WO2008124946A1

WO2008124946A1 - Mobile picking system

Info

Publication number: WO2008124946A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000715
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alain Brasseur; Lôvive LAVERDURE
Original assignee: 6358357 Canada Inc.
Priority date: 2007-04-16
Filing date: 2008-04-16
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Also published as: CA2687353A1

Abstract

A mobile picking system (1 ) operable between a transportation mode for selectively transporting the mobile picking system (1) to a given work site, and a stationary working mode for picking and sorting, at said work site, different types of materials from recovered bulk material. The mobile picking system (1 ) includes a mobile elongated support frame (3), a main conveyor (19) extending within the elongated support frame (3) from one end to another end for conveying recovered bulk material therealong, and at least one picking station (21) operatively connected to a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) and provided adjacent to the main conveyor (19). Each picking station (21 ) includes at least one platform (23) for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking at least one type of material from recovered bulk material passing on the main conveyor (19), and at least one chute (25) adjacent to said at least one platform (23) for inserting therein a given type of material having been picked and associated with said chute (25), each picking station (21) being operable between a retracted configuration where each platform (23) and corresponding chute (25) are folded against a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) for reducing an effective width of the elongated mobile support frame (3) within a predetermined range (27), and an operating configuration where each platform (23) and corresponding chute (25) are drawn out of the side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3), beyond the predetermined range (27), for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking and sorting different types of materials from recovered bulk material passing along the main conveyor (19) when the mobile picking system (1) is operated in the stationary working mode.

Description

MOBILE PICKING SYSTEM

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a mobile picking system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile picking system operable between a transportation mode for selectively transporting the mobile picking system to a given work site, and a stationary working mode for picking and sorting, at said work site, different types of materials from recovered bulk material. The present invention also relates to a kit with components for assembling the mobile picking system. The present application claims the priority of US provisional patent application No. 60/907,737 filed on April 16^th, 2006, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the invention:

Mobile picking systems for picking and sorting different types of materials from recovered bulk material are known in the art. These are often used for recovering materials from construction waste, demolition debris and/or the like.

For example, US patent No. 6,382,425 B1 granted to BRICKNER et al. relates to such a mobile system where the system includes a mobile wheeled chassis that has at least one picking station. A grapple is mounted on the wheeled chassis for selectively retrieving waste or debris from a jobsite. A screen is disposed on the wheeled chassis and is configured to receive the waste or debris from the grapple. The screen sorts the waste or debris into fines and oversized material. A conveyor transports the oversized material adjacent to at least one picking station to allow selected materials to be removed for further processing.

Also known in the art is the need for recycling. Indeed, in February 1988, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created a Municipal Solid Waste Task Force to fashion a strategy for improving the nation's management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). One of the task force's objectives was to increase the use of source reduction and recycling programs to reduce landfilling of solid waste. In a February 1989 report, the EPA outlined the framework necessary to achieve the task force's goal of managing 25% of our nation's MSW through source reduction and recycling and, ultimately, through an integrated solid waste management system. In the early 1990's, many state legislatures set 1995 as their benchmark year for meeting these recycling and waste management goals. However, as of 1994, only 23 of the 50 states were including Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris and waste in their recycling rates.

As of 1998, several states have amended their regulations to include both MSW and C&D debris in their new planning guidelines and waste disposal facility reporting. Many states have now incorporated C&D quantities and their associated recovery and recycling into their formal statewide planning reports. In June 1998, the EPA published a long overdue report titled "Characterization of Building- Related Construction and Demolition Debris in the Unites States". The purpose of this report was to characterize the quantity and the composition of building-related C&D debris and to summarize the waste management practices for this type of waste. The authors of this report estimate that in 1996, approximately 136 million tons of building-related C&D debris were generated in the United States. Of this amount, 70-80 percent of the C&D debris was disposed in landfills and only 20-30 percent of the debris was recovered for recycling.

It is well known in the recycling industry that the recovered materials markets are the key to the economic survival of recycling programs. If the recovered materials are dirty or contain contaminants and do not meet certain minimum quality standards, the buyers of the materials will lower the prices paid and/or terminate the purchase agreements altogether. To perpetuate the recovered materials markets, then, it is necessary to generate clean, high-quality recovered materials. The current trend in solid waste recovery systems is to incorporate a combination of mechanical devices and manual labor to obtain the clean, high quality material. This approach provides the necessary high-grading ("product quality improvement") of the mixed waste materials and allows the materials to be sorted into discreet classifications of constituents.

