GB2524727A

GB2524727A - Moving apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2524727A
Application number: GB1405601.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Hannaford; Gareth Dunn Jenkins
Original assignee: CLAYTON EQUIPMENT Ltd
Current assignee: CLAYTON EQUIPMENT Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-28
Filing date: 2014-03-28
Publication date: 2015-10-07
Also published as: GB201405601D0

Abstract

A moving apparatus extendible between two parts of a vehicle. The moving apparatus comprising an elongate support member 10 extendible generally horizontally in use to support items thereon, or there from. The member is formed from a plurality of links (12, figure 4) pivotally interconnected about generally vertical axes. Optionally the vehicle is a train 50 including a storage part / truck 56 to receive the elongate support member, which is shorter when stored than when extended; the train includes an item storage part / truck 52 for storing lengths of rail 54 and/or sleepers; elongate gauge members 58 slidably extend on either side of the elongate support member to prevent it from laterally moving beyond a predetermined maximum amount; the moving apparatus includes a movable support arrangement (36, figure 7) with rollers (40, 46), the support arrangement (36) is movable along the elongate support member (10), wherein teeth and gears may be provided between them.

Description

Moving Apparatus This invention concerns moving apparatus, and also a vehicle incorporating such moving apparatus, and particularly a railway vehicle.

Moving apparatus is used in a wide range of applications to enable items to be moved and/or lifted. Such apparatus often includes a rigid elongate member which can support items and along which items can be moved, often suspended therebeneath.

In some situations use of rigid elongate members is not always wholly satisfactory. One such situation is when carrying out railway track maintainence or relaying. In such an instance it may be required to provide a special train which enables lengths of rail and other items such as sleepers to be lifted and moved to required positions. Obviously curves are provided in railway tracks, and particularly on curved parts of the track use of a long rigid elongate member may not be wholly satisfactory, or even feasible.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided moving apparatus, the apparatus including an elongate support member extendible at least generally horizontally in use to support items thereon, of from which items can be supported, the elongate support member being formed from at least three pivotally interconnected link members, the link members being interconnected about axes which extend in use at least generally vertically.

The elongate support member may include at least ten link members, may contain at least twenty link members, may contain at least thirty link members, and may contain at least forty link members.

The link members may have an at least generally I-shaped cross section in use.

The link members may comprise a pair of spaced plates pivotally interconnected towards ends thereof by respective pins. Annular cross section spacer members may be provided around the pins between the spaced plates.

The plates may be profiled with a recess at one end through which a respective pin extends, and in which recess the other end of an adjacent plate locates so as to provide a generally flat support surface along the top of the elongate support member.

The link members may be configured so as to only permit respective pivotal movement therebetween up to a predetermined maximum amount.

The profile of the recesses in the plates may be configured so as to only permit respective pivotal movement between the link members up to a predetermined maximum amount.

The moving apparatus may also include a movable support arrangement, which is selectively movable along the elongate support member.

The movable support arrangement may include one or more rollers which are movable along the elongate support member.

The movable support arrangement may include one or more rollers which are movable along the top surface of the elongate support member.

The movable support arrangement may include one or more rollers which are movably engageable against sides of the elongate support member, and a pair of rollers may be provided facing each other and engageable on respective opposite sides of the elongate support member.

In one arrangement teeth may be provided along the top surface and/or side surfaces of the elongate support member, with which teeth one or more respective gears on the movable support member are engageable.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle including an elongate support member according to any of the preceding eleven paragraphs, with the elongate support member extendible between two parts of the vehicle to permit items to be movably supported by the elongate support member.

The vehicle may be a railway train.

The vehicle may be configured such that the elongate support member is selectively extendible between two parts of the vehicle, and may be configured such that part or all of the elongate support member can extend between the two parts of the vehicle.

The vehicle may include an elongate support member storage part to receive part or all of the elongate support member when not extending between the two parts of the vehicle, and the storage part may receive the elongate support member with the link members pivotted relative to each other such that the elongate support member storage part can be shorter than the fully extended elongate support member.

The vehicle may include an item storage part for items to be moved by the moving apparatus, and the item storage part may locate lengths of rail and/or railway sleepers.

The vehicle may include propulsion means towards each end thereof to enable the length of the vehicle to be varied as the elongate support member is fed out of or into the elongate support member storage part.

