GB2518226A

GB2518226A - Lifting apparatus and Associated Methods

Info

Publication number: GB2518226A
Application number: GB1316455.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Archibald Frances J Mckie
Original assignee: MCKIE BUILDING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES Ltd A
Current assignee: MCKIE BUILDING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES Ltd A
Priority date: 2013-09-16
Filing date: 2013-09-16
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: GB201316455D0

Abstract

A rail-mounted lifting or hoisting apparatus 10 for assisting in or use in the installation, maintenance, or removal of equipment or materials 20 at a site 12 at or on or adjacent a railway 14. The apparatus is configured to ensure at least a minimum upper separation 16, such as a safe minimum clearance, between the apparatus, equipment and/or materials and an upper restriction 18, such as an overhead line, bridge, tunnel or overhang or the like. The rail-mounted lifting apparatus may comprise either a winch, pulley, lever, or crane with an attaching means (such as a hook or stone magnet) for lifting the equipment or materials.. A second embodiment discloses as lifting or hoisting device comprising a first ground-engaging means 31 and a second ground-engaging means 42 and a transfer means 34 for transferring equipment or materials. The transfer means may comprise a gantry 44.

Description

LIFTING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lifting device, apparatus and associated method. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a lifting device foi supporting equipment and/or materials on raills, such as for installing and/or removing and/or maintaining or repairing sites at or adjacent a railway.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Installation or maintenance of railway facilities, such as at train stations, often requires disruption to the provision of services on the railway or at least at the station.

For example, replacement of a station platform often requires closure or partial closure of the station platfoim, the entire station or even a complete rail route passing through the station. Typically, cailying our work on railway hacks oi adjacent railway tiacks, such as for the installation or repair of facilities such as plafforms, sidings, pathways or the like, is performed at periods when access to or use of the railway is reduced, such as during weekends or at nighttime.

Dependent on the type of the railway, safety measures may need to be employed prior to the commencement of any work. For example, strict regulatory safety procedures may require the power supply to electrified rails or overhead electrical lines to be deactivated oi isolated foi paiticulai peiiods priol to the commencement oi aftei the completion of any work. Such safety measures often require advance planning, with the arrangement of permits and scheduling with respective authorities; and may place restrictions on the length of time available to carry out the work. Often, conventional compliance with safety requirements can delay the completion of the work, increase the disruption to services provided and add to the costs of any work.

This background serves to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Theiefoie, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems and/or

disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rail-mounted lifting or hoisting apparatus for assisting in or use in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at a site at or on or adjacent a railway. The apparatus may be configured to ensure at least a minimum upper separation between the apparatus, equipment and/or materials and an upper restriction, such as an overhead line, bridge, tunnel or overhang or the like. For example, the apparatus may be configured to provide a safe minimum clearance between the apparatus (and/or equipment and/or materials) and an overhead restriction, such as an overhead line, bridge, tunnel or overhang or the like.

The installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials may be for the installation and/or removal and/or repair or maintenance of the site and/or equipment and/or materials at the site. The site may comprise at least one of: a railtrack, a platform, a station, a crossing, a cutting, an embankment, a tunnel, a siding, a buffer! a wall, a bridge, a fence, an access path, a culvert, a viaduct, a stairway, a level crossing, a road or the like.

The apparatus may be configured to support the equipment and/or materials.

The apparatus may be configured to at least partially raise and/or lower the equipment and/or materials. The apparatus may be configured to at least partially suspend the equipment and/or materials from the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a lifting means, such as a winch and/or a pulley and/or a lever and/or a crane or the like. The lifting means may comprise an equipment/materials attachment means, such as a hook, vacuum connector (e.g. a stone magnet or glass/pane suction connector), magnet, chains, rope, platform or pallet, or the like.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a safe minimum separation or clearance between the apparatus and/or the materials and/or the equipment and with the upper restriction. The apparatus may be configured to prevent a minimum upper separation between the upper restriction and the apparatus, equipment or materials being breached. The apparatus may be configured to maintain at least the minimum upper separation between the upper restriction and the apparatus, equipment or materials. The apparatus may be configured to prevent contact or a possible contact between the upper restriction and the apparatus, equipment or materials. The apparatus may comprise a minimum upper separation threshold.

The apparatus may be configured to operate at a maximum distance above a rail. The apparatus may be configured to prevent a maximum lower separation, such as between the rail or ground and the apparatus, equipment or materials, being exceeded.

The apparatus may be contigured to provide or maintain no more than the maximum lower separation. The apparatus may be configured to ensure a lower separation, such as between the rail or ground and the apparatus, equipment or materials, being less than or equal to the maximum lower separation. The apparatus may comprise a maximum lower separation threshold.

The maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be predetermined. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be fixed. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be variable. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be selected. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be fixed and/or predetermined and/or selected in accordance with a regulatory requirement. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be fixed and/or predetermined and/or selected in accordance with a property of the upper restriction. For example, the maximum and/or minimum separation/s may be fixed and/or predetermined and/or selected dependent on a property, such as a voltage, of an overhead line. The minimum upper separation may be at least about 600mm. The minimum upper separation may be at least about 1400mm. The minimum upper separation may be at least about 2750mm. The minimum upper separation may be at least about 9 feet.