In the systems that combine mechanical devices with manual labor, the mechanical devices are utilized to create a stream of waste for economy-of-size processing. The manual labor is used for discreet identification and removal of marketable materials from the mixed waste stream. In typical operation, the waste stream is conveyed on a conveyor belt while the manual labor analyzes the material in the waste stream and identifies and removes selected items for further processing, such as recycling or reuse.

Also known in the art is the demand for small systems. Indeed, within the United States waste industry, the processing and recovery of C&D waste materials has tended to be a stepchild to the interests of MSW materials. Many new faces in the industry of recovery have neither the means nor the needs to operate the larger facilities. The smaller users may only need a picking station to sort the 50 tons of waste an hour their few demolition sites create. These small sites create a demand for small systems, such as a portable station, which can be installed as a permanent station.

Also known in the art is the need for movable systems. Indeed, several devices currently are being marketed for the processing of C&D waste and debris. "Mobile" units are preferable to "stationary" units due to certain permitting/licensing, marketing, and tax benefits that exist for mobile systems. Disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquake can also create short life sites. It then becomes economically preferable to move the sorting system on site as a lot of the materials can be reused for reconstruction, as an example, bricks and crushed concrete can be used as filling.

Also known in the art is the need for mobile picking systems with throughput capabilities approaching or similar to those of stationary picking systems, while being configured to be easily transported from one work site to another, and being further configured so as to comply with dimension restrictions imposed by road regulations.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved system, which by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome some of the above-discussed prior art problems, and/or at the very least would be able to address some of the above-discussed concerns.

Summary of the invention:

The object of the present invention is to provide a mobile picking system which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above- mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related systems and/or methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a mobile picking system such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

More particularly, and according to the present invention, there is provided a mobile picking system operable between a transportation mode for selectively transporting the mobile picking system to a given work site, and a stationary working mode for picking and sorting, at said work site, different types of materials from recovered bulk material, the mobile picking system comprising: a mobile elongated support frame having front and rear ends, top and bottom sections, and first and second side sections, the elongated support frame extending substantially along a longitudinal axis; a main conveyor extending within the elongated support frame from one end to another end for conveying recovered bulk material therealong; and at least one picking station operatively connected to a side section of the elongated support frame and provided adjacent to the main conveyor, each picking station comprising at least one platform for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking at least one type of material from recovered bulk material passing on the main conveyor, and at least one chute adjacent to said at least one platform for inserting therein a given type of material having been picked and associated with said chute, each picking station being operable between a retracted configuration where each platform and corresponding chute are folded against a side section of the elongated support frame for reducing an effective width of the elongated mobile support frame within a predetermined range, and an operating configuration where each platform and corresponding chute are drawn out of the side section of the elongated support frame, beyond the predetermined range, for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking and sorting different types of materials from recovered bulk material passing along the main conveyor when the mobile picking system is operated in the stationary working mode.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for installing and/or operating the above-mentioned mobile picking system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit for assembling the above-mentioned mobile picking system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for assembling components of the above-mentioned kit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided material having been processed with the above-mentioned mobile picking system.

The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings:

Figures 1 to 18 are different views of various components of the mobile picking system according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

In the context of the present description, the expression "system" or "station" includes all types of devices for picking, recovering, sorting and/or processing useful material from bulk recovered material, such as that of construction waste, demolition debris and/or the like, for example. Although the present invention was primarily designed for construction and demolition C&D applications, it may be used with other kinds of applications, such as agricultural applications for example, or with any other items requiring picking, recovering, sorting and/or processing, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expressions "construction", "demolition", "debris", "waste", etc. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of applications or items with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.

Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "system", "station", "device", "trailer", "unit", "chute" and "assembly", "laborers" and "workers", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "waste" and "debris" for example, as well as "bulk", "aggregate" and "recycled", as apparent to a person skilled in the art. In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components, and although the preferred embodiment of the mobile picking system 1 and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the mobile picking system 1 according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Broadly described, the mobile picking system 1 according to the present invention, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, is a mobile picking system 1 operable between a transportation mode for selectively transporting the mobile picking system 1 to a given work site, and a stationary working mode for picking and sorting, at said work site, different types of materials from recovered bulk material. As better shown in Figures 1-2, 7-10 and 12-15, the mobile picking system 1 comprises a mobile elongated support frame 3 having front and rear ends 5,7, top and bottom sections 9,11 , and first and second side sections 13,15, the elongated support frame 3 extending substantially along a longitudinal axis 17. The mobile picking system 1 also comprises a main conveyor 19 extending within the elongated support frame 3 from one end to another end for conveying recovered bulk material therealong. The mobile picking system 1 also comprises at least one picking station 21 operatively connected to a side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3 and provided adjacent to the main conveyor 19. Each picking station 21 comprises at least one platform 23 for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking at least one type of material from recovered bulk material passing on the main conveyor 19, and at least one chute 25 adjacent to said at least one platform 23 for inserting therein a given type of material having been picked and associated with said chute 25, each picking station 21 being operable between a retracted configuration where each platform 23 and corresponding chute 25 are folded against a side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3 for reducing an effective width of the elongated mobile support frame 3 within a predetermined range 27 (see Figures 2 and 9, for example), and an operating configuration where each platform 23 and corresponding chute 25 are drawn out of the side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3, beyond the predetermined range 27, for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking and sorting different types of materials from recovered bulk material passing along the main conveyor 19, namely when the mobile picking system 1 is operated in the stationary working mode (see Figures 8, 10, 12 and 13, for example).

