US3248086A - Load lifting devices - Google Patents

Load lifting devices Download PDF

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Publication number
US3248086A
US3248086A US249400A US24940063A US3248086A US 3248086 A US3248086 A US 3248086A US 249400 A US249400 A US 249400A US 24940063 A US24940063 A US 24940063A US 3248086 A US3248086 A US 3248086A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
envelope
load
gas
air
pressure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US249400A
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English (en)
Inventor
Cockerell Christopher Sydney
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hovercraft Development Ltd
Original Assignee
Hovercraft Development Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hovercraft Development Ltd filed Critical Hovercraft Development Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3248086A publication Critical patent/US3248086A/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60V—AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES
    • B60V1/00—Air-cushion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60V—AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES
    • B60V3/00—Land vehicles, waterborne vessels, or aircraft, adapted or modified to travel on air cushions
    • B60V3/02—Land vehicles, e.g. road vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60V—AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES
    • B60V3/00—Land vehicles, waterborne vessels, or aircraft, adapted or modified to travel on air cushions
    • B60V3/02—Land vehicles, e.g. road vehicles
    • B60V3/025—Land vehicles, e.g. road vehicles co-operating with a flat surface, e.g. transporting loads on platforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G7/00—Devices for assisting manual moving or tilting heavy loads
    • B65G7/02—Devices adapted to be interposed between loads and the ground or floor, e.g. crowbars with means for assisting conveyance of loads
    • B65G7/06—Devices adapted to be interposed between loads and the ground or floor, e.g. crowbars with means for assisting conveyance of loads using fluid at high pressure supplied from an independent source to provide a cushion between load and ground

