WO1990002002A1

WO1990002002A1 - Bi-axial iso container rotating apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1990002002A1
Application number: PCT/AU1989/000361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dragisa Charlie Vanic
Original assignee: Bacra Technology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1988-08-26
Filing date: 1989-08-23
Publication date: 1990-03-08

Abstract

A bi-axial container rotating apparatus (1; 100; 200; 300; 400) comprising a first frame (3) and a second frame (4). The first frame (3) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (56) and the second frame (4) is rotatable about an axis (58) that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (56). The second frame (4) is arranged to have a container (2) connected thereto such that the container (2) is connected to the second frame (4) at its lower part. The first and second frames (3, 4) may be rotated to perform maintenance tasks, e.g. cleaning, on a container (2) that is connected to the second frame (4).

Description

TITLE "BI-AXIAL ISO CONTAINER ROTATING APPARATUS"

DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a bi-axial container rotating apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The bi-axial container rotating apparatus of the present invention may be used for performing maintenance tasks on containers. Such containers may be of large size. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bi-axial container rotating apparatus comprising first frame means rotatable about a longitudinal axis, second frame means rotatable about an axis substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis, wherein said second frame means is arranged to have a container connected thereto such that said container is connected to said second frame means at its lower part. The present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the performance of maintenance tasks on

International Standards Organization (ISO) tank containers and box containers. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is of general applicability and may be used for the performance of maintenance tasks on any suitable containers.

Due to the structure of the first and second frames of the apparatus of the present invention a container may be connected to apparatus at its lower part. This makes the present invention particularly suitable to ISO containers which have connection means at their lowermost corners.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus in accordance with the present invention having a container mounted thereon; Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an end elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 from the end carrying the motor and pump assemblies;

Figure 4 is a detailed elevation view of the turntable and hydraulic motor assemblies of the

shown in Figure

1;

Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of an end of a shaft of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 carrying a hydraulic union;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus in accordance with the present invention showing a container in phantom mounted thereon;

Figure 7 is an end elevation view of the apparatus shown in the Figure 6 with the first and second supports positioned such that the first and second frames are in lowered positions; Figure 8 is an end elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6 with the first and second supports positioned such that the first and second frames are in raised positions; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus in accordance with the present invention with a container mounted thereon; Figure 10 is a first perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus in accordance with the present invention with the first and second supports positioned such that the first and second frames are in a partially lowered position; Figure 11 is a second perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 10 with the first and second supports positioned such that the first and second frames are in a raised position but with the container omitted therefrom; Figure 12 is an end elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figures 10 and 11 with the first and-^econd supports positioned such that the first and second frames are in a raised position but with the container omitted therefrom; Figure 13 is an end elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figures 10 and 11 with the first and second supports positioned such that the first and second frames are in a fully lowered position but with the containe omitted therefrom; Figure 14 is a first perspective view of a detail of a V-shaped member and first pivotal member of a support of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 9 and 11; Figure 15 is a second perspective view of a detail of a V-shaped member and pivotal member of a support of the apparatus shown in Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus in accordance with the present invention, having a container mounted thereon; Figure 17 is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figure 16 ; and,

Figure 18 is an end elevation view of the apparatus shown in Figure 16 from the end carrying the motors and reduction gear boxes. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a bi-axial container rotating apparatus 1 for use in performing maintenance tasks on a container 2. The container 2 does not, however, form a part of the present invention

The container 2 is an ISO tank container.

The apparatus 1 comprises a first frame 3 and a second frame 4.

The first frame 3 comprises elongate support members 5 and 6. The elongate support members 5 and 6 are connected at their ends by end plates 7 and 8. Each end plate 7 and 8 has a pair of bar members 9 and 10 extending therefrom (the bar member 9 extending from the end plate 8 being obscured in Figure 1). Each pair of bar members 9 and 10 is connected to a respective mounting plate 11 and 12.

The second frame^' 4 comprises elongate support members 13 and 14 which are connected at their sides by bar members 15 and 16. The apparatus 1 further comprises a turntable 17 having a base 18 fixedly mounted on the elongate support members 5 and 6 of the first frame 3. The turntable 17 further comprises a plate 19 connected to a gear wheel 20. The plate 19 and gear wheel 20 are mounted on a shaft 21. The shaft 21 is rotatably supported in the base 18. A hydraulic motor 22 is mounted on the elongate support member 6 by way of supports 23. A rotatable shaft 24 having a gear wheel 25 fixedly mounted thereon extends from the hydraulic motor 22. The gear wheel 20 meshes with the gear wheel 25.

