NZ235524A - Vehicle load transfer device has extendible stabiliser and lifting jib pivoted - Google Patents

Description

_ - 2 3 5 5 2 4 V Patents Form 5 N.Z. No. 235524 Dated 1 October 1990 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A LOAD TRANSFERRING DEVICE N.Z. PATENT OFFICE 3C SEP 1991 RECEIVED I, ROBIN ENARD WYNYARD, a New Zealand citizen, of 3 Granada Place, Glendowie, Auckland 5, New Zealand do hereby declare the invention, for which I 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:- 1 235524 2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a load transferring device for loading and unloading load units to or from a load transporting vehicle, and more particularly, to a load transferring device mountable on the load transporting vehicle. In this connection, the term "load transporting vehicle" refers to a truck, a truck semi-trailer, a trailer, a railway waggon or the like.

Load transferring devices mountable on load transporting vehicles generally are well known, see for example US 3456820 and US 3484003.

It has been noted that prior art load transferring devices, particularly those known as container side loaders, are often deficient in at least one, if not all of the following three ways.

The weight of a load being transferred can be far from ideally distributed between the . various chassis members of the load transporting vehicle and the stabiliser arrangement of the load transferring device. A load transporting vehicle to which such a load transferring device is mounted will often suffer chassis failure as a result of stress fatigue in one or more critically loaded areas.

When attempting to transfer a load directly from one load transporting vehicle to another the stabiliser arrangement of the load transferring device can get in the way. To over come this problem operators of many prior art load transferring devices support the stabiliser arrangement on the deck of the second transporting vehicle. This practice can result in the stabiliser arrangement breaking through the deck of the second load transporting vehicle and also, on occasion, damage to elements of the load transferring device.

Finally, the load transferring device, even when collapsed, can be of unwieldy dimensions making shipping to a load transporting vehicle operator for mounting awkward and costly. Further, when such a load transferring device is mounted on a load transporting vehicle it may overhang, or may extend beyond the outline of the load unit, thereby presenting an interference hazard, or at least providing an area for increased wind resistance during transportation. 3 2355 24 GB 1163242 discloses a load transporting vehicle mountable side loading device for loading and unloading load units, in particular containers. On first appearances this device satisfactorily addresses the first and third of the deficiencies noted above. However, to evenly distribute the weight of the load unit across the chassis members both embodiments of the invention disclosed incorporate substantial transversely extending supporting beams which add considerably to the weight of the device. This added weight can initially result in additional costs in shipping the load transferring device to the load transporting vehicle operator, and when fitted to a load transporting vehicle can either reduce the load transporting vehicle load carrying capacity or require additional strengthening of the axles and suspension system. If a substantial supporting beam is not incorporated, areas of high local stress may be produced at the location of the four points of connection of each load transferring unit of the load transferring device to the chassis of the load transferring vehicle, inducing a complex pattern of stresses across the chassis as a whole and potentially causing stress fatigue. Further, although the inventive aspect of GB 1163242 relates to the stabiliser arrangement, the arrangement disclosed does not overcome the problem noted above as, when transferring a container or similar load unit from one load transporting vehicle to another the foot of the stabiliser arrangement is intended to be rested on the deck of the load transporting vehicle.

The truck mounted load transferring device of EP 220560 is mounted so as to load and unload over the rear of the deck of the truck. The components of the load transferring device are normally stored under the truck alongside the chassis, and hence no problem regarding interference hazards or wind resistance arise. Further, as the jib assembly of each load transferring unit is pivotably mounted directly to a foot member the weight of a load unit is transmitted directly to ground, with the hydraulic rams which pivot each jib assembly connected to the chassis. Accordingly, the stresses resulting from the operation of the load transferring device tend to be directed along the length of the chassis members rather than transversely. The major disadvantage of this design of load transferring design is that it is only suitable for application to rear loading situations. In this connection, each \ 28 OCT 1993 ) \ / 235 5 4 load transferring unit is too long to fit transversely under a truck chassis, and a clear space is required between each jib assembly and its corresponding hydraulic ram to fully collapse. Further, as the load transferring device must load and unload a load unit longitudinally transferring such a load unit from one load transporting vehicle to another is difficult, because the load transporting vehicles must be manoeuvred into back to back alignment.