As better shown in Figure 8, the elongated support frame 3 of the mobile picking system 1 may comprise at least one outrigger 29 for adjustably raising the elongated support frame 3 and corresponding bottom section 11 thereof above at least one container 31 to be placed under a corresponding chute 25 of the mobile picking system 1 when operated during the stationary working mode.

As better shown in Figures 14-18, each outrigger 29 may comprise an arm 33 operatively connected to the elongated support frame 3 and a leg 35 for adjustably raising the elongated support frame 3 and corresponding bottom section 11 thereof above said at least one container 31 to be placed under a corresponding chute 25 of the mobile picking system 1 when operated during the stationary working mode. As better shown in Figures 14 and 15, each outrigger 29 may be operable between a retracted configuration where the arm 33 and the leg

35 of the outrigger 29 are folded against a side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3 within the predetermined range 27 (see Figure 14), and an operating configuration where the arm 33 and the leg 35 of the outrigger 29 are drawn away from the side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3, beyond the predetermined range 27 (see Figure 15).

As better shown in Figures 16-18, the leg 35 of each outrigger 29 comprises at least one telescopic component 37 being adjustably extendable with respect to a base component 39.

As better shown in Figures 17 and 18, the at least one telescopic component 37 is adjustably extendable with respect to the base component 39 by means of an actuator 41 , and the actuator 41 is preferably lodged inside the leg 35 of the outrigger 29 and comprises first and second extremities 43,45 cooperating with the telescopic and base components 37,39 respectively.

As better shown in Figure 16, each outrigger 29 may be provided with a lock 47 for locking said at least one telescopic component 37 with respect to the base component 39 after having been adjusted.

As better shown in Figures 1 , 5-8 and 12-13, the mobile picking system 1 comprises a wheeled chassis 49 positioned adjacent to the rear end 7 of the elongated support frame 3 and operable between a traveling configuration where the wheeled chassis 49 rests against the bottom portion 11 of the elongated support frame 3 for rotatably supporting a rear portion of the mobile picking system

1 during a transportation mode (see Figure 1 , for example), and an operating configuration where the wheeled chassis 49 is drawn away from said bottom portion 11 of the elongated support frame 3 for providing additional space 51 under said bottom section 11 for receiving under said additional space 51 at least one other container 31 to be placed under another corresponding chute 25 of the mobile picking system 1 when operated during the stationary working mode (see Figure 7, for example).

As better shown in Figure 11 , the mobile picking system 1 may comprise a securing system 53 for securing the wheeled chassis 49 against the bottom portion 11 of the elongated support frame 3 when the wheeled chassis 49 is operated in the traveling configuration.

The wheeled chassis 49 may be configured to be selectively detachable from the elongated support frame 3, for example, when the wheeled chassis 49 is operated in the operating configuration.

As better shown in Figures 11 and 12, the wheeled chassis 49 may comprise a tandem wheel assembly, and may be provided with a suspension system 57 for providing suspension to the mobile picking system 1 when operated in the transportation mode.

As can be easily understood when referring to Figures 9 and 10, as well as Figures 12 and 13, each chute 25 is collapsible against a side section 13,15 of the mobile picking system 1.

Preferably, each chute 25 comprises first and second side panels 25a,25b operatively connected to a side component 59 of the mobile picking system 1 , and a transversal front panel 25c operatively connected to said first and second side panels 25a, 25b, each chute 25 being operable between a retracted configuration where the panels 25a, 25b, 25c are collapsed onto the side component 59 of the mobile picking system 1 (see Figures 2 and 9, for example), and an operating configuration where the panels 25a, 25b, 25c are drawn away from the side component 59 of the mobile picking system 1 to form a substantially rectangular chute 25 along with said side component 59 of the mobile picking system 1 (see Figures 10, 12, 13 and 15, for example).

