GB738799A - Improvements in devices for handling cargo and other loads - Google Patents

Abstract

738,799. Overhead transporters. LEGRAND, P. June 23, 1953 [Aug. 11, 1952; March 24, 1953], No. 17370/53. Classes 78 (4) and 104 (2). Apparatus for carrying loads into and from a hold or other covered space comprises a wheeled carriage running on overhead rails in the space, a hoisting rope for suspending directly or indirectly the load such that the load and carriage together move outside the covered space and the carriage is adapted for being engaged with and disengaged from the rails when the load is lowered into or removed from the covered space. As shown in Fig. 1, a hoisting rope 5 attached to a carriage 6, which has rollers 7 for running on tracks 4 secured beneath a deck 3, carries a pulley block 8 secured to trunnions 13, and a hook 9 for the load. The rails 4 have a downwardly-curved extension for guiding the carriages on to the rails and an arm 12 attached to the coaming has a roller I for guiding the rope 5. The carriage and load are lowered to contact the rails and the carriage then rotates about the trunnions 13 for transporting the load in the covered space. In a modified form, Figs. 4 and 5, the carriage comprises pairs of rollers 30, 31 and a rocking axle 33 to which are secured spaced plates 35 carrying a pulley block 36. As the carriage is lowered so that the rollers engage the rails 24, holes 56 in. the carriage are brought into engagement with holes 57 in the plates and are secured by a spring-pressed bolt controlled by means 55. Cables 38 and 39 pass from the pulley block round pulleys adjustably positioned in the plates and have hooks for securing to the load. The rails have pivoted or slidable rail extensions hooked on to members 109. As shown in Fig. 5, the rail extensions 22 are attached to lateral plates 21 slidable or rolling on the coaming to extend beyond the rails 24. The rope 53 attached to the carriage is correctly positioned by a rope 48 and pulley 47 controlled by a winch 49, which may be movable along the coaming or secured to members 50. The shell 59 of the pulley 47 may have a rope brake to allow detachment from the hook 46 of the derrick rope when the carriage contacts the rails. A number of carriages may be connected together for simultaneously transporting a number of loads by suspending them from hooks on a beam and the guide-plates may be simultaneously moved by operating a lever. The lever moves two rods in opposite directions, the alternate guide-plates being connected to each rod so that the plates are moved into operative or inoperative position.