GB2334695A - Transporting rocks or boulders - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for adapting a flatbed or tipper vehicle for rock or boulder transport provides a detachable frame (18) having rock-receiving spaces defined by lateral members (36) and longitudinal members (34) of a lengthwise-extending downwardly-tapering valley or channel. The frame serves to locate the rocks against unacceptable movement during transport and protects the vehicle against damage during loading by a grab. The frame is detachable by means of twist-and-lock fasteners or merely locates eg in a tipper truck.

Description

ROCK TRANSPORT This invention relates to rock and boulder transport systems and methods and apparatus, and to related systems and methods and apparatus in relation to the use of rocks and boulders in the building of sea defences, and to the adaptation of vehicles for such purposes.

In the building of sea-defences, current practice is to require the use of rocks and boulders of, inter alia, two particular sizes, namely six tons plus or minus one ton, and three tons plus or minus one ton. Such rocks and boulders are used as the first or outer (seaward) line of a sea defence, with smaller rocks and boulders provided behind them.

Although such rocks and boulders are (within the abovementioned weight limits) all of a generally known size and preferably of a reasonably uniform shape, the handling of such obviously irregular articles of substantial mass leads to technical problems not only at the stages of loading and unloading, but even during transport, and these include the following.

Current practice in relation to the transport of rocks and boulders for these purposes includes the use of tipper trucks of substantial construction. However, problems arise from the use of shovel-type loaders for loading purposes whereby the rocks are inevitably dropped into the tipper body from at least a modest height due to the necessarily fixed sides of the tipper body. Likewise, at the discharge location, the tipping operation itself raises technical problems in that the locus of movement of the tipping body involves raising the rocks, and centre of gravity factors come into play with associated factors relating to sliding movement of the rocks from the body during the tipping operation and the possibility of the rocks jamming before discharge is complete.

While it would be possible to load a tipper truck with rocks by means of a grab, which would be capable of operating in a manner such that the rocks are individually placed into and removed from the tipper body, there remains the problem that the necessarily generally rectangular format of the tipper body is not suitable for providing adequate lateral support for the rocks during transport, and such provision can not readily be made due to the obvious need for tipper bodies to be available for the conventional tipper usage in relation to particulate materials.

With regard to transport aspects of the problems arising in relation to present systems for rock transport, there is the fact that due to the irregular format of rocks and boulders and the necessarily non-compatible rectangular internal format of tipper bodies, rocks placed or tipped in a tipper body for transport are inevitably not necessarily (or usually) well distributed with respect to mass in relation to the vehicle centre line and with respect to the optimum weight carrying load distribution of the vehicle.

Additionally, dynamic factors arising during transport lead to forces acting on the rock within the tipper body which could cause at least slight relative movement of the rocks during transport within that body.

Accordingly, we have identified a requirement for improved systems for rock and boulder transport offering advantages in relation to one or more in relation to the above factors, including one or more of the following, namely: a) Vehicle versatility, whereby a vehicle is not committed to rock and boulder carrying only, but may be at least fairly readily adapted to other uses; b) The inherently robust conditions of usage in relation to rock and boulder transport whereby ability to withstand such conditions of use, at least for a reasonable length of time, does not compromise other uses of the vehicle or equipment; c) Provision of means whereby the possibility or rock movement during transport is at least limited; d) The provision of means whereby the mass distribution during transport is better defined; and e) Provision of means whereby the ability to unload rocks or boulders after transport does not unduly compromise other functions; or improvements generally in relation to such systems and methods or apparatus.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for adapting a transport vehicle as defined in the accompanying claims.

In embodiment of the invention there is provided a rock frame for a vehicle. The rock frame is adapted to be mounted on existing structure of the vehicle so as to be mountable and demountable relatively rapidly and without undue difficulty.

In one embodiment the rock frame is secured to a flatbed vehicle base by means of base bolts providing a bayonet-type quickly detachable coupling system.

The rock frame extends lengthwise of the vehicle and is of open framework construction. The framework defines a plurality of rock-receiving spaces disposed in a defined spacial relationship to each other, and thus to the vehicle in use.

