WO2006009511A1

WO2006009511A1 - A roll-off container frame for return cargo container

Info

Publication number: WO2006009511A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/001170
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tommy Lindholm
Original assignee: Tommy Lindholm
Priority date: 2004-07-21
Filing date: 2005-07-20
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Also published as: SE0401905L; SE0401905D0; SE525882C2

Abstract

A roll-off container frame is intended for cargo container for transport of long piece goods on a lorry or trailer which have a platform for a roll-off container. This is an addition to the traditional transport of heavy bulk goods such as scrap. A roll-off container frame is turnable and comprises two longitudinal beams on one of the longitudinal sides which means that the second longitudinal side is intended as bottom of the cargo container while transporting long piece goods. Opening on a cargo container comprising a roll-off container frame is pointing sideways while loading and transporting piece goods. In this way one and the same cargo container not only uses for bulk goods transport but, loaded from the top but also to transport piece goods, loaded from the side in the opposite direction.

Description

A roll-off container frame for return cargo container

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention concerns a roll-off container frame, which intends to function as supporting construction to a cargo container, as a roll-off container platform, for a heavy vehicle as lorry. The invention also concerns methods for producing a roll-off container frame.

BACKGROUND ART

A roll-off container frame for heavy vehicle is the supporting construction on which a cargo container is based. Some alternative terms of a roll-off container frame are a support frame or beam frame. There are many different types of cargo containers aimed for transporting heavy goods . Examples of cargo containers are a roll-off container platform, wagon-bridge, scrap holder or a container. A roll-off container can among other things comprise load shutters on the sides and/or at the very back to facilitate horizontal loading and unloading. Container can be covered and contain load doors, for instance.

Another frequent type of cargo container intended for heavy bulk goods, as scrap, is a roll-off container, open at the top with load shutters at the back end. Roll-off container can be covered with a net or a cover during transport. Such type of roll-off container is usually supposed to be lifted up or drawn upon a heavy vehicle by a platform for a roll-off container. Alternative meaning for platform for a roll-off container is, for example roll-on/roll-off container platform and roll-on/roll-off container attachment. Roll on/roll-off container platform is a common description of a platform for a roll-off container for a HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) , and roll-on/roll-off container attachment is a common term for platform for a roll-off container for trailer. A heavy vehicle is considered i.e. lorry, articulated lorry, dumper or railway-carriage. Platform for a roll- off container comprises a hook or a clutch which attaches at the front of the turnable roll-off container. Mounting itself is generally done inside a crosswise tubular fastening device, slightly curved and welded into two beams. Such fastening device is often known as starting loop.

Turnable roll-off container usually comprises a pair of wheels or some other type of rolling devices situated underneath and at the far back of the turnable roll-off container. This is to allow the back part of the turnable roll-off container scroll on the ground during loading. The turnable roll-off container is usually loaded with bulk goods, as scrap, intended for transportation. During unloading the common unloading method is by opening the load shutters, discharging the load by a lorry tipper. The above mentioned turnable roll-off container is of a heavy-duty construction which usually has two longitudinal strong beams underneath, curved on the front of the turnable roll-off container. Several less powerful beams are vertically placed at regular intervals along the longitudinal sides of the turnable roll-off container. Beams are commonly 4-8 in number. An alternative name for such beam is rib. The inside of the turnable roll-off container is covered with sheet metal. There is a plurality of minor beams underneath the turnable roll-off container placed closest to the bottom plate directing from one long side to the other long side, those above mentioned longitudinal strong beams are attached to the minor beams. Upper part of a turnable roll-off container ading towards the opening is typically reinforced, for example with a beam or a bar pin. A turnable roll-off container intended for loading and transporting of scrap is exposed to heavy strains due to strokes and sharp objects that hit against the sheet metal during loading and unloading. An example of objects that are transported is sheet metal weighting hundreds of kilograms. Fully loaded turnable roll-off container can have a gross vehicle weight of 20 tons.