The turntable 17 and hydraulic motor 22 assemblies are shown in more detail in Figure 4.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a first support 26 and a second support 27. The first and second supports 26 and 27 comprise upright members 29 connected by cross members 30 at their uppermost ends. The first support 26 also comprises a cross member 31 extending between two of the cross members 30 near their lowermost ends. The first and second supports 26 and 27 sit on concrete bases 22. A shaft 33 is rotatably held in bearings 34 mounted on a pair of cross members 30 of the first support 26. Similarly a shaft 35 is rotatably held in bearings 36 mounted on a pair of cross members 30 of the .second support 27. The shaft 33 is fixedly mounted to the mounting plate 11 by way of a central aperture provided in the mounting plate 11. Similarly, the shaft 35 is fixedly mounted to the mounting plate 12 by way of a central aperture provided in the mounting plate 12. A hydraulic motor 37 is connected at one end of the shaft 33. The hydraulic motor 37 is supported on a plate 37a connected to its adjacent cross member 30. A hydraulic union 38 is connected to the hydraulic motor 37. The hydraulic union 38 is connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir 55 by an inlet line 40 and an outlet line 41. A pump 39 is provided to pump the hydraulic fluid. The shaft 33 is provided with'a hydraulic union 42 at its other end. The hydraulic union 42 is connected by an inlet line 43 and an outlet line 44 to a hydraulic union 45 connected to the hydraulic motor 22.

A hydraulic union 46 is connected to the shaft 33 on the side of the hydraulic motor 37 opposite to the side carrying the hydraulic union 38. An inlet line 47 and an outlet line 48 connects the hydraulic union 46 with the fluid reservoir 55.

In Figure 5 the end of the shaft 33 carrying the hydraulic union 42 is shown in greater detail. The mounting plate 11 has been omitted from Figure 5 for clarity.

The inlet line 43 is connected via a fluid flow line 49 with the inlet line 47 that is connected to the hydraulic union 46. The outlet line 44 communicates with the interior of the shaft 33 via the hydraulic union 42. Similarly, the outlet line 48 communicates with the interior of the shaft 33 via the hydraulic union 46. The hydraulic unions 38, 42, 45 and 46 may be of conventional form. A control box 50 is provided to control operation of the pump 39.

The container 2 may be connected to the bar members 15 and 16 of the second frame 4 by twist locks 51. A twist lock 51 may be provided at each.end of each of the bar members 15 and 16. The twist locks 51 engage in the slots provided at the base of the container 2. The twist locks 51 can be seen in Figure 2.

The manner of use and operation of the apparatus 1 will now be described. When it is desired to carry out maintenance tasks on a container 2 using the apparatus 1, the container 2 is first loaded onto the apparatus 1 and connected to the bar members 15 and 16 of the second frame 4 by the twist locks 51. A fork lift may be used to load the container 2 onto the apparatus 1.

The container 2 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 comprises a frame 52 connected to and surrounding a tank 53. The tank 53 is provided with a closable opening 54. Once the desired additives have been added to the tank 53 the opening 54 may be closed.

The apparatus 1 may then be operated to rotate the container 2 about two axes as will be hereinafter described.

When the appropriate controls of the control box 50 are operated, the pump 39 begins to pump hydraulic fluid from a fluid reservoir 55.

Fluid flows through the inlet line 40 and into the hydraulic union 38. Fluid passes through the hydraulic union 38 and into the hydraulic motor 37 causing the shaft 33 to rotate in the bearings 34.

The fluid returns to the hydraulic union 38 and to the reservoir 55 via the outlet line 41 to be re-pumped through the flow circuit abovedescribed by the pump 39. The hydraulic union 38 allows the hydraulic motor 37 to rotate the shaft 33 without the hydraulic union 38 itself rotating. This prevents fouling of the inlet line 4 and the outlet line 41. Simultaneously, fluid flows through the inlet line 47 into the hydraulic union 46. The fluid then flows through the fluid flow line 49 to the hydraulic union 42. The fluid exits the hydraulic union 42 via the inlet line 43 and flows therethrough to the hydraulic union 45. The fluid passes through the hydraulic union 45 and into the hydraulic motor 22. This fluid flow drives the hydraulic motor 22 causing the shaft 24 and gear wheel 25 to rotate. The fluid flows through the hydraulic motor 22 and back into the hydraulic union 45 and exits the hydraulic union 45 via the outlet line 44. The fluid then flows back into the hydraulic union 42 and into the interior of the shaft 33. The fluid then flows through the hydraulic union 46 and exits therefrom via the outlet line 48. The fluid then flows through the outlet line 48 back to the.reservoir 55 to be re-pumped through the flow circuit abovedescribed by the pump 39.

The hydraulic union 46 allows the shaft 33 to rotate without the hydraulic union 46 itself rotating. This prevents fouling of the inlet line 47 and outlet line 48. The hydraulic union 42 allows the shaft 33 to rotate without the hydraulic union 42 itself rotating. This prevents fouling of the inlet line 43 and outlet line 44. In like manner, the hydraulic union 45 allows the hydraulic motor 22 to rotate the shaft 24 without the hydraulic union 45 itself rotating. This also prevents fouling of the inlet line 43 and outlet line 44.

