NZ230679A

NZ230679A - Nestable skip for road and rail transport

Info

Publication number: NZ230679A
Application number: NZ23067989A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Vail Martin John Hubner
Original assignee: Vail Martin John Hubner
Priority date: 1989-09-15
Filing date: 1989-09-15
Publication date: 1993-03-26

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 230679 PATENTS FORM NO. S Fee No. 4: $200.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 230679 Dated: 15th September 1989 SKIP I Vail Martin John Hubner, a New Zealand citizen of 78 Valley Road, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: ** 230679 This invention relates to a skip. Skips are a convenient means of transporting many loose materials. Examples of skips commonly used are the bins often used for refuse and which may be lifted on to the rear of a truck for transportation through to 5 the open top railway wagons such as commonly used for carrying ore. In these latter embodiments however, the skip body is not removable from the wagon and transferring the contents often requires tipping or bottom dumping of the contents. Often it is more convenient if the contents remain in the skip when 10 transporting goods between locations, eg in the same manner that goods stacked on a pallet remain on the same pallet between destinations. However, this method of transportation (ie. where the cargo remains in the skip) are generally restricted to road transport. While existing skips could be transferred to flat deck rail wagons, the dimensions of same are 15 generally unsuitable for efficient stowage on the wagon, and the dimensions of the skips or bins do not usually conform to the standard clearances for bridges, tunnels etc. A further disadvantage of existing bins is backloading the empty containers. Bins and skips commonly in use are not nestable and neither are they readily adaptable for tipping to remove 20 the contents. The former problem is an important consideration and is a serious problem for the majority of ore type carrying wagons on the railways. A system of transport containers which when backloaded would occupy a small percentage of the loaded volume on a transport deck (either road or rail) would free valuable cargo space for the transport of other 25 goods. This represents a significant potential commercial advantage. It is an object of the present invention to address the above problems or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. 2 * Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a 5 nestable skip having a base, sides inclined inwardly towards the base and a securing means for the device during transport. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a nestable skip substantially as described above wherein the securing means is a member of fastening system engagable with a complementary member 10 on a device to which said skip is to be secured. According a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a nestable skip substantially as described above wherein the dimensions of same are such to allow the skip to be interchangably transported by a majority of existing flat deck road or rail transport vehicles. 15 Accorrding to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a nestable skip, substantially rectangular in plan, comprising sides and a base, wherein a plurality of said sides are inclined inwardly towards the base, and wherein from the bases may extend outwardly a plurality of substantially retractable arms, each having fastening means as herein 20 defined situated thereon. The skip comprises a base of sufficient strength to support a load according to the capacity of the skip. Calculation and design of the base may be by standard engineering practice to provide a base of sufficient strength and rigidity for the dimension and load of the skip. - 4 MAY 1992 £ 3 230679 In a preferred embodiment, the base is ribbed, with a plurality of ribs of trapezoidal cross section. The size and distribution of said ribs may be such to allow the tines of a fork lift to be inserted within the rib valleys when the base is resting upon the ground, thus allowing the skip to be 5 lifted in the manner of a normal pallet. In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the ribs are not uni-directional but are perpendicular to each edge of the base and intersect near the middle thereof. These ribs, in said preferred embodiment, may also extend up the side walls which may also be of ribbed construction. 10 It should also be appreciated that an almost infinite number of base constructions may be employed, and where flat smooth bases are advantageous, honey combed or laminated sandwich constructions could be employed. The sides of the skip may be substantially planar. To introduce sufficient 15 rigidity and strength into said sides, they are often ribbed. This may be in the same manner as the base with the ribs perhaps extending in a vertical direction or in a direction substantially away from the base. However, as for the base, the ribs may be of any cross section, and may be orientated diagonally, horizontally, vertically or in any other orientation and not 20 necessarily in the same direction as each other. Normal engineering practice may be applied to aid the design of side walls which are suitable for the intended application. So that the skips may be nestable, it is desirable that a plurality of, and more preferably all, of the side walls are outwardly inclined, ie they are 25 inclined inwardly towards the base. An angle of inclination of approximately 10 degrees from the vertical has been found sufficient though a substantial variation of this amount is possible - for instance 230679 between 90° and 150° when measured from within the skip. Greater deviations from the vertical will simplify loading and tipping of the contents though it should be appreciated that a higher loading on the side wall by the contents can occur. 