GB2285614A

GB2285614A - Transporting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2285614A
Application number: GB9500596A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Stuart Foulds
Original assignee: MIDDLESEX GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: MIDDLESEX GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 1994-01-13
Filing date: 1995-01-12
Publication date: 1995-07-19
Also published as: GB9500596D0; GB9400550D0; WO1995019308A1; AU1324095A

Abstract

Portable apparatus for moving heavy objects between a loading station A and an unloading station B comprises an elongate track which includes a plurality of spaced idler rollers 15 which extend in pairs lengthwise of the track with their axes of rotation inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track. Support means 25 is provided at one end of the track, the height of these support means being adjustable. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TRANSPORTING APPARATUS This invention relates to apparatus for transporting heavy objects between a loading station and an unloading station. More especially, the invention concerns portable apparatus for moving shells from a store to a selfpropelled field gun or the like.

At the present time such items as shells for use in a self propelled field gun are generally carried by hand from a temporary store to the field gun. It will be appreciated that the terrain over which shells must on occasions be carried can be uneven and hazardous. In addition to the consequent hazards to the personnel involved, it is normally the case that the rate of fire of shells from a field gun is determined not by the performance of the gun itself but by the speed at which the shells are delivered from the temporary store to the gun loader.

Apparatus for transporting shells has previously been proposed but has not proved to be entirely satisfactory in use because, inter alia, of an inability to operate efficiently over widely differing terrains. If static transporting apparatus is employed, it is important that this be capable of rapid dismantling and removal. Such has not been possible with known transporting apparatus.

The present invention sets out to provide apparatus for transporting heavy objects between a loading station and an unloading station which overcomes, or at least alleviates the disadvantages discussed above.

According to the present invention in one aspect there is provided portable apparatus for moving heavy objects between a loading station and an unloading station, the apparatus comprising an elongate track which includes a plurality of spaced idler rollers which extend in pairs lengthwise of the track with their axes of rotation inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track, means for supporting the track at one of its ends and means for adjusting the height of this support means above ground level, the end section of the track at the unloading station sloping upwardly relative to the adjoining tract section.

In another aspect there is provided portable apparatus for moving heavy objects between a loading and an unloading station, the apparatus comprising an elongate track whose end section adjacent the unloading station slopes upwardly relative to the generally horizontal adjoining track section, a row of idler rollers extending along each side of the elongate track, the axes of rotation of the rollers of each row being inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track, support means for supporting one end of the track, and means for adjusting the height of the support means above ground level.

In one arrangement, the axes of rotation of the rollers on one side of the track (or a majority thereof) lie in a common plane which is inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track, the axes of rotation of the rollers to the other side of the track (or at least a majority thereof) also lying in a common plane which is inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track but in an opposite sense to that of the first mentioned plane. The rollers are preferably produced from or coated with a plastics material and are preferably mounted for rotation on spindles supported between fixed structure of a bed on which the track is carried.

One or more pairs of driven rollers may be provided.

The width of each roller may vary from a few millimetres to several centimetres.

The upwardly sloping track section adjacent the unloading station may include means for imparting a braking force to objects moving along the track. This braking means may comprise one or more pads of suitable material carried by the sloping track section. The upwardly sloping track section may include at least one pair of spaced idler rollers. The pair of rollers of the generally horizontal or downwardly inclined track section immediately before the sloping track section may be elevated with respect to the other rollers (or may be of greater diameter) to provide a smooth transition between the generally horizontal or downwardly inclined track section and the sloping track section. One or more stops may be provided to prevent an object moving downwardly over the sloping track section.

A table may be provided at the loading end of the track to receive and retain objects to be transported along the track. In a preferred arrangement the table comprises a pair of support plates, one positioned on each side of the track and each mutually inclined towards the central region of the track.