Rotation of the shaft 33 causes the first frame 3 and the shaft 35 to rotate about a longitudinal axis 56 (shown in Figure 2) which is co-axial with the axes of rotation of the shaft 33 and 35. The direction of this rotation is shown by the heavy arrow 57 in Figure 1. This causes the container 2 to rotate about a first axis.

Rotation of the gear wheel 25 causes the gear wheel 20 and plate 19 to rotate,. This causes the second frame member 4 to rotate about a transverse axis 58. The direction of this rotation is shown by the heavy arrow 59 in Figure 1. This causes the container 2 to rotate about a second axis. Further, when both the first and second frames 3 and 4 are rotated, the transverse axis 58 moves in a circular motion in a substantially vertical plane.

In Figures 6, 7 and 8 is shown a bi-axial container rotating apparatus 100 for use in performing maintenance tasks on a container 2. The container 2 does not however form part of the present invention.

The container 2 is an ISO tank container. The apparatus 100 is similar to the apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, except that the first and second supports 26 and 27 of the first embodiment are replaced by supports which allow the first and second frames 3 and 4 to be raised and lowered, as will be hereinafter described. The description for the apparatus 100 will be limited to the manner in which it differs from the apparatus 1. It is to be understood that the remainder of the apparatus 100 is the same as the apparatus 1. To this end, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features of the apparatus 1 and 100.

The apparatus 100 comprises a first support 101 and a second support 102. The first and second supports 101 and 102 comprise upright members 103 connected by cross members

104 at their uppermost and lowermost ends. Two of the lowermost cross members 104 of the first and second supports 101 and 102 extend to form extended base members 105. A cross member 106 extends between the ends of respective extended base members 105 of the first and ^"second supports 101 and 102.

A pair of lugs 107 are attached at each end of each of the cross members 106. Pivotal members 108 are pivotally connected to respective pairs of lugs 107. Pivotal members 109 are pivotally connected to the pivotal members 108 by knee joints 110. A rod member 111 extends between respective knee joints 110 of the first and second supports 101 and 102. A hydraulic ram 112 is connected at one end to each rod member 111. The hydraulic rams 112 are connected to the rod members 111 by ring members 113. At their other ends the hydraulic rams 112 are pivotally connected to lugs 114. The lugs 114 are attached to the cross member 104 which lies adjacent the ends of the extended base members

105 of the first and second supports 101 and 102. Hydraulic lines 115 and 116 extend from respective hydraulic rams 112 to the reservoir 55.

The pivotal members 109 are each pivotally connected at their other end to an elongate pivotal member 117 by way of a knee joint 118. A cross member 119 extends between respective elongate pivotal members 117 of the first and second supports 101 and 102 near the knee joints 118. The elongate pivotal members 117 are pivotally connected at their other ends to lugs 120. The lugs 120 are connected to an opposed pair of uppermost cross members 104 of each support 101 and 102. The bearings 34 are connected to the elongate pivotal members 117 of the first support 101 and the bearings 36 are connected to the elongate pivotal members 117 of the second support 102. Apertures 121 are provided in the elongate pivotal members 117 such that the bearings 34 and 36 may be repositioned thereon if desired. The inlet line 40 and outlet line 41 between the fluid reservoir 55 and the hydraulic union 38, and the inlet line 47 and outlet line 48 between the fluid reservoir 55 and the hydraulic union 46 are held proximate one of the elongate pivotal members 117 and an uppermost cross member 104 of the support 101 by connectors 122.

The remainder of the apparatus 100 is the same as the apparatus 1, previously described. In Figures 6 to 8 however, the second frame 4 has been shown in outline only for the sake of clarity of presentation. The manner of use and operation of the apparatus 100 will now be described, with particular reference to Figures 7 and 8.

When it is desired to carry out maintenance tasks on a container 2 using the apparatus 100, the container 2 is first loaded onto the apparatus 100 and connected to the bar members 15 and 16 of the second frame 4 by the twist locks 51. A fork lift may be used to load the container 2 onto the apparatus 100. The container 2 may be connected to the second frame 4 in the following manner. The following description assumes that the first and second supports 101 and 102 are in their positions as shown in Figure 8, such that the first and second frames 3 and 4 are in their raised positions. The appropriate controls of the control box 50 are operated and the pump 39 will cause hydraulic fluid to flow such that the hydraulic rams 112 move to their retracted ^*** positions. The retracted positions of the rows 112 are shown in Figures 6 and 7. The movement of the hydraulic rams 112 to their retracted positions causes the pivotal members 108 and 109 and the elongate pivotal members 117 to pivot from their positions shown in Figure 8 to their positions shown in Figures 6 and 7. The elongate support members 13 and 14 of the second frame 4 are aligned with the elongate support members 5 and 6 of the first frame 3 as shown in Figure 7 (if this has not already been done) . As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, when the first and second supports 101 and 102 are in their positions in which the first and second frames are lowered, the first and second frames 3 and 4 are nearer ground level 123. This enables the container 2 to be more readily loaded onto the second frame 4. Once the container 2 has been loaded onto and connected to the second frame 4, the appropriate controls of the conrrol box 50 may be operated to cause the pump 39 to cause hydraulic fluid to flow such that the hydraulic rams 112 move to their extended positions, shown in Figure 8. The first and second supports 101 and 102 will then return the first and second frames 3 and 4 to their raised positions. The apparatus 100 is then operated in a similar manner to the apparatus 1 of 'the first embodiment to cause bi-axial rotation of the frames 3 and 4 and thereby the container 2. In Figure 9 there is shown a third embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus 200 for use in performing maintenance tasks on a container 2. The container 2 does not, however, form part of the present invention.