5 The height of the side walls are open to substantial variation. One factor of determining the height would be the weight of the cargo and maximum loading of the skip. A further important consideration is clearances, both road and rail or on the principal transport vehicle to be considered. For instance, on the more open railways of the North Island of New Zealand, 10 larger skips are possible then on various South Island lines whose tunnel clearances vary. Thus various embodiments of a skip may be configured primarily for use within specific geographical areas or regions whilst other embodiments may be adapted more to conform with various national or international dimensions. 15 The junction of the base and sides (as could each side to side junction) may be bevelled, as they are in a preferred embodiment illustrated later. This may be achieved through the insertion of a fillet or the sides and base may be joined by plate-like material so that this bevel may be achieved. Such a bevel or fillet may be present at none, one or all of the junctions between a 20 base and side or even for a portion of a base and side junction. This may serve several useful advantages such as increasing strength, acting as a guide for fork tines ((the bevelled embodiment) when using a fork lift to lift and transport skips) and to reduce materials often left remaining in a corner after tipping. It would be appreciated that these advantages would 25 depend also upon other features of the embodiment and may not always be apparent in all embodiments. 5 230679 A feature present in many embodiments of the present invention is a peripheral lip at the top of the side walls. This lip need not project inwardly or outwardly from the side walls and may comprise a strengthened or re-inforced section of side wall. Such a lip may be used to 5 strengthen or protect the top edge of the sides to reduce damage and wear during use. This would be preferred in applications where the skip was to carry dense and abrasive material such as ore. Such a lip may also be used when the skips are stacked (for rectangular non-square embodiments orientated alternately latitudinally and 10 longitudinally). Also the lip may also comprise an upward flange about its entire periphery or near the corners of the skip. A skip to be supported above a lower skip in a non-nested manner, could therefore have its arms extended and locked into position to rest upon the corners of the lip of the skip below (when the skips are aligned) while the upward flanges would 15 prevent the outer ends of the extended arms from sliding off the top of the lip. Other fastening means may also be provided on the lip (preferably compatible with any fastening means on the arms) to more adequately secure such stacked skips. For nested skips (empty) the bottom of the lip on an upper skip may rest 20 upon the top of the lip of an adjacent lower skip to support the weight thereof. Alternatively, the base of each of the nested skips may rest upon each other. Tie down points may also be provided at various points upon the skip. Generally it is preferred for reasons of access that such points are 25 positioned on the sides of the skip though other positioning may be employed. To prevent damage, such points may be recessed, perhaps in the channels between the ribs. Such tie down points may be merely a •* 230679 bracket about which a rope may be tied or over which maybe looped a hook or eye. Alternatively it may constitute part of a more sophisticated fastening system. It is generally required during transport to secure skips. While the 5 aforementioned tie points may be used, it is generally more convenient to make use of existing proprietory fastening systems found on many vehicles. One system in wide-spread use is the Twistlok fastening system used internationally for this purpose. A member, typically the female member, is provided on the skip for attaching to the existing 10 complementary male member on the deck of a vehicle or transporter. Standard ISO dimensions are provided for the positioning and placement of the fasteners on a deck of a road, rail, sea or air vehicle and suitable positioning of the corresponding members on the skip will be required. Conformity with other national or international standards is a possibility. 15 A fastening device is herein defined as being a device for securing one member to or against another. A fastening device may also comprise one or more members of a multiple component fastening system eg. a fastening device for use with the present invention could comprise a hook, or a male member of a Twistlok fastening couple, or an aperture through 20 which a bolt or arm passes etc. To allow access to the fasteners for the purpose of coupling and decoupling, the fastening member on the skip may be positioned about the periphery of the base. Alternatively, said members may be provided on arms extending from the base. However, the provision of arms will prevent nesting of the 25 skips unless the stalks or arms are substantially retractable within or under the base, or fold against the side walls and/or base. 7 %■ 4b 230679 A preferred embodiment of the present invention positions the fastening members on extendible arms which locate within channels between the ribs on a preferred embodiment of a base. Recesses or tunnels may be provided on various embodiments of a base to accommodate or house the 5 arm. Guiding means for the extendible arms may also be provided. Guiding means for the retracting arms could also allow pivotable movement so that the fastening members may accommodate positions not conforming to standard ISO dimensions. Typically for a rectangular skip, a fastening member is provided in each 10 corner of the base. For an embodiment wherein the members are located on retractable arms, each arm generally extends diagonally outwardly from each corner. However, arms need not be positioned at the corners and arms at various positions along the edges of a base may also be provided instead of or in addition to corner positioned arms. 15 Embodiments which incorporate fastening members for other fastening systems may also be provided. A combination of possible fastening members may also be employed. Further, additional fastening members (at other points) of the same type may be provided for oversized containers or as may be generally required. 