US 3451568 also relates to a load transferring device for mounting on a load transporting vehicle. The load transferring device comprises at least one load shifting unit, each of which has a pivotable stabiliser arrangement; a pair of in-line hydraulic rams with one ram attached to the load transporting vehicle with its piston rod attached to a slide and the other cylinder attached to the slide with its piston rod being in turn pivotably connected to the stabiliser arrangement; a jib assembly pivotably mounted on the load transporting vehicle adjacent the stabiliser arrangement; and a hydraulic ram interconnecting between an outer length portion of the stabiliser arrangement and the jib assembly. As the hydraulic ram pivoting the jib assembly is supported by the stabiliser arrangement adjacent the ground a large proportion of the weight of a load unit is transferred directly to the ground without passing through the chassis of the load transporting vehicle. However, as the stabiliser arrangement is activated by way of a pair of hydraulic rams, one of which slidably engages the load transporting vehicle, there are three points at which stress is introduced into the load transporting chassis for each load transferring unit. Although the one piece jib assembly of the load transferring device provides an advantage in simplifying the structure, manoeuvrability during transfer of a load is compromised, as is the size of the load transferring unit when collapsed. Further, transfer of a load unit from one load transporting vehicle to another requires that the stabiliser arrangement of each load transferring unit be rested on the deck of the second load transporting vehicle, a procedure which carries with it the above noted disadvantages.

It is an object of the present invention to go some way towards obviating at least some of the above noted deficiencies, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. 235 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a broad aspect, the invention provides a load transferring device comprising at least one load transferring unit, each of which has an extendible stabiliser leg assembly pivotably mountable to a load transporting vehicle with each stabiliser leg assembly terminating in a foot member, each load transferring unit further have a jib assembly pivotably mounted on the stabiliser leg assembly between the foot member and the point at which each stabiliser leg assembly can be pivotably mounted to the load transporting vehicle, each jib assembly including an attachment means to attach the jib assembly to a load to be transferred, and an extendible force transmitting element acting between the jib assembly and the stabiliser leg assembly to rotate the jib assembly about the jib assembly mounting pivot.

An advantage of the above described load transferring unit construction is that the weight of a load unit being shifted by the load transferring device is well distributed between the stabiliser leg assembly and the chassis of the load transporting vehicle, with a large proportion of the weight being transmitted directly through the stabiliser leg assembly without passing through the chassis of the load transporting vehicle. Resulting from this improved loading distribution is a reduction in the stresses to which the chassis of the load transporting vehicle is subjected, produced a consequential extension of lie expectancy.

A further advantage of the above described load transferring construction is that with the jib assembly pivotably mounted on the stabiliser assembly the pivot point of the jib assembly is raised, and therefore a load transferring device with acceptable reach but reduced maximum extension of the jib assembly may be produced. A consequence of reducing the maximum extendability of the jib assembly is that the collapsed size of each load transferring unit may be reduced with a consequential saving in all up weight arising.

Preferably, the stabiliser leg assembly includes an extension member having one end pivotably mountable to the load transporting vehicle, and the other end connected to one end of a leg member, the other end of said leg member being pivotably connected to the 235524 foot member.

Desirably, when extended, the stabiliser leg assembly is able to pass over the top of, and avoid interfering with a further load transporting vehicle parked alongside the load transporting vehicle on which the load transferring device is mounted.

This configuration allows a load to be transferred from one load transporting vehicle to another with minimum inconvenience, and at no risk of damage to the deck of the transferee load transporting vehicle.

Conveniently, each jib assembly comprises at least one jib element, the plane of operation of which is the same of that of the stabiliser leg assembly.

Advantageously, the jib assembly may comprise two or more consecutively connected ..independently operable jib elements.