When transporting heavy bulk goods, as scrap, to a certain facility, it is necessary for the carrier to be able to transport different types of goods to the opposite direction. The problem, the above mentioned type of turnable roll-off container faces is that it is difficult to efficiently load on different types of cargo. It is impracticable to load long piece goods as long steel ingot or timber. Long piece goods are considered those piece goods longer than 2.6 metres. A fork-lift truck is usually used for this purpose. A fork-lift truck is considered to be more efficient for loading purpose than a crane or an overhead travelling crane. Nevertheless a fork-lift truck cannot load on the above mentioned type of turnable roll-off container because its sides are closed and it is open only aloft and at the back. Eva if there are load shutters at the back in reality it is not possible to efficiently load shapes which are longer than the short side on a turnable roll-off container. There are specific problems in the transport system when scrap collecting/delivery is carried out repeatedly from a certain initial point to a certain destination. The greater number of heavy vehicles returning unloaded the less effective the transport system. The greater number of heavy vehicles returning unloaded the higher pollution load which among other things is caused by carbon dioxide emission from unloaded heavy vehicles. That is to say that different heavy vehicles transport the long piece goods instead of those returning unloaded after having the scrap transported.

There are so called return cargo roll-off containers, also known as return cargo containers. Those can transport for example wood-chips or grain in one direction and pallet goods in the opposite direction. Their shape is similar to the shape of roll-off container and the only difference is that the sides are partly or completely openable which allows a fork-lift truck load long piece goods. The sides can be opened by openable or foldable doors. Remaining problem facing this type of roll-off container is that it is not suitable and not applicable to load or transport heavy and bulky goods as recycling material or scrap. The sides on such container lack strength and durability required to repeatedly load scrap, for example by a harbour crane.

Certain types of bulk goods have special claims from a cargo container. When transporting slime or wet material, such as hazardous waste, claims that the roll-off container platform or container must be (water) tight. A roll-off container platform or a container serving this purpose only contains fast sides, and usually a fast rear. This type of roll-off container platforms or containers must be loaded from the top, for example by crane or a loading machine containing scoop. One problem with this type of roll-off container platform or container is that it is not possible to load it from the side by a lorry. That is the reason for not being able to efficiently load piece goods such as machines, other equipment or long timber. A transport company with this type of roll-off container platforms or containers experiences great difficulties in finding appropriate return cargoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to solve the above problems and other similar problems. An object of this invention is to present a roll-off container frame which is turnable and aimed as structural construction to a cargo container for transporting long piece goods loaded from the side on a vehicle containing a platform for a roll- off container, as an addition to the traditional transport of bulk goods loaded from the top. Further characteristics of the invation are described in the claims .

According to this invention a roll-off container frame is intended for transport of goods on a heavy vehicle, and comprises the first longitudinal side, provided with two longitudinal beams, intended as bottom of the roll-off container frame when loading bulk goods, the second longitudinal side comprises two longitudinal beams, which allows the second longitudinal side to be intended as a bottom of a cargo container while transporting piece goods, wherein the opening of a cargo container which comprises a roll-off container frame is pointing directs sideways while loading long piece goods.

An advantage of the present invention is that in this one and same cargo container comprising roll-off container frame, not only is it possible to transport bulk goods claiming the cargo container with tight sides in one direction. Nevertheless, the invention allows transport of long piece goods in the opposite direction, loading the piece goods efficiently from the side.

An additional aim with this invention is to produce a transport system comprising of a plurality of roll-off container frames and a plurality of vehicles.

Another advantage of the present invention is more cost- effective transport system, at the same time reducing the total quantity of carbon dioxide emission including transport of bulk goods, as scrap or slime, and transport of long piece goods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is closely described while referring to the attached figures where,

Figure 1 shows an overview of a roll-off container frame according to the invention.

Figure Ib shows the same example of a roll-off container frame as in figure Ia, viewed from the front.

Figure 2 shows an overview of a goods container comprising a roll-off container frame according to the invention, resting on its first side. Figure 3 is an overview of a cargo container, comprising a roll-off container frame, without back shutters being assembled.