The track may be supported at both of its ends by support structures of adjustable height. Also, means may be provided for joining separable track sections together to define a continuous track length.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of transporting apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an end view to an enlarged scale of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 taken in the direction of Arrow A; Figure 3 is an end view to an enlarged section of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 taken in the direction of Arrow B; Figure 4 is a front elevation and view of a support for the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 3; Figures 5 and 6 are respectively plan and side views of alternative transporting apparatus in accordance with the invention; and Figures 7 and 8 are end views respectively of the left and right hand ends of the transporting apparatus as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

As will be seen from Figure 1, the apparatus comprises an elongate track 1 having at one end 2 a loading station and at its other end 3 an unloading station. The loading station is to the right hand side of the track as illustrated in Figure 1 with the unloading station to the left hand side of this Figure. The loading and unloading stations are illustrated in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3 respectively. The track 1 is supported on a generally horizontal bed 4 reinforced with cross members 5 and includes an upwardly inclined section 6 which terminates at the unloading station of the track. The bed 4 may be fabricated from steel or other suitable material. The remaining section 7 of the track is generally horizontal.

Alternatively, it may be inclined at a shallow angle downwardly or upwardly from the loading station of the track.

The sides of the track 1 are bordered by angled side plates 8 each secured by welding to the bed 4 and each having an upwardly and inwardly inclined section 9.

Positioned between the side plates and secured by welding to the bed 2 are a plurality of brackets 11 each of which has an upwardly and inwardly inclined section 12. The plate sections 9 and bracket section 12 are inclined at a common angle and together define series of channels which extend lengthwise of the track.

Supported between the inclined plate sections 9 and brackets 11 are fixed spindles 14 about which idle rollers 15 can rotate on bearings 16. The idle rollers 15 are spaced in pairs evenly along the length of the track with the axes of rotation of the rollers on one side the track lying in a common plane which is inclined towards the track centre and the axes of rotation of the rollers on the other side of the track also lying in a common plane inclined towards the centre of the track. Typically, the roller axes are inclined at between 5 and 15"to the vertical. A preferred angle is approximately 11". The individual rollers are preferably produced from or coated with a plastics material.

The inclined track section 6 is secured to the bed 4 by welding and is supported by upstanding pillars 16. To assist the transition of objects moving from the generally horizontal track section 7 to the inclined section 6, the diameter of the pair of rollers 17 immediately before the inclined track section is greater than that of the other rollers 15. Alternatively, the spindles of these rollers may be positioned a greater distance from the floor of the bed 4.

A heavy object to be transported (e.g. a shell) is illustrated in broken line and referenced 10.

A brake 20 in the form of a block of rubber or like material (typically of 60 to 80 shore hardness) is positioned towards the end of the inclined track section 6 to brake any objects moving along the track and to present the object in a readily handleable manner. Thus, for shells, a shell is braked with its nose raised by the block 20 for ease of lifting.

As will be seen from Figure 2, secured to each side plate 8 at its end adjacent the loading station is an angle plate 18 formed with an outwardly extending and upwardly inclined ledge 19 onto which objects to be transported can be loaded. One or more spring loaded stops 21 are positioned close to the lower end of the inclined track section 6 which operate to enable objects to pass along the track from the loading station to the unloading station but which prevent such objects from returning along the track.

A handle 22 is secured to the bed at the loading station to assist assembly, manoeuvring and dismantling of the same. A similar handle 23 is provided at the unloading station, this being illustrated in Figure 3.

Secured to the under surface of the bed 4 at the loading end of the track (see Figures 1 and 2) is a pair of brackets 24 between which is supported for pivotal movement a stand 25. The stand can readily be raised by a handle 26 to a position where it lies immediately below the bed and lowered to a position in which it engages the ground. The stand comprises a central pillar 27 secured to a pivot arm 28 supported by the brackets 24 and is formed with a row of apertures 29. A leg support 31 is positioned over the pillar 27 and carries a bolt 32 which can selectively be moved into and secured within a selected one of the apertures 29. Thus, the height of the support 31 can readily be altered simply by positioning the bolt 32 within a selected aperture.