The lifting or hoisting apparatus may comprise a height limiter. The height limiter may be configured to prevent the maximum upper and/or lower separation/s being exceeded.

The lifting or hoisting apparatus may be contigured to be mounted on a pair of rails, such as a pair of substantially parallel rails constituting a railtrack.

The rail, railway or railtrack may comprise a monorail. The rail, railway or railtrack may comprise a fixed gauge railway.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a vehicle.

The apparatus may comprise a first ground-engaging means. The first ground-engaging means may comprise a primary or main apparatus support means. The first ground engaging means may comprise a rail-engaging means, such as one or more wheels or pair/s of wheels. The pair/s of wheels may be of an appropriate gauge. The pair/s of wheels may be of fixed gauge. The pair/s of wheels may be of adjustable gauge.

The apparatus may be configured to transport the materials and/or equipment, such as along the rail/s prior to and/or during and/or subsequent to the installation and/or removal and/or repair or maintenance of the site and/or equipment and/or materials at the site. The apparatus may be self-propelled. The apparatus may be manually propelled. The apparatus may comprise a propulsion means. The propulsion means may comprise one or more of: an electric motor! a fuel motor (e.g. diesel)! an engine! a manually-operated pump (e.g. a rail trolley pump), a transmission system, a crank or the like. The apparatus may comprise a brake.

The apparatus may comprise a material and/or equipment storage means. The material and/or equipment storage means may comprise a storage compartment and/or storage platform. The material and/or equipment storage means may be positioned substantially between the first ground-engaging means. The material and/or equipment storage means may be mounted above the wheel/s. The material and/or equipment storage means may be positioned substantially between the pair of wheels.

For example, the material and/or equipment storage means may be positioned substantially between a left wheel of a pair for engaging a left rail of a pair of rails and a right wheel for engaging a right rail of the pair of rails.

The material and/or equipment storage means may be positioned substantially between the at least two pairs of wheels. For example, the material and/or equipment storage means may be positioned substantially fore of a first pair of wheels and substantially aft of a second pair of wheels.

The apparatus may comprise a transfer means for transferring equipment and/or materials between the apparatus and the railway site and/or between two or more railway sites and/or between two or more locations at the railway site. The transfer means may be configured to transfer equipment and/or materials between the storage means and the railway site and/or between two or more railway sites and/or between two or more locations at the railway site. The transfer means may comprise the lifting means, such as the winch and/or the pulley and/or the lever and/or the crane or the like. The transfer means may comprise at least one laterally-extending member or arm. The laterally extending member/s or arm/s may extend substantially horizontally. The laterally extending arm/s or member/s may extend substantially perpendicular to the rail/s. The laterally-extending member/s or arm/s may extend laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means. The laterally-extending member/s or arm/s may extend laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means in a first and/or second lateral direction/s (e.g. to the left and/or right of the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means). The laterally-extending member/s or arm/s may be reconfigurable from a first configuration extending laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means substantially in the first lateral direction to a second configuration extending laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means substantially in the second lateral direction. The apparatus may be configured to assist in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at the site/s at or on or adjacent the railway on a first and/or a second side of the railway (e.g. a left and/or a right side). The apparatus may be configured to assist in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at the site/s at or on or adjacent the railway on the first and/or the second side of the railway without re-orienting the apparatus, such as without reversing the orientation of the first ground-engaging means (e.g. without turning the apparatus around). The laterally extending member/s or arm/s may be reconfigurable between the first and second configurations with a substantially horizontal movement. Such a substantially horizontal movement may prevent an overall height of the apparatus being substantially increased during reconfiguration (e.g. to ensure at least the minimum upper separation during reconfiguration). The laterally extending member/s or arm/s may be reconfigurable between the first and second configurations with a substantially linear movement (e.g. sliding from the first side to the second side). The laterally extending member/s or arm/s may be reconfigurable between the first and second configurations with a pivotal movement (e.g. about a substantially vertical pivot axis). The laterally extending member/s or arm/s may be reconfigurable to permit the apparatus to pass through horizontal restrictions (e.g. to have a reduced lateral profile or front-on projection), such as to pass buildings, walls, through tunnels, cuttings, or the like. The transfer means may be connected or mounted to the first ground-engaging means by a first transfer means support, such as a first substantially vertical member or frame.

The transfer means may comprise a gantry. The transfer means may extend or be configured to extend from the first ground-engaging means to at least above a target location at the site where the materials and/or equipment may be lifted (e.g. lifted to and/or from). The transfer means may be configured to support the equipment and/or materials by suspension, such as from the gantry. The transfer means may be connected or mounted to the first ground engaging means and/or a chassis.

The apparatus may comprise a second ground-engaging means. The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage the ground adjacent the rail/s, such as at or proximal the site for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a secondary or auxiliary support means for the apparatus. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a support for supporting the equipment and/or materials such as during lifting and/or transfer. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a stabiliser, such as for increasing the stability of the apparatus (e.g. relative to the apparatus without the second ground-engaging means). The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage the ground distal to the first ground-engaging means. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a lateral or side support.

