GB2521233A

GB2521233A - Lifting apparatus and methods of transporting a load

Info

Publication number: GB2521233A
Application number: GB1406885.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Chadd
Original assignee: KISS WORKS Ltd
Current assignee: KISS WORKS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-16
Filing date: 2014-04-16
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-16
Also published as: GB2521233B; GB201406885D0

Abstract

A lifting apparatus 11 features a base 12, a pedestal 13, an elongate load bearing member 14, attachment means 19 and weights 17 which are moveable along the elongate arm 14 to lift and counterbalance, a load attached to the attachment means 19. The movement of the weights 17 may be electronically or remotely controllable. The pedestal 13 may pivot relative to the base 12, and the base 12 may be provided with wheels (25,26 fig.4). The overall size of the apparatus 11 may be such that it finds particular application in the moving of heavy items from outdoors to indoors, whereas other more traditional lifting devices, such as cranes, might not be suitable for the same job.

Description

The inventon relates to lifting apparatus and methods of transporting a load, and is concerned particularly but not exclusively with lifting apparatus that are of a sifitable size and/or shape for lifting and/or transporting a Load to a desired Location, which may be an indoor erMronment.

flention Lifting apparatus such as cranes are commonplace in, for instance, building sites, ports, and dockyards and on offshQre rigs. Typically the cranes used here are either overhead cranes, often located in factories and other Large buildings; tower cranes for the construction of tall structures; and deck cranes which are fixed to the floor of a rig or vessel Generally, cranes and other such lifting apparatus counter the weight of the Load they are o Lifting by either being fixed to the ground (or floor of a vessel) or by having a series of weights attached to either the base or to the rear end region of a horizontal jib. Other Lifting apparatus which are mounted on a vehicle rely on the weight of the vehicle to balance the load.

One disadvantage common to each of these apparatus is that their ability to lift a heavy load and transDort that toad, particularly from an outside environment into an indoor environment, is limited, Overhead cranes are onLy useful inside a building and are not adapted to transport a toad from an outdoor to an indoor environment, Tower cranes typicaLly do not move across the ground when carrying a load, and are too tall to transoort a load into a building. Deck cranes only function at the location where they are fixed, Finally, lifting apparatus fitted on vehicles are particularly Limited when it comes to the weight they can carry. The weight of a load is rarely transferred through the middle of these apparatus, which rely on Large counter weights, being sturdily fixed in positioned or, as is the case with a vehicle, rely on a wide sturdy base and Low Load weight.

There is also a requirement to lift and transport hea machinery into more confined indoor environments such as office buildings. However, with known apparatus this is challenging.

The invention takes this known state of the art as its starting point.

he In I In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a lifting apparatus wmprising; a base and a pedestal positioned on said base; said apparatus further comprising at least one load beanng elongate member, sad elongate member beng attached to sad pedestal, and attachment means located at a loadattaching end region of said at Least one elongate member; wherein the at least one elongate member incorporates a number of weights which are movable between the non.-loadattaching end region of said elongate member and the distal region of said elongate member; whereby when a load is applied to the load-attaching end region of said elongate member, the Load can be lifted, via movement of the number of weights towards or away from the distal region of said at least one eLongate member.

The overall weight carried is therefore transferred down through the centre of the apparatus, negating the requirement for the apparatus to be fixed, or supported with excess weights at the rear of the apparatus. This configuration also ensures that the Lifting apparatus can lift a range of loads which vary in weight without the need to add or remove weights from the apparatus, thereby making the process of lifting a pluraflty of Ioads which vary in weight, mare efficient, Preferably, said pedestal s movable relative to said base. This configuration provides the advantage of aitowirig the Load to be transportable, as welt as liftable, from a starting position. For instance, the pedestal can rotate so that the load can he transported to a desired Location, away from a starting position, once it has been lifted.

Preferably, said pedestal is pivotable around or on said base. This configuration provides w the advantage of allowng the pedestal and elongate member to tht towaNs o-away from a Load to facilitate attachment to that load. As a result, the lifting apparatus can be of a much shorter height than conventional lifting apparatus, as when a Load has been attached, the pedestal can be pivoted to a point where the load is clear of the ground.

is Preferably, said elongate member is pivotable around said pedestal. This configuration further provides the advantage of allowing the load attaching end regon of the elongate member to tilt towards a load thereby facilitating attachment to that load, Once the load is attached to the Load attaching end region, the elongate member may pivot, in conjunction with the movement of the weights. in order to lift the load above ground leVel, Preferably, said elongate member is positioned in an upper portion of said pedestal This provides sufficient space below the elongate member for the overall height of the apparatus to.