Each rock-receiving space is defined by framework members which are adapted to support a rock therein in a defined attitude. The frame members also serve, during loading of a rock into its space, to provide impact buffers serving to arrest falling movement of the rock and to prevent or reduce impact of the rock with the superstructure of the vehicle and indeed to spread the dynamic loading resulting from the rock falling into position from loading apparatus. In the embodiments the rock frames are designed to receive rocks of defined sizes corresponding to either of the two rock sizes which are laid-down for sea-defence building purposes. It will be understood that at least a minimum correlation is required between the frame-defined size of the space for receiving the rocks and the rocks themselves. Otherwise the rocks will not fit or will partially or fully fall through the framework structure.

The concept of the provision of a framework defining rock or boulder-receiving spaces is applicable not only to flatbed vehicles but also to open-topped vehicles with sides such as tipper trucks. In the case of a tipper truck, although the tipping body may be of relatively robust construction, nevertheless it is rarely sufficiently robust to withstand repeated dropping of rocks weighing several tonnes without damage, and the invention contemplates the provision of removable rock and boulder frames for such vehicles which provide the function not only of damage avoidance or reduction upon loading but also provide the advantage of load-location during transit, and the avoidance of load internal movement during transit, which has significant advantages in relation to vehicle stability during transit.

In relation to rock unloading in the case of a tipper truck having a rock frame, the unloading process will usually be most conveniently carried out by a grab-type mechanism and an important feature of the embodiments is the provision of a frame structure proportioned in relation to the intended rock sizes to allow just that degree of freedom for insertion of grab arms whereby the grab arms can be inserted from above and obtain sufficient purchase on the rock for upward removal, without fouling the rock frame.

With regard to the extent of structure needed to define the rock and boulder-receiving spaces, in general the provision of three uprights may well be sufficient for the purpose in many cases, although the provision of additional structure will provide a more exactly-defined position for the rock during transit, but a balance needs to be taken between this factor and the increased likelihood of the rock frame structure making difficulties for rock removal by grab arms. A further factor is additional structure in the rock frame enhances its protective function in relation to the structure of the vehicle in which it is to be mounted.

In general it is not contemplated that the rock frame would be loaded with rocks externally of the vehicle and therefore its structure does not need sufficient strength for that purpose.

In the embodiment the rock-receiving spaces are defined by longitudinal and lateral frame member defining respectively a lengthwise-extending rock-receiving channel or valley of generally downwardly-tapering format, and portions of that valley or channel allocated to individual rocks. Modification of this structural format will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

To provide for the fact that the rock frame has transmitted to it during vehicle breaking substantially the entire resultant forces arising from the kinetic energy of the rocks during transit, the frame is provided with a forward structural buffer region designed to connect to a corresponding structurally strong region of the vehicle for load-taking purposes.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows a side elevation view of apparatus according to the invention adapting a flatbed-type transport vehicle for carrying rocks; Fig 2 shows a plan view of the apparatus of Fig 1; Fig 3 shows an end elevation view of the apparatus of Figs 1 and 2; and Figs 4 to 6 show, in views corresponding to Figs 1 to 3 respectively, a second embodiment of the invention incorporating a modified frame structure.

As shown in the drawings, apparatus 10 for adapting a transport vehicle 12 for transporting particular loads comprises structure 14 defining a load-receiving space to receive the load to be transported and attachment means 16 to attach the apparatus 10 to vehicle 12 so that it can be subsequently detached without structural modification.

The structure 14 comprises a framework 18 defining a series of spaces 20 adapted to receive rocks or boulders 22 one at a time so as to be capable of locating them at least to the extent of preventing unacceptable movement of the rocks relating to vehicle 12 during transport.

Framework 18 also serves to reduce damage to vehicle 12 during loading, as will be explained in more detail below.

Framework 18 is constructed so as to extend lengthwise of vehicle 12 with the spaces 20 being spaced in the direction of forward travel F of the vehicle.

Framework 18 comprises a forward end buffer portion connected to a structurally strong portion of vehicle 12 to prevent or limit relative forward movement of the framework 18 when the vehicle brakes or stops independently of the attachment means 60. In this embodiment, buffer portion 24 is constructed as a generally triangular-format framework 26 serving at its rearward end (with respect to direction F) 28 to support the main structure of framework 18, and at its forward end 30 at which it has tapered downwardly to the bed 32 of vehicle 12, it is secured to the chassis of vehicle 12 by the forwardmost one of the attachment means 16 whereby the triangular frame 26 serves as a main forward structure to transfer loads from framework 18 to the vehicle.

The spaces 20 for receiving rocks 22 are defined by longitudinal frame members 34 and lateral frame members 36.