Definitions

  • a method of moving a load comprises positioning over the load a gas-retaining envelope adapted to envelop the load while presenting an open mouth towards the surface on which the load is supported, attaching the load to the envelope and introducing gas into the envelope to raise the pressure therein sufiiciently to take at least a major part of the weight of' the load so that it may be moved more readily.
  • apparatus for moving a load comprising a gasretaining envelope adapted to be positioned over a load so ⁇ as to envelop it while presenting an open mouth to- Wards the surface on which the load is supported, means for attaching the load to a part of said envelope and means for introducing into said envelope gas at sucient pressure to raise at least the part of said envelope to which the load is attached so as to take at least a major part of the weight of said load so that the load may be more easily moved.
  • the envelope may be flexible, at least in part, and may be inflated by the gas introduced into it.
  • the envelope is of double-walled exible construction so that it may be inflated between the walls to erect it.
  • the envelope may be provided Vwith means for setting up a curtain of moving gas flowing from at least a part of the periphery of the envelope towards the surface over which the apparatus is operating so as to assist in the retention of a pressurised'cushion of gas within the envelope if and when the periphery thereof leaves the said surface.
  • Such means may comprise simple outlet means suitably located and distributed around the periphery of the envelope and positioned so as to direct escaping gas downwardly and preferably somewhat inwardly from the lower edge towardsV the ground or other surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic vertical cross-section through one embodiment
  • -FIGURE 2 is a similar cross-section through another embodiment, v
  • FIGURE 3 is a similar cross-section through a further embodiment
  • FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3,
  • FIGURE 5 is a vertical cross-section through the lower part of an envelope as illustrated in FIGURE 1 illustrating a modiiication thereof
  • FIGURE 6 is a further vertical cross-section through the lower part of an envelope as illustrated in FIGURE l illustrating Aa further modification thereof
  • FIGURE 7 is a cross-section on the line A-A of FIG- URE 2, illustrating one form of construction
  • FIGURE 8 is similar cross-section to that of FIGURE 7 illustrating a further form of construction
  • FIGURE 9 is another cross-section similar to that of FIGURE 7, illustrating yet another form of construction
  • FIGURE 10 is a further cross-section similar to that of FIGURE 7, illustrating yet a further form of construction
  • FIGURE 11 'FIGURES 11, 12 and 13 are diagrammatical cross-sections similar to that of FIGURE 1, illustrating various ways of -using the formof construction illustrated in FIGURE 10, and
  • FIGURE 14 illustrates a modification of the top part of an envelope as illustrated in FIGURE 1.
  • the gas-retaining envelope 10 is in the form of a single sheet of flexible material, so shaped that when air from a compressor 11 is pumped in beneath the envelope, it is .inflated and assumes a hollow shape as shown.
  • the envelope is positioned over the load 12 in an uninated condition, the load 12 being attached to load attachment means 13 by means of lropes 14.
  • the envelope When air is pumped in beneath the envelope by the compressor 11 the envelope is inflated, a cushion of pressurised air being formed.
  • the load When fully inflated, the load is lifted clear of the surface. Further air supplied beneath the envelope will cause the bottom edge 15 of the envelope also to lift slightly for at least part of its periphery, excess air escaping beneath t-he periphery.
  • the compressor 11 can be mobile, or can be connected to the envelope 10 by a flexible pipe 16.
  • the member can be of rigid or flexible construction.
  • the sheet of liexible material can be a single layer of material or of several layers which may be bonded together. Each layer, or any or all of the layers e'where several layers are used, can be in the form of a fabric impregapart.
  • Air is supplied to the space between the two sheets I 20 and 21 and also to the interior of the envelope, by the The operation of this embodiment is very similar to that of FIGURE 1, the main difference being that the envelope itself is erected into its final shape bythe supply of air to the space between the two thickspace and then beneath the envelope or it can lbe fed simultaneously -to both places. Excess air escapes beneath the periphery of the envelope as before. v
  • FIGURE 3 illustrates a further embodiment in which an air curtain is formed at the bottom edge of the gasretaining envelope.
  • the construction is substantially the same as in FIGURE 2, the hollow inflatable envelope 10 being inflated by air from the compressor 11.
  • the load 12 is attached to the load attachment means 13 as before.
  • a separate section or duct 25 is formed at the bottom edge of ,the envelope 10.
  • the bottom surface of the duct 25 is provided with a continuous port 26. Air is -fed from the cornpressor 11 to the duct 25 and issues from the port 26 in a downwards and inwards direction to form a curtain of moving air 27.
  • the envelope 10 may rst be inated and then air supplied to the duct 25, or, alternatively, air may be supplied to the duct 25 at the same time as the envelope is inflated. In either case,
  • Air can be fed rst to this issues from the curtain forming port 26 initially in a downwards and inwards direction, it is deflected by the cushion pressure round and outwards as shown.
  • FIGURE 3 The use of an air curtain to seal the gap between the bottom of the gas-retaining envelope and the surface, as shown in FIGURE 3, provides either a clearance similar to that provided in FIGURES 1 and 2 with a smaller air flow requirement, or an increased clearance lfor the same air flow.
  • FIGURE 4 illustrates a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, although it will be appreciated that the plan views of the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 will lbe very similar.
  • the plan form is circular, but obviously this plan form can be varied depending upon the actual construction of the envelope.
  • An air curtain may also be used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1, by providing a duct having a port or ports at a suitable position.
  • a duct 30 may be formed at the bottom edge alternative, as illustrated in FIGURE 14, a rem-otelyv of the envelope 10, as illustrated in FIGURE 5.
  • a duct 31 may be positioned some distance up inside the envelope as in FIGURE 6, the bottom edge 32 of the envelope being of re-entrant form to direct the air forming the curtain initially inwards.
  • FIG. URES 2 and 3 The construct-ion of the envelope illustrated in FIG- URES 2 and 3 can vary.
  • FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 illustrate variations in the construction of the envelope illustrated in FIGURE 2, although similar variations can be used forthe envelope illustrated in FIGURE 3.
  • the envelope is formed of two sheets of material andV 41 connected together by means of members 42.
  • the members 42 can be in the form of Webs which can subdiv-ide the space between the sheets 40 and 41 into separate air-tight chambers.
  • the members 42 can be in the form of perforated webs or cords.
  • FIGURE 8 illustrates a construction in the form o individual tubes 45 joined together, side by side.
  • An alternative use of tubes is illustrated in FIGURE 9 where the tubes 48 are spaced apart and connected by a flexible sheet 49.
  • the construction of FIGURE 9 would resemble a large umbrella, the tubes 48 forming the ribs and the sheet 49 the covering.
  • FIG- -URE l0 A further form of construction is illustrated in FIG- -URE l0.
  • the envelope comprises a sheet of flexible -material 50 stiifened or supported by members 51.
  • the members 51 may all intersect at the top of the envelope as in FIGURE 1l, or may pass over the load from'one side to the other, substantially parallel, 'as in FIGURE 12.
  • a further alternative is for the members 51 to be joined together at their ends, as in FIGURE 13.
  • the envelope can 4be made in sections which are afterwards joined together.
  • a thin very flexible skirt member 52 can be attached round the bottom edge of the envelope, as illustrated in FIG- URE 13.
  • Load lifting apparatus as described above is particularly useful for lifting machines in a factory. lIn such cases it is often difficult to insert lifting devices and/ or moving devices beneath the machine, and access is limited. Furfther, when the load is lifted there are no concentrated loads on the ground as occurs with mobile cranes or trolleys. Apparatus as described above can readily be positioned over the machine and attached to it. In many cases, a separate compressor is not required, connection being made to an existing pressurised air supply in the factory. l
  • the apparatus may be arranlgedrso that the load iS lifted clear of the surface when the envelope is fully inflated, the cushion of air then lifting the inilated en- ⁇ velope, with the suspended load, clear of the surface. ⁇
  • the apparatus may be arranged so that when the envelope is fully inflated the load is still in contact with the surface, the cushion lifting the inflated envelope and the load clear of the surface.
  • a further controlled hoist 55 can be provided to lift the load clear of the surface once the gas-retaining envelope is inflated.
  • the hoist conveniently, is driven by means of an electric or pneumatic motor 56, the supply 57 for which can ⁇ be fed throug-h the top of the envelope in an air-tight manner.
  • Air can be supplied, ⁇ Air can be supplied, ⁇ Air can be supplied, ⁇
  • Transparent panels may ⁇ be provided, or the entire structure can be of transparent material.
  • Apparatus for moving a load which is normally supported on a surface comprising a gas-retaining envelope of flexible material adapted to be positioned over the load so as to envelop it While presenting an open mouth towards the surface on which the load is supported, said envelope comprising two sheets of material spaced apart to define a closed space and cooperating with said surface to form a cushion space wherein a gaseous pressure may be maintained, means for detachably connecting the load to a part of said envelope internal-ly thereof, means for introducing into said cushion space gas at sufficient pressure to inflate said envelope and to raise at least the part of said envel-ope to which the load is connected relative to the surface sutliciently to take a major part of the weight of said load off said surface so that the load may be more easily moved,1 and means for supplying gas under pressure to said ⁇ closed space.
  • Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means for causing a Vgas to issue from the 'lower edge of the envelope comprises a duct extending round the lower edge of the envelope, and at least one port formed in the lbottom of the duct.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Types And Forms Of Lifts (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
US249400A 1962-01-09 1963-01-04 Load lifting devices Expired - Lifetime US3248086A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB863/62A GB990745A (en) 1962-01-09 1962-01-09 Improvements in load lifting devices

