WO2008097110A1

WO2008097110A1 - Container system for transporting bulk materials

Info

Publication number: WO2008097110A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2008/000018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geoffrey Charles Todd; Peter David Jopson; John Dalton Collins; Martin James Lynch
Original assignee: Todd Innovative Engineering Group Limited; Reefton Hire (2006) Limited
Priority date: 2007-02-08
Filing date: 2008-02-08
Publication date: 2008-08-14

Abstract

A container system for bulk materials which includes a container having an interior surface adapted to contain bulk materials, and a cradle; the container being pivotally mounted on the cradle such that the container may be pivoted from a first position in which the container rests on top of the cradle to a second position in which the container is tipped relative to the cradle for emptying the contents from the container.

Description

Title: Container System for Transporting Bulk Materials.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a container system for transporting bulk materials. The container system of the subject of the present invention is suitable for a wide range of bulk materials, in any of a wide range of forms e.g. ores, organic products such as meat meals, and powdered cement. The forms of the materials can range from pieces of rock through to finely divided powders, and slurries.

Background of the Invention

At present, the most common way of transporting bulk materials is by truck. If part of the transport is by rail, then the materials needed to be tipped into a suitable rail container from the truck. Since a typical transport route is likely to involve trucking the materials to a railway station, using railway transport for the next stage of the journey, and then transferring the materials back to a truck for the final stage, it will be appreciated that this involves at least two reloadings of the materials; this is time- consuming and can lead to a significant loss of materials, especially if the materials are finely divided. A further drawback is that the materials cannot be stored in the truck, and therefore need to be unloaded into separate storage when they reach their final destination.

Disclosure of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container system for transporting bulk materials which permits transport by truck or by rail, and which also can be used for storage of the materials.

The present invention provides a container system for bulk materials which includes a container having an interior surface adapted to contain bulk materials, and a cradle; the container being pivotally mounted on the cradle such that the container may be pivoted from a first position in which the container rests on top of the cradle to a second position in which the container is tipped relative to the cradle for emptying the contents from the container. Preferably, the cradle provides forklift channels.

Preferably also, the system further includes means for releasably securing the container to the cradle to prevent pivoting of the container relative to the cradle.

Preferably also, the interior surface of the container is formed as a smoothly curved surface extending from the rear upper edge of the container to a position below the front upper edge of the container.

The container system of the present invention also provides a tilting frame which may be used in combination with the container and the cradle or may be used independently, for tilting other containers. The tilting frame includes a pair of spaced arms adapted to engage the container at or adjacent the upper rear edge of the container, such that a pivoting movement of said arms pivots the container relative to the cradle.

Preferably, the tilting frame also includes at least one releasable clamp adapted to engage the cradle when the container is being tilted by the tilting frame.

Preferably also, the tilting frame is mounted or adapted to be mounted on the tines of a forklift.

Brief Description of the Drawings

By way of example only, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a side view of the container and container cradle forming part of the container system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an rear view of the container and container cradle of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side view of the container, container cradle and tilting frame, with the container engaged with the tilting frame but not yet tilted;

Figure 4 is a side view of the components shown in Figure 3, with the container partly tilted;

Figure 5 is a side view of the components shown in Figure 3, with the container fully tilted;

Figure 6 is a side view of the tilting frame alone; and Figure 7 is a front view of the tilting frame alone.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The complete container system of the present invention includes a container 10, a cradle 11 and a tilting frame 12. In normal usage, it is intended that a single tilting frame 12 would be used to tilt a number of the containers; each container 10 and its corresponding cradle 11 are connected together and are stored and transported as a single unit. Thus, the tilting frame 12 would be required only at the location where the containers were to be emptied. It would be possible for the containers and cradles of the present invention to be emptied by other means e.g. a forklift or a crane. Further, the tilting frame 12 of the present invention could be used to tilt containers of a different design.

Figures 1 and 2 show the container 10 and the cradle 11 separated from the tilting frame 12. The container 10 is substantially rectangular in plan and rear views but is curved in side view, as shown in Figure 1 :- the lower surface 13 of the container is a smooth curve from the rearmost upper edge 14 to a line 15 which is about two thirds of the way round the perimeter of the container from the edge 14. From the point 15 to the front upper edge 16, the perimeter of the container is an inclined straight surface 17. The inner surface of the container (not shown) is the same shape as the outer surface, and is provided with an abrasion resistant lining e.g. ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

The curved shape of the container, as described above, is important to the efficient functioning of the system:- the curved surface ensures that the weight of the contents are evenly distributed, and because there are no corners in which material can lodge, the contents in general tip cleanly out of the container when the container is emptied.

The curved shape also facilitates tipping of the container, because the shape of the container is such that about one-quarter of the total weight of the container and contents lie forward of the pivot axle about which the container rotates during tipping (see below).

The top 18 of the container is depicted covered with a tarpaulin 19 which is tied down by elastic ties 20 which pass through eyelets around the edge of the tarpaulin and tensioned around tie downs 20a welded around the upper edge of the container, to hold the tarpaulin tightly over the top of the container.