20 In use, it is generally intended that emptying of the skip is performed, typically by tilting the skip to an angle of 120 - 180 degrees. There may be securing points on the side walls, preferably on the peripheral lip if provided, to which a crane or gantry may be attached. Typically there are four such points located near each corner of the skip, with tipping of a 25 lifted skip being readily accomplished by releasing two of said adjacent securing points. 8 ^ 230679 The skip may be modified in other ways for tipping, perhaps by providing securing or rotating mounting points on the side walls which are able to act as a fulcrum for tipping. As it is possible that the skip may be emptied by tipping, it may be desirable 5 to further modify the construction of the skip such that there are no sharp internal or external angles within the interior of the skip. The advantage of this is that the absence of any sharp corners or recesses reduces the occurence of transported matter remaining in any such interstices or corners when the skip is emptied. This is a noticeable problem often 10 observed in relation to dry flowable particular matter which has become damp. Therefore it is preferable to construct the skip such that on the interior a substantially proportion (ie. greater than 75%), or more preferably all, internal angles lie between 90° and 180°. Similarly, it is preferable that a substantial proportion, if not all, external angles present 15 on the inside of a skip are between 180° and 270° (measured from the inside of the skip). More preferred values for internal angles are 135 ± 15°, while for external angles 225 ± 15°. If there are any angles outside of these ranges in which occur on the sides, then it is preferable that the apex is aligned to be substantially perpendicular to the intersection of the side(s) 20 and base, or at least within ± 45° of said perpendicular. Similarly, it is also preferable that any ribs on the sides are orientated to lie substantially within ±45° of the perpendicular to the intersection of side(s) and base. Liquids may also be transported within a skip. For this purpose it will be necessary to provide a bladder such as are commonly used for transporting 25 liquids. To allow the connection of a hose on the underside of the bladder it may be necessary to provide an additional false floor though it may be 9 m 230679 possible in many cases to accommodate such a connection within the channels in ribbed embodiments of the base. Dimensions of the skip may vary considerably. As generally, it is envisaged that skips may be interchanged between rail and road systems, 5 dimensions for within a standard range of sizes which conform to the gauge, height restrictions and tunnel clearances of the transport vehicle. Further, standard ISO positions for fastening devices will also restrict the dimensions and configuration of skips. It is also envisaged that skips according to the present invention may also be used exclusively within one 10 form of transport and therefore less restrictions are imposed upon the size and configuration of the skip. In use, it is intended that the cargo will remain with the same skip from point of origin to destination, hence the requirement that the skip is preferably dimensioned for road and/or rail transport. It is also envisaged 15 that skips may be transported by other means such as by air or sea and further variations to dimensions and configuration may be necessary. As a further modification, it is possible that one or more of the sides can accommodate an extension piece which raises the height of the particular side. These may be fitted for use in regions where the additional size is 20 acceptable or where it is desirable to transport a greater volume of a medium to low density cargo. Such extension pieces or 'hungry-boards' as they are known in the trade, may clip into position or comprise arms which are accommodated by slots or apertures in the skip. A wide range of connection means are possible 25 and envisaged. Further connections may be provided to secure each extension piece to an adjacent piece at its corner. 10 As a further modification to the skip may be provided a top cover or lid which may fasten to various points on the skip. Again, a wide range or methods of connecting a cover are possible, and may make use of existing tie down points or fastening features already present on the skip. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrams in which: Figure 1: is a diagrammatic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a skip, and Figure 2: is a diagrammatic side view of one end of a preferred embodiment of a skip, and Figure 3: is a diagrammatic side view of an adjacent side (to Figure 2) of a preferred embodiment of a skip, and Figure 4: is a diagrammatic bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a skip, and Figure 5: is a diagrammatic plan view of preferred embodiment of a skip, and Figure 6: is a diagrammatic bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a skip showing detail of the fastening means in a retracted position, and Figure 7: is an identical view of Figure 6 except the fastening means is shown in an extended position, and Figure 8: is a diagrammatic cross sectional view showing nested preferred embodiments of skips, and -4 MAY 1992 11 -•C : v . ■ 230679 Figure 9: is a cross sectional view of side wall or base construction in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10: is a diagrammatic isometric view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a skip, and 5 Figure 11: is a diagrammatic end view of two stacked skips, each skip being an embodiment substantially as illustrated in Figure 10, and Figure 12: is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the side of a skip showing the corner casting of the arm of a skip resting on the 10 rim of a skip below, and Figure 13: is a diagrammatic isometric view of the embodiment of a skip illustrated