As better shown in Figure 14, each picking station 21 comprises a bottom floor panel 25d operatively connected to a corresponding platform 23, between the first and second side panels 25a, 25b of a given chute 25, each bottom floor panel

25d being operable between a covering configuration where the bottom floor panel

25d covers a through-hole 61 of said corresponding platform 23, and an open configuration where the bottom floor panel 25d is drawn away from said corresponding platform 23 to expose said through-hole 61 so that a given type of material inserted into said given chute 25 can go through the through-hole 61 and into a corresponding container 31 placed under said through-hole 61 of the given chute 25 (see Figures 12, 13 and 15, for example).

As better shown in Figures 12 and 13, the bottom floor panel 25d is further configured to be removably connectable to the transversal front panel 25c of the given chute 25 when operated in the open configuration so as to provide said given chute 25 with a complementary front panel 25d.

As better shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13, the elongated support frame 3 comprises at least one roof panel 63 operable between a retracted configuration where each roof panel 63 is folded against a side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3 within the predetermined range 27, and an operating configuration where each roof panel 63 is drawn away from the side section 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3 and extends above the at least one picking station 21 so as to provide cover to a worker located on said at least one picking station 21.

As better shown in Figures 1-7, the mobile picking system 1 comprises a complementary conveyor 65 operatively connectable to the elongated support frame 3, and positionable with respect to said elongated support frame 3 for feeding recovered bulk material to be picked and sorted by the mobile picking system 1 into the main conveyor 19 of the elongated support frame 3. The complementary conveyor 65 may be fed by a suitable feeding device, such as a screener, a loader, etc.

The complementary conveyor 65 is foldable against the elongated support frame 3 along the longitudinal axis 17 thereof, and comprises a main section 65a and a transition section 65b, such that when the mobile picking system 1 is operated in the transportation mode, the transition section 65b is foldable against the rear end 7 of the elongated support frame 3 and the main section 65a is foldable against the top section 9 of the elongated support frame 3, as better shown in Figure 1 , for example.

As better shown in Figures 5-7, the main section 65a of the complementary conveyor 65 is rotatable with respect to the transition section 65b of the complementary conveyor 65, and the transition section 65b of the complementary conveyor 65 is rotatable with respect to the main conveyor 19.

As can be easily understood when referring to Figure 1 , the elongated support frame 3 comprises a coupling device 69 for removably coupling the mobile picking system 1 to a corresponding hauling system 67.

As better shown in Figures 8-10 and 12-13, each picking station 21 is provided with a side railing 71 projecting from a corresponding platform 23 of the picking station 21.

As better shown in Figures 2, 9 and 10, each side railing 71 and corresponding platform 23 form a substantially L-shaped configuration, so that each side railing 71 is nested within the elongated support frame 3, above the main conveyor 19, when the picking station 21 associated to said corresponding platform 23 is operated into a retracted configuration against the side section 13,15 of the mobile picking system 1.

As better shown in these same figures, the platform 23a of a first picking station 21a operatively connected to the first side section 13 of the elongated support frame 3 is of a different length than the platform 23b of an opposing second picking station 21b operatively connected to the second side section 15 of the elongated support frame 3 so that corresponding side railings 71 a, 71b of the first and second picking stations 21a,21b respectively overlap one another above the main conveyor 19 when said first and second picking stations 21a,21 b are operated into a retracted configuration against their respective side sections 13,15 of the mobile picking system 1.

As better shown in Figures 8, 10 and 12-15, the mobile picking system 1 may comprise picking stations 21 operatively connected on both the first and second side sections 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3, and wherein picking stations 21 are thus provided on both sides of the main conveyor 19.

The mobile picking system 1 may also comprise roof panels 63 operatively connected on both the first and second side sections 13,15 of the elongated support frame 3, and so that roof panels 63 be thus provided on both sides of the main conveyor 19.

Preferably also, the mobile picking system 1 comprises outriggers 29 provided along the elongated support frame 3 on both sides thereof.

As better shown in Figures 1-10, some components of the mobile picking system 1 are hingedly connected with respect to other components of the mobile picking system 1 , and some of these components are movable with respect to said other components by means of at least one actuator 73.

As previously explained, the mobile picking system 1 according to the present invention is a mobile picking system 1 for recovering materials from recovered bulk material, such as that of construction waste or demolition debris, for example. The system 1 is mobile but can be installed as a permanent structure if the wheels are taken off and the system 1 is placed on a solid structure, such as concrete foundations, for example. The system 1 preferably includes a mobile elongated support frame 3 that has at least one picking station 21. Outriggers 29 are mounted to the support frame 3 to allow the support frame 3 to raise itself above at least one container 31 to be placed under the picking station 21 (and corresponding chute 25 and through-hole 61) to receive the selected material. As also explained, the trailer's axles can be swiveled into an operating configuration so it does not obstruct the fall of the selected materials into the parked container.