Alternatively, the container could be provided with a rigid removable lid or with a rigid hinged lid; the hinged lid would be weighted so that it swung clear when the container was tipped to empty it.

For heavy loads, the container may be reinforced by a tie-rod (not shown) which extends from the middle of the centre rear to the middle of the centre front of the container, adjacent the top of the container.

A securing eye 18 a is fitted to the centre rear of the top 18 of the container, to receive a removable securing chain 35 with an over centre lock 36 for securing and tensioning the chain. When the container and cradle are being transported, the container 10 is held tightly against the cradle 11 with the chain 35, to ensure that the container cannot tip accidentally.

Two pins 21 are rigidly secured to the rear of the container 10, just below the top 18, with one pin on each side of the container as shown in Figure 2. Each pin 21 extends horizontally out from the corresponding side of the container, to provide a connection point for the corresponding hook of the tilting device, as described below.

The cradle 11 consists of a pair of parallel side members 22 the rear ends of which are spaced apart and secured together by a rear member 23, which also supports the lower ends of a pair of parallel posts 24, located approximately a quarter of the length of the member 23 from each end of the member 23.

Twist lock eyes 25 are secured to the underside of each end of the side members 22. A pair of parallel forklift channels 26, spaced apart by the standard spacing of forklift tines, are mounted on the underside of the rear member 23.

The cradle 11 provides support for the curved outer surface of the container 10 by means of a pair of spaced support brackets 27, the upper surface 27 a of which is curved to follow the curve of the underside of the container 10. The front edge of each support bracket 27 is supported by a post 28, parallel to the corresponding post 24. The lower edge 29 of each support bracket 27 is welded to the upper surface of the underlying forklift channel 26.

The container 10 is secured to the cradle 11 by a pivot axle 30 which extends the full length of the underside of the container 10. The portion of the axle 30 which extends underneath the container 10 is permanently secured (e.g. by welding) to the underside of the container, so the axle and the container rotate as one. The ends of the axle 30 are mounted in bearing housings 31 supported upon posts 32 which extend vertically above the side members 22. The bearing housings 31 allow rotation of the axle 30 relative to the cradle 11.

Figure 6 and 7 show the tilting frame 12, which is mounted on a set of conventional forklift forks 40 with tines 41. (Figure 6 only).

The tilting frame 12 consists of a support structure and pivoting arms:- the support structure includes upper and lower support beams 42, 43 which are spaced apart and secured together by vertical braces 44 and diagonal braces 44a. The upper and lower support beams are parallel, and are slightly longer than the spacing between the tines 41 of the forklift forks.

It is envisaged that the tilting frame would be permanently secured to the forklift forks (e.g. by welding) but it would also be possible to have the tilting frame removably secured to the forklift forks.

An L-shaped arm 45 is located at each end of the beam 42, with the shorter limb 46 of the L substantially vertical; the upper end of each shorter limb 46 is pivoted to a hanger 47 supported from the support beam 42, by a pivot 48.

The free end of the longer limb 49 of each L-shaped arm is pivoted by a pivot 50 to one end of a pivoting hooked arm 51 which carries a hook 52 at its outer end. Each hook 52 is dimensioned to engage one of the pins 21 of the container 10.

The pivoting of each hooked arm 51 relative to the corresponding L-shaped arm 45 is provided by a hydraulic ram 53 connected between the shorter limb 46 of the arm 45 and the arm 51. The hydraulic rams 53 are connected to the hydraulic controls of the forklift (not shown). When the hooks 52 are engaged with the corresponding pins 21, extension of the hydraulic rams 53 in the direction of Arrow A (Figure 4) pivots the container 10 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, pivoting the container 10 on the axle 30. Retraction of the rams 53 in the direction of Arrow B pivots the container 10 back to the position of Figure 3.

The lower support beam 43 of the tilting frame 12 also supports a pair of hydraulically powered clamps 55, one of which is mounted a short distance away from each of the L-shaped arms 45. Each clamp 55 is pivotally mounted in a bracket 56 and can be moved between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered, engaged position by means of a hydraulic cylinder 57; the cylinders 57 are connected to the hydraulic controls of the forklift (not shown).

Each end of the upper support beam 42 carries a cushioned yoke 60, which is dimensioned and positioned to retain the hooked end of each hooked arm 51 when the tilting frame 12 is not engaged with a container and container cradle.

The above described equipment is used as follows:- each container 10 with its associated cradle 11 is located wherever it is required to receive the material to be transported. Material is loaded into the container 10 by any suitable means (e.g. dump truck, front-end loader, hopper). Once the container 10 is full, the top of the container is covered by the tarpaulin 19 which is secured as described above, and the container 10 is secured from tilting relative to the cradle 11 by the chain 35 and lock 36. The container and cradle then are loaded together onto suitable transport (e.g. truck, railcar); the container and cradle can be lifted using a crane or by inserting the tines of a forklift into the forklift channels 26. The container can be used to store the material if required.

When it is necessary to unload the container, the tilting frame 12 is used:- the tilting frame 12 is mounted onto the tines of a forklift as described above and is engaged with the cradle 11 by positioning the forklift tines 41 in the forklift channels 26. The cover 19 is removed from the container, and the chain 35 removed to allow tilting of the container.

