GB2465011A

GB2465011A - Lock Maintenance Unit

Info

Publication number: GB2465011A
Application number: GB0820206A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Marsden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-05
Filing date: 2008-11-05
Publication date: 2010-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-05
Also published as: GB2465011B; GB0820206D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock maintenance unit and comprises a loader arm 4 with four outriggers (1 figure 2) and stabilizers 3 for use over a canal lock 2. The unit is transported by barge (2 figure 4) and remains suspended above the lock chamber 2 after deployment. The unit preferably has a slewing mechanism (3 figure 2) to position the unit across the lock on the floating barge and is then lowered into position by dropping the water level in the lock. The unit is then supported across the lock by the four outriggers and stabilizers. The unit has the ability to work using the loader arm as a crane to lift heavy items or to remove silt from the lock chamber with a clamshell bucket (2 figure 2).

Description

Lock Maintenance Unit This invention relates to a demountable frame with a self propelled loader arm installed to perform lifting operations and aid with the repairs to the canal locks.

As the canal waterways are generally inaccessible to normal road going vehicles and mobile cranes this creates problems with the removal and installation of lock gates and other heav items. This would normally result in costly or unsafe work methods to complete lifting operations.

To resolve this problem a purpose built frame complete with loader arm with optional tilting base to clear low bridges would be transported by a floating barge to the lock chamber avoiding all access issues. The frame would then be positioned across the canal onto either lock side by extending outriggers or by rotating the framework through ninety degrees on a slewing mechanism, The stabilizers would then be extended down, or the water level lowered allowing the barge to be removed. Using either method the unit would remain suspended above the chamber and then used to lift lock gates and other items or fitted with additional equipment to perform multiple tasks such as the removal of silt by clamshell bucket.

Figure 1 This front elevation view shows the frame (1) bridging the canal chamber (2) and raised on the stabilizers (3) until level. The loader arm (4) is then drawn lifting a lock gate (5) above ground level.

Figure 2 This side elevation shows the outrigger extensions (1) deployed along the canal bank. The loader arm is pictured below ground level using a clamshell bucket (2) to clear debris. The slewing mechanism (3) used to rotate the frame onto the chamber edge is below.

Figure 3 The top view shows all four stabilizers (1) and the outriggers (2) extended, the frame (3) is across the canal (4) the loader arm (5) is central although it may be positioned either end or travel on rollers. Optional rails (6) may be implemented to move the frame along the lock chamber by lifting the stabilizers and therefore lowering the frame wheels (figure 1 (6)) into the rails.

These may be powered or operated manually with a suitable braking system.

Figure 4 The top view shows the lock maintenance unit (1) rotated on the barge (2) before the outriggers are extended for the removal of the lock maintenance unit from the barge.

Claims

Claims 1. A lock maintenance unit comprising of a loader arm with four outriggers and stabilizers that is transported by barge for use over a canal lock chamber.
2. A lock maintenance unit that is rotated by a slewing mechanism and positions the unit onto either side of the canal bank bridging the lock chamber.
3. A lock maintenance unit that is lowered onto the canal bank from a floating barge by altering the lock chamber water level.
4. A lock maintenance unit that is raised from a floating barge by extending the stabilizers.
5. A lock maintenance unit that remains bridged above the lock chamber able to carry out lifting or other tasks such as removing silt and debris by clamshell or ditching bucket.
6. A lock maintenance unit that remains bridged above the lock chamber and may be used in association with a personnel basket to resolve access issues.
7. A lock maintenance unit that may provide optional personnel access to the bottom of an empty lock chamber by means of an attachable staircase or ladder system.
8. A lock maintenance unit that provides a safe crossing point over the canal chamber for personnel.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsVClaIms 1. A method of providing a Demountable Frame over a canal lock chamber from a floating barge such that the method comprising lowering the Demountable Frame onto the lock chamber support walls or adjacent ground by altering the lock chamber water level, and/or comprising raising the Demountable Frame from the floating barge by extending the outriggers and raising or lowering the stabilisers onto the lock chamber support walls or adjacent ground.2. The method of claim 1. wherein the Demountabie Frame comprises a jib/loader arm with four outriggers and stabitisers.3. The method of ci aim 1. wherein the Demountable Frame is rotated by a slewing mechanism into position on either side of the canal lock chamber bridging the lock chamber.4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3,further comprising leaving the Demountable Frame so that it remains bridged above the lock chamber and using the jib/loader arm to carry out lifting tasks such as lock gates etc. 5. A Demountable Frame comprising outriggers and stabilisers which are used to position the Demountable Frame over a canal lock chamber from a floating barge, the Demountable Frame further comprising a jib/loader arm used to carry out lifting tasks such as lifting lock gates.6. The Demountable Frame of claim 5, comprising four outriggers and stabilisers positioned to bridge the canal lock chamber. The Demountabie Frame of claim 5 or 6, comprising a stewing mechanism used to rotate the Demountable Frame into a position bridging the canal lock chamber.8.,The Demountable Frame of any one of claims 5,6 or 7 comprising a means to carry out lifting * ....S at other tasks such as removing silt and debris by clamshell or ditching bucket.A Demountable Frame or method substantially as herein described, with particular reference toe accompanying drawings. * * * *S S *S SS SI ----I *S