As aforementioned, the mobile wheeled chassis 49 can be taken off in the case where the system 1 is to be mounted on permanent foundations. The system 1 preferably includes a lifting device to raise the station above the containers placed to receive the selected materials.

A main conveyor 19 is provided for transporting the material to at least one picking station 21 to allow selected materials to be removed for further processing.

The present invention is also directed to a method of recovering materials from recovered bulk material. The material is conveyed to at least one picking station 21 and selected recoverable materials are removed from the material for further processing.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of preassembling a permanent system. In the case where the wheels are taken off and the system 1 is installed on permanent or semi-permanent foundations, the main advantage is the cut of installation time and expenses.

As aforementioned, the present invention provides for a mobile picking system 1 for sorting or recovering material from recoved bulk material. The system 1 includes a mobile wheeled chassis 49. Preferably, the wheeled chassis 49 is configured to be easily connected to a truck or other vehicle capable of transporting the recovery system to a jobsite. As used herein, the term "jobsite" includes any location, such as, for example, construction sites or demolition locations, where construction waste or demolition debris is generated. The jobsite may also be a location that is separate from the actual construction or demolition site, for example, a site where the construction waste and demolition debris can be transported for processing and recovery of materials for recycling.

The mobile picking system 1 preferably includes a mobile elongated support frame 3. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated support frame 3 is configured in the form of a trailer capable of being towed by a tractor or truck, or other suitable hauling system. A lifting device, such as outriggers 29 for example, is preferably provided on the support frame 3. Alternatively, the system 1 could be transported in a number of other ways such as automobile road, railroad, etc. For example, elongated support frame 3 could be part of a railroad car or part of a truck rather than merely being a trailer pulled by a truck.

The outriggers 29 are preferably moveable between a transport position and an operational position, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. In the transport position, the outriggers 29 are retracted from the ground. The outriggers 29 are also retracted as close as possible to the center of the trailer so the system's width does not require a special transport permit (preferably, total width is generally less than 102 inches). In the operational position, the outriggers 29 extend to allow the at least one platform to be placed in operational position, as better shown in Figure 8. Preferably, the outriggers 29 are adjustable and may be locked in different positions to account for varying terrain at a jobsite, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art

The roofing is retractable into a transport position and extendable into an operational position, as better shown in Figures 2 and 8.

A hydraulic power supply is preferably provided on the elongated support frame 3 to provide power for the outriggers and the remaining of the hydraulic cylinders. An electric power generator may be provided to power the pulley motor, hydraulic power unit and lightning. However, the mobile picking system 1 may be connected to an auxiliary power supply, such as a power source provided at the jobsite.

Controls for the hydraulic system are preferably disposed on a separate remote control. However, they could be mounted anywhere on the trailer if anyone would prefer it this way. Controls allow the operator to put the machine into its transport position or operation position, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Controls for the electric system (conveyors, etc.) are preferably disposed on the platform for safety reasons, but can be located at multiples areas.

Preferably also, emergency stops and pull cords, ladders and security railings are disposed on the mobile picking system 1 as required by OSHA.

Alternatively, at least one container 31 can be placed under the at least one chute 25 to receive the selected materials.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile picking system 1 includes at least one conveyor to transport the material to at least one picking station. Preferably, the main conveyor 19 (and corresponding complementary conveyor 65) is a belt conveyor, although the present invention contemplates the use of alternative conveyors. The picking station 21 is preferably configured to allow a laborer to select certain recoverable materials from the main conveyor 19.

Conveyors include a belt that moves lengthwise along elongated support frame 3. The main conveyor belt transports the material along elongated support frame 3. Preferably, the main conveyor belt is powered by a power source originating from the mobile picking system 1 , although a separate source of power may also be used.

Referring to Figures 8, 10 and 12-13, platforms are preferably positioned on both sides of the main conveyor. Each platform 23 defines a series of picking stations 21 with at least one corresponding chute 25. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, each platform 23 defines six picking stations 21 , although other numbers of picking stations 21 may be provided. Each picking station 21 is preferably configured to accommodate at least one worker assigned to remove selected material from the main conveyor 19. Preferably, a series of chutes 25 are positioned next to each picking station 21. As recoverable material passes by each picking station 21 , the worker at the station examines the passing material and retrieves any valuable material. Each worker may be responsible for removing a certain type of material and placing that material into a designated chute 25 or receptacle. In this manner, the recoverable material can be separated into distinct classifications for recovery and recycling purposes, and/or further processing.

The speed at which the main conveyor 19 runs is generally governed by the picking rate of the workers and is dependent upon rate at which the waste and debris is loaded onto the conveyor and the type of material being loaded. Preferably, the conveyor speed is adjustable.

