GB2542158A

GB2542158A - Improvements in or relating to vehicle-mounted cranes

Info

Publication number: GB2542158A
Application number: GB1515993.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Whitehead John; Farrow Michael
Original assignee: Marshall Land Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Marshall Land Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-09
Filing date: 2015-09-09
Publication date: 2017-03-15
Also published as: GB201515993D0

Abstract

A rigid frame (2, figure 1) suitable for attachment to a lorry loadbed, which is readily fastened to and removed from the load bed by means of a plurality of conventional ISO twistlock connectors. The frame is provided with male and/or female 10, 10 connector components for releasable attachment to co-operating female and/or male connector components provided on the lorry loadbed. The frame further has mounted thereon a loading/unloading crane 20 with an extendible jib arm 22 rotatable in at least one plane through 360 degrees, which is suitable for loading or unloading the loadbed. Preferably the frame has two longitudinal members 4, 4 and is securable to the loadbed solely by means of ISO twistlock connectors, the crane has an integral source of electrical power (e.g. small generator). The crane may be readily removable and easily mountable on a lorry bed of another lorry within a vehicle fleet.

Description

Title: Improvements in or Relating to Vehicle-Mounted Cranes Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a frame for mounting to, and adapting, a lorry loadbed, and to a method of adapting a lorry using the frame.

Background of the Invention

It is well-known to mount a crane on a lorry, especially an open-topped lorry with a flat loadbed. Such cranes are extremely useful for loading and unloading heavy and/or bulky loads. Cranes of this type are often mounted just behind the cab - this places the crane between the front and rear axles of the lorry, and thus aids stability when the crane is in use. Obviously use of the crane with heavy loads can exert considerable forces on the crane, and the crane is usually mounted therefore directly onto the chassis of the lorry (more especially the chassis rails) such that the forces can be transferred directly to the major structural components forming the lorry chassis. This means that such cranes must be highly integrated with the lorry, and major work is involved in mounting the crane on the lorry or removing the crane from the lorry. As a consequence, generally speaking, once a crane is mounted on a lorry it is left in place. Another disadvantage of this type of crane mounting is that it shortens the length of the loadbed available for carrying cargo. A rear-mounted crane (i.e. one in which the crane is positioned at or near the rearmost part of the loadbed) is even more challenging, since additional supporting members are normally required to reinforce the structure at the rear of the loadbed, in order to cope with the crane loads. Usually this manifests as a need to completely remove the loadbed, and add additional supporting members sandwiched between the chassis rails and the re-fitted loadbed. This is specialised and heavy engineering, and as such is usually carried out by the crane OEM.

The present invention aims to reduce or overcome these problems.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides a rigid frame adapted and configured for attachment to a lorry loadbed, which frame is readily fastened to, and removed from, the said loadbed by means of a plurality of conventional ISO twistlock connectors, the frame being provided with male and/or female connector components for releasable attachment to co-operating female and/or male connector components provided on the lorry loadbed, the frame further having mounted thereon a loading/unloading crane with an extendible jib arm rotatable in at least one plane through 360° adapted and configured for loading or unloading the loadbed.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of adapting an existing lorry having a loadbed by mounting a crane thereon, the method comprising the step of positioning a rigid frame in accordance with the first aspect of the invention onto the loadbed, and fastening the frame to the loadbed by means of a plurality of ISO twistlock connectors.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a lorry having a loadbed, and a frame in accordance with the first aspect of the invention fastened to the loadbed by means of a plurality of conventional ISO twistlock connectors.

The frame is preferably constructed entirely or substantially entirely of metal, such as steel, typically using a combination of general purpose and high strength steels. The dimensions of the frame may be made commensurate with the dimensions of the loadbed to which the frame is intended to be fastened. There are a variety of different sized lorries with different sized loadbeds. The frame of the invention may be manufactured or formed in any size suitable for mounting on the relevant lorry loadbed.