The second ground-engaging means may be configured to maintain engagement with the ground prior to and/or during and/or subsequent to a lifting operation with the apparatus. The second ground-engaging means may be configured to maintain engagement with the ground during transit of the apparatus, such as during the propulsion of the apparatus along the rail/s. The second ground-engaging means may comprise at least one wheel. The second ground-engaging means may be configured to be at a substantially different height to the first ground-engaging means. The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage ground elevated relative to the rail/s. such as configured to engage a (raised) platform. The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage ground of substantially similar height or elevation as the rail/s, such as configured to engage a path or a rail or a siding adjacent the rail/s upon which the apparatus is mounted. The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage ground of substantially below the rail/s, such as configured to engage an embankment or cutting below the rail/s. The second ground-engaging means may be of adjustable height relative to the first ground-engaging means. The transfer means may be connected or mounted to the second ground-engaging means.

The transfer means may be connected or mounted to the second ground-engaging means by a second transfer means support, such as a second substantially vertical member or frame. The transfer means may be connected to or mounted to the second ground-engaging means at a substantially opposite side of the apparatus to the transfer means' connection or mounting to the first ground engaging means. The transfer means may be substantially entirely supported between the first ground-engaging means and the second ground-engaging means. The apparatus may be configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially (only) between a footprint defined laterally within the first and second ground-engaging means. The apparatus may be configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially (only) within a footprint defined by the first and second ground-engaging means.

The storage means may be proximal to the first ground-engaging means. The storage means may be configured to provide a low centre of gravity, such as when the apparatus is laden with materials and/or equipment. Providing a low centre of gravity may assist in improving or ensuring the stability of the apparatus, such as during transportation to the site, operation at and/or adjacent the site and/or transportation from the site (e.g. subsequent to work/operations at the site). The storage means may comprise an apparatus platform and/or chamber (open and/or closed). The storage means may be connected or mounted to the first ground engaging means and/or a chassis.

The storage means may be configured and/or configurable to be an appropriate height from the first ground-engaging means. The storage means may be configured to provide a reduced lifting height for the transfer of the materials and/or equipment from and/or to the storage means to and/or from the site. The storage means may be configured to provide a similar height for the material and/or equipment as the site.

Providing a storage means of similar height as the site (e.g. similar height to a platform to be installed/maintained) may allow a reduced transfer time for materials and/or equipment between the apparatus and the site.

The storage means may be adjustable. For example, the storage means may be reconfigurable between a first lower configuration and a second higher configuration. The first lower configuration may be for transportation to and/or from the site; and/or from transferring the materials and/or equipment between the apparatus and an external site or apparatus (e.g. a lorry, depot, or location distal to the site for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of the equipment and/or materials). The second higher configuration may be for lifting operations at or adjacent the site.

The apparatus may comprise a counterweight or ballast. The counterweight and/or ballast may comprise the equipment and/or materials, such as prior to or subsequent to lifting or support (e.g. when stored in or on the storage means). The counterweight or ballast may comprise a fixed counterweight or ballast. The counterweight may comprise an adjustable or selectable counterweight or ballast. The mass and/or position of the counterweight or ballast may be fixed. The mass and/or position of the counterweight or ballast may be variable or selectable.

The apparatus may be configured for non-rail-mounted transportation. For example, the apparatus may be configured for mounting and/or demounting to/from the rail/s. The apparatus may be configured or configurable for mounting and or demounting to/from the rail/s whilst ensuring at least the minimum upper separation between the apparatus, equipment or materials and the upper restriction is maintained, such as substantially without increasing the total elevation of the apparatus. The apparatus may be reconfigurable to selectively engage or disengage the first and/or second ground engaging means. The first and/or second ground-engaging means may be retractable and/or extendable, such as to selectively engage the first ground-engaging means with the rail/s. The apparatus may comprise an alternative or auxiliary ground-engaging means, such as for mounting and/or demounting to/from the rail/s.

The auxiliary or alternative ground-engaging means may comprise a wheel/s, such as for non-rail-mounted transportation of the apparatus to/from the rail/s (e.g. one or more pairs of wheels for supporting the apparatus for transport to/from a trailer). The alternative or auxiliary ground-engaging means may be retractable and/or extendable, such as to selectively engage or disengage the ground (e.g. to selectively transfer support of the apparatus to/from the first ground-engaging means).

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing and/or maintaining and/or removing equipment or materials at a site at or on or adjacent a railway, the method comprising lifting or at least supporting the equipment or materials with a rail-mounted lifting or hoisting apparatus whilst ensuring a separation of the apparatus, materials or equipment from an overhead restriction remains above a minimum separation.

The method may comprise substantially vertically lifting and/or lowering the equipment and/or materials at the site (e.g. onto and/or from the site). The method may comprise substantially horizontally transferring the equipment and/or materials between the site and the apparatus, such as between the site and an apparatus' storage means.

The method may comprise substantially linearly transferring the equipment and/or materials from a location above the site to a location above the storage means. The method may comprise substantially vertically lifting and/or lowering the equipment and/or materials at the storage means (e.g. onto and/or from the storage means). The method may comprise substantially sequentially vertically raising, then substantially horizontally transferring, then substantially vertically lowering the equipment and/or materials. Alternatively, the method may comprise substantially synchronously vertically raising or lowering and substantially horizontally transferring the equipment and/or materials.