The vehicle may include elongate gauge members extendible respectively on either side of the elongate support member to prevent the elongate support member moving laterally beyond a predetermined maximum amount. The gauge members may be slidably extendible from the item storage part.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a component of a moving apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of part of the component of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of part of the component of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a plan view of part of the component of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the component of Fig. 1 in a stored condition; Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic end view of the component of Fig. 1 and a further part of moving apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of part of a further apparatus according to the invention in a first condition; Fig. 9 is a similar view to Fig. 8 but with the apparatus in a second condition; and Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 8 in the second condition.

Figs. 1 to 6 show an elongate support member 10 of a moving apparatus according to the invention. The support member comprises forty four pivotally interconnected links 12. The support member 10 can extend in a straight line or can be folded into for instance a storage condition shown in Fig. 6 where the overall length is only a little over a quarter of the length of the fully extended support member 10.

Each link 12 comprises spaced upper and lower plates 14, 16 pivotally interconnected towards each end to adjacent such plates 14, 16, by pins 18 surrounded by annular spacers 20, which spaces 20 maintain the correct gap between the plates 14, 16.

Each plate 14, 16 has a outwardly facing arcuate recess 22 at one end which locates the arcuate other end of an adjacent plate 14, 16 to permit pivotal movement therebetween. The ends of the arcuate recess 22 are cut away to a certain degree as shown best for instance in Figs. 3 and 5 so as to restrict the amount of pivotal movement between the respective plates, 14, 16 to an approximate maximum of 55°.

The plates 14, 16 comprise a flat outer facing part 26 extending to the recess 22, with side and central webs 28, 30 which increase in size towards the recess 22. The pins 18 are held in place by a lock nut 32 and a bearing 34.

With the maximum amount of pivotal movement permitted between respective plates 14, 16, the support member 10 can move between the fully extended position in Fig. 1 and the fully folded position in Fig. 6. With the plates 14, 16 and the pins 18, the support member 10 has a generally I-shaped cross section as is illustrated for instance in Fig. 7. Such a shape generally provides optimum strength relative to weight.

Fig. 7 also shows part of a movable support arrangement 36 which is selectively movable along the support member 10. The arrangement 36 could include features or components for supporting items, and for instance to permit items to be slung below the support member 10. The arrangement 36 includes a horizontal axis 38 extending above the support member 10, which axis 38 rotatingly supports a roller 40 which can move over the essentially flat upper surface of the elongate member 10. The roller 40 could be freely movable and manually movable along the support member 10, and/or driven.

The arrangement 36 also includes supports 42 which mount downwardly extending axles 44 on each side of the support member 10, which axles 44 mount respective guidance rollers 46 which retain the support arrangement 36 on the support member 10 and aid movement therealong.

It is to be realised that moving apparatus including an elongate support member 10 can be applied in a wide range of situations and configurations.

The support member 10 may be supported at one end. The support member can be used partially or fully extended, and can be arranged so as not to be fully taut such that it can for instance be moved manually laterally to enable working over a larger area. As illustrated part or all of the support member can be folded to enable compact storage.

A wide range of support arrangements may be provided locatable on the support member and movable therealong as shown for example in Fig. 7.

In some instances it may be required for teeth to be provided on the top and/or sides of the support member with respective gears provided on the support arrangement. Obviously a different number and/or configuration of links in the support member can be chosen as required for particular applications.

Figs. 8 -10 show a particular moving apparatus incorporating an elongate support member 10. The apparatus here is in the form of a train 50 usable for instance for track laying or maintenance. The train 50 will include a locomotive (not shown) at each end and includes an item storage truck 52 suitable for carrying items such as rails 54, sleepers and/or other items.

An elongate support member storage truck 56 is also provided adjacent the item storage truck 52. The truck 56 can locate the elongate support member 10 in a folded condition as shown in Fig. 8. Part or all of the elongate support member 10 can extend out of the truck 56 and be connected to the item storage truck 52 as shown in Fig. 9.

This means that items can be taken from the item storage truck 52 and moved along the elongate support member 10 to a required position. The elongate support member 10 can be fed out of the truck 56 by moving the respective locos a required distance apart. In use generally the elongate support member 10 will no be fully taut between the trucks 52, 56, such that it can be manually laterally moved to a required position to for instance correctly locate a rail 54, sleeper or other item.

A pair of elongate gauge bars 58 is provided which are slidably mounted to the item storage truck 52. When the trucks 52, 56 are separated as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the gauge bars 58 can be slid outwardly off the item storage truck 52 to connect to the elongate support member truck 56.

