GB2553122B

GB2553122B - Material handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2553122B
Application number: GB1614412.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marks Paul; Cummings Paul; Van Blerk Charles; Samuel James; Renfrew Bruce
Original assignee: Bluesky Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Bluesky Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-24
Filing date: 2016-08-24
Publication date: 2019-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-24
Also published as: GB201614412D0; GB2553122A

Description

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a material handling apparatus in particular but not necessarily for the moving and installing of lengths of ducting, integrated service modules, prefabricated service modules etc. used during construction and/or renovation of buildings.

Background of the Invention

Building construction sites for large buildings frequently employ construction equipment for lifting large and heavy components into position during the construction of a building.

Commonly used construction equipment for the lifting of large and heavy components includes an aerial lift. A typical aerial lift may comprise a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) having an extendable boom which has an elevator basket or cage for housing operatives securely to the end of the boom. Alternative aerial lifts may comprise a MEWP having an extendable scissor linkage which has an elevator basket or cage for housing operatives securely to the end of the scissor linkage.

An example large and heavy components lifted during construction of a building is overhead ducting. The lengths of standard ducting may be up to 2.9 meters in length and up to 2.1 meters x 2.5 meters in section and weigh up to 350 kgs.

Another example of such a component is a prefabricated module such as an integrated service module. An integrated service module is a form of factory assembled modular chilled beam that incorporates other services in addition to cooling.

Because such modules are fabricated off site, they tend to produce less waste, have a better build quality, have fewer defects and are faster to install. They are also beneficial in that less storage is generally needed on site than in cases where the different components contained in the module are provided separately.

Furthermore, the different components contained in the module can be delivered to site pre-tested and ready to ‘plug and play’.

Because prefabricated modules can be selected from a range of standard modules or be custom designed to suit particular needs, many building service systems are now installed using prefabricated modules.

The various components i.e. pipe-work, ducts, cable trays etc., forming the module are installed in a support frame and the choice of components would depend on requirements/application in the construction project.

On site, the ducting or the support frame of the prefabricated module is hoisted or lifted into position and fixed to or suspended from a supporting surface in its desired location i.e. within a roof space. In some cases, the module is installed flush with a suspended ceiling.

Once installed, a fitter will complete the installation by connecting the services one module to the next prior to the final fix (cabling, communications etc.).

The modules are not that easy to handle, especially when the service runs are to be installed in the roof space of a narrow corridor, access to which might be by a less than generous doorway.

Furthermore, aerial lifts need to be located as close to the erection site as is possible for the safe lifting and manoeuvring of heavy loads, and generally are stabilised by means of stabilisers located at the corners of the self drive body. In some circumstances due to ground works, or the state of the ground it may not be possible to position the aerial lift at an appropriate working distance from the work location and the aerial lift may be destabilised if material loads are supported at excess distances beyond the lift’s tolerances.

The present applicants have previously described a duct carrying apparatus for an aerial lift (GB2483465) which facilitates the lifting of overhead ducting during construction and the final positioning of the ducting.

The present invention provides an improved material handling apparatus which facilitates the lifting and installing of overhead ducting, prefabricated service modules or the like.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided a material handling apparatus for use with an aerial lift comprising: a support frame for holding or carrying a service module; a connection mounting for fixing the material handling apparatus to an aerial lift; a bracket secured to the support frame and configured to connect the support frame to an aerial lift via the connection mounting; an actuator mechanism for facilitating the movement of the support frame between a first position and a second position; and a sliding arm; wherein the support frame is moveable between the first position in which the support frame is in a first orientation relative to the connection mounting, and the second position in which the support frame is a second orientation relative to the connection mounting, the second position being substantially perpendicular to the first position, said first orientation first orientation being a vertical orientation and said second orientation being a horizontal orientation; and wherein the bracket is pivotably connected to a first end of the sliding arm and the sliding arm is linked to the actuator mechanism at a second end thereof.

By means of the invention a prefabricated module may be lifted in a first orientation to the desired height and then once at the height, orientated to a second orientation in which it is to be installed in. This is beneficial when installing prefabricated modules in the roof space in a narrow corridor where it would be more convenient to lift the module in a different orientation to that in which it is installed.

The actuator may be driven by any suitable means, for example, mechanically, hydraulically or electrically driven.

The actuator mechanism is preferably a mechanical linear actuator. For example, the actuator may comprise a lead screw.

Instead of a lead screw arrangement, the actuator mechanism may comprise a telescopic arm. In such arrangements, a first end of the telescopic arm is preferably pivotably coupled to the bracket and a second end of the telescopic arm is preferably configured to be pivotably coupled to a part of an aerial lift.