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3248086A true US3248086A (en) 1966-04-26

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US249400A Expired - Lifetime US3248086A (en) 1962-01-09 1963-01-04 Load lifting devices

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US (1) US3248086A (de)
DE (1) DE1169375C2 (de)
GB (1) GB990745A (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3327797A (en) * 1965-05-07 1967-06-27 Bertin & Cie Ground effect vehicle with detachable flexible skirt
US3339654A (en) * 1964-07-07 1967-09-05 Bertin & Cie Flexible skirt for air cushion vehicles
US3381772A (en) * 1958-09-01 1968-05-07 Hovercraft Dev Ltd Flexible skirts for vehicle for travelling over land and/or water
US3835951A (en) * 1970-12-23 1974-09-17 Daimler Benz Ag Semitrailer-like motor vehicle with air cushion trailer for transportation of loads
US20110258837A1 (en) * 2008-12-23 2011-10-27 Xoma Technology Ltd. Flexible manufacturing system

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2886265A (en) * 1956-02-10 1959-05-12 Darrell L Ritter Light weight pneumatic airplane
US2941762A (en) * 1958-04-23 1960-06-21 Goodyear Aircraft Corp Fuel cell
US3019756A (en) * 1960-02-17 1962-02-06 Albert T Murri Nuclear powered ground-effect machine for operation over water employing water shielding
US3042129A (en) * 1959-10-28 1962-07-03 Thomas B Wade Ground effect vehicle having an adjustable pressure plate
US3086753A (en) * 1960-10-24 1963-04-23 Walton W Cushman Combined shelter and pneumatic jack
US3106373A (en) * 1956-02-10 1963-10-08 Goodyear Aerospace Corp Inflatable airplane
US3161247A (en) * 1961-05-19 1964-12-15 Gen Motors Corp Air cushion load supporting device

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2886265A (en) * 1956-02-10 1959-05-12 Darrell L Ritter Light weight pneumatic airplane
US3106373A (en) * 1956-02-10 1963-10-08 Goodyear Aerospace Corp Inflatable airplane
US2941762A (en) * 1958-04-23 1960-06-21 Goodyear Aircraft Corp Fuel cell
US3042129A (en) * 1959-10-28 1962-07-03 Thomas B Wade Ground effect vehicle having an adjustable pressure plate
US3019756A (en) * 1960-02-17 1962-02-06 Albert T Murri Nuclear powered ground-effect machine for operation over water employing water shielding
US3086753A (en) * 1960-10-24 1963-04-23 Walton W Cushman Combined shelter and pneumatic jack
US3161247A (en) * 1961-05-19 1964-12-15 Gen Motors Corp Air cushion load supporting device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3381772A (en) * 1958-09-01 1968-05-07 Hovercraft Dev Ltd Flexible skirts for vehicle for travelling over land and/or water
US3339654A (en) * 1964-07-07 1967-09-05 Bertin & Cie Flexible skirt for air cushion vehicles
US3327797A (en) * 1965-05-07 1967-06-27 Bertin & Cie Ground effect vehicle with detachable flexible skirt
US3835951A (en) * 1970-12-23 1974-09-17 Daimler Benz Ag Semitrailer-like motor vehicle with air cushion trailer for transportation of loads
US20110258837A1 (en) * 2008-12-23 2011-10-27 Xoma Technology Ltd. Flexible manufacturing system
US10294658B2 (en) * 2008-12-23 2019-05-21 Xoma (Us) Llc Flexible manufacturing system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1169375B (de) 1964-04-30
GB990745A (en) 1965-04-28
DE1169375C2 (de) 1964-11-12

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