GB2543253A

GB2543253A - Solid fuel loading device

Info

Publication number: GB2543253A
Application number: GB1515433.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anderson David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-31
Filing date: 2015-08-31
Publication date: 2017-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-31
Also published as: GB201515433D0; GB2543253B

Abstract

A storage and dispensing device has a first receiving member 1 into which a sack of coal may be placed through opening 9. Member 1 may be lifted via handles 6 and moved vertically upwards as projections 5 pass through slots in guide tracks 4. As member 1 reaches the top of track 4 it may be rotated to lie on a second receiving member 2 which is supported by frame 3. In the engaged position the two receiving members form an enclosure (Fig 2) in which the sack lies. A coal scuttle, hod or bucket may be placed in front of and below a chute 10 and when a sliding door 8 is opened coal may be dispensed into the scuttle. In further embodiments the device may be larger to accommodate several sacks (Fig 3) and may use sprockets, chains or an electric motor to lift the coal bag(s) and first receiving member into position.

Description

Coal scuttle loader

This invention relates to a device for the loading of solid fuel into a scuttle for domestic use.

Solid fuel products for burning in domestic stoves and ovens are typically sold in 25kg plastic sacks. In order to safely add this fuel to the stove or oven it must be first loaded into a scuttle or similar device. Currently this can be achieved in one of two ways. Either by directly pouring from plastic sack into the scuttle or by loading the solid fuel first into a bunker which is a ground-based container and then shovel loading from the bunker into the scuttle. When used to fuel a solid fuel oven is this action must be repeated once or twice a day continuously.

The problems with both of these methods are of convenience and practicality. Given that invariability the loading of the scuttle takes place outdoors a swift and clean method of loading a scuttle is a key requirement especially during inclement winter weather. Lifting a 25kg sack and trying to pour the contents into a scuttle can be difficult and commonly results in spillage and mess. Similarly using a shovel to load a scuttle from a bunker either risks spillage from the edges of the shovel either side of the relatively narrow neck of the scuttle or requires a small shovel, in which case takes longer to load due to the larger number of shovel loads to fill the scuttle.

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a device onto which a 25kg sack of solid fuel can be loaded, raised up and stored and the contents released in a controlled manner to fill a scuttle placed beneath by means of a user controlled trap door

The device may hold one sack at a time with the sack itself stored in in the device and scuttles filled directly from the sack, or the device may incorporate a storage container into which multiple sacks can be emptied.

The invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows the single sack version with the bucket in the lowered position,

Figure 2 shows the single sack version with the bucket raised,

Figure 3 shows the version including the storage bin.

The device consists of two main parts - a bucket 1 into which a sack of coal is loaded and a body 2. These are supported on a frame 3. The bucket can be slid vertically with a pin on either side 5 following in the guide tracks 4. A sack of coal is slid into the bucket at ground level via the opening 9, once in place the top of the sack must be cut open. The bucket is then raised up the guide tracks, lifted by the lifting arms 6. Alternative methods of raising the bucket may include the use of an electric motor or a pulley system with a manual handle. Once at the top of the track the bucket pivots forwards engaging with the body to form an enclosed box containing the sack. The content of the sack is released into an awaiting scuttle positioned beneath the delivery trough 10 by using the handle 7 to raise the exit door 8.

Figure 3 shows the storage version which includes a storage bin 11 into which the contents of multiple sacks can be emptied and stored.

Claims

1. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit comprising of a body in which the solid fuel is held and includes a dispensing means, a frame which supports said body, and a bucket which can be moved vertically along a track and which has the function of lifting fuel to be added to the body.

2. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1, in which the body consists of a storage bin of sufficient volume to hold the contents of multiple sacks of solid fuel.

3. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1, in which the body is a structure designed to hold an individual sack of fuel, into which the bucket can be rotated and positioned thereby forming an enclosed storage space.

4. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to any of the claims above, in which the dispensing means consists of a sliding door that may be opened to varying degrees to allow control over the dispensing of the fuel from the body.

5. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1 and claim 2, whereby the bucket can be rotated when at the highest point on the vertical track such that it rests upon the upper edges of the body and forms part of the lid.

6. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1, in which the vertical movement of the bucket is provided by chain and sprocket system.

7. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1, in which the vertical movement of the bucket is provided by a belt and pulley system.

8. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1, in which the vertical movement of the bucket as described in claims 7 or claim 8 is powered by a manually rotated handle.

9. A solid fuel storage and dispensing unit according to claim 1, in which the vertical movement of the bucket as described in claim 7 and claim 8 is powered by an electric motor.