The platforms 23 are preferably connected to the conveyor or support frame by a system of hinge and slider. In transport position, the platforms 23 are on their side on top or the side of the main conveyor 19. To get ready for operation, the platforms 23 have to be slid out and tilted down to come to a final horizontal position on the side of the conveyor, as shown in Figures 8 and 10.

Preferably, side railings 71 surround substantially the entire outer perimeter of each platform 23 to prevent a worker from accidentally falling from platforms 23. Openings are provided in the railings to allow workers access to the at least one platform 23. In addition, one or more ladders may be provided to allow easier access to the platforms 23.

As illustrated in Figures 1-7, one end of conveyor preferably includes two hinges. Hinges defines a moveable end of the conveyor that may be pivoted into a transport position. Thus, when conveyor is not operating, moveable end of conveyor may be pivoted into a transport position, where moveable end is positioned over roof of the system. Preferably, a conveyor support is provided, such that the hinged end rests on the structure rather than on the hydraulic cylinders. By including the hinged end of the conveyor, the total operational length of the conveyor may be extended without increasing the size of the support frame. This will facilitate the charging of material onto the said conveyor.

The preferred operation of the aforementioned device will now be described. The material recovery process begins with the transport of a mobile picking system 1 to a jobsite. It should be noted that the system 1 does not need to be physically located at the worksite, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. The picking system 1 may be positioned at a jobsite that is centrally located with respect to one or more construction or demolition locations and is serviced by trucks that transport waste or debris to the recovery system. In this manner, a single sorting system 1 may be used to service multiple construction and/or demolition sites, as well as multiple haulers that may service the sites.

Upon arrival at the jobsite, picking system 1 is preferably converted from the transport configuration to the operational configuration in the following manner: a) the outriggers 29 are pushed out to the correct distance from the conveyor 19; b) the platforms 23 can be slid out and tilted down; c) the support frame 3 is be lifted to a height allowing at least one container to be placed under the at least one chute 25; d) the outriggers 29 are locked in raised position; e) the hinged conveyor 65 is put into its operational position; f) the hinged buggy (i.e. wheeled chassis 49) is swiveled out or removed completely so it does not obstruct the fall of the materials into the first rear end container; g) the at least one ladders are installed so laborers can climb up to their work stations; and h) operation can begin.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the order of these steps can vary without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Material is preferably deposited on the belt conveyor by either another conveyor or a separate piece of machinery like a front end loader or an excavator equipped with a grapple.

Preferably also, the material is transferred horizontally where workers positioned at picking stations 21 hand pick, or sort through, the material to manually remove any materials that may be valuable to the operation for reuse, recovery or recycling. The speed of the conveyors 19,65 may be adjusted to meet the needs of the workers, depending on the amount of material entering the conveyors and the types of materials that are being recovered.

As the workers select materials from the waste stream for further processing, those materials are dropped down chutes 25 along the side of the sorting conveyor. The materials sent down these chutes 25 end up into the at least one container 31 placed under the picking stations 21. There is preferably more than one container 31 in order to be able to put only one type of material into each container 31 , hence sorting the material. Additionally, if certain materials are too large for the chute 25, or appear too infrequently to justify using one of the system's chutes 25, workers may place these materials on the floor and get help to later put the large piece into the right container, or some other disposal area. Alternatively, these large or rare materials may be piled on the ground next to the recovery system.

Non-selected materials, that are not removed from the conveyor 19, preferably continue along the conveyor 19 and are ultimately dropped onto the ground or into a container or trailer after they pass over the head pulley on conveyor 19.

After all construction waste and demolition debris has been processed, the recovery system 1 is converted back to the transport configuration. Transformation into transport position is preferably reverse of transformation into operational position. The sorting system 1 may then be transported to another location to process additional construction waste and demolition debris.