The container 2 is an ISO tank container. The apparatus 200 is similar to the apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and the apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used in the description and drawings of the third embodiment of the apparatus 200 as were used in the description and drawings of the first and second embodiment to denote the same features. The description of the apparatus 200 will be limited to the manner in which it differs from the apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and the apparatus 100 of the second embodiment, it being understood that the remainder of the apparatus 200 is the same as the apparatus 1 or 100 as indicated by the reference numerals. The apparatus 200 is similar to the apparatus 100, except that the first and second supports 101 and 102 of the apparatus 100 are replaced by supports 201 and 202. The supports 201 and 202 allow the first and second frames 3 and 4 of the apparatus 200 to be raised and lowered in a similar manner to the frames 3 and 4 of the apparatus 100. The supports 201 and 202 are similar to the supports 101 and 102 except that the bottom cross members 104 of the supports 101 and 102 are replaced by concrete bases 32 as used in the apparatus.1 of the first embodiment. Further, the upright members 103 and top cross members 104 of the apparatus 100 are replaced by upright members 29 and top cross members 30 of the type used in the apparatuses 1. A ^* cross member 31 also extends between two of the cross members 30 of the support 201 near their lowermost ends. The extended base members 105 of the supports 101 and 102 are not employed in the supports 201 and 202. In the supports 201 and 202 the pairs of lugs 107 are attached to base plates 204. The apertures 121 in the elongate pivotal members 117 of the supports 201 and 202 have been omitted from Figure 9. However, these apertures 121 may be included in the apparatus 200, if desired. Elongate pivotal members 117 of the supports 201 and 202 are pivotally attached to a pair of upright members 29 of each of the supports 201 and 202.

The hydraulic rams 112 of the supports 201 and 202 are pivotally connected to the bases 32 by way of brackets 203. The loading and connection of the container 2 to the second frame 4 of the apparatus 200 is effected in a similar manner as in the case of the apparatus 100. The raising and lowering of the first and second frames 3 and 4 of the apparatus 200 is performed in a similar manner to that in the case of the apparatus 100 hereinbefore described. Similarly, the general operation of the apparatus 100 is the same as the operation of the apparatus 1, hereinbefore described.

Figures 10 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of a bi-axial ^' container rotating apparatus 300 for use in performing maintenance tasks on a container 2.

The container 2 does not, however, form part of the present invention.

The container 2 shown in Figures 10 to 15 is an ISO tank container. The following description of the apparatus 300 uses the same reference numerals as used in the descriptions of the first, second and third embodiment to denote the same features.

The apparatus 300 like the apparatus 100 of the second embodiment and the apparatus 200 of the third embodiment, is provided with supports which allow the first and second frames 3 and 4 of the apparatus 300 to be raised and lowered.

The following description of the apparatus 300 will be limited to the manner in which it differs from the first three embodiments.

It is to be understood that the remainder of the apparatus

300 is similar to the first three embodiments.

The apparatus 300 comprises a first support 301 and a second support 302. The first and second supports 301 and 302 comprise a pair of V-shaped members 303. A joining rod 304 extends between the apexes of each pair of V-shaped members 303. The free ends of the V-shaped members 303 are attached to cross members 305 which are arranged in the shape of a square to form part of the bases of the supports 301 and 302. Two of the cross members 305 of the first and second supports 301 and 302 extend to form extended base members 306. A cross member 307 extends between the ends of respective extended base members 306 of the first and second supports 301 and 302. A further cross member 308 extends between respective extended base members 306 o^"f the first and second supports 301 and 302 intermediate the cross member 307 and a cross member 305. A pair of gussets 309 extend between each cross member 308 and its adjacent extended base members 306. A bracket 310 is connected to each extended base member 306 adjacent the free ends of each V-shaped member 303 of the first and second supports 301 and 302. A pivotal member 311 is pivotally connected to each bracket 310 at its proximal end. A cross member 312 extends between the pivotal members 311 of the first and second supports 301 and 302. A joining rod 313 extends between the distal ends of the pivotal members 311 of each first and second support 301 and 302.

A pivotal member 314 is pivotally connected to the distal end of each pivotal member 311. A joining rod 315 is connected between the distal ends of each pair of pivotal members 314. A cross member 316 is connected between each pair of second pivotal members 314 intermediate the joining rod 315 and the joining rod 313. A bracket 317 is provided at the end of each extended base member 306 adjacent the cross members 307.