Preferably, the support frame is movable in a lateral direction when in the second position. The support frame may be movable in a range of between 0.01 cm and 10 cm.

This allows for fine adjustment of the positioning of a module carried by the support frame thus facilitating the alignment of the connecting threaded studs or other connecting means on the module with the corresponding support rods for fixing the module in place.

Preferably, the support frame comprises arms extending from a side thereof for facilitating the holding/carrying of a service module.

The arms may be in the form of cylindrical pegs, in the form of forks, or any other suitable means.

In exemplary embodiments, the support frame is substantially i-shaped.

In exemplary embodiments, the support frame is substantially rectangular in shape.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerial lift comprising a material handling apparatus according to the first aspect.

Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A shows a MEWP with a boom;

Figure 1B shows a MEWP with a scissor lift;

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a prefabricated service module;

Figure 3A shows a first embodiment of a material handling apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3B shows the material handling apparatus of figure 3A holding a prefabricated service module;

Figure 3C shows a view from the side of the material handling apparatus holding the prefabricated service module of figure 3B.

Figures 4A - 4E show the movement of the support frame of the material handling apparatus of figure 3A between a first vertical position and a second horizontal position; and

Figures 5A - 5F show the movement of the support frame of a second example of a material handling apparatus between a first vertical position and a second horizontal position.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1

With reference to figure 1A, there is shown a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) 1 in the form of a self drive mobile lift of any suitable type. The MEWP 1 has a drivable vehicle body 2 having wheels 3 and an extendable boom 4 mounted thereon. In the embodiment shown, the boom is in the form of an articulating booms, however as known in the art the boom may take a different form for example be in the form of a telescopic boom.

Stabilisers 5 may be provided for steadying the vehicle on the ground. A basket or cage 6 is mounted on the free end of the boom 4 and the basket 6, in use, can be raised or lowered and generally manoeuvred relative to the ground as is well known. The basket 6 is shown in a raised condition. The boom 4 is raised, lowered, extended, rotated etc. by any suitable means, typically operated by a powered hydraulic system provided on the vehicle body 2 and powered by the vehicle engine. The boom 4 may be provided with a load sensor which senses the total load on the boom 4.

With reference to figure 1B, there is shown a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) 1’ in the form of a scissor lift. The MEWP 1’ has a drivable vehicle body 2’ having wheels 3’ and an extendable scissor linkage 7. A basket or cage 6’ is mounted on the free end of the scissor linkage 7 and the basket/cage 6’, in use, can be raised or lowered relative to the ground as is well known. The basket/cage 6’ is shown in a raised condition. The scissor lift is raised and lowered by any suitable means, typically operated by a powered hydraulic system provided on the vehicle body 2’ and powered by the vehicle engine.

Figure 2

With reference to figure 2 there is shown an example of a prefabricated service module 10.

The service module 10 comprises a support frame 11 in which the components of the service module 10 are housed.

In the example shown the following components are housed in the support frame 11 - a duct 12, cable trays 13 and service pipes 14, 15, 16. It would be understood that the module may have a different arrangement and/or composition of components.

Threaded studs 17 are provided at various locations on the support frame 11 to facilitate connection of the support frame 11 to a support rod (not shown) in order to suspend the support frame from a supporting surface.

The support frame may be connected to a support rod by any suitable means as known in the art. For example, threaded collars may be utilized on the support frame instead of threaded studs for engagement with threaded support rods fixed to the supporting surface.

Figures 3A - 3C

With reference to figures 3A to 3C, an embodiment of a material handling apparatus 20 for use with an aerial lift in accordance with the invention is shown.

The material handling apparatus 20 includes a support frame 21, a bracket 22, and a connection mounting 23.

The support frame 21 is configured for holding or carrying a service module (see figures 3B and 3C).

The support 21 frame is substantially i-shaped having two parallel central members 211 and a cross-member 212 positioned at each end of the central members 211. Angular members 213 are provided to increase the strength of the support frame 21. In the embodiment shown, the support frame 21 has four angular members 213, each angular member having a first end thereof connected to a cross-member 212 and a second end thereof connected to a central member 211.

The support frame 21 also includes arms 214 for facilitating the holding/carrying of the service module 10. In the embodiment shown, the arms are in the form of cylindrical pegs positioned at the corners of the support frame 21.

As will be discussed in greater detail later on, the support frame 21 is moveable between a first position in which the support frame 21 is in a first orientation relative to the connection mounting 23, and a second position in which the support frame 21 is a second orientation relative to the connection mounting 23. The second position is substantially perpendicular to the first position.