The method may comprise maintaining a power supply to an overhead line. The method may comprise ensuring that the apparatus and/or equipment and/or materials does not and/or cannot encroach on the minimum separation. The minimum separation may be configured to ensure no transfer or risk of transfer of electricity between the overhead line and the apparatus and/or equipment and/or materials.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a lifting or hoisting apparatus for assisting in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at or on or adjacent a railway site wherein the apparatus comprises a first ground-engaging means and a second ground-engaging means and a transfer means for transferring equipment and/or materials. The apparatus may be configured to support or lift the equipment and/or materials substantially between the first and second ground-engaging means. The apparatus may be configured to transfer the equipment and/or materials between the site and the apparatus, wherein the site is substantially between the first and second ground-engaging means.

The transfer means may be for transferring the equipment and/or materials between the apparatus and the railway site. The transfer means may be for transferring equipment and/or materials between two or more locations at the railway site and/or between two or more railway sites.

The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage the ground adjacent the rail/s, such as at or proximal the site for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a secondary or auxiliary support means for the apparatus. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a support for supporting the equipment and/or materials such as during lifting and/or transfer. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a stabiliser, such as for increasing the stability of the apparatus (e.g. relative to the apparatus without the second ground-engaging means). The second ground-engaging means may be configured to engage the ground distal to the first ground-engaging means. The second ground-engaging means may comprise a lateral or side support. The transfer means may be substantially entirely supported between the first ground-engaging means and the second ground-engaging means. The apparatus may be configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially (only) between a footprint defined laterally within the first and second ground-engaging means. The apparatus may be configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially (only) within a footprint defined by the first and second ground-engaging means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing and/or maintaining and/or removing equipment or materials at or on or adjacent a railway, the method comprising lifting or at least supporting the equipment or materials with a lifting or hoisting apparatus comprising a first ground-engaging means and a second ground-engaging means and a transfer means for transferring equipment and/or materials. The method may comprise supporting or lifting the equipment and/or materials substantially (only) between the first and second ground-engaging means. The method may comprise transferring the equipment and/or materials between the site and the apparatus, wherein the site is substantially between the first and second ground-engaging means.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising two or more of the lifting or hoisting apparatus of any other aspect. The two or more lifting or hoisting apparatus may be coupled together, such as for linked movement (e.g. to and/or from two or more sites). The two or more lifting or hoisting apparatus may be uncoupled, such as at a first site distal from a second site (e.g. a first lifting or hoisting apparatus may be uncoupled at the first site en route to the second site with a second lifting or hoisting apparatus). The first lifting or hoisting apparatus may be configured to operate on a first side of the railway. The second lifting or hoisting apparatus may be configured to operate on a second side of the railway.

Additionally or alternatively, the second lifting or hoisting apparatus may be configured to operate on the first side of the railway.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. For example, it will readily be appreciated that features recited as optional with respect to the first aspect may be additionally applicable with respect to the other aspects without the need to explicitly and unnecessarily list those various combinations and permutations here.

In addition, corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure. Similarly, means or features associated with a method aspect may be combined with an apparatus aspect, and vice versa. For example, where a method discloses performing a function, it will be appreciated that an apparatus may be configured to perform that function.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in assisting in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at a site at or on or adjacent a railway.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

As used herein, the term "comprise" is intended to include at least: "consist of"; "consist essentially of'; "include"; and "be". For example, it will be appreciated that where the apparatus may "comprise a vehicle", the apparatus may "include a vehicle" (and optionally other element/s); the apparatus "may be a vehicle"; or the apparatus may "consist of a vehicle"; etc. For brevity and clarity not all of the permutations of each recitation of "comprise" have been specifically stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1, a schematic front view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2, a schematic side view of the apparatus of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a rail-mounted lifting or hoisting apparatus 10 for assisting in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials 20 at a site 12 at or on or adjacent a railway 14.

The apparatus 10 is configured to ensure at least a minimum upper separation 16 between the apparatus 10, equipment or materials and an upper restriction 18, such as an overhead line, bridge, tunnel or overhang or the like. For example, the apparatus 10 is configured to provide a safe minimum clearance between the apparatus 10 (and/or equipment and/or materials 20) and an overhead restriction, such as an overhead line, bridge, tunnel or overhang or the like.

The installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials 20 is for the installation and/or removal and/or repair or maintenance of the site 12 and/or equipment and/or materials 20 at the site 12. In the embodiment shown, the site 12 comprises a platform 22 with a platform wall 24. In other embodiments, the site may comprise one or more of: a railtrack, a station, a crossing, a cutting, an embankment, a tunnel, a siding, a buffer, a wall, a bridge, a fence, an access path, a culvert, a viaduct, a stairway, a level crossing, a road or the like.

The apparatus 10 is configured to support the equipment and/or materials 20.

The apparatus 10 is configured to at least partially raise and/or lower the equipment and/or materials 20. The apparatus 10 is configured to at least partially suspend the equipment and/or materials 20 from the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a lifting means 26, which is a winch in the embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the lifting means 26 comprises a lever and/or a crane or the like. It will be appreciated that the embodiment shown comprises a single lifting means 26, which is shown in two positions in Figure 2: for lifting at the site 12 and also for lifting at a storage means 32.