in Figure 10 with extension pieces to be fitted to two of the sides thereof. With reference to the diagrams and by way of example only there is 15 provided a nestable skip, generally indicated by arrow 1, having a base (arrow) 2, sides 3, 4 inclined inwardly towards the base 2 and a securing means, generally indicated by arrow 5, for the skip 1 during transport. The side walls 3, 4 and base 2 are formed of metal sheets (generally steel -galvonised) of 2.5mm gage and formed into trapezoidal ribs as illustrated 20 in Figure 9. In the preferred embodiment the width of the base of each channel 6 is 200mm while dimension 7 is 100mm. The sides of each rib/channel 8 are 45 degrees to the base of each rib/channel 9. The construction of the ribbed base 2 is such that each rib 10 (in length) extends perpendicularly to the edge of the base, and extends inwardly until 25 it intersects with ribs extending from other edges. It is noted that channel 12 #■» ' 230679 sections are aligned to co-incide cleanly with other intersecting channel sections, as do the side sections of the ribs. This is clearly evident in Figures 4 and 5. The side walls 3,4 incline away from the base 2 by an angle of 10 degrees 5 from the vertical. The side walls 3, 4 are also of ribbed construction, said ribs extending vertically and being aligned with the ribs on the base. The junction of the side walls 3, 4 with the base 2 is not direct but rather a bevel or camber which is provided at the point of intersection 11. This is most clearly seen in Figure 1. The angle of camber is not especially 10 important though is typically approximately 40 degrees to the horizontal. A peripheral lip 12 extends around the top of the side walls 3, 4. This may merely comprise a flat section of bar or extrusion of "L" section. Tie down points 13 are provided within the recesses the ribs 10 on the side walls 3, 4. 15 For fastening the device to a deck etc, a fastening member 14 comprising the female member of a Twistlok fastening system is provided in each corner of the skip 1. Said members are each attached to an extendible arm 15 which may be retracted within guide channel 16. A locking pin 17 may be used to fasten the arm by passing through a series of apertures 18 in the 20 guide channel 16 and arm 15. Several series of apertures 18 may be provided. The fastening arrangement is clearly illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. When backloading the skips, the extending arms 15 are retracted and the skips nest one inside the other. Typically, ten skips may be nested which 25 for the dimensions of the preferred embodiment (see further) represents a 13 230679 height of 2.3 metres. The fastening members 14 of the bottom skip may be employed to secure same to the deck during transport. Figure 10 illustrates a slightly modified alternative embodiment to that illustrated in Figure 1. One difference is that the guide channel 30 now 5 accommodates an arm of rectangular cross section rather than triangular cross section. An improved lip, generally indicated by arrow 31, is also evident in Figure 10. It is also evident that the top of the inwardly directed section of ribs 32 have been closed off by a section of plate 33. In Figure 11 it can be seen how the upward flange of the lip 31 aids the 10 stacking of two skips wherein the extended arm 15 of the upper skip rests by its corner casting 35 on the lips 31 of the skip below. To accommodate the resting of a skip in such a manner upon a lower skip, it may be necessary to lock the arms 15 in a position other than which they are locked for connection to securing points on a deck. Thus it may be ... t « > o- • - ■ • .... 15 necessary to provide additional apertures through which the locking pin may pass (not shown). Extension pieces 36 if used will generally extend around the entire top periphery of the skip though for simplicity, only two are shown. The height of such boards are extremely variable though it is envisaged that an 20 extension piece raising the height by up to 750mm (generally between 300-600mm) will be used in most instances. The extension piece has downwardly protruding spigots 38 which are accommodated by sockets 37 in the lip 31 of the skip. Many various connection means may be provided, some of which may include locking 25 means so that the extension pieces 36 can not be accidentially removed. Further, it is not necessary that the face of the extension piece 36 is a 14 230679 'closed' surface but may also comprise a perforated sheet or mesh etc. Extension pieces which extend only part way along the side or which extend along more than one side may also be used. The approximate dimensions of the preferred embodiment of the skip 5 illustrated herein are as follows: Dimension 19 is 100mm Dimension 20 is 1200mm Dimension 21 is typically 290mm Dimension 22 is 2438mm 10 Dimension 23 is 2991mm Dimension 24 is 2438mm Dimension 2-5 is 2991mm Dimension 26 is 1200mm These dimensions give a skip of approximate capacity 7 cubic metres. Further, the approximate maximum loading of such a skip, having substantially the dimensions listed above and being constructed substantially as illustrated in Figures 1 through 9, is 9-12 tonnes, though this will be influenced by the materials used in construction. Such a weight loading to volume ratio has been found to be suitable for most commonly envisaged cargos of fertilisers or ores. Such materials may have a density of 900-1100 kg/m3. By fitting an extension piece of approximately 600mm height, the capacity of the skip is increased to approximately 11 cubic metres. This increased volume is still within the maximum weight carrying capacity of this particular embodiment of a 15 15 20 230679 skip. However, it is generally considered that the extendable pieces will only be used when transporting materials of a lower density, for instance less than 750kg/m3. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that additions and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 16 </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> 1 230679 WHAT I CLAIM ISi