The mobile picking system 1 and corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (stainless steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, polymeric materials, and/or the like, so as to ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for which the mobile picking system 1 is intended and the different parameters in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The present invention is a more compact, easier to use, easier to maintain, and more cost effective system than those available in the prior art, and provides several advantages, as briefly discussed hereinabove.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mobile picking system (1) operable between a transportation mode for selectively transporting the mobile picking system (1) to a given work site, and a stationary working mode for picking and sorting, at said work site, different types of materials from recovered bulk material, the mobile picking system (1) comprising: a mobile elongated support frame (3) having front and rear ends (5,7), top and bottom sections (9,11), and first and second side sections (13,15), the elongated support frame (3) extending substantially along a longitudinal axis (17); a main conveyor (19) extending within the elongated support frame (3) from one end to another end for conveying recovered bulk material therealong; and at least one picking station (21) operatively connected to a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) and provided adjacent to the main conveyor (19), each picking station (21) comprising at least one platform (23) for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking at least one type of material from recovered bulk material passing on the main conveyor (19), and at least one chute (25) adjacent to said at least one platform (23) for inserting therein a given type of material having been picked and associated with said chute (25), each picking station (21) being operable between a retracted configuration where each platform (23) and corresponding chute (25) are folded against a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) for reducing an effective width of the elongated mobile support frame (3) within a predetermined range (27), and an operating configuration where each platform (23) and corresponding chute (25) are drawn out of the side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3), beyond the predetermined range (27), for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking and sorting different types of materials from recovered bulk material passing along the main conveyor (19) when the mobile picking system (1) is operated in the stationary working mode.

2. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated support frame (3) of the mobile picking system (1) comprises at least one outrigger (29) for adjustably raising the elongated support frame (3) and corresponding bottom section (11) thereof above at least one container (31) to be placed under a corresponding chute (25) of the mobile picking system (1) when operated during the stationary working mode.

3. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 2, wherein each outrigger (29) comprises an arm (33) operatively connected to the elongated support frame (3) and a leg (35) for adjustably raising the elongated support frame (3) and corresponding bottom section (11) thereof above said at least one container (31) to be placed under a corresponding chute (25) of the mobile picking system (1) when operated during the stationary working mode, each outrigger (29) being operable between a retracted configuration where the arm (33) and the leg (35) of the outrigger (29) are folded against a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) within the predetermined range (27), and an operating configuration where the arm (33) and the leg (35) of the outrigger (29) are drawn away from the side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3), beyond the predetermined range (27).

4. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the leg (35) of each outrigger (29) comprises at least one telescopic component (37) being adjustably extendable with respect to a base component (39).

5. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one telescopic component (37) is adjustably extendable with respect to the base component (39) by means of an actuator (41).

6. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (41) is lodged inside the leg (35) of the outrigger (29) and comprises first and second extremities (43,45) cooperating with the telescopic and base components (37,39) respectively.

7. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein each outrigger (29) is provided with a lock (47) for locking said at least one telescopic component (37) with respect to the base component (39) after having been adjusted.

8. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mobile picking system (1) comprises a wheeled chassis (49) positioned adjacent to the rear end (7) of the elongated support frame (3) and operable between a traveling configuration where the wheeled chassis (49) rests against the bottom portion (11) of the elongated support frame (3) for rotatably supporting a rear portion of the mobile picking system (1) during a transportation mode, and an operating configuration where the wheeled chassis (49) is drawn away from said bottom portion (11) of the elongated support frame (3) for providing additional space (51) under said bottom section (11) for receiving under said additional space (51) at least one other container (31) to be placed under another corresponding chute (25) of the mobile picking system (1) when operated during the stationary working mode.

9. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the mobile picking system (1) comprises a securing system (53) for securing the wheeled chassis (49) against the bottom portion (11) of the elongated support frame (3) when the wheeled chassis (49) is operated in the traveling configuration.

10. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the wheeled chassis (49) is selectively detachable from the elongated support frame (3).

11. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the wheeled chassis (49) comprises a tandem wheel assembly (55).

12. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 8-11 , wherein the wheeled chassis (49) comprises a suspension system (57) for providing suspension to the mobile picking system (1) when operated in the transportation mode.

13. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein each chute (25) is collapsible against a side section (13,15) of the mobile picking system (1).

14. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein each chute (25) comprises first and second side panels (25a, 25b) operatively connected to a side component (59) of the mobile picking system (1), and a transversal front panel (25c) operatively connected to said first and second side panels (25a, 25b), each chute (25) being operable between a retracted configuration where the panels (25a, 25b, 25c) are collapsed onto the side component (59) of the mobile picking system (1), and an operating configuration where the panels (25a,25b,25c) are drawn away from the side component (59) of the mobile picking system (1) to form a substantially rectangular chute (25) along with said side component (59) of the mobile picking system (1).

15. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 14, wherein each picking station (21) comprises a bottom floor panel (25d) operatively connected to a corresponding platform (23), between the first and second side panels (25a, 25b) of a given chute (25), each bottom floor panel (25d) being operable between a covering configuration where the bottom floor panel (25d) covers a through-hole (61) of said corresponding platform (23), and an open configuration where the bottom floor panel (25d) is drawn away from said corresponding platform (23) to expose said through-hole (61) so that a given type of material inserted into said given chute (25) can go through the through-hole (61) and into a corresponding container (31) placed under said through-hole (61) of the given chute (25).

16. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 15, wherein the bottom floor panel (25d) is further configured to be removably connectable to the transversal front panel (25c) of the given chute (25) when operated in the open configuration so as to provide said given chute (25) with a complementary front panel (25d).

17. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the elongated support frame (3) comprises at least one roof panel (63) operable between a retracted configuration where each roof panel (63) is folded against a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) within the predetermined range (27), and an operating configuration where each roof panel (63) is drawn away from the side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) and extends above the at least one picking station (21) so as to provide cover to a worker located on said at least one picking station (21).

18. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the mobile picking system (1) comprises a complementary conveyor (65) operatively connectable to the elongated support frame (3), and positionable with respect to said elongated support frame (3) for feeding recovered bulk material to be picked and sorted by the mobile picking system (1) into the main conveyor (19) of the elongated support frame (3).

19. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 18, wherein the complementary conveyor (65) is foldable against the elongated support frame (3) along the longitudinal axis (17) thereof.

20. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the complementary conveyor (65) comprises a main section (65a) and a transition section (65b), such that when the mobile picking system (1) is operated in the transportation mode, the transition section (65b) is foldable against the rear end (7) of the elongated support frame (3) and the main section (65a) is foldable against the top section (9) of the elongated support frame (3).

21. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 20, wherein the main section (65a) of the complementary conveyor (65) is rotatable with respect to the transition section (65b) of said complementary conveyor (65), and wherein said transition section (65b) of the complementary conveyor (65) is rotatable with respect to the main conveyor (19).

22. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-21 , wherein the elongated support frame (3) comprises a coupling device (69) for removably coupling the mobile picking system (1) to a corresponding hauling system (67).

23. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein the each picking station (21) is provided with a side railing (71) projecting from a corresponding platform (23) of the picking station (21).

24. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 23, wherein each side railing (71) and corresponding platform (23) form a substantially L-shaped configuration, so that each side railing (71) is nested within the elongated support frame (3), above the main conveyor (19), when the picking station (21) associated to said corresponding platform (23) is operated into a retracted configuration against the side section (13,15) of the mobile picking system (1).

25. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the platform (23a) of a first picking station (21a) operatively connected to the first side section (13) of the elongated support frame (3) is of a different length than the platform (23b) of an opposing second picking station (21b) operatively connected to the second side section (15) of the elongated support frame (3) so that corresponding side railings (71 a, 71 b) of the first and second picking stations (21 a, 21 b) respectively overlap one another above the main conveyor (19) when said first and second picking stations (21 a, 21b) are operated into a retracted configuration against their respective side sections (13,15) of the mobile picking system (1).

26. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein the mobile picking system (1) comprises picking stations (21) operatively connected on both the first and second side sections (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3), and wherein picking stations (21) are thus provided on both sides of the main conveyor (19).

27. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-26, wherein the mobile picking system (1) comprises roof panels (63) operatively connected on both the first and second side sections (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3), and wherein roof panels (63) are thus provided on both sides of the main conveyor (19).

28. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-27, wherein the mobile picking system (1) comprises outriggers (29) provided along the elongated support frame (3) on both sides thereof.

29. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-28, wherein some components of the mobile picking system (1) are hingedly connected with respect to other components of the mobile picking system (1).

30. A mobile picking system (1) according to claim 29, wherein said some components are movable with respect to said other components by means of at least one actuator (73).

31. A mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-30, wherein the predetermined range (27) is no longer than 102 inches wide.

32. A kit for assembling a mobile picking system (1) according to any one of claims 1-31 , wherein the kit comprises: a mobile elongated support frame (3) having front and rear ends (5,7), top and bottom sections (9,11), and first and second side sections (13,15), the elongated support frame (3) extending substantially along a longitudinal axis (17); a main conveyor (19) extendable within the elongated support frame (3) from one end to another end for conveying recovered bulk material therealong; and at least one picking station (21) operatively connectable to a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) and provided adjacent to the main conveyor (19), each picking station (21) comprising at least one platform (23) for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking at least one type of material from recovered bulk material passing on the main conveyor (19), and at least one chute (25) adjacent to said at least one platform (23) for inserting therein a given type of material having been picked and associated with said chute (25), each picking station (21) being operable between a retracted configuration where each platform (23) and corresponding chute (25) are folded against a side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3) for reducing an effective width of the elongated mobile support frame (3) within a predetermined range (27), and an operating configuration where each platform (23) and corresponding chute (25) are drawn out of the side section (13,15) of the elongated support frame (3), beyond the predetermined range (27), for receiving at least one worker thereon for picking and sorting different types of materials from recovered bulk material passing along the main conveyor (19) when the mobile picking system (1) is operated in the stationary working mode.