In other embodiments the apparatus may comprise two or more lifting means 26, such as two or more lifting means 26 for substantially lifting two The lifting means 26 comprises an equipment/materials attachment means 28, which is a stone magnet in the embodiment shown. In other embodiments the equipment/materials attachment means 28 comprises a hook, other vacuum connector (e.g. a glass/pane suction connector), magnet, chains, rope, platform or pallet, or the like.

The apparatus 10 is configured to provide a safe minimum separation or clearance between the apparatus 10 and/or the materials and/or the equipment 20 and with the upper restriction 18. The apparatus 10 is configured to prevent a minimum upper separation 16 between the upper restriction 18 and the apparatus 10, equipment or materials 20 being breached. The apparatus 10 is configured to maintain at least the minimum upper separation 16 between the upper restriction 18 and the apparatus 10, equipment or materials 20. The apparatus 10 is configured to prevent contact or a possible contact between the upper restriction 18 and the apparatus 10, equipment or materials 20. The apparatus 10 comprises a minimum upper separation 16 threshold.

The apparatus 10 is configured to operate at a maximum distance above a rail.

The apparatus 10 is configured to prevent a maximum lower separation 30, such as between the rail or ground and the apparatus 10, equipment or materials, being exceeded. The apparatus 10 is configured to provide or maintain no more than the maximum lower separation 30. The apparatus 10 is configured to ensure a lower separation 30, such as between the rail or ground and the apparatus 10, equipment or materials, is less than or equal to the maximum lower separation 30. The apparatus 10 comprises a maximum lower separation 30 threshold.

The maximum and/or minimum separation/s 16, 30 is/are predetermined. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s 16, 30 is/are variable. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s is/are selected. In other embodiments, the maximum and/or minimum separation/s 16,30 is/are fixed. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s 16, 30 is predetermined and/or selected in accordance with a regulatory requirement.

The maximum and/or minimum separation/s 16, 30 is predetermined and/or selected in accordance with a property of the upper restriction 18. The maximum and/or minimum separation/s is predetermined and/or selected dependent on a property, such as a voltage and country of use, of the overhead line. In the embodiment shown, the minimum upper separation 16 is selected to be at least about 9 feet. In other embodiments, the minimum upper separation 16 is at least about 600mm, at least about 1400mm, or at least about 2750mm.

The lifting or hoisting apparatus 10 comprises a height limiter. The height limiter is configured to prevent the maximum upper and/or lower separation/s 30 being exceeded. The lifting or hoisting apparatus 10 is configured to be mounted on a pair of rails, which is a pair of substantially parallel rails constituting a railtrack. The railtrack or railway 14 comprises a fixed gauge railway.

The apparatus 10 comprises a first ground-engaging means 31. The first ground-engaging means 31 comprises a primary or main apparatus 10 support means.

The first ground-engaging means 31 comprises a rail-engaging means, such as one or more wheels or pair/s of wheels. The pair/s of wheels is of an appropriate gauge. The pair/s of wheels is of fixed gauge. The pair/s of wheels is of adjustable gauge.

The apparatus 10 is a vehicle. The apparatus 10 is configured to transport the materials and/or equipment 20, such as along the rail/s prior to and/or during and/or subsequent to the installation and/or removal and/or repair or maintenance of the site 12 and/or equipment and/or materials 20 at the site 12. The apparatus 10 is self-propelled with a propulsion means (not shown), such as an electric motor, a fuel motor (e.g. diesel), an engine, a manually-operated pump (e.g. a rail trolley pump), a transmission system, a crank or the like. Additionally or alternatively in other embodiments, the apparatus 10 is manually propelled (e.g. pushed and/or pulled). The apparatus 10 comprises a brake.

The apparatus 10 comprises the material and/or equipment storage means 32.

The material and/or equipment storage means 32 comprises a storage compartment and/or storage platform. The material and/or equipment storage means 32 is positioned substantially between the first ground-engaging means 31. The material and/or equipment storage means 32 is mounted above the wheels. The material and/or equipment storage means 32 is positioned substantially between the pair of wheels.

The material and/or equipment storage means 32 is positioned substantially between a left wheel of a pair for engaging a left rail of a pair of rails and a right wheel for engaging a right rail of the pair of rails. The material and/or equipment storage means 32 is positioned substantially between the at least two pairs of wheels. The material and/or equipment storage means 32 is positioned substantially fore of a first pair of wheels and substantially aft of a second pair of wheels.

The apparatus 10 comprises a transfer means 34 for transferring equipment and/or materials 20 between the apparatus 10 and the railway 14 site 12 and/or between two or more railway 14 site 12s and/or between two or more locations at the railway 14 site 12. The transfer means 34 is configured to transfer equipment and/or materials 20 between the storage means 32 and the railway 14 site 12 and/or between two or more railway 14 site 12s and/or between two or more locations at the railway 14 site 12. The transfer means 34 comprises the lifting means 26. In addition, the transfer means 34 comprises a pulley. The transfer means 34 comprises at least one laterally-extending member or arm 36. The laterally extending member/s or arm/s 36 extends substantially horizontally. The laterally extending arm/s or member/s 36 extends substantially perpendicular to the rail/s. The laterally-extending member/s or arm/s 36 extends laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means 31. The laterally-extending member/s or arm/s 36 extends laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means 31 in a first lateral direction/s (e.g. to the left of the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means 31). In other embodiments, the laterally-extending member/s or arm/s 36 is reconfigurable from a first configuration extending laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means 31 substantially in the first lateral direction to a second configuration extending laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means 31 substantially in a second lateral direction.