Figure 4 shows an example of a cargo container, comprising a roll-off container frame according to the invention, resting on its second side with the opening pointing sideways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A roll-off container frame according to the invention is constructed with double frames arranged mainly in a 90 degree angle. This is schematically shown in a figure Ia. It makes the roll-off container frame substantially different from those previously known as roll-off container frames. Those double bottom frames are called as the longitudinal side 1' and the longitudinal side 2' . Figure Ia also shows that a roll-off container platform frame 4' in an embodiment comprises the first longitudinal side 1' with the two longitudinal beams 7a, 7b. The figure Ia shows that even the roll-off container frame's 4' second longitudinal side 2' comprises two longitudinal beams 8a, 8b. The above mentioned longitudinal beams 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b function as slide bar while an add-on construction such as cargo container 4 pulls onto a heavy vehicle by a platform for a roll-off container. The longitudinal beams 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b can also have a task to prevent an add-on construction such as cargo container 4 from tipping while transporting. There are typically tacks or paths which the longitudinal beams 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b are supposed to follow while loading/unloading of such cargo container.

Figure Ia also shows that in the embodiment the beam pairs 7a, 7b (meant) for the first longitudinal side's 1' frame are joined together by one or more cross bars 16. The beam pairs 8a, 8b (meant) for the second longitudinal side's 2' frame are joined together by one or more cross bars 17. The front end of the supporting beams 7a, 7b in the first longitudinal side's 1' frame are joined together with the front end of the supporting beams 8a, 8b in the second longitudinal side's 2' frame, with at least four supporting beams 20, 21, 22, 23.

In an operative form comprises the first side 1' a longitudinal beam 18 placed at the very back of a roll- off container frame. In the same embodiment comprises the second side 2' a longitudinal beam 19 at the very end of a roll-off container frame. Figure Ia shows an example of such embodiment. The longitudinal beam 18 is joined together with the back end of the longitudinal beams 7a and 7b. On the longitudinal beam 18 comprising the first longitudinal side 1' there are typically adequate rolling devices 10a, 10b. The longitudinal beam 18 is joined together with the back end of the longitudinal beams 8a and 8b. On the longitudinal beam 19 comprising the first longitudinal side 2' there are typically adequate rolling devices 9a, 9b.

The rolling devices can be designed as wheels or a plurality of wheels. Additional option of rolling device is slide bar. Another option of a rolling device is lifter comprising a relatively solid polymer. The rolling device is typically attached at the very back on the roll-off container frame.

Figure Ia shows furthermore that in an embodiment the outer beam 7b of the frame in the first longitudinal side 1' is joined together in an angle to its front end with the first connection beam 23, where the angle is mostly 90 degrees. Figure Ia also shows that in an embodiment the outer beam 8b of the frame in the second longitudinal side 2' is joined together in an angle to its front end with the first connection beam 20, where the angle is mostly 90 degrees. The first 23 and the second 20 longitudinal beams are joined together in an angle which is mainly 90 degrees.

Figure Ia also shows that in an operative form is the inner beam 7a of the frame in the first longitudinal side 1' is joined together in an angle to its front end with the third connection beam 21, where the angle is mostly 90 degrees. Figure Ia also shows that in an operative form is the inner beam 8a of the frame in the second longitudinal side 2' joined together in an angle to its front end with a fourth connection beam 22, in a 90 degree angle. The third 21 and the fourth 22 connection beams are arranged in a 90 degree angle. The third 21 and the fourth 22 connection beams are substantially shorter than the first 23 and the second 20 connection beam.

Figure Ia shows further that in an embodiment the first connection beam 19 and the third connection beam 21 are joined together through a transversal beam 16 a. Figure Ia also shows that the second connection beam 20 and the fourth connection beam 22 are joined together through a transversal beam 17a.

Tests have shown that this type of construction comprising four connection beams 20, 21, 22, 23 is cost efficient.

In an alternative embodiment one amount of beams are replaced with pipes. A practical, strong enough and cost- efficient method to join together the constructional details, such as beams is welding.

A roll-off container frame according to figure Ia has which has an external length of more than 4000 mm. Typical length is 6000 mm in order to exploit the existing roll-off unit efficiently. The inside width while the cargo container rests on its first side 1' is minimum over 1500 mm normally over 2100 mm. The inside width while the cargo container rests on its second side 2' is minimum over 1500 mm and typically over 2100 mm. In embodiment rolling devices have determined position depending on the rolling device's tracks on the platform for a roll-off container. Position can differ from state to state depending on standards for platform for a roll- off container applied in the particular state the transport system intends to be used. In an embodiment, the minimal width of side 1' and side 2' depends on the standard measure of the outer distance between tracks for rolling devices in platform for a roll-off container. The minimal measure is normally the above mentioned standard measure minus additional 20 cm. Those two beams on the first 1' and the second side 2' are preferably made of steel.