1. A nestable skip comprising sides and a base, wherein a plurality of said sides are inclined inwardly towards the base, and wherein from the base are extendable, in an outward direction, a plurality of arms; each arm having fastening means, as herein defined, situated thereon.

2. A skip as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of said sides is ribbed.

3. A skip as claimed in claim 2 wherein ribs on a side are trapezoidal in cross-section.

4. A skip as claimed in either claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the ribs are orientated to lie substantially within ± 45° of perpendicular to the intersection of a side and the base.

5. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a substantial proportion of all internal angles present on the inside of the skip are between 90° and 180°.

6. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a substantial proportion of all external angles present on the inside of the skip are between 180° and 270°.

7. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the sides are inclined outwardly, with respect to the base, by between 90° and 150°.

8. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one side includes provision for the fitting of an extension piece which raises the height of the side.

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23 0 6 7 9

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

iWW

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one side has means to which a line, hook, eye or other fastening device may be attached.

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one side and the base are connected by a fillet, or by a bevelled intermediary section.

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base is ribbed.

A skip as claimed in claim 11 wherein the ribs on the base are substantially trapezoidal in cross-section.

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims wherein one or more of the extendable arms are substantially retractable into the base.

A skip as claimed in claim 13 wherein a recess or tunnel within the base accommodates an extendable arm when it is retracted.

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims wherein one or more of the extendable arms, pivots and folds against the side and/or base of the skip.

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there is an arm positioned near each corner of the base, extendable diagonally outwardly therefrom.

A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastening device on an arm is a twistlock fastening member.

• » *

230679

18. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the arms are so positioned and extend to the extent that the fastening devices on the extended arms are positioned correctly with respect to a recognised standard for the spacing of fastening points of load carrying containers to road, rail, sea or air transport vehicles.

19. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein locking means are provided to lock an arm into a desired extended, retracted and/or intermediary position.

20. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the overall dimensions of the skip are such for the skip to be transportable by both road and rail vehicles within a particular geographical region.

21. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes means for a hose or fluid delivery tube connected to a fluid carrying vessel within the skip, to pass through the base of the skip or through a point near the bottom of a side thereof.

22. A skip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a skip is constructed so as to allow another skip to be supported on top of same in a non-nested manner.

23. A skip as claimed in claim 22 wherein means is provided to accommodate the extended arms of an upper, supported skip.

19

230679

A skip substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying diagrams.

Vail Martin John Hubner by his Attorneys

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