Preferably, said weight(s) are moveable between the non-4oa&-attaching end region and the distal region of said at least one elongate member. Safety of the apparatus is urproved as ths conhguraton oro\9des the advantage of balancng the weight of the load to ensure that the overall weght is transferred down through the centre of the apparatus This improves the stability of the apparatus and negates the requirement for additional support or fixation of the apparatus to the ground. As the weights are movable, they can be adjusted for Loads of varying weight Movement of the weight; towards or away from the nonloadattaching end region of the elongate member facilitates the movement of the pedestal and elongate member around the base or the elongate member around the pedestal Preferably, said Lifting apparatus further comprises a number of length-adjustable supporting arms positioned between one of said pedestal and said base, and said at lean one elongate member in such a manner that, in use, said supporting arm(s) act in conjunction with said weight(s) to balance said load. This configuration improves the stability and control of the apparatus when used in conjunction with the movement of the weights.

Preferably, said lifting apparatus is adapted for transporting said load and said base incorporates means, selected from the group comprising wheels, tracks and a fluid cushion, promoting interaction between said base and a ground region on which, in use, said base stands, thus permitting movement over said ground region of said lifting apparatus. This configuration provides the advantage of transporting a Load, once it has been Lifted, to a location which is remote from the starting position of the load, without the requirement for additional machiney. This improves the efficiency of transporting loads in an environment such as a dockyard or building site. Additionally, due to the Low height of the apparatus, the load can he straightforwardly transported into an indoor environment where conventional biting apparatus would require the use of additional resources and machinery.

Preferaby, sad one or more eghts are Located nsde sad dctal regon of sad at Least one elongate member. This configuration increases the clearance below the elongate member, where weights would usually be carried, which in turn decreases the required height of the apparatus.

Preferably, said weights are attached to a number of tracks and are moveable via electronic means-This configuration provides the advantage of straightforwardly moving the weights along the elongate member and accurately determining the optimum position of the weights along the elongate member in order to effectively balance a Load attached to the oad-atLachng end regon of the elongate member By postonng the wcghts on tracks the Location of the weights along the elongate member can be quickly adjusted in order to facilitate the lifting or lowering of a Load, or for lifting loads of varying weight.

Preferably, said apparatus further incorporates motive power generating means adapted to be controlled externally of the apparatus. This configuration allows the apparatus to be selfcontained and seftoowered, This improves the motility and safety of the apparatus as s it is not required to be in the vicinity of an external power source.

Preferably, said apparatus is adapted to be remotely controllable only. This configuration removes the requirement for a driver to control the apparatus which further improves the safety of the apparatus. This configuration also reduces the overall required size of the to apparatus as a driver's cabin is not required. The required training of personnel can also be simplified by allowing the apparatus to be controlled remotely rather than manually.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a method of lifting a load comprising the steps of: Th positioning one end region of at least one elongate member of a Lifting apparatus above a toad; attaching said load to said one end region of said at least one elongate member; moving a number of weights, carried by said etongate member, towards the distal end region of the at least one elongate member to lift -or assist in iifting -the Load; # moving said number of weights hack towards said loa&attaching end region of said at least one elongate member and detaching said lifting apparatus from said load.

This provides the advantage of Lifting a Load without the requirement for a lifting apparatus whch s fxei to the ground or wlrnch has a number of hxed weghts It also provides the advantage of lifting a load with apparatus which is capable of transporting that toad to an indoor environment. By moving a number of weights carried by the elongate member, the weight of the load can be effectiveLy balanced so that the overall weight of the load and the number of weights is transferred down through the centre of the apparatus. This method also allows a number of loads, which range in weight, to be lifted wahout the need to add or remove we ghts from the apparatus, thereby makng the process of Lifting a plurality of loads, which vary in weight, more efficient.

Preferably. said method comprises the further step of moving said Load to a desired location via rotation of a pedestal positioned between a base and said at least one elongate member. This step provides the advantage of allowing the Load to be s transportable, in addition to being liftable, from a starting position.