These frame members together define a generally downwardly tapering valley or channel 38 to receive the rocks 22 at intervals, and the portion of the valley or channel allocated to each rock is defined by the lateral frame members 36.

In terms of the details of the structure of framework 18, it comprises steel box sections of 100 millimetres by 100 millimetres dimensions and of a gauge corresponding to 18.8 killogrammes per meter. The main longitudinal members 40 on which the rocks rest during transport are of more substantial construction being of 100 millimetres by 100 millimetres angle and 15 millimetres gauge. It is these members which serve in use to take the majority of the knocks and impact.

The attachments means 16 are of bayonet-type format with an action corresponding to insertion and twist-tolock.

In terms of overall structure, framework 18 comprises a sub-frame 42 of generally rectangular format as seen in Fig 1, end frames 44, 46, the latter being the triangular framework 26, together with the longitudinal and lateral frame members 34, 36.

It will be noted that, as seen in Fig 3, vehicle 12 comprises a load platform 48 comprising spaced I beams 50 defining a central channel 52 into which the lower portions 54 of rocks 22 are received in use as shown in Fig 3.

Fig 3 also shows how the rocks 22 are located by the lateral frame members 36 and indeed by the main longitudinal members 40 while still leaving spaces 56 for grab arms to be inserted.

Fig 3 shows at 58 the shape of some rock irregularities which can be accommodated even though the basic rock shape is determined by a degree of cuttingsplitting-to size in order to conform with sea-defence regulations.

In use, framework 18 is mounted on vehicle 12 by means of the twist-lock attachment means 16 and rocks 22 are loaded by means of a grab (not shown). No additional securing of the load is required for transport purposes due to the support and location provided by framework 18.

At the end of the transport process the rocks are removed likewise by grab means.

In the case of the use of a framework corresponding to framework 18 in relation to a tipper truck-type vehicle, there may not be a need for attachment means since the framework will be located within the tipping body and it may well be sufficient simply for the framework to be thuslocated.

In the embodiment of Figs 4 to 6 parts corresponding to those of Figs 1 to 3 have been numbered accordingly, with the numbers increased by 100. Thus, longitudinal frame members 34 become 134 and transverse frame member 36 become 136 etc.

In this embodiment, the main differences from the preceding embodiment are the lower height of the side rails 134 seen in Fig 6, the use of only two longitudinal members, instead of 3, at each side of the channel 138, and the use of two extra main longitudinal angle members 140 which are welded-in on top of the sub-frame 142.

These modifications improve the ease of loading and unloading the apparatus without significantly affecting its ability to enable the rocks 122 to be safely transported.

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus for adapting a transport vehicle for transporting particular loads comprising: a) structure defining a load-receiving space to receive said load; b) location means to locate or attach said apparatus to a transport vehicle so that it can be subsequently removed without structural modification; characterised by; c) said structure defining a load-receiving space comprises a framework defining at least two spaces each adapted to receive rocks or boulders one at a time so as to be capable of locating same at least to the extent of inhibiting or preventing during transport unacceptable movement of the rocks or boulders relative to the vehicle.

2. Apparatus for adapting a transport vehicle for transporting particular loads characterised by a framework defining at least one space to receive a rock or boulder and to inhibit unacceptable movement of same during transport.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised by said framework being adapted to reduce damage to an associated vehicle during loading of said rocks of boulders into said framework.

4. Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims characterised by said framework being constructed so as to extend lengthwise of an associated vehicle with said spaces being spaced in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 characterised by said framework comprising a forward end buffer portion adapted to be connected to a structurally strong portion of an associated vehicle to prevent or limit relative forward movement of the framework when the vehicle brakes or stops.

6. Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims characterised by said spaces of said framework being defined by longitudinal frame members defining a generally downwardly-tapering valley or channel to receive said rocks at intervals, and the portion of said valley or channel allocated to each rock being defined by lateral or downwardly extending frame members at intervals along said longitudinal frame members and defining the longitudinal extent of each portion of said valley allocated to a given rock.

7. Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims characterised by said attachment means comprising bayonet-type fasteners which are adapted to be inserted and to twist into a locking position.

8. A method of adapting a transport vehicle for transporting particular loads comprising employing apparatus according to claim 2 and placing rocks or boulders in the spaces of said framework by means of grab means or the like.

9. Apparatus for adapting a transport vehicle for transporting particular loads substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. A method of adapting a transport vehicle for transporting particular loads substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.