This prevents the elongate support member 10 being moved laterally beyond a required amount, and for instance prevents it being moved laterally onto an adjacent track.

This therefore provides a train 50 where items can be carried out and then readily moved to a required position. The elongate support member 10 means that the items can readily be moved laterally to the precise required position, and for instance is particularly suited for working on curved track.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. As indicated a wide range of numbers of links and sizes of links in the support member can be chosen as required for particular applications. A train could take a different form, and may for instance only required a locomotive or an end.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A moving apparatus, the apparatus including an elongate support member extendible at least generally horizontally in use to support items thereon, or from which items can be supported, the elongate support member being formed from at least three pivotally interconnected link members, the link members being interconnected about axes which extend in use at least generally vertically.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the elongate support member includes at least ten link members.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the elongate support member includes at least twenty link members. LU15
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the elongate support member includes at least thirty link members.

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5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the elongate support member includes at least forty link members.
6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the elongate support member includes the link members have an at least generally I-shaped cross section in use.
7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the elongate support member includes the link members comprise a pair of spaced plates pivotally interconnected towards ends thereof by respective pins.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which the elongate support member includes annular cross section spacer members are provided around the pins between the spaced plates.
9. Apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, in which the elongate support member includes the plates are profiled with a recess at one end through which a respective pin extends, and in which recess the other end of an adjacent plate locates so as to provide a generally flat support surface along the top of the elongate support member.
10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the elongate support member includes the link members are configured so as to only permit respective pivotal movement therebetween up to a predetermined maximum amount.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 9, in which the elongate support member includes the profile of the recesses in the plates is configured so as to only permit respective pivotal movement between the IC) 15 link members up to a predetermined maximum amount.
12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims] in which the 0 elongate support member includes the moving apparatus also includes a CO movable support arrangement, which is selectively movable along the 0 20 elongate support member.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, in which the elongate support member includes the movable support arrangement includes one or more rollers which are movable along the elongate support member.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, in which the elongate support members include the movable support arrangement includes one or more rollers which are movable along the top surface of the elongate support member.
15. Apparatus according to claims 13 or 14, in which the elongate support members include the movable support arrangement includes one or more rollers which are movably engageable against sides of the elongate support member.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in which the elongate support members include a pair of rollers are provided facing each other and engageable on respective opposite sides of the elongate support member.
17. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 15, in which the elongate support members include in one arrangement teeth are provided along the top surface and/or side surfaces of the elongate support member, with which teeth one or more respective gears on the movable support member are engageable.
18. A vehicle including an elongate support member according to any of the preceding claims, with the elongate support member extendible between two parts of the vehicle to permit items to be movably supported by the LU elongate support member.
19. A vehicle according to claim 18, in which the elongate support o members include the vehicle is a railway train.
20. A vehicle according to claim 18 or 19, in which the elongate support members include the vehicle is configured such that the elongate support member is selectively extendible between two parts of the vehicle.
21. A vehicle according to claim 20, in which the elongate support member the vehicle is configured such that the vehicle is configured such that part or all of the elongate support member can extend between the two parts of the vehicle.
22. A vehicle according to claims 20 or 21 in which the elongate support members include the vehicle includes an elongate support member storage part to receive part or all of the elongate support member when not extending between the two parts of the vehicle.
23. A vehicle according to claim 22, in which the elongate support members include the storage part receives the elongate support member storage part can be shorter than the fully extended elongate support member.
24. A vehicle according to claims 22 or 23, in which the elongate support members include the vehicle includes propulsion means towards each end thereof to enable the length of the vehicle to be varied as the elongate support member is fed out of or into the elongate support member storage part.
25. A vehicle according to any of claims 18 to 24, in which the elongate support members include the vehicle includes an item storage part for items to be moved by the moving apparatus.
26. A vehicle according to claim 25, wherein the elongate support LU members include the item storage part locates lengths of rail and/or railway I'-sleepers.o
27. A vehicle according to any of claims 18 to 26, wherein the elongate co support members include the vehicle includes elongate gauge members O 20 extendible respectively on either side of the elongate support member to prevent the elongate support member moving laterally beyond a predetermined maximum amount.
28. A vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the elongate support members include the gauge members are slidably extendible from the item storage part.
29. Moving apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims. IC) (4 Co