A pivotal member 318 is pivotally attached to each bracket 317 at one end and pivotally connected to a second pivotal member 314 at its other end. The hydraulic rams 112 of the first and second supports 301 and 302 are pivotally connected at one of their ends to brackets 319 which are attached to respective cros<s members 312. The hydraulic rams 112 are pivotally connected at their other ends to brackets 320 which are attached to respective cross members 308.

The bearings 34 are connected to the second pivotal members 314 of the first support 301 and the bearings 36 are connected to the second pivotal members 314.of the second support 302. Apertures 121 are provided in the pivotal members 314 such that the bearings 34 and 36 may be repositioned thereon if desired.

The V-shaped members.303 are each provided with a pair of spaced apart lugs 321 extending therefrom. The lugs 321 of each respective pair of lugs 321 are provided with an aligned aperture 322.

The pivotal members 311 are each provided with an aperture

323.

The pivotal members 311 may be positioned adjacent respective V-shaped members 303, as shown in Figures 11 and 14. In this position the pivotal members 311 lie between a pair of lugs 321 such that the apertures 322 of a respective pair of lugs 321 and the aperture 323 of a respective pivotal member 311 are aligned. Pins 324 may then be placed through each set of aligned apertures 322 and 323 to lock the pivotal members 311 adjacent the V-shaped members 303. The pins 324 may be attached to the V-shaped members 303 by cords 325. The lugs 321, and pin 324 of one of the V-shaped members 303 can be seen in more detail in Figures 14 and 15.

The manner of use and operation of the apparatus 300 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 10 to

13.

The first and second frames 3 and 4 of the apparatus 300 have been omitted from Figures 12 and 13 for clarity of presentation.

When it is desired to carry out maintenance tasks on a container 2 using the apparatus 300, the container 2 is first loaded onto and connected to the bar members 15 and 16 of the second frame 4 by the twist locks 51.

The container 2 may be connected to the second frame 4 in the following manner. The following description assumes that the first and second supports 301 and 302 are positioned such that the first and second frames in the raised position as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

The pins 324 are removed from the apertures 322 and 323. The appropriate controls of the control box 50 (not shown in Figures 11 and 12 but it is to be understood that it is present in the apparatus 300) are then operated and the pump 39 will cause hydraulic fluid to flow such that the hydraulic rams 112 move to their retracted positions. The retracted positions of the rams 112 are shown in Figure 13. The movement of the hydraulic rams 112 to their retracted positions causes the first pivotal members 311, second members 314 and pivotal members 318 to pivot from their positions shown in Figures 11 and 12 to their positions shown in Figure 13. Figure 10 shows an intermediate stage in this pivoting movement. The elongate support members 13 and 14 of the second frame 4 are aligned with the elongate support members 5 and 6 of the first frame 3 (if this has not already been done). As can be seen in Figure 13, when the first and second supports 301 and 302 are positioned such that the first and ^' second frames 3 and 4 are in their lowered positions, the first and second frames 3 and 4 are nearer ground level 123. This enables the container 2 to be more readily loaded onto the second frame 4. Once the container 2 has been loaded onto and connected to the second frame 4, the appropriate controls of the control box 50 may be operated to cause the pump 39 to cause hydraulic fluid to flow such that the hydraulic rams 112 move to their extended positions, shown in Figures 11 and 12. The first and second supports 301 and 302 will then be returned to their positions such that the first and second frames 3 and 4 are in raised positions. The pins 324 may then be inserted through respective aligned apertures 322 and 323 to retain the pivotal member 311 adjacent the V-shaped members 303. The apparatus 300 is then operated in a similar manner to the apparatus 1 of the first embodiment to cause bi-axial rotation of the frames 3 and 4 and thereby the container 2. In Figures 16 to 18 there is shown a fifth embodiment of a bi-axial container rotating apparatus 400 for use in performing maintenance tasks on a container 2. The container 2 does not however, form part of the present invention. The container 2 shown in Figures 16 to 18 is an ISO tank container.

The following description of the apparatus 400 uses the same reference numerals as used in the descriptions of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments to denote the same features. The most significant difference between the apparatus 400 of the fifth embodiment and that of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments is that it employs a mechanical drive system to effect bi-axial rotation of the first and second frames 3 and 4 whereas the latter four embodiments employ a hydraulic drive system, as hereinbefore described.

The supports of the apparatus 400 are also different, but they do bear a resemblance to the supports 26 and 27 employed in' the apparatus 1 of the. first embodiment. The following description of the apparatus 400 will be limited to the manner in which if differs from the first four embodiments.