When the tilting frame 12 is moved into engagement with the cradle 11 , the forklift carrying the tilting frame 12 is driven forward toward the rear of the cradle 11 until angled brackets 61 located on the forklift tines immediately below the bend of each L- shaped arm 45 contact the rear of the carrier, as shown in Figures 3 - 5. The tilting frame is moved into engagement with the frame in the position of Figure 3, i.e. with the rams 53 in the fully retracted position. In this position, the hooks 52 are aligned with, and automatically engage, the pins 21 on the container 10. As an added safety measure, the clamps 55 are lowered so that the clamps engage over the rear member 23 of the cradle 11. The hydraulic system incorporates a sensor which prevents extension of the hydraulic rams 53 to tilt the container 10 until the clamps 55 are fully engaged.

The hydraulic rams 53 are then extended in the direction of arrow A to tilt the container 10 about the pivot axle 30 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and empty the contents out of the container. When the container has been fully emptied, the hydraulic rams 53 are retracted in the direction of arrow B until the container rests on the cradle 11 , i.e. in the position of Figure 3. The clamps 55 can then be released and the forklift and tilting frame 12 withdrawn from the cradle 11 and container 10, which are then ready for reuse.

Claims

1. A container system for bulk materials which includes a container having an interior surface adapted to contain bulk materials, and a cradle; the container being pivotally mounted on the cradle such that the container may be pivoted from a first position in which the container rests on top of the cradle to a second position in which the container is tipped relative to the cradle for emptying the contents from the container.

2. The container system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the interior surface of the container is formed as a smoothly curved surface extending from the rear upper edge of the container to a position below the front upper edge of the container.

3. The container system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said position below the front upper edge of the container lies at a level which is approximately one third of the perimeter of the container measured in side view.

4. The container system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the interior surface of the container between the front upper edge of the container and said position below the front upper edge of the container, is formed as an inclined flat surface.

5. The container system as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein the external surface of the container is formed to the same shape as the interior surface of the container.

6. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is rectangular in plan view.

7. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivotal mounting includes a pivot axle secured to the container across the lower front of the container, each end of the axle being received in a bearing mounted on the cradle, such that the container can pivot relative to the cradle.

8. The container system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shape of the container is such that approximately one quarter of the total weight of the container and any contents of the container, lies forward of the pivot axle.

9. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a securing means which is releasably securable between the rear top of the container and the cradle.

10. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a flexible cover configured to be removably securable over the top of the container.

11. The container system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 9, further including a rigid cover configured to be removably securable over the top of the container.

12. The container system as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 9, further including a rigid cover pivotally secured over the top of the container.

13. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cradle includes a pair of spaced forklift channels below the container.

14. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cradle includes two parallel side members configured to extend one parallel to each side of the container, and a rear member joining the rear ends of the side members.

15. The container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cradle provides a curved support surface which is curved to follow the curve of the exterior of the container and which supports at least part of the curved surface of the container.

16. The combination of a container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and a tilting frame which is configured to co-operate with the container system to tilt the container.

17. The combination as claimed in claim 16, wherein the tilting frame includes a pair of spaced arms configured to engage the container at or adjacent the upper rear edge of the container, such that a pivoting movement of said arms pivots the container relative to the cradle, and a support structure for said arms.

18. The combination as claimed in claim 17, wherein the container is provided with a pair of outwardly extending pins, one pin being rigidly secured to the rear of each side of the container; said pins being configured to engage said arms.

19. The combination as claimed in claim 18, wherein each arm of the tilting frame is pivoted to the support structure at one end and at the other end is formed into a hook for engagement with the corresponding pin on the container.

20. The combination as claimed in claim 19, wherein a hydraulic cylinder is connected between each arm of the tilting frame and the support structure of the tilting frame, such that extension or contraction of the hydraulic cylinder pivots the corresponding arm relative to the support structure.

21. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 20, wherein the tilting frame further includes at least one releasable clamp which is configured to engage the cradle when the container is being tilted by the tilting frame.

22. The combination as claimed in claim 21 , further including a sensor which in use prevents extension of the hydraulic cylinders to tilt the container unless said at least one releasable clamp is engaged with the cradle.

23. The combination as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 22, wherein the tilting frame is configured to be mounted on the tines of a forklift.

24. A tilting frame for tilting a container, said frame including a pair of spaced arms configured to engage the container at or adjacent the upper rear edge of the container, such that a pivoting movement of said arms pivots the container, and a support structure for said arms.

25. The frame as claimed in claim 24, wherein each arm of the tilting frame is pivoted to the support structure at one end and the other end is formed with engagement means for engaging the container.

26. The frame as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein a hydraulic cylinder is connected between each arm of the tilting train and support structure of the tilting frame, such that extension or contraction of the hydraulic cylinder pivot the corresponding arm relative to the support structure.

27. The frame as claimed in any one of claims 24 - 26, wherein the tilting frame is configured to be mounted on the tines of a forklift.