The frame of the invention is especially useful for mounting on the loadbed of lorries which are delivering loads to places where there are few, or no, unloading or loading facilities (e.g. such as fork lift trucks). As an illustration, this may apply to lorries in military use delivering loads in theatre, and/or to civilian lorries delivering, for example, emergency supplies to areas of civilian crisis. In one illustrative embodiment, the frame may be adapted and configured for attachment to a 14 foot loadbed of a lorry for military use.

The frame of the invention typically comprises at least a pair of parallel longitudinal members which, in use, are mounted along the long axis of the loadbed, and a plurality of transverse members. The transverse members are typically perpendicular to the longitudinal members and parallel to one another. The number of transverse members may be variable, depending on the length of the loadbed and length of the longitudinal members. Typically 2-3 transverse members are sufficient. The longitudinal members are conveniently held in spaced apart relationship by the transverse members, and the longitudinal members are spaced apart by substantially the width of the loadbed of the lorry to which the frame is intended to be attached.

The frame may be provided with a plurality of female and/or male connectors for ISO twistlocks. The number and position of the connector components (and whether male or female) is determined by the number and position of the connector components provided on the lorry loadbed. ISO twistlocks are well-known to those skilled in the art and comply with ISO standard 1161:1984. The female connector is a hollow cuboidal box with an oval opening that can accept a male connector part. The male connector is often referred to as the twistlock. The connector comprises a pyramidal projection with an oblong base, which can rotate on a mounting through about 90°. The male connector is usually provided with a short arm or lever to facilitate rotation of the connector. The pyramidal projection passes through the oval opening in the female connector when the oblong base is in a particular orientation. Rotation of the projection about 90° then secures the projection within the female connector.

Conveniently most or all of the female and/or male twistlock connector components are provided on the longitudinal members, but in some embodiments some or all of the connector components may be present on one or more of the transverse members, particularly at opposed ends thereof.

The crane may be mounted on the frame at any desired location and may, for example, be mounted to the longitudinal members, or to the transverse members, or both. Conveniently the crane is attached to the frame by releasable attachment means, such as conventional nuts and bolts, the bolts being fastened via the nuts to the frame members. Preferably the crane is mounted on or near the longitudinal median axis of the vehicle, and more preferably on said axis.

In one preferred embodiment, the crane is mounted at or near the rear of the frame. Conveniently one or more transverse members are positioned at or near the rear of the frame and are advantageously adapted and configured to accept the mounting of the crane.

In some embodiments the crane accepts hydraulic and/or electrical power from the lorry, in which case, the frame may be provided with hydraulic hose and/or electrical cabling, to connect these sources from the lorry to the crane. In other embodiments, the crane is provided with a separate source of hydraulic and/or electrical power, which may be mounted in the frame remote from the crane or, more preferably, forms an integral part of the crane assembly e.g. is within a housing provided on the crane.

In other respects, the crane mounted on the frame may be essentially conventional. Commercially-available cranes suitable for use in the invention include, the Atlas Maschinen GmbH 63.2 M7 loader crane or the Cargotec® HIAB 099ATD-2

Preferably the crane module mounted on the frame will comprise stabilising means to help stabilise the lorry when the crane is in operation, depending on crane capacity. For example the crane module will conveniently comprise two or more deployable legs. Advantageously at least one such leg will be provided on each side of the crane and, typically, the legs will be deployed so as to contact the ground.

To assist in this, and allow for convenient storage when not in use, the deployable legs will preferably be telescopic. The deployment and extension of the telescopic legs is preferably accomplished by hydraulic operation, and desirably this can be achieved using the same hydraulic power source as that used to operate the crane.

An important characteristic of the invention is that the level of integration of the frame into the underlying vehicle is kept as low as possible. For example, the frame is preferably secured to the loadbed essentially solely by the ISO twistlock connectors, such that it is a short and simple job to mount the frame onto the lorry loadbed and to demount the frame therefrom, with essentially no more difficulty than a standard ISO container.

Accordingly, the frame is effectively transferrable between different vehicles, and can easily be retro-fitted to existing vehicles. In this way, operators of a fleet of loadbed vehicles will be able to easily add (and easily remove) an autonomous loading capability to any suitable vehicle within the fleet, without a major retrofit or redesign exercise.