It is to be understood that the remainder of the apparatus 400 is similar to the first four embodiments. The apparatus 400 comprises a first support 401 and a second support 402. The first and second supports 401 and 402 each sit on a respective concrete base 403. The first and second supports 401 and 402 comprises upright members 404 joined at their uppermost ends by cross members 405. The first support 401 further comprises side cross members 406 and inner cross members 407 which extend between opposed pairs of side cross members 406. The mounting plates 11 and 12 have a central aperture to fixedly mount them on respective shafts 408 and 409.

The shaft 408 is rotatably held in the bearings 34 on the first support 401 and the shaft 409 is rotatably held in bearings 36 on the second support 402. The shaft 408 is fixedly connected to a sprocket-wheel 410. A chain 411 connects the sprocket-wheel 410 to a smaller diameter sprocket-wheel 412 of a secondary reduction gear box 413. The secondary reduction gear box 413 is provided with another sprocket-wheel (obscured in the drawings) which is connected to a sprocket-wheel 414 of a motor 415 by a chain 416.

Preferably, the motor 415^"is a variable speed geared electric motor, e.g. with a power rating of 10 kilowatts. The first frame 3 further comprises a bar 417 and a plate 418 connecting the elongate members 5 and 6. The plate 418 is provided with an aperture therein through which passes a shaft 419. A contrate wheel 420 is fixedly connected to a turntable 421 on the other side of the plate 418. A pinion 422 meshes with the gear teeth 423 of the contrate wheel 420. The pinion 422 is fixedly mounted on an end of a drive transfer shaft 424. The shaft 424 is rotatably held in bearings 426 and 425 on the plate 418 and bar 417, respectively. The contrate wheel 420 and pinion 422 may be covered by a cover plate (not shown).

The other end of the shaft 424 is fixedly connected to a sprocket-wheel 427. The sprocket wheel 427 is connected by a chain 428 to another sprocket-wheel (obscured in the drawings) , which is fixedly connected to one end of a shaft 429. The shaft 429 is coaxially held in the shaft 408 and is rotatably held therein by bearings (not shown) . The other end of the shaft 429 is fixedly connected to a sprocket-wheel 430. A chain 431 connects the sprocket-wheel 430 to a smaller diameter sprocket-wheel 432 of a secondary reduction gear box 433. The secondary reduction gear box 433 is provided with another sprocket-wheel 434 which is connected to a sprocket-wheel 435 of a motor 436 (shown in Figure 18) by a.chain 437. Preferably, the motor 436 is a variable speed geared electric motor, e.g. with a power rating of 7.5 to 8.5 kilowatts.

The secondary reduction gear boxes 413 and 433 and the motors 415 and 436 are mounted on the inner cross members 407. The control box 50 is provided to control the operation of the secondary reduction gear boxes 413 and 433 and the motors 415 and 436.

The second frame 4 comprises elongate members 438 and 439 which are connected at their ends by bar members 440 and 441. The elongate members 438 and 439 are also connected to the turntable 421.

The container 2 may be connected to the bar members 440 and 441 of the second frame 4 by twist locks 51. A twist lock 51 may be provided at each end of each of the bar members 440 and 441. The twist locks 51 engage in the slots provided at the base of the frame 52 of the container 2. The twist locks can be seen in Figures 16 and 17. The manner of use and operation of the apparatus 400 will now be described.

A container 2 upon which maintenance tasks are to be performed is first loaded onto and connected to the second frame 4 and secured thereto by the twist locks 51. When the motor 415 is activated, drive is transferred to the shaft 408 via the chain 416, secondary reduction gear box 413, chain 411 and sprocket-wheel 410. The shaft 408 will then rotate in the bearings 34. Since the shaft 408 is fixedly connected to the first frame 3 via the mounting plate 11 and the shaft 409 is fixedly connected to the first frame 3 via the mounting plate 12, the first frame 3 rotates about a longitudinal axis, as shown by the heavy arrow in Figure 1. This rotation is the same as that in the case of the first four embodiments. The shaft 409 also rotates, in the bearings 36. This longitudinal axis of rotation 56 of the first frame 3 coincides with the aligned axis of the shafts 408 and 409. When the motor 436 is activated, drive is transferred to the turntable 421 via the chain 437, secondary reduction gear box 433, chain 431, sprocket-wheel 430, shaft 429, chain 428, shaft 424, pinion 422 and contrate wheel 420. Since the turntable 421 is fixedly connected to the second frame 4, the second frame 4 rotates with the turntable 421 about the axial line 58 (shown in Figure 17) of the shaft 413, as shown by the heavy arrow in Figure 16.

The apparatus 400 may be operated with either one or both of the first and second frames 3 and 4 being rotated by activating the motors 415 and 436 as required. The axis of rotation 58 of the second frame 4^' is substantially transverse to the axis of rotation 56 of the first frame 3, i.e. the two axes are substantially at right angles.

Further, when both the first and second frames 3 and 4 are rotated, the axis of rotation 58 moves in a circular motion in a substantially vertical plane.

The speed of rotation of the first and second frames 3 and 4 is variable.

