GB2384229A - Wheelbarrow lifting and emptying device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wheelbarrow lifting and emptying device comprises a telescopic metal frame 7, a platform 1 and a winch 3. The device is attached to a skip using the clamp 8 and steadied by a ball strut 9. The front wheel of a wheelbarrow is located in the wheel slot (Fig 2) and the rear wheels are secured in the feet slots using spring loaded shoot bolts 2. The platform is then raised using a manual winch 3 connected to a lifting cable 14, until the guide wheels 4 are stopped by the stop 5, where the platform is then caused to tilt by the tilting mechanism 6. This results in the contents of the skip being emptied into the skip. The frame may be folded up compactly to transport.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1>

T. K. BARROW LIFTER.

The invention relates to a mechanical device which can attach to most conventional skips, (waste bins), and by mechanical winch can raise a wheelbarrow to empty the contents safely into the skip by just one operative.

The invention can be adjusted to fit or attach to most sizes of skip via a telescopic mounting frame and the winch assembly will raise a platform which will securely hold the barrow in place as it is raised.

The invention can also accommodate all preumatic tyred wheelbarrows frequently used in the construction and plant hire industry.

The invention solves the problem of emptying the contents of a wheel barrow into conventional skips which are usually too high to wheel a barrow into.

I t is common practise to lay scaffold boards from the ground into the lowest part of the skip to form a ramp.

This practice requires a fit and experienced person to push the barrow up to the ramp, but even so it is very hazardous. Most common hazards are slippery boards, damaged boards, damaged boards (rot, splits, protruding nails) unstable boards.

Another common practice for discharging the contents of the barrow into the skip would be by means of employing a second person to assist in physically lifting the barrow into the skip resulting in potential injury . These kind of injuries are not acceptable in the work place and cost the industry many lost days in sickness and a possible claim under the industrial injuries claims scheme.

The invention also cuts down on space required to load a skip ie: where scaffold boards cannot be used.

<Desc/Clms Page number 2>

It is also sometimes not possible to set up boards because the site maybe very restrictive, or in the case of using a ramp on the highway dangerous due to traffic and the passing public.

Our invention enables a single operative to safely and efficiently load a waste skip with a wheel barrow not using any of the dangerous methods previously stated.

The essential features of this device are a telescopic mounting frame that can attach to most waste skips, a mechanical winch that can raise or lower a platform on which a wheel barrow is securely mounted with a locating device, a combined lift and tilt action platform that automatically tilts at the correct height.

The device can also be folded to a compact size and should be easy to transport, and handle.

The design will incorporate features that will enable most wheel barrows to be used with it The design will be very easy to maintain, light yet robust An important feature of our design is that with further development the machine can be adapted to be fitted with an electric winch option, but understandably this would entail the provision of guard fences and additional safety requirements.

<Desc/Clms Page number 3>

T. K BARROW LIFTER.

Description: Drawing 01 shows aside elevation of the wheel barrow lifting device, its various components are labelled thus.

The wheel barrow would be pushed onto the lowered platform (1), the wheel barrow feet are dropped through two slots in the platform and secured by a spring loaded shoot bolts (2).

A winch that is mounted at the top of the framework (3) is rotated and the platform will begin to rise off of the ground vertically, guide wheels (4) which run in a track are raised in conjunction with the platform until they reach a stop pin (5) which also serves as a height adjusting pin that can be varied to accommodate different heights of the skip.

When the platform (1) reaches the stop pin (5) the platform will start to tilt and this is aided by the use of a tilting mechanism (6) whilst the winch is being rotated. The platform will tilt enough to enable the wheel barrow to discharge its contents into the skip The spring loaded shoot bolts are positioned to secure the feet of the wheel barrow to stop it falling off of the platform completely whilst discharging.

The Barrow Lifter is mounted on a telescopic mounting frame (7) constructed of a light weight metal such as aluminium.

This frame is fixed to a rubbish skip by threaded clamps (8) and steadied at the base by a ball strut (9) which rests on the side of the skip.

The frame assembly (7) is also telescopic to enable it to vary in height to accommodate different skip heights and is adjusted by pins (5).

The platform (1) can be folded into the mounting frame (7) for storage and transport.

Drawing 02 shows a plan of the platform which indicates that the barrow is in the correct position (2) for the spring loaded shoot bolts to be operated to secure the barrow to the platform.

<Desc/Clms Page number 4>

The platform incorporates a run up ramp (10) for smooth transition from rough ground to the platform. The platform would be made of a light weight metal mesh material which would be strong and light.

A mounting point for the winch (3) cable or strap is provided on the platform in two locations (11) one either side.

At one end of the platform is a steel tube axle housing (12) which carries the nylon runner guide wheels (4).

This whole assembly runs up and down with in the telescopic mounting frame (7).

Drawing 03 shows an elevation view of the mounting frame (7) and some essential features. T he platform (1) is raised by the winch (3) via a cable (14).

This platform is located within two side guide runners (15).

When the platform is near the top of its travel it will be prevented from moving horizontally by guide wheels (4).

Striking the locating pins (5) this will induce a tilting action and the front of the wheel barrow will be further restrained by a hook (13) which will locate into the front of the barrow to assist the tilting action.

Claims (1)

1. Claims.

   (1) A Barrow Lifter will raise a standard barrow high enough to discharge its contents into a skip.

   (2) The Barrow Lifter can descend back down to ground level.

   (3) The wheel barrow is connected to the Barrow Lifter by simple catches.

   (4) The platform which the barrow sits on is raised by a manual winch.

   (5) The construction of the Barrow Lifter will be of lightweight metal with some plastic components.

   (6) The design will allow the Barrow Lifter to be folded to a compact size for transport.

   (7) The design is shown on accompanying drawings.