An advantage in having the jib assembly formed from a number of independently operable jib elements is that each element may be made smaller than would otherwise be possible, yet the overall reach of the jib assembly is maintained. Storage during transportation of a load is also made easier as the jib assembly may be collapsed into a more compact unit.

Preferably, the load transferring device operates from one side of a load transporting vehicle.

Conveniently, when mounted on a load transferring vehicle the spacing between a pair of load transferring units may be easily adjusted to suit any length of load unit transferable to or from the load transporting vehicle.

Pivoting of the various elements of the load transferring device may be effected by way of any known means. Preferably, however, hydraulic rams are used. Alternative pivot activating means include pneumatic cylinders, motor and gear combinations, or block and //■.'ft:. W > :'V o\ • O ' /C \ Y % \\ 2 8 OCT 1993 7 2355 24 7 tackle arrangements.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, an embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation of one embodiment of a load transferring unit of the invention, with all components fully retracted as for travelling on a highway; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the embodiment of Figure 1 with the stabiliser leg assembly fully extended, and the jib assembly in various positions; Figure 4 illustrates a front elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1; and, Figure 5 illustrates a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of a load transferring unit of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, a container side loader is provided comprising a load transferring unit 1 mounted at each end of the deck or chassis of a load transporting vehicle 20. Each load transferring unit 1 has a variably extendible stabiliser leg assembly 2 pivotably mounted to the load transporting vehicle 20 by way of a pivot 10. The stabiliser leg assembly 2 includes a foot member 3 which, when the stabiliser leg assembly 2 is extended, may contact a support surface such as the ground adjacent the load transporting vehicle 20. The load transferring unit 1 also has a jib assembly 4 mounted on stabiliser leg assembly 2 by way of a pivot 11 situated between the foot element 3 and the pivot 10. A hydraulic ram 6 extends between the support leg assembly 2 and the jib assembly 4, and when activated causes the jib assembly 4 to rotate about the pivot 11.

The jib assembly 4 comprises a triangularly shaped first stage jib 5 and a hockey stick 235 5 2 4 8 shaped second stage jib 7. One corner of the first stage jib 5 is attached, by way of the pivot 11, to the stabiliser leg assembly 2. A second corner of the first stage jib 5 is attached, by way of a pivot 12, to one end of the hydraulic ram 6, and the third corner of the first stage jib 5 is attached, by way of a pivot 13, to the straight end of the second stage jib 7. The curved end of the second stage jib 7 is attached, by way of a pivot 14, to an end of a hydraulic ram 8. The other end of the ram 8 is attached, by way of pivot 15, to the first stage jib 5 at a distance from the pivot 13. The curved end of the second stage jib 7 further includes a connecting ring (not shown) to allow slings, chains or the like to be attached to the jib assembly 4.

The stabiliser leg assembly 2 includes an extension member 9 having a first end mounted by way of the pivot 10, to the load transporting vehicle 20, and the other end connected, by way of pivot 17, to an end of a leg 16. The leg 16 has a further end to which the foot member 3 is connected by way of a pivot 18. One end of a hydraulic ram 21 is attached to the leg 16 by way of pivot 19. The other end of the hydraulic ram 21 is attached to the extension arm 9 by way of a pivot 22, the pivots 19 and 22 being spaced from the pivot 17.

The hydraulic ram 6 is attached at one end to the stabiliser leg assembly 2 by way of the pivot 17.

An end of a hydraulic ram 23 is attached to the load transporting vehicle 20 by way of a pivot 24. The hydraulic ram 23 is attached at its other end to the load transferring unit 1, by way of the pivot 11.

When activated, the ram 23 causes the load transferring unit 1 to rotate about the pivot 10, the ram 21 effects rotation of the leg 16 about the pivot 17, the ram 6 causes the first stage jib 5 to rotate about the pivot 11, and the ram 8 effects rotation of the second stage jib 7 about the pivot 13. All of the above mentioned pivots rotate in parallel planes of operation. Hydraulic rams 6,8,21 and 23 are all independently operable. 2 3 5 5 2 4 9 When not in use, such as when a load unit is being transported, the load transferring unit 1 is fully retracted onto the load transporting vehicle 20 with the rams 6,8,21 and 23 at minimum extension. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 1.