While in the embodiment shown, the support frame 21 is substantially i-shaped, it would be understood that the support frame may be any suitable shape. For example, the support frame may be rectangular in shape.

In addition, while the arms are shown as fixed, they may be adjustable in position to facilitate the handling of different sized modules.

The bracket 22 is secured to the support frame 21 and is configured to connect the support frame 21 to an aerial lift via the connection mounting 23.

In the embodiment shown, the bracket 22 is substantially U-shaped having a base plate 221 and a side plate 222 extending from parallel sides of the base plate 222.

The base plate 221 is rectangular in size and is fixed to the central members 211 of the support frame 21.

The side plates 222 are in the shape of a convex irregular quadrilateral and include a central cut-out 223 (see figure 3C).

It would be understood that the bracket may take any suitable shape and/or form.

In the embodiment shown, the connection mounting 23 is in the shape of a pentagonal prism, although it would be understood that the connection mounting may be of any suitable shape.

The pentagonal prism is defined by a base 235, a front 232, a back 236, two sides 231, a top 234 and a sloping face 233. The base 235, top 234 and back 236 are open.

The sides 231 are spaced apart from each other at a distance which is greater than the distance between the side plates 222 of the of the bracket and are configured to overlap the side plates 222 as shown in figure 3A.

The sides 231 are each provided with a corresponding first guide channel 237 and a corresponding second guide channel 238.

The first guide channel 237 is positioned on an upper half of the sides 231. It has a first section 237a which runs in a direction parallel to the base 235 of the connection mounting 23 and a second section 237b which runs in a direction tangential to the base 235 of the connection mounting 23. The second section 237b runs from an end of the first section 237a towards the top 234 of the connection mounting 23. In the embodiment shown, the second section 237b is at a substantally 45 degree angle to the base 235 of the connection mounting 23. A first connecting pin 24 passes through the first guide channel 237 in the sides 231 and through corresponding apertures in the side plates 222 ofthe bracket 22. The corresponding apertures in the side plates 222 of the bracket are located proximate a free corner 2221 of the side plates 222.

The second guide channel 238 is positioned on a lower half of the sides 231. In the embodiment shown, the second guide channel 238 is positioned proximate the middle of the sides 231.

The second guide channel 238 runs in a direction parallel to the base 235 of the connection mounting 23 and extends substantially along the length of the sides 231.

An actuator mechanism is housed in the connection mounting 23 for facilitating the movement of the support frame between the first position and the second position.

In the embodiment shown, the actuator mechanism is in the form of a mechanical linear actuator and includes a lead screw 31, a nut 32, a stop 33 at an end of the lead screw 31, and a drive 34 for rotating the lead screw 31. The stop 33 is positioned proximate the back 236 of the connection mounting 23 and the drive 34 is positioned proximate the front 232 of the connection mounting 23.

The drive 34 is hand operated but may be operated by any suitable means as known in the art.

The material handling apparatus has a sliding arm 40 having a first end connected to the side plates 222 of the bracket 22 and projecting tab 41 at a second end thereof.

The side plates 222 of the bracket 22 are pivotably connected to the end of the sliding arm 40 by a pivot pin 25 proximate another free corner 2222 of the side plates 222.

The projecting tab 41 is coupled to the nut 32 such that the sliding arm 40 moves with the nut 32.

Second and third connecting pins 26 pass through the second guide channel 238 in the sides 231 and through corresponding apertures in the sliding arm 40. The corresponding apertures in the sliding arm 40 are located proximate the projecting tab end of the sliding arm 40.

The connection mounting 23 is to be mounted on a platform or other suitable part of an aerial lift.

Figures 4A - 4E

The movement of the support frame 21 between the first position and the second position will now be described with reference to figure 3C and figures 4A to 4E.

Figure 3C shows the support frame 21 in the first positon, in which the support frame 21 is orientated in a substantially vertical orientation.

As the lead screw is turned, the nut 32 moves in the direction of arrow X in figure 4A. Due to the fact that the sliding arm 40 is fixed to the nut 32, the sliding arm 40 is forced to also move in the direction of arrow X. The second and third connecting pins 26 slide along the second guide channels 238.

Since the bracket 22 is fixed to the sliding arm 40 via the pivot pin 25, movement of the sliding arm 40 causes the bracket 22 to rotate about the pivot pin 25 and thereby resulting in a change in the orientation of the support frame 21.

As the bracket 22 rotates, the first connecting pin 24 slides along the second section 237b of the first guide channels 237 in a direction towards the top 234 of the connection mounting 23 until the first connecting pin 24 abuts the end of the second section 237b of the first guide channels 237 (see figure 4A).