The other longitudinal side 2' in the figure Ib, and in the rest of the figures could have easily been placed on the opposite side. In figure Ib the side 2' is placed to the right of a roll-off container frame viewed from the front. In an operative form viewed in figure Ib, can the other longitudinal side 2' be situated to the left on a roll-off container frame viewed from the front.

Furthermore the figures Ia and Ib show that a securing pin 12 the front side 5 comprises a curved bar or a curved pipe, alternatively a plurality of short cylindrical sections joined in a curved shape. Figure 1 shows that the securing pin 12 is mounted at minimum three fixed points . One of those fixed points is typically a bracing means 12b, mainly attached in the middle of the securing pin 12. An example of bracing means is a sheet metal or a bar. Another name for a securing pin is a pulling loop.

Figure 2 shows an overview of a turnable cargo container 4, comprising a roll-off container frame according to the invention. Cargo container 4 rests on figure 1 on its first longitudinal side 1. In that position it is ready for loading of bulk goods, such as scrap.

An imaginary centre line z, indicated in figure 2, passes between the first side's 1 two longitudinal beams 7a, 7b. The distance between the centre line z to the upper part of the third longitudinal side 3 indicates as x in figure 2. The distance between the centre line z to the second longitudinal side 2 indicates as y in figure 2. The distance x is longer than the distance y. In this way it differs from a roll-off container constructed in accordance with known technology where the corresponding distances are mainly of equal length. The distance x in the roll-off container according to this invention is longer than the distance y for two main reasons. One reason is that the third 3 longitudinal side is lighter than the longitudinal side 2 thus the centre of gravity reduces displacement when the distance x is longer than y, this comparing to as if distances were mainly the same. The other reason is that the total external overall width of the cargo container should meet laws and regulations for vehicular traffic that apply in the state the transport is carried out. The longitudinal beams 8a, 8b are typically at least 8 cm high and outside this the rolling elements 9a, 9b typically stick out.

Figure 2 shows a cargo container with openable doors at the back side den 6. The main application of the openable doors at the back side 6 is to allow, during unloading by vehicle's tipping gear device, tipping out the scrap through the back side 6.

The openable door locking device comprises two functions . One function is to keep doors closed when the cargo container rests on its first longitudinal side 1. The other function is to keep the doors closed when the cargo container 4 rests on its second longitudinal side 2. One example of a locking device is a wagon-bridge lock.

The first 1, the second 2 and the third 3 longitudinal sides are not openable. Comparing to a roll-off container with openable longitudinal sides, the cargo container 4 is more stroke resistant during scrap loading. There is a great risk that the openable longitudinal sides on known roll-off containers cannot open once the scrap has been loaded. Furthermore, it is possible to load the cargo container 4 with considerable more scrap and still pull the loaded cargo container on, for example, a vehicle, all this in comparison with the roll-off container with openable sides. While the roll-off container is being pulled on a vehicle by a load hook the longitudinal sides are affected by buckling load. The buckling load is greatest when the lower part of the roll-off container lifts from the ground. Cargo container 4 has higher tolerance against buckling load while changing cargo than the roll-off container with opeanble sides.

Figure 3 shows a cargo container, comprising a roll-off container frame according to the invention, where two rolling devices 10a, 10b are fixed to cargo container's 4 first side 1. The function of rolling devices is to allow the back part of the cargo container scroll on the ground during changing cargo. This occurs whilst the load hook of the vehicle is being attached to the securing pin 12, lifting and pulling the front part of the cargo container 4.

Figure 2 shows that the beams 8a, 8b on the cargo container's second side 2 follow the side length. One function of those solid rails 2a, 3a and 5a is to protect the underlying sheet metal from strokes caused by scrap while loading, for example by a harbour crane.

A cargo container 4 according to the invention is turnable. By turnable means that it can be turned from resting on its first longitudinal side 1 to resting on its second longitudinal side 2. One method to turn the cargo container is by attaching a chain to the lower part of the first longitudinal side 1 of the cargo container and attaching the same chain to the load hook, used in order to turn the cargo container. Another method to turn the cargo container is to attach a load hook to one of the sides and then turn the cargo container 4. A further method is by using a lorry for this purpose. The cargo container 4 should be empty when turning.