In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 10 is configured to assist in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials 20 at the site 12/s at or on or adjacent the railway 14 on a first side of the railway 14 (e.g. the left side). In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 is configured to assist in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials 20 at the site 12/s at or on or adjacent the railway 14 on the first and/or the second side of the railway 14 without re-orienting the apparatus 10, such as without reversing the orientation of the first ground-engaging means 31 (e.g. without turning the apparatus 10 around).

The laterally extending member/s or arm/s 36 is of adjustable length or lateral extension. The laterally extending member/s or arm/s 36 is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of differing lateral extensions with a substantially horizontal movement. Such a substantially horizontal movement prevents an overall height of the apparatus 10 being substantially increased during reconfiguration (e.g. to ensure at least the minimum upper separation 16 during reconfiguration). The laterally extending member/s or arm/s 36 is reconfigurable between the first and second configurations with a substantially linear movement (e.g. sliding from the first side to the second side).

In other embodiments, the laterally extending member/s or arm/s 36 is reconfigurable between the first and second configurations with a pivotal movement (e.g. about a substantially vertical pivot axis). The laterally extending member/s or arm/s 36 is reconfigurable to permit the apparatus 10 to pass through horizontal restrictions (e.g. to have a reduced lateral profile or front-on projection), such as to pass buildings, walls, through tunnels, cuttings, or the like. The transfer means 34 is connected or mounted to the first ground-engaging means 31 by a first transfer means support 38, which is a first substantially vertical frame in the embodiment shown. The first transfer means support 38 comprises an adjustable height and a first transfer means support height adjuster 39.

The transfer means 34 comprises a gantry 40. The transfer means 34 extends and is configured to extend from the first ground-engaging means 31 to at least above a target location at the site 12 where the materials and/or equipment 20 is lifted (e.g. lifted to and/or from). The transfer means 34 is configured to support the equipment and/or materials 20 by suspension, such as from the gantry 40. The transfer means 34 is connected or mounted to the first ground-engaging means 31 and/or a chassis.

The apparatus 10 comprises a second ground-engaging means 42. The second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to engage the ground adjacent the rail/s, such as at or proximal the site 12 for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials 20. The second ground-engaging means 42 comprises a secondary or auxiliary support means for the apparatus 10. The second ground-engaging means 42 comprises a support for supporting the equipment and/or materials 20 such as during lifting and/or transfer. The second ground-engaging means 42 comprises a stabiliser, such as for increasing the stability of the apparatus 10 (e.g. relative to the apparatus 10 without the second ground-engaging means 42). The second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to engage the ground distal to the first ground-engaging means 31. The second ground-engaging means 42 comprises a lateral or side support. The second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to maintain engagement with the ground prior to and/or during and/or subsequent to a lifting operation with the apparatus 10. The second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to maintain engagement with the ground during transit of the apparatus 10, such as during the propulsion of the apparatus 10 along the rail/s. The second ground-engaging means 42 comprises at least one wheel. The second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to be at a substantially different height to the first ground-engaging means 31. The second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to engage ground elevated relative to the rail/s, such as configured to engage a (raised) platform.

In other applications of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 or other embodiments, the second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to engage ground of substantially similar height or elevation as the rail/s, such as configured to engage a path or a rail or a siding adjacent the rail/s upon which the apparatus 10 is mounted. Similarly, in other applications of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 or other embodiments, the second ground-engaging means 42 is configured to engage ground substantially below the rail/s. such as configured to engage an embankment or cutting below the rail/s.

In the embodiment shown, the second ground-engaging means 42 is of adjustable height relative to the first ground-engaging means 31. The transfer means 34 is connected or mounted to the second ground-engaging means 42. The transfer means 34 is connected or mounted to the second ground-engaging means 42 by a second transfer means support 44, such as a second substantially vertical member or frame. The second transfer means support 44 comprises an adjustable height and a second transfer means height adjuster 46. The transfer means 34 is connected to or mounted to the second ground-engaging means 42 at a substantially opposite side of the apparatus 10 to the transfer means 34 connection or mounting to the first ground-engaging means 31. The transfer means 34 is substantially entirely supported between the first ground-engaging means 31 and the second ground-engaging means 42. The apparatus 10 is configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials 20 substantially (only) between a footprint defined laterally within the first and second ground-engaging means 42. The apparatus 10 is configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially (only) within a footprint defined by the first and second ground-engaging means 42.