Continued movement of the sliding arm 40, results in continued movement of the bracket 22 and the first connecting pin 24 slides back down the second section of 237b of the first guide channels 237 (see figure 4B).

The bracket 22 is pivoted 90 degrees as shown in figure 4C, in which the support frame is in its second position which corresponds to the support frame being in a substantially horizontal orientation.

In this position, the first connecting pin 24 is located at the junction connecting the first section 237a of the first guide channels 237 to the second section 237b of the first guide channels 237 (see figure 4C).

Further movement ofthe nut 32, and hence the sliding arm 40, would cause lateral movement of the support frame while in the second position as the first connecting pin 24 slides along the first guide channels 237 (see figures 4D and 4E).

Being able to move the support frame 21 laterally when in the second position is advantageous as it allows the service module 10 supported by the support frame 21 to be moved in order to align the threaded studs 17 (or other connecting means) with corresponding support rods.

The lateral movement of the support frame in the second position is not extensive and is limited to movement of up to 10 cm. The range of movement would be determined by the length of the first section of the first guide channel.

While the actuator mechanism has been described as a mechanical linear actuator, the actuator could be hydraulically powered or electrically powered instead.

Figures 5A to 5F

With reference to figures 5A and 5F, another embodiment of a material handling apparatus 50 for use with an aerial lift is shown. The embodiment does not form part of the invention as claimed.

The material handling apparatus 50 is similar to the previously described embodiment and only the differences between the embodiments would be discussed.

As in the previously described embodiment, the material handling apparatus includes a support frame 51, a bracket 52 and a connection mounting 53.

The support frame 51 is substantially rectangular in shape and rather than having arms in the form of cylindrical pegs, has arms in the form of forks 514. The distance between the forks 514 may be adjustable.

The bracket 52 is fixed to the support frame and is of a different shape to the bracket of the earlier described embodiment.

The connection mounting 53 is in the form of a telescopic arm having a first arm section 531 slidably receivable in a second arm section 532.

The first arm section 531 is connected to the bracket 52 at a free end thereof and the second arm section 532 is connected to platform or other suitable part of an aerial lift.

The bracket 52 is connected to the first arm section 531 by a first pivot pin 54 and the second arm section 532 it pivotably connected to the platform/part of an aerial lift via a second pivot pin 59.

Movement of the support frame 51 between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation is achieved by sliding the first arm section 531 into the second arm section 532 at the same time as rotating the connection mounting 53 about the second pivot pin 59 (see figures 5B to 5F).

Unlike the previously described embodiment, the support frame 51 is not moveable laterally when in the horizontal orientation.

As employed herein aerial lift refers to any form of powered extendable lift for enabling an operative to work at height or for moving equipment to height, such as a MEWP, cherry picker, telescopic boom, lifting robot, scissor lift, or manually-powered (i.e. non-electrical) lift. Aerial lift does not include a forklift truck.

In the context of this specification "comprising" is to be interpreted as "including".

Aspects of the disclosure comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments "consisting" or "consisting essentially" of the relevant elements.

Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined.

Embodiments are described herein as comprising certain features/elements. The disclosure also extends to separate embodiments consisting or consisting essentially of said features/elements.

Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A material handling apparatus for use with an aerial lift comprising: a support frame for holding or carrying a service module; a connection mounting for fixing the material handling apparatus to an aerial lift; a bracket secured to the support frame and configured to connect the support frame to an aerial lift via the connection mounting; an actuator mechanism for facilitating the movement of the support frame between a first position and a second position; and a sliding arm; wherein the support frame is moveable between the first position in which the support frame is in a first orientation relative to the connection mounting, and the second position in which the support frame is a second orientation relative to the connection mounting, the second position being substantially perpendicular to the first position, said first orientation first orientation being a vertical orientation and said second orientation being a horizontal orientation; and wherein the bracket is pivotably connected to a first end of the sliding arm and the sliding arm is linked to the actuator mechanism at a second end thereof.

2. The material handling apparatus of claim 1, wherein actuator mechanism is a mechanical linear actuator.

3. The material handling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a lead screw.

4. The material handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame is movable in a lateral direction when in the second position.

5. The material handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the support frame is movable in a range of between 0.01 cm and 10 cm.

6. The material handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame comprises arms extending from a side thereof for facilitating the holding/carrying of a service module.

7. The material handling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the arms are in the form of cylindrical pegs.

8. The material handling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the arms are in the form of forks.

9. The material handling apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support frame is substantially i-shaped.

10. The material handling apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support frame is substantially rectangular in shape.