This interchangability gives particular advantage to military operators, who operate large fleets of similar vehicles. The ability to quickly remove and fit the crane capability to an available pool of vehicles offers a greater level of flexibility than was hitherto achievable. In the event, for example, of a vehicle breakdown, or a vehicle requiring service, the crane capability can be quickly and easily removed from one vehicle and added to the next, while in service; an operation which currently could not be considered with conventional vehicle-mounted cranes. As it stands, the breakdown would have to be repaired, or the vehicle returned to the crane OEM for major rework.

The features of the invention will now be further illustrated by way of illustrative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame (without a mounted crane) suitable for use in the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of a frame, with a rear-mounted crane in position on the frame;

Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views of the frame in Figure 2, mounted on the loadbed of a military-use lorry, with the crane in a stowed configuration;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the frame and lorry in Figures 3 a and 3b, with the crane in a deployed configuration; and

Figure 5 is an illustration of a typical load which can be transported and loaded/unloaded using the frame of the invention.

Examples

Example 1

This example relates to a preferred embodiment of a frame for use in accordance with the invention. Referring to Figure 1, a rigid frame 2, adapted and configured for attachment to a lorry loadbed, is formed from steel, such as S3 55JR or Tenform XF500 steel. The frame comprises a pair of parallel longitudinal members 4,4’. Each longitudinal member 4,4’ is a rectangular box section 200mm x 100mm, with sides 5mm thick. Each longitudinal member 4,4’ is 5015mm long.

Joining, and running between, the longitudinal members 4,4’ are three transverse members 6, 6’ and 6”. The transverse members are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal members 4,4’. The foremost transverse member 6 is formed of a square 100mm x 100mm box section, with sides 5mm thick. The rearmost transverse members 6’ and 6” are 150mm x 100mm channel sections, closed with 3mm plate. The transverse members 6’ and 6” are adapted and configured for mounting a commercial truck-mounted crane. To this end, secondary longitudinal members 8,8’ are provided between the transverse members 6’6”, to increase the strength of the frame in this region. The secondary longitudinal members 8,8’ are parallel to the longitudinal members 4,4’ and perpendicular to the transverse members 6,6”. The components of the frame are welded together to form a rigid structure with overall dimensions of 5015mm by 2440mm.

Each longitudinal member 4,4’ is provided with three ISO twistlock female connectors, of which two (10,10’) are visible in Figure 1. These accept co-operating ISO twistlock male connectors provided in corresponding positions on the loadbed of the vehicle.

In addition, each longitudinal member 4,4’ is provided with eight shackle mounting points, of which a representative example 12 is indicated. Further, each longitudinal member 4,4’ is provided with four twistlock male connectors. These are denoted on one of the longitudinal members by reference numerals 14a-14d. These male connectors are positioned so as to receive the co-operating ISO twistlock female connector components provided on a load to be carried by the lorry. Typically the load is carried in a load cage, such as a Quadcon, described in further detail below.

Figure 1 shows the frame with the load crane omitted, so as better to illustrate the structure of the frame and the features thereof. Figure 2 is an illustration of a slightly different embodiment of frame, (e.g. with a different arrangement of transverse members) and with a crane mounted on the frame. Referring to Figure 2, the crane 20 is a commercially available truck-mountable crane. As seen in the Figure, the crane is mounted on the rear-most transverse member 6”.

The crane includes an extendible jib arm 22 which is rotatable in at least one plane through 360°. The crane also includes a pair of telescopic support legs 24,24’ one on each side. When the crane is in use, the support legs 24,24’ are extended and ground-engaging feet 26 on the ends of the legs contact the ground on either side to increase the stability of the crane.

The crane 20 takes hydraulic and electric power from the lorry on which the frame is to be mounted, and the frame 2 accommodates hydraulic hose and electrical cabling (not shown) to facilitate this. In other embodiments the crane has an integral source of electrical power (e.g. a small generator) which can provide all the electrical power (and hydraulic power) required for operation of the crane.

Figures 3a, 3b and 4 show the embodiment of the frame installed on the loadbed of a military lorry. In Figures 3a and b the crane 20 is shown stowed in a transit configuration, and in Figure 4 the crane is shown deployed in a loading/unloading configuration.

