GB807892A - A device for handling and transporting material in quantity - Google Patents

Abstract

807,892. Skips for engagement by lift forks. KENNETT, J. E. March 15,1956 [Dec. 29, 1954; Jan. 28, 1955; Oct. 6, 1955; Oct. 6, 1955], Nos. 37554/54, 2674/55, 28471/55 and 28472/55. Classes 78 (3) and 78 (4). A fork c, c<SP>1</SP> (Figs. 1 and 2) for engaging, e.g. beneath a flange b on a bin a, is pivoted by trunnions d to a lifting fork e so that the bin may be tipped. The fork e may be formed with a bracket k by which it can be secured to the tines of a fork truck, to the lift arms of a tractor, or to a loader carried by a tractor as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In the construction of Fig. 5 the fork e is pivoted to the brackets k by which it is secured to the lifting arms 20, and links i pivoted to brackets f on the forks e can be adjusted so that the fork e is held horizontal or at a slight forward or rearward tilt. In the construction of Fig. 6 the fork e is disposed directly to links 11 which can be turned by suitably disposed jacks (not shown) about a pivot to arms k<SP>1</SP> raised by further jacks (not shown). Links i hold quadrants 13 against rotation so that chains 12 passing from the quadrant 13 to quadrant 14 on the fork e hold the latter against rotation. Wheels 9, which may be replaced by ground-engaging plates, are supported by links 8, 10 so that they engage the ground to prevent the tractor overturning until, after the arms 11 have been raised to near the vertical, the arms k lift the wheels or plates from the ground. The ends and insides of the fork c may carry rollers. Catches m (Figs. 1 and 2) are automatically turned to engage over the flange p on the bin a, when the fork c tips, by racks p engaging pinions w on the spindles of the catches m and engaging pinions t fixed to the fork e. Springs v on the racks bias the catches m to their released position and also assist in returning a tipped bin to its upright position. The fork c is disengaged from the bin a by lowering it until the bin a clears lugs m on the supporting flanges u of the fork c. The bin a is so balanced about the trunnion d that when loaded it automatically tips when a catch z is released. Having discharged its contents it is automatically returned by gravity when spring- biased pawls x are released from ratches c on the trunnion d. The ratchets 2 may be replaced by sprocket wheels driven through a chain from hydraulic jacks. The spout 6 (Fig. 2) of the bin a may be flexible and may terminate in a sliding gate for adjusting the rate at which material is distributed. Alternatively it may be replaced by spouts delivering towards the side of the carrying vehicle. The flanges on the bin may be replaced by channels within which engage projections on the fork. The bin may be replaced by a scoop for picking up material or by a sweep formed with tines.