The storage means 32 is proximal to the first ground-engaging means 31. The storage means 32 is configured to provide a low centre of gravity, such as when the apparatus 10 is laden with materials and/or equipment 20. Providing a low centre of gravity assists in improving or ensuring the stability of the apparatus 10. such as during transportation to the site 12, operation at and/or adjacent the site 12 and/or transportation from the site 12 (e.g. subsequent to work/operations at the site 12). The storage means 32 comprises an apparatus 10 platform and/or chamber (open and/or closed). The storage means 32 is connected or mounted to the first ground-engaging means 31 and/or a chassis. The storage means 32 is configured and/or configurable to be an appropriate height from the first ground-engaging means 31.

In other embodiments, the storage means 32 is configured to provide a reduced lifting height for the transfer of the materials and/or equipment from and/or to the storage means 32 to and/or from the site 12. The storage means 32 is configured to provide a similar height for the material and/or equipment as the site 12. Providing a storage means 32 of similar height as the site 12 (e.g. similar height to a platform to be installed/maintained) may allow a reduced transfer time for materials and/or equipment between the apparatus 10 and the site 12. In other embodiments, the storage means 32 is adjustable. For example, the storage means 32 is reconfigurable between a first lower configuration and a second higher configuration. The first lower configuration is for transportation to and/or from the site 12; and/or from transferring the materials and/or equipment between the apparatus 10 and an external site 12 or apparatus 10 (e.g. a lorry, depot, or location distal to the site 12 for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of the equipment and/or materials 20). The second higher configuration is for lifting operations at or adjacent the site 12.

In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 comprises a counterweight or ballast.

The counterweight and/or ballast comprises the equipment and/or materials 20, such as prior to or subsequent to lifting or support (e.g. when stored in or on the storage means 32). The counterweight or ballast comprises a fixed counterweight or ballast.

The counterweight comprises an adjustable or selectable counterweight or ballast. The mass and/or position of the counterweight or ballast is fixed. The mass and/or position of the counterweight or ballast is variable or selectable.

The apparatus 10 is configured for non-rail-mounted transportation. For example, the apparatus 10 is configured for mounting and/or demounting to/from the rail/s. The apparatus is attachable to auxiliary lifting device (not shown) for mounting and/or demounting. Prior to mounting and/or demounting, the height of the transfer means 34 may be reduced, such as with the first and/or second transfer means support height adjuster/s 39, 46; or by removing at least part of the transfer means 34 (e.g. the gantry 40).

In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 is also configured or configurable for mounting and or demounting to/from the rail/s whilst ensuring at least the minimum upper separation 16 between the apparatus 10, equipment or materials and the upper restriction 18 is maintained, such as substantially without increasing the total elevation of the apparatus 10. In such embodiments, the apparatus 10 is reconfigurable to selectively engage or disengage the first and/or second ground engaging means. The first and/or second ground-engaging means 31, 42 is retractable and/or extendable, such as to selectively engage the first ground-engaging means 31 with the rail/s. The apparatus 10 comprises an alternative or auxiliary ground-engaging means, such as for mounting and/or demounting to/from the rail/s. The auxiliary or alternative ground-engaging means comprises a wheelts, such as for non-rail-mounted transportation of the apparatus 10 to/from the rail/s (e.g. one or more pairs of wheels for supporting the apparatus 10 for transport to/from a trailer). The alternative or auxiliary ground-engaging means is retractable and/or extendable, such as to selectively engage or disengage the ground (e.g. to selectively transfer support of the apparatus 10 to/from the first ground-engaging means 31).

In use, the apparatus 10 is used to assist in installing and/or maintaining and/or removing the equipment and/or materials 20 at or on or adjacent the railway 14. In use, a power supply to an overhead line may be maintained. The method comprises ensuring that the apparatus 10 and/or equipment and/or materials 20 does not and/or cannot encroach on the minimum separation 16. The minimum separation 16 is configured to ensure no transfer or risk of transfer of electricity between the overhead line and the apparatus 10 and/or equipment and/or materials 20. In the embodiment shown, the equipment and/or materials 20 is/are substantially vertically lifted and/or lowered the equipment and/or materials at the site 12 (e.g. onto and/or from the site 12). The equipment and/or materials 20 is/are substantially horizontally transferred between the site 12 and the apparatus 10, such as between the site 12 and the apparatus' storage means 32. The equipment and/or materials 20 is/are substantially linearly transferred from a location above the site 12 to a location above the storage means 32. The equipment and/or materials 20 is/are substantially vertically lifted and/or lowered at the storage means 32 (e.g. onto and/or from the storage means 32). In the embodiment shown, the equipment and/or materials 20 is/are substantially sequentially vertically raised, then substantially horizontally transferred, then substantially vertically lowered. In alternative embodiments, the equipment and/or materials 20 is/are substantially synchronously vertically raised or lowered and substantially horizontally transferred.

It will be appreciated that any of the aforementioned apparatus may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims.