Preferably, said method corn prises the further step of lowering said one end region of said at least one elongate member prior to attaching to, and detaching from, said Load. This step provides the advantage of allowing the one end region of the elongate member to tilt io towards a Load thereby facilitating attachment to that load, Once the load is attached to the Load attaching end region, the elongate member can pivot, in conjunction with the movement of the weights, in order to lift the Load above ground level This step can then be repeated when the load is to be lowered and detached from at a desired Location.

is °referably, sad method compnss the FLrtler step of movrg sad Lfttng app&aths and load to a desired Location via means, selected from the group comprising wheels, tracks and a fluid cushion, promoting interaction between said base and a ground region on which, in use, said base stands, thus permitting movement over said ground region of said bft!ng apparatus Ths step pmvdes the advantage of trarspoffing a Load once t has been lifted, to a location which is remote from the starting position of the load, without the requirement for additional machinery. This improves the efficiency of transporting loads in an environment such as a dockyard or building site.

The term a numbera includes flone".

Clearly the separate aspects of thc nventon are so hnked as to form part of the same inventive concept. Dwins

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lifting apparatus embodying the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a Lifting apparatus where the elongate member is pivoted, through the movement of a number of weights and Length adjustable supporting arms, around the pedestal in order to tilt towards a load, o Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the Lifting apparatus where the elongate member is pivoted around the pedestal in order to Lift the Load. The weights are moved towards the non-loadattaching end region of the elongate member, Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the lifting apparatus, wherein the base incorporates a number of wheels for transporting the apparatus.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another Lifting apparatus incorporating two load bearing elongate members, is Agure 6 shows a number of weghts locdted wthn the dstal "egon of the elongate member.

These Llustrated embodiments of the invention are currently the best ways known to the Applicant of reatising the invention. But they are not the only ones: the skilled addressee oF this specification may well be able to devise others without the need for inventive thought within the Summary of the Invention outlined above.

in figure 1 a lifting apparatus is referenced 11 and comprises a base 12, a pedestaL 13 and a load bearing elongate member 14. The pedestal 13 extends from the top surface of the base 12, and the base 12 is of a shape and size sufficient for supporting the pedestal 13 and each of the components extending from the pedestaL In figure 1, the pedestal 13 is shown in a turret shape, however it is envisaged that the pedestal may be of any shape ao suitable for the kind of apparatus in question.

the load beanng elongate member 14 s attached to the upper porton o the pedestal 13, and has aloathattaching end region 15 and a non-Loadattaching end region 16. A number of weights such as 17 are carried, and are movable, between the non4oad attaching end region 16 and a distal region 18 of the elongate member 14.

In this preferred embodiment the pedestal 13 is adapted to rotate on the base l?so that o once a load has been lifted it can be transported to a desired location.

In a further preferred feature of this embodiment the elongate member 14 is adapted to pivot around the pedestal 13 so that when the weights 17 are moved towards the non loa&attaching end region 1$, the elongate member 14 pivots so that the 1oad-attaching to end region 15 is raised. When the weights 17 are moved away from the non-Load attaching end region 16 the elongate member 14 pivots so that the Loadattaching end region 15 is lowered. This allows a load attached to the loadattaching end region 15 to be lifted and Lowered accordingly. In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member 14 could be fixed to the pedestal 13, and the pedestal 13 adapted to pivot around the base 12 to the same effect.

Balance of the load via movement of the weights 17 ensures that: the overall weight is transferred down through the centre of the apparatus 11. This mininilses the required size of the base 12 and therefore the width and Length of the apparatus 11. The ability of the weights 17 to move towards or away from the non4oadattaching end region 16 of the eLongate member 14 also ensures that loads vaying in weight can be effectiveLy Ufted by the apparatus 11 wIthout the need for additional weights to be added or for existing weghts o be removed In a preferred embothment, the Uftng apparatus 11 also ncorporates a number of length adjustable supporting arms in the form of hydraulic rams 34 and 23 which are preferably positioned between the pedestaL 13 and the elongate member 14 at either side of the pedestal 13. However in an alternative embodiment, which is not shown, the supporting arms 34 and 23 extend between the elongate member 14 and the base 12. The length adjustabLe supporting arms 34 and 23 are adapted to facilitate the pivoting of the elongate member 14 around the pedestal 13 together with the movement of the weights 17, The supporting arms 34 and 23 improve the stabiUty of the apparatus 11 and improve overall control by an operative (not shown).

in one embodiment, at the Load-attaching end region of the elongate member, there are attachment means 19. The attachment means may take the form of attachment means which are readily available and known to the skilLed addressee, In figure 1, the attachment means cornpnse a horizontal beam 20 and attachment riggings 21 and 22.