When it is desired to load or unload a load unit such as a container 25 to or from the load transporting vehicle 20 the hydraulic rams 21,23,6 and 8 are activated so that the stabiliser leg assembly 2 is fully extended, with the foot member 3 resting on a support surface and the curved end of the second stage jib 7 positioned above the centre line of the upper surface of the container 25. At this point the container 25 may be attached to the slings, chains or the like suspended from the connecting ring of the jib assembly 4, as illustrated in Figure 2. The rams 6 and 8 may then be activated to lift the container 25 from or to •the load transporting vehicle 20 to or from the support surface, which may be, for example, a further load transporting vehicle, or the ground. Figure 3 illustrates in solid lines where the second stage jib 7 would be positioned if the container 25 were to be relocated onto a further load transporting vehicle. The position of the second stage jib 7 is illustrated in dotted lines were the container 25 to be deposited onto the ground. After relocating the container 25 the various rams 21,23,6 and 8 are retracted so that the load transferring unit 1 is returned to a fully collapsed position as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a load transferring unit 1 in accordance with the invention. Like components to those of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 are numbered in a like manner.

The embodiment of Figure 5 differs from that of Figures 1 to 4 in two principle ways. Namely, the hydraulic ram 23 is net connected to the load transferring unit 1 at the pivot 11, which in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 is shared with the jib assembly 4, but is connected by way of a pivot 25 located on the extension member 9 between the pivots 11 and 17. And the hydraulic ram 6 is pivotably connected to the end of the stabiliser leg assembly 2 remote from the foot member 3, rather than as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, between the pivots 11 and 18. 23 5524 In light of the above noted differences between the embodiments described it will be appreciated that the end of the hydraulic rams 6 and 23 may be pivotably attached to any suitable location on the stabiliser leg assembly 2 without departing from the principles taught herein. Further in this vein, it will be appreciated that many other shaped jib elements may be used, including telescoping elements or the like.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated.

Finally, it will be understood that this invention is not limited to the particuiar embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations, additions or modifications which are within the scope thereof.

Claims (8)

. . 2355 11 WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A load transferring device comprising at least one load transferring unit, each of which has an extendible stabiliser leg assembly pivotably mountable to a load transporting vehicle with each stabiliser leg assembly terminating in a foot member, each load transferring unit further having a jib assembly pivotably mounted on the stabiliser leg assembly between the foot member and the point at which each stabiliser leg assembly can be pivotably mounted to the load transporting vehicle, each jib assembly including an attachment means to attach the jib assembly to a load to be transferred, and an extendible force transmitting element acting between the jib assembly and the stabiliser leg assembly to rotate the jib assembly about the jib assembly mounting pivot.

2. A load transferring device according to claim 1 wherein the stabiliser leg assembly includes an extension member having one end pivotably mountable to the load transporting vehicle, and the other end connected to one end of a leg member, the other end of said leg member being pivotably connected to the foot member.

3. A load transferring device according to claim 2 wherein the stabiliser leg assembly is able to pass over the top of, and avoid interfering with a further load transporting vehicle parked alongside the load transporting vehicle on which the load transferring device can be mounted.

4. A load transferring device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each jib assembly comprises at least one jib element, the plane of operation of which is the same as that of the stabiliser leg assembly.

5. A load transferring device according to claim 4 wherein the jib assembly may comprise two or more consecutively connected independently operable jib elements.

6. A load transferring device according to any one of the preceding claims mounted 235524 12 on a load transporting vehicle so as to permit said load transferring device to operate from one side of said load transporting vehicle.

7. A load transferring device according to claim 6 wherein the spacing between a pair of load transferring units may be adjusted to accommodate load units of different lengths, said load units being transferable to or from the load transporting vehicle.

8. A load transferring device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. ROBIN ENARD WYNYARD By his attorneys HENRY HUGHES LTD o\ 5i f' /' #<> > O ty ^ * I'n ^ I6stf 1993 v & •££/' ■