A cargo container 4, comprising a roll-off container frame according to the invention, is made of a robust construction. Sheet-metal in the cargo container's 4 first side 1 should be at least 4 mm thick. Sheet-metal on the remaining sides should be at least 3 mm thick. A suitable sheet-metal quality is SS 1312. A fitting sheet- metal product is Hardox.

In an embodiment the cargo container' s first longitudinal side 1 comprises a plurality of fastening devices 14 intended for elements 15.

The fastening devices are intended for securing the elements preventing the long piece goods from gliding out of cargo container 4 during transporting while the cargo container rests on the second longitudinal side 2. An example of a cargo security element is a pole or a log.

Usage area for a roll-off container frame is not restricted to function as frame to a cargo container intended for top loading of bulk goods, such as scrap or slime. Other kinds of bulk goods can be loaded in such type of cargo container, such as wood-chips or other forest goods. While loading of cargo container 4 with sideways opening it is possible to load long piece goods such as timber or steel elements. It is possible to load different types of piece goods when side loading, some of the examples are pallets of piece goods or machines .

This invention is not restricted to the above mentioned embodiments but can vary within the scope of the claims taking in account descriptions and figures.

Claims

1. A frame (4') intended as supporting frame for a container (4) to be used for transport on a vehicle which has a platform for the container (4), the frame (4') comprises:

- a first longitudinal side (1') comprising two longitudinal beams (7a, 7b) on which the container (4) is resting at transport of bulk goods, wherein the opening (13) of the container (4) is intended to be facing upwards at the time of loading bulk goods,

- a second longitudinal side (2') comprising two longitudinal beams (8a, 8b) on which the container (4) is resting at transport of piece goods, wherein the opening (13) of the container (4) is intended to be facing side-ways at load of piece goods .

2. A frame (4') according to claim 1 where the first (1') longitudinal side's two beams (7a, 7b) and the second (2') side's two beams (8a, 8b) are joined together in 90 degrees, or nearly in 90 degrees, in relation to each other's plane.

3. A frame (4') according to claim 2 where the front end of the beams (7a, 7b) of the first longitudinal side (1') is attached to the beams (8a, 8b) of the second longitudinal side (2'), by means of at least four connecting beams (20, 21, 22, 23) .

4. A frame (4') according to claim 1 or 2 where the first (1') longitudinal side comprises a transversal beam (18) which is attached to the back end of the longitudinal beams (7a, 7b) and the second longitudinal side (2') comprises a transversal beam

(19) .

5. A frame (4') according to claim 4 where the transversal beam (18) of the first longitudinal side (1') comprises two rolling devices (10a, 10b) and the transversal beam (19) of the second longitudinal side (19) of the second longitudinal side (2') comprises two rolling devices (9a, 9b) .

6. A frame (4') according to claim 4 or 5 where the outer beam (7b) of the first longitudinal side (1') is attached in its front end with a first connecting beam (23), in an angle of 90 degrees, and the outer beam (8b) of the second longitudinal side (2') is attached in its front end with a first connecting beam (23), in an angle of 90 degrees, and the outer beam (8b) of the second side (2') is attached in its front end with a second connecting beam (20), in an angle of 90 degrees, and the first (23) and second

(20) connecting beam are in their turn attached in an angle of 90 degrees.

7. A frame according to claim (4') according to claim 6 where the inner beam (7a) of the first longitudinal side (1') is attached in its front end of a third connecting beam (21) , in an angle of 90 degrees, the inner beam (8a) of the second longitudinal side (2') is attached in its front end to a fourth connecting beam (22), in an angle of 90 degrees, the third (21) and fourth (22) connecting beam are in their turn connected, in an angle of 90 degrees, the third (21) beam and the fourth (22) connecting beam are substantially shorter than the first (21) and second (20) connecting beam.

8. A frame (4') according to any of the above claims where the front side comprises means (12) for connecting a load hook, which means is attached to the front side by at least three fixed points, where one of the fixed points connects to a bracing means (12b) .

9. Use of a frame (4') according to claim 1.

10.A transport system comprising a plurality of containers based on frames (4') according to claim 1 and a plurality of vehicles with platforms for the container.