In use, the apparatus 11 may begin in a start position where the elongate member 14 is parallel to the ground. In order to attach to a Load, the weights 17 are moved away from the nonioad.attaching end region 16 of the elongate member 14. In a preferred embodiment the weights 1 7 are moveable along a number of tracks or rails by electronic means. As the weights 17 move away from the non-load-attaching end region 16, the non-load-attaching end region 16 rises and accordingly the load-attaching end region 15 of the elongate member 14 Lowers towards the load.

Figure 2 shows the position of the apparatus 11 when the weights 17 are moved away from the non-load-attaching end region 16 and the load-attaching end region is consequently Lowered, In conjunction with the movement of the weights 1/, the supporting arms 34 and 23 adjust in length. As the non-Load-attaching end region is raised, supporting arm 23 extends in order to facilitate this movement. Simultaneously, supportrng arm 34 shortens r length and the oad-attachng end regon 15 towers In ths position, the toad can be straightforwardly attached to the load-attaching end region 15 via the attachment means 19.

Once the load has been attached to the Load-attaching end region 15, movement of the weights 17 towards the non-load-attaching end region 16, in conjunction with adjustment of supporting arms 34 and 23, allows the load to be lifted, Pivoting of the elongate member can continue until the toad, referenced in figure 3 as 24, is above ground Level, Subsequently, the pedestaL 13 can rotate on the base 12 in order to transport the load to a desired location.

In an even further preferred embodiment, shown in figure 4, the base 12 incorporates means for promoting interaction between the base and a ground region on which, in use, the base stands. This permits movement over the ground region oF the lifting apparatus.

In figure 5 the base incorporates a number of wheels, such as 25 and 26, although it is envisaged that the base can incorporate any means suitable for transportation of the apparatus induding, but not exclusively, tracks, rails and a fluid cushion. In this preferred embodiment, the apparatus ills able to transport a Lifted load 24 to a dSreci location, even if that location is within an indoor environment. For exampLe, if the apparatus 11 is utiLised to lift a boat from water it can firstly lift the boat from the water adjacent the dockyard where the apparatus ills positioned, and then transport it into an indoor environment, Conventional lifting apparatus, such as cranes, are not able to lift a load and transport the load into an indoor environment due to the size of the apparatus or due to the fact that it is fixed in position or substantially immobile.

ic Agure 5 shows an altemdbve ernbodmient where a ftna dpparatus 27 mcorporates a base 28, a pedestal 29 and two loadbearing elongate members 30 and 31 which are positioned substantially parallel to one another. In this embodiment, each elongate member incorporates a number of weights, such as 1 lÀ and 178, which function in the same manner as described in previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the two elongate members 30 and 31 pivot around the base in unison in order to lift and transport a Load (not shown). Two elongate members may be suitable where additional support is required to the attachment rheans or directly to the Load where the load is attached directly to the loadattaching end region 35.

In an even further preferred embodiment, the weights 1 lÀ, 1 7B and 1 IC are positioned within the distal portion of the elongate member, shown in figure 6. This ensures that the clearance below the elongate member 14 is maximised so that the ability of the eLongate member 14 to pivot around the pedestal 13 is optimised. Preferably, the weights 17A, 1713 and 1 7C are positioned on rails or tracks inside the elongate member (not shown) and their movement is controllable electronically. The rest of the Figure 6 apparatus follows the constructions previously described, hi a further preferred embodiment which is not shown in the Figures, the lifting apparatus 11, 27 incorporates motive power generating means selectable from known alternatives adapted to be controlled externally of the apparatus, This allows the apparatus to be self contained and selfpowered, which improves the motility of the apparatus as it is not required to be in the vicinity of an external power source. The power generating means (not shown) powers the movement of the weights towards or away From the non load attaching end 16 of the elongate member 14. the length adjustable supporting arms 18 ii and 23 and the transportation means 19, as well as other auxiUay functions of the apparatus 11.

Even more preferably, the apparatus is adapted La be remotely controllable only. This a miroves the safety of the apparatus as a driver is not required to be inside the apparatus.

Therefore, should there be an accident or malfunction of the apparatus, the life of a driver wilt not be put at risk. This configuration also minimises the size of the apparatus, as a cabin for the driver is not required, which is parUcularty important where the apparatus is required to transport a load to an indoor environment. Usable remotely operable to controlling means are known in themselves.