An important characteristic of the invention is that the level of integration of the frame into the underlying vehicle is kept as low as possible. For example, the frame is secured to the loadbed essentially solely by the ISO twistlock connectors, such that it is a short and simple job to mount the frame onto the lorry loadbed and to demount the frame therefrom, with essentially no more difficulty than a standard ISO container.

Example 2

This example relates to an embodiment of the type of cargo which might typically be carried on a lorry equipped with the frame and crane of the invention.

Referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated a Quadcon - type load cage 30. The cage 30 is formed from steel and has overall dimensions of 2440 x 1457 x 1500mm. The perforated base 32 of the cage is formed from 3mm thick Tenform XF500 steel, the rest of the cage is manufactured from 2mm thick folded sections of corten steel (with a yield strength of 355N/mm ). The base 32 of the cage includes pockets at the front and sides to accept the forks of a fork lift truck. Each corner of the base of the load cage 30 incorporates a respective ISO twistlock female connector component 34, which receives one of the male connector components provided on the frame. Each upper corner of the load cage 30 also incorporates a respective ISO twistlock female connector components, labelled 36, and these may be used to lift the cage using the crane. Two such cages 30 may be mounted on the embodiment of the frame illustrated in the preceding drawings.

Claims

1. A rigid frame adapted and configured for attachment to a lorry loadbed, which frame is readily fastened to, and removed from, the said loadbed by means of a plurality of conventional ISO twistlock connectors, the frame being provided with male and/or female connector components for releasable attachment to co-operating female and/or male connector components provided on the lorry loadbed, the frame further having mounted thereon a loading/unloading crane with an extendible jib arm rotatable in at least one plane through 360° adapted and configured for loading or unloading the loadbed.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein the frame is securable to the loadbed of a lorry essentially solely by means of the aforementioned ISO twistlock connectors.

3. A frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the crane comprises an integral source of electrical power.

4. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises at least two longitudinal members, and some or all of the ISO twistlock connector components are provided on the said longitudinal members.

5. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of ISO twistlock female connector components for securing the frame to a loadbed of a lorry or truck, and a plurality of ISO twistlock male connector components for securing a load item to the frame, said load item comprising cooperating ISO twistlock female connector components.

6. A lorry or truck having secured to the loadbed thereof a frame in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

7. A frame in accordance with any of claims 1-4 substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. A method of adapting an existing lorry with a loadbed, by mounting a crane thereon, the method comprising the step of positioning a rigid frame in accordance with any one of claims 1-5 onto the loadbed, and fastening the frame to the loadbed by means of a plurality of ISO twistlock connectors.

8. A frame in accordance with any of claims 1-5 substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Claims

1. A rigid frame adapted and configured for attachment to a lorry loadbed, which frame is readily fastened to, and removed from, the said loadbed by means of a plurality of conventional ISO twistlock connectors, the frame being provided with male and/or female connector components for releasable attachment to co-operating female and/or male connector components provided on the lorry loadbed, the frame further having mounted thereon a loading/unloading crane with an extendible jib arm rotatable in at least one plane through 360° adapted and configured for loading or unloading the loadbed, and wherein the frame is securable to the loadbed of a lorry essentially solely by means of the aforementioned ISO twistlock connectors.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein the crane comprises an integral source of electrical power.

3. A frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame comprises at least two longitudinal members, and some or all of the ISO twistlock connector components are provided on the said longitudinal members.

4. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of ISO twistlock female connector components for securing the frame to a loadbed of a lorry or truck, and a plurality of ISO twistlock male connector components for securing a load item to the frame, said load item comprising cooperating ISO twistlock female connector components.

5. A lorry or truck having secured to the loadbed thereof a frame in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, said frame being secured essentially solely by means of ISO twistlock connectors.

6. A method of adapting an existing lorry with a loadbed, by mounting a crane thereon, the method comprising the step of positioning a rigid frame in accordance with any one of claims 1-4 onto the loadbed, and securing the frame to the loadbed by means of a plurality of ISO twistlock connectors.