 248, 249 link the longer parts 246, 247 of each rear member 242, 243 with the base member 244 and act to strengthen the device. Second and third cranked attachment arms 251, 252 are pivotally attached one to each support strut 248, 249 in the region where the same joins the longer part 246, 247 of the respective rear member 242, 243.

Ends 253, 254, 256 of the attachment arms 251, 252, 241 remote from the rear members 242, 243 are pivotally attached to a handling frame 257 which carries the support arms 230.

A hydraulic cylinder arrangement 260 is provided which extends from a position between lower ends of the longer part 246, 247 of the rear members 242, 243 to a coupling 220 with the first attachment arm 241. The hydraulic cylinder arrangement 260 is actuated by an actuating handle (not shown).

In a similar manner to that of the previous embodiments, the mounting frame 241 further comprises cranked arms 261, 262 which extend from opposite ends of the base member 244 and which in this embodiment are spaced apart to an extent sufficient to allow the arms 261, 262 to straddle a storage pallet or similar storage arrangement. Futhermore in this embodiment the support arms 230 are shaped to facilitate engagement with the outer circumference of a reel.

The operation of the device 200 is similar to that described above in relation to the previous embodiment and is as follows: The device 200 is manoeuvred into a position such that the arms 261, 262 of the mounting frame 241 straddle the pallet on which a reel to be lifted is located. The device 200 is then manoeuvred until the support arms 230 are in a position engaging the outer circumferential surface of the reel generally at the bottom thereof. In this position the reel is disposed between the support arms 230 and a pair of fixed members 263, 264 mounted above the support arms 230 on the handling frame 257.

In order to lift the reel, the actuating handle (not shown) is operated by the user which causes the hydraulic cylinder arrangement 260 to drive the first attachment arm 241 upwardly thereby causing the handling frame 257 to move upwardly supported by the second and third attachment arms 251, 252 and thus the reel is lifted upwardly. Lowering of the handling frame 257 is the reverse of that described above.

It will of course be appreciated that with this embodiment of handling device a reel can be lifted to a much greater height than with any of the other above described embodiments.

It is envisaged that the device of the invention will find particular application in the handling of large circular reels of plastics material however the device can readily be adapted for use in handling objects of any size or configuration.

With these arrangements it is possible for reels of material to be handled in a safe and convenient manner automatically by a single person.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments which are described by way of example only.

Thus for example it may be possible to provide more than two bars 32, 33 linking each support arm 13 to the frame 11 where it is required to lift loads of greater weight.

Claims (28)

1. A handling device for use with a movable actuator having a liftable member, said device comprising attachment means for attachment of said device relative to said actuator so as to be movable therewith, displaceable engagement means adapted for engagement with said liftable member so as to be displaced by lifting thereof, spaced apart pivotally mounted support elements to support therebetween an article to be moved, and linkage means adapted to connect said engagement means and said support elements whereby lifting of said liftable member causes said support elements to swing upwardly, the upward displacement of the elements being greater than that of said liftable member.

2. A handling device according to claim 1, wherein said actuator comprises a load lifting vehicle whereby said liftable member comprises a liftable fork.

3. A handling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said support elements comprise two support arms arranged to engage the article.

4. A handling device according to claim 3,wherein said arms extend horizontally.

5. A handling device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said arms are parallel to each other.

6. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support elements are pivotally mounted so as to swing upwardly in opposite directions in use.

7. A handling device according to claim 6, wherein the swinging movement is such that the elements move towards each other to grip the article therebetween.

8. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said device further comprises one or more auxiliary supports above the support elements whereby the article is lifted by the elements into engagement with the top support or supports to be securely held therebetween.

9. A handling device according to claim 8, wherein said top support or supports comprises one or more adjustable arms.

10. A handling device according to claim 9, wherein said arms are spaced apart and extend horizontally and generally parallel to each other.

11. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said engagement means comprises a frame.

12. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said engagement means is connected to the lifting member.

13. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said engagement means is provided with an engagement member which is separate from but engaged by said lifting member.

14. A handling device according to claim 13, wherein said engagement member comprises at least one wheel or roller.

15. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said linkage means comprises an arrangement of pivotal connection elements between each support element and the linkage means.

16. A handling device according to claim 15, wherein each said connection element is provided at one end of at least one lever arm, the other end of such arm being pivotally mounted, said linkage means comprising one or more connection elements pivoted to the linkage means and also to the lever arm between its ends.

17. A handling device according to claim 16, wherein each support element is mounted on two horizontally spaced apart lever arms.

18. A handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said support elements are shaped for engagement with a part of the article to be lifted.

19. A method for transferring articles, preferably using a handling device according to claim 1, wherein as an intermediate step to transferring said articles from a supply location to a use location, said articles are removably located in a storage frame, said frame comprising a mounting part and a support part, said support part comprising two spaced apart side by side elongate support members adapted to engage a lower surface of said articles..

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said mounting part comprises a first frame part having outwardly inclined sides.

21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said mounting part further comprises a second frame part adapted to be cooperable with said first frame part.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein said second frame part is secured to said first frame part.

23. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein said support members are secured to said first frame part.

24. A handling device having a hand operated actuator therefor, said device comprising a lift member displaceable by lifting on operation of said actuator, spaced apart support elements to support therebetween an article to be lifted, said elements being pivotally mounted on said device by way of a linkage means whereby lifting of said lift member causes said support elements to move upwardly.

25. A handling device according to claim "24, wherein said linkage means comprises one or more linkage arms, each said arm being pivotally connected at ends thereof to said device and at least one said support element respectively.

26. A handling device according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein said support elements are shaped for engagement with the article to be lifted.

27. A handling device substantially. as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, 5 to 7, or 8 to 10.

28. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.