The leg support 31 includes two tubular inclined side pieces 33 formed with threaded bores 34 through which locking bolts can be moved towards and away from the centres of the side pieces. Mounted within the tubular side pieces 33 are legs 35 terminating in feet 36. The legs 35 are freely moveable within the side pieces and their positions within these pieces can readily be varied simply by operation of the locking bolts. The feet 36 have spurs 37 which sink into the ground securely to retain the support and therefore the bed 4 in place.

As will be seen from Figure 3, at its unloading end, the bed is supported on carriages 38 each comprising a wheel 39 freely rotatable on a shaft supported by arms 42 depending from the under surface of the bed 4.

The carriage wheels 39 can be sited on a suitable surface of, for example, a field gun, the latter acting as an end support for the track. The height above ground level of the loading end of the track can be raised or lowered by suitable adjustment of the stand 25 to ensure that the track section 7 is either horizontal or suitably inclined. The carriage 38 accommodates recoil movement of the field gun relative to the track immediately after firing. To inhibit unwanted forward movement of a shell loaded onto the track on such recoil, one or more pairs of rollers 15 located at or towards the loading station may be braked.

In an alternative unillustrated embodiment, the unloading end of the track is supported by a leg support either identical or similar to the stand 25.

In use, the apparatus described can readily be assemble on site, any required height changes being achieved by adjusting the height of the stand or stands 25.

The alternative apparatus illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 is of simpler construction to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 and may essentially be produced from box-section high tensile aluminium. Other materials may, of course, be employed. However, the relative lightness and strength of high tensile aluminium provide particular advantages in situations in which quick assembly, dismantling and stowage is required.

As will be seen from Figures 5 to 8, the assembly comprises a pair of inwardly inclined generally horizontal high tensile aluminium box sections 41 joined together by lateral high tensile aluminium box sections 42. As for the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the end section 43 of each box section 41 is inclined upwardly and houses a block of rubber 44 which acts as a brake to an item travelling along the track.

The box sections 41 house rollers 45, 46 equivalent to rollers 15, 17 respectively of Figures 1 to 4.

Other features of this embodiment are similar to or the same as equivalent features of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of apparatus in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from true scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Portable apparatus for moving heavy objects between a loading station and an unloading station, the apparatus comprising an elongate track which includes a plurality of spaced idler rollers which extend in pairs lengthwise of the track with their axes of rotation inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track, means for supporting the track at one of its ends and means for adjusting the height of this support means above ground level, the end section of the track at the unloading station sloping upwardly relative to the adjoining track section.

2. Portable apparatus for moving heavy objects between a loading and an unloading station, the apparatus comprising an elongate track whose end section adjacent the unloading station slopes upwardly relative to the generally horizontal adjoining track section, a row of idler rollers extending along each side of the elongate track, the axes of rotation of the rollers of each row being inclined inwardly towards the centre region of the track, support means for supporting one end of the track, and means for adjusting the height of the support means above ground level.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the axes of rotation of at least a majority of the rollers on one side of the track lie in a common plane which is inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track, the axes of rotation of at least a majority of the rollers to the other side of the track also lying in a common plane which is inclined inwardly towards the central region of the track but in an opposite sense to that of the first mentioned plane.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the rollers are produced from or coated with a plastics material and are mounted for rotation on spindles supported between fixed structure of a bed on which the track is carried.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein one or more pairs of driven rollers are provided.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upwardly sloping end section adjoining the unloading station includes means for imparting a braking force to objects moving along the track.

7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the braking means comprises one or more pads of suitable material carried by the sloping track section.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the upwardly sloping track section includes at least one pair of spaced idler rollers.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the pair of rollers of the adjoining track section immediately before the sloping track section is elevated with respect to the other rollers.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the pair of rollers of the adjoining inclined track section immediately before the sloping track section is of greater diameter than that of the other roller pairs.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein at least one stop is provided to prevent reverse movement of an object along the sloping track section.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a table is provided at the loading end of the track to receive and retain objects to be transported along the track.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the table comprises a pair of support plates, one positioned on each side of the track and each mutually inclined towards the central region of the track.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the track is supported at both of its ends by support structures of adjustable height.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein means is provided for joining separable track sections together to define a continuous track length.