The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rail-mounted lifting or hoisting apparatus for assisting in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at a site at or on or adjacent a railway, wherein the apparatus is configured to ensure at least a minimum upper separation between the apparatus, equipment or materials and an upper restriction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a safe minimum clearance between the apparatus and/or equipment and/or materials and an overhead restriction, such as an overhead line, bridge, tunnel or overhang or the like.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the site comprises at least one of: a railtrack, a platform, a station, a crossing, a cutting, an embankment, a tunnel, a siding, a buffer, a wall, a bridge, a fence, an access path, a culvert, a viaduct, a stairway, a level crossing, a road or the like.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to support the equipment and/or materials, such as being configured to at least partially raise and/or lower and/or suspend the equipment and/or materials.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a lifting means, such as a winch and/or a pulley and/or a lever and/or a crane or the like.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lifting means comprises an equipment/materials aftachment means, such as a hook, vacuum connector (e.g. a stone magnet or glass/pane suction connector), magnet, chains, rope, platform or pallet, or the like.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent a maximum lower separation, such as between the rail or ground and the apparatus, equipment or materials, being exceeded.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the maximum and/or minimum separation/s is/are fixed and/or predetermined and/or selected, such as in accordance with a regulatory requirement and/or with a property of the upper restriction.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim! wherein the minimum upper separation is selected from one or more of: at least about 600mm; at least about 1400mm; at least about 2750mm; and at least about 9 feet.
10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a first ground-engaging means.
11.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first ground-engaging means comprises a rail-engaging means, such as one or more wheels or pair/s of wheels.
12.The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to transport the materials and/or equipment, such as along the rail/s prior to and/or during and/or subsequent to the installation and/or removal and/or repair or maintenance of the site and/or equipment and/or materials at the site.
13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is self-propelled.
14.The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is manually propelled.
15.The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a material and/or equipment storage means.
16.The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the material and/or equipment storage means is positioned substantially between the first ground-engaging means.
17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a transfer means for transferring equipment and/or materials between the apparatus and the railway site and/or between two or more railway sites and/or between two or more locations at the railway site.
18.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the transfer means comprises at least one laterally-extending member or arm.
19.The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the laterally extending member/s or arm/s extend substantially horizontally and/or extend substantially perpendicular to the rail/s.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein the laterally-extending member/s or arm/s extend laterally away from the rail/s and/or first ground-engaging means in a first and/or second lateral direction/s.
21. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the laterally extending member/s or arm/s is/are reconfigurable between a first configuration of a first lateral extension and a second configuration of a second lateral extension.
22. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the laterally extending member/s or arm/s is/are reconfigurable between the first and second configurations with a substantially linear movement.
23. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the laterally extending member/s or arm/s is/are reconfigurable to permit the apparatus to pass through a horizontal restriction, such as reconfigurable to provide a reduced lateral profile or front-on projection.
24.The apparatus of any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the transfer means is connected or mounted to the first ground-engaging means by a first transfer means support.
25. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a second ground-engaging means.
26.The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second ground-engaging means is configured to engage the ground adjacent the rail/s, such as at or proximal the site for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials.
27. The apparatus of claim 25 or 26, wherein the second ground-engaging means may comprise a secondary or auxiliary support means for the apparatus.
28.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the second ground-engaging means comprises a stabiliser, such as for increasing the stability of the apparatus.
29.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the second ground-engaging means is configured to engage the ground distal to the first ground-engaging means.
30.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the second ground-engaging means comprises a lateral or side support.
31.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 30, wherein the second ground-engaging means is configured to maintain engagement with the ground prior to and/or during and/or subsequent to a lifting operation with the apparatus.
32.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 31, wherein the second ground-engaging means comprises at least one wheel.
33.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 32, wherein the second ground-engaging means is configured to be at a substantially different height to the first ground-engaging means.
34.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 33, wherein the second ground-engaging means is of adjustable height relative to the first ground-engaging means.
35.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 34, wherein the transfer means is connected or mounted to the second ground-engaging means by a second transter means support.
36.The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 35, wherein the transfer means is connected to or mounted to the second ground-engaging means at a substantially opposite side of the apparatus to the transfer means' connection or mounting to the first ground engaging means.
37. The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 36, wherein the apparatus is configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially between a footprint defined substantially within the first and second ground-engaging means.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the apparatus is configured to lift or support equipment and/or materials substantially only between the footprint defined substantially within the first and second ground-engaging means.
39.A method of installing and/or maintaining and/or removing equipment or materials at or on or adjacent a railway, the method comprising lifting or at least supporting the equipment or materials with a rail-mounted lifting or hoisting apparatus whilst ensuring a separation ot the apparatus, materials or equipment from an overhead restriction remains above a minimum separation.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the method comprises maintaining a power supply to an overhead line.
41.A lifting or hoisting apparatus for assisting in the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials at or on or adjacent a railway site wherein the apparatus comprises a first ground-engaging means and a second ground-engaging means and a transfer means for transferring equipment and/or materials.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the apparatus is configured to support or lift the equipment and/or materials substantially between the first and second ground-engaging means.
43. The apparatus of claim 41 or 42, wherein the second ground-engaging means is configured to engage the ground adjacent the rail/s, such as at or proximal the site for the installation and/or maintenance and/or removal of equipment and/or materials.
44.A method of installing and/or maintaining and/or removing equipment or materials at or on or adjacent a railway, the method comprising lifting or at least supporting the equipment or materials with a lifting or hoisting apparatus comprising a first ground-engaging means and a second ground-engaging means and a transfei means for transferring equipment and/or materials.
45. Apparatus substantially as herein described, such as with reference to the figures.
46. Methods substantially as herein described, such as with ieference to the figures.