Accordingly, if the motor 415 is a variable speed geared electric motor with a power rating of 10 kilowatts, the speed of rotation of the first frame 3 may be varied from, between 2 revolutions per minute to 1 revolution in 10 minutes. Also, if the motor 436 is a variable speed geared electric motor with a power rating of 7.5 to 8.5 kilowatts, the speed of rotation of the second frame 4 may be varied from between 0.5 revolutions per minute to 1 revolution in 15 minutes.

The manner of use of the bi-axial container rotating apparatus of the present invention will now be described. The following description applies to all of the embodiments hereinbefore described.

The container rotating apparatus of the present invention may be used to perform various maintenance tasks on a container. The container may be an ISO tank or a box container. However, any other type of suitable container which can be connected to the apparatus for bi-axial rotation of the container may be used.

A typical maintenance task that needs to be performed on containers particularly ISO tank containers, is cleaning of their interiors.

To. clean the interior of a container using the apparatus of the present invention, the container is first loaded thereon and connected thereto as hereinbefore described. Suitable cleaning agents are inserted into the container and the container is securely closed. Cleaning agents may comprise, for example, solvents, detergents, abrasives, etc.

The bi-axial container apparatus is then operated such that one or both of the first and second frames 3 and 4 are rotated. This rotation causes the interior of the container to be effectively cleaned.

When interior cleaning of a container needs to be carried out the apparatus of the present invention permits the interior of the container to be cleaned without the need for personnel to enter the container and be confined therein to effect the cleaning operation. Personnel are thus not subjected to exposure to the cleaning agents. This is particularly the case with ISO containers. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed with the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus characterised in that it comprises first frame means rotatable about a first longitudinal axis, second frame means rotatable about a second axis substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis, wherein said second frame means is arranged to have a container connected thereto such that the container is connected to said second frame means at its lower part.

2. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that said first frame means comprises first elongate member means and said second frame means comprises second elongate member means and said second elongate member means is mounted on a rotatable turntable which is fixed to said first elongate member means.

3. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first frame means is fixedly connected at respective ends to a first shaft and a second shaft such that said first frame means is rotatable with said first and second shafts and said first longitudinal axis coincides with the axes of rotation of said first and second shafts.

4. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the ends of said first frame means comprise end plates connected to said first elongate member means, bar member means connected to said end plates and mounting plate means connected to said bar member means such that a said respective mounting plate means is connected to said first and second shafts.

5. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said second elongate member means has a bar member attached at each end thereof and said container is arranged to be connected to said bar members.

6. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said first elongate member means comprises a first pair of elongate members and said second elongate member means comprises a second pair of elongate members.

7. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said apparatus further comprises a first hydraulic motor having a first gear and said turntable is provided with a second gear which meshes with said first gear such that rotation of said first gear causes said second gear and said turntable to rotate and thereby said second frame means rotates about said second axis.

8. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that said first hydraulic motor is connected to a pump and hydraulic fluid reservoir by fluid inlet and outlet line means and hydraulic union means such that hydraulic fluid may flow from said fluid reservoir to said hydraulic motor via said inlet line means and return to said fluid reservoir via said outlet line means and said hydraulic union means prevents fouling of said inlet and outlet line means during operation of said hydraulic motor.

9. - Claim 8, characterized in that said hydraulic union means comprises a first hydraulic union connected to said first hydraulic motor, second and third hydraulic unions connected to said first shaft and a fluid flow line contained in said first shaft and extending between said second and third hydraulic unions and said fluid inlet and outlet line means comprises first inlet and outlet lines extending between said first and second hydraulic unions and second inlet and outlet lines extending between said third hydraulic union and said fluid reservoir such that hydraulic fluid may flow from said fluid reservoir to said first hydraulic motor via said second inlet line, said third hydraulic union, said first shaft, said second hydraulic union, said first inlet line and said first hydraulic union and said hydraulic fluid may return to said fluid reservoir from said first hydraulic motor via said first hydraulic union, said first outlet line, said second hydraulic union, said fluid flow line, said third hydraulic union and said second outlet line.

10. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that said first shaft has a second hydraulic motor connected thereto to cause said first shaft to rotate and thereby cause said first frame means to rotate about said first longitudinal axis.

11. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said second hydraulic motor is connected to a pump and hydraulic fluid reservoir by third inlet and outlet lines and a fourth hydraulic union which prevents said third inlet and outlet lines from becoming fouled during operation of said second hydraulic motor.

12. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 11, characterized in that said fourth hydraulic union is connected to said second hydraulic motor and said third inlet and outlet lines extend between said fluid reservoir and said fourth hydraulic union such that hydraulic fluid may flow from said fluid reservoir to said second hydraulic motor via said third inlet line and said fourth hydraulic union, and said hydraulic fluid may return to said fluid reservoir from said second hydraulic motor via said fourth hydraulic union and said third outlet line.

13. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of Claims 3 to 12, characterized in that said first and second shafts are rotatably mounted on first and second support means, respectively.

14. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus-according to Claim 13, characterized in that said first and second support means each comprise upright members joined together at their upper ends by cross members and a pair of said cross members of each said first and second support means rotatably support said first and second shafts, respectively, in bearings.

15. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that said first and second support means each comprise first pivotal member means upon which said first and second shafts are rotatably mounted, said first pivotal member means being pivotable between a first position in which said first and second frame means are in a raised position to allow said first and second frame means to be rotated and a second position in which said first and second frame means are in a lowered position to enable a container to be loaded onto or unloaded from said second frame means.

16. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 15, characterized in that each of said first and second support means further comprise upright members joined together at their upper ends by cross members and said first pivotal member means are pivotally connected at their first ends to a cross member of respective said first and second support means, each of said first and second support means further comprising second pivotal member means pivotally connected at their first ends to second ends of respective said first pivotal member means and said second pivotal member means are pivotally connected at their second ends to first ends of respective, third pivotal member means, said first and second support means further comprising ram means to control the pivoting motions of said first, second and third pivotal member means such than when said ram means extend said second and third pivotal member means pivot to cause said first pivotal member means to pivot about their first ends into said first position and when said ram means extend said second and third pivotal member means pivot to cause said first pivotal member means to pivot about their first ends into said second position.

17. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 16, characterized in that each said second and third pivotal member means comprises a respective pair of pivotal members and the second and third pivotal members of said' respective pairs are connected by pivotal connections and a rod member extends between said pivotal connections on each said first and second support means and said ram means are connected at first ends thereof to respective said rod members.

18. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 17, characterized in that said first and second support means further comprise lower cross members joining together said upright members at their lower ends and the second ends of respective said ram means are connected to a said lower cross member of each of said first and second support means.

19. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 17, characterized in that said first and second support means comprises bases upon which said upright members rest and said second ends of said ram means are connected to said bases.

20. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 15, characterized in that said first and second support means each further comprise V-shaped member means, elongate base member means, second pivotal member means pivotally connected to said elongate base member means at first ends thereof and to first ends of said first pivotal member means at second ends thereof, third pivotal member means pivotally connected to said elongate base member means at first ends thereof and to said first pivotal member means at second ends thereof and ram means to control the pivoting motions of said first, second and third pivotal member means, such that when said ram means extend said second and third pivotal member means pivot to cause said firsr pivotal members to pivot about said first ends thereof into said first position and when said ram means retract said second and third pivotal member means pivot to cause said first pivotal member means to pivot about their first ends into said second position, wherein in said first position said second pivotal members lie adjacent said V-shaped member means.

21. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 20, characterized in that said first and second support means further comprise locking means to lock said second pivotal member means adjacent said V-shaped member means in said first position.

22. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 21, characterized in that said locking, means comprises lugs having apertures on said V-shaped members, apertures in said second pivotal member means and pin means such that when said second pivotal member means lie adjacent said V-shaped member means said apertures of said lugs and said second pivotal member means are aligned and said pin means are insertable therethrough.

23. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said apparatus further comprises a drive transfer shaft having said first gear and said turntable is provided with a second gear which meshes with said first gear such that rotation of said first gear causes said second gear and said turntable to rotate and thereby said second frame means rotates about said second axis.

24. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 23, characterized in that said drive transfer shaft is connected to a first motor by sprocket-wheel means and chain means such that drive can be transferred from said first motor to said turntable and said second frame means.

25. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 24, characterized in that said sprocket-wheel means comprises a first sprocket-wheel on said drive transfer shaft, -a second sprocket-wheel on a first end of a third shaft rotatably held inside and co-axial with said first shaft, a third sprocket-wheel on the second end of said third shaft, fourth and fifth sprocket-wheels on a first reduction gear box and a sixth sprocket-wheel on said first motor and said chain means comprises a first chain connecting said first and second sprocket-wheels, a second chain connecting said third and fourth sprocket-wheels, and a third chain connecting said fifth and sixth sprocket-wheels.

26. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of Claims 3 to 6 or 23 to 25, characterized in that said first shaft is connected to a second motor to cause said first shaft and said second shaft to rotate and thereby cause said first frame means to rotate about said first longitudinal axis.

27. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to Claim 26, characterized in that said first shaft has a seventh sprocket-wheel attached thereto which is connected to an eighth sprocket-wheel on a second reduction gear box by a fourth chain and said second reduction gear box is connected to said second motor by a fifth chain connecting a ninth sprocket-wheel on said second reduction gear box with a tenth sprocket-wheel on said second motor.

28. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to any one of Claims 23 to 27, characterized in that said first and second shafts are rotatably mounted on first and second support means, respectively.

29. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that said first and second support means each comprise upright members joined together at their upper ends by cross members and a pair of said cross members of each said first and second support means rotatably support said first and second shafts, respectively, in bearings.

30. A bi-axial container rotating apparatus, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said container is an International Standards Organization (ISO) container.