GB2371037A

GB2371037A - A container lifting and emptying apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2371037A
Application number: GB0128086A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter George Innes
Original assignee: SAFELIFT OFFSHORE Ltd
Current assignee: SAFELIFT OFFSHORE Ltd
Priority date: 2000-11-25
Filing date: 2001-11-23
Publication date: 2002-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-23
Also published as: GB2371037B; GB0128086D0; GB0028776D0

Abstract

Apparatus for lifting and emptying containers, such as waste bins, is provided. The apparatus comprises a primary frame 12 with means (38, figure 3) for engaging a lifting device such as a crane, a secondary frame 14 connected by means of a pivot 16 to the primary frame with means 26 to engage a container and attachment means (20, figure 1), which may be handle operated, to retain it adjacently to the primary frame. The pivot also forms the axle for a pair of ground engaging wheels 18, and a castor wheel 28 is provided above and behind the main wheels so that the apparatus may be moved in a tilted position. The container is restrained by a secondary strap 54 whilst in the air, and it is emptied by operating handles 21, 22 which free the secondary frame.

Description

CONTAINER LIFTING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in lifting and emptying containers and in particular but not exclusively for lifting containers such as waste bins and emptying the containers into waste'skips and the like.

An increasingly popular form of waste bin is the so

called'wheelie bin' ; that is, a relatively large cuboidal container with a pair of wheels on a lower edge thereof. These wheels allow the bin to be tilted and easily transported from place to place, even while containing a quantity of refuse. Such'wheelie bins'are also typically provided with a hinged upper lid, so allowing waste to be deposited therein relatively simply. For these reasons of ease of use, such bins are widely used by industrial and commercial concerns, including offshore situations, such as oil platforms and the like, where ease of transport and access may be paramount.

However, such bins must be emptied at regular intervals. Due to the relatively large quantity of refuse such bins may contain, this generally requires some form of mechanical assistance. With land-based bins, such as those used in domestic situations, pneumatic or hydraulic lifts may be attached to refuse collection trucks, which lift and invert the bin to empty the contents into the truck for collection and disposal. Offshore, such a solution is not practicable, and bins are typically emptied into stationary

skips, which may then be returned to shore at regular intervals for emptying and recycling of waste. Although stationary hydraulic lifting mechanisms are known, they have not found widespread acceptance. A typical solution is therefore to secure the bin with a net or ropes, lift the bin by means of a crane, and lower the bin into the skip. An operative must then climb into the skip to manoeuvre and invert the bin manually in order to empty the refuse from the bin into the skip. This is obviously a difficult and unpopular task. Furthermore, in certain jurisdictions health and safety regulations specify that nets of particular properties must be used while ropes should not be used at all, as the bins are generally not intended for lifting with ropes.

Several devices are known for lifting other types of container, in particular storage drums and the like; however, such devices are not suitable for lifting of refuse containers.

UK Patent 1, 271, 605 (Lafarge) describes a device for inverting drums of particulate materials. The device comprises two relatively pivoting frame portions which may be used to invert a drum by rocking one frame portion against the ground. The contents of the drum are then emptied into a container portion of the device, and may then be transported elsewhere. However, the complex inversion mechanism and the fact that the drum contents must be emptied before transport renders this device unsuitable for use with refuse bins. Further, the device

may only be transported by means of a crane.

US Patent 5, 306, 110 (Cline), US Patent 4, 618, 306 (Liftomatic) and US Patent 4,385, 860 (Corbin) also describe various devices for lifting and inverting container drums. Each of these devices, however, is intended for use with a fork-lift truck, and can only be transported thereby. This restriction is impractical for refuse bins, particularly so in an offshore environment where space and availability of fork lift trucks may be limited.

It is among the objects of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or alleviate these and other disadvantages of known refuse bin lifting and emptying arrangements.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in lifting and inverting a container, the apparatus comprising: a primary frame having means for engaging a lifting device; a secondary frame pivotally connected to the primary frame, having means for engaging a container to be lifted; ground-engaging movement means for allowing movement of the apparatus over the ground; and releasable attachment means for attaching a portion of the secondary frame to the primary frame, whereby on release of the attachment means the secondary frame is free to pivot on the primary frame to substantially invert the secondary frame.

Thus, in use, a bin may be attached to the secondary

frame, with the apparatus then being lifted from ground level by means of a crane or the like and transferred into or above a refuse skip. The releasable attachment means may then be released, allowing the secondary frame (and hence the attached bin) to pivot on the primary frame and become inverted over the skip. The contents of the bin will thus fall into the skip. The bin and frame may then be returned to the ground, and the secondary frames fixed relative to the primary frame once more, or the bin detached from the frame. The provision of movement means allows the device to be moved from location to location by an operator without the requirement for a lifting device such as a crane or fork-lift truck, whether the apparatus is engaged with a container or not, or whether or not the container is full.

Preferably the movement means comprises groundengaging wheels or the like, to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground. Conveniently a pair of ground engaging wheels on a common axis are provided. Thus, the apparatus may be tilted or inclined such that frame and bin are supported by the wheels, and then pushed or pulled over the ground by an operator. The movement means may comprise a wheel, roller, or the like mounted on the primary or secondary frame, spaced from said common axis and most preferably arranged to engage with the ground when the apparatus is in an inclined configuration. This provides additional support to the frame, which may be particularly beneficial when a bin is being carried by the apparatus,

and so the weight of the apparatus and bin may be greater than could be comfortably handled by a single operative ; the operator is then not required to balance the apparatus and bin on a single axis.

In certain embodiments of the invention at least part of the movement means may be provided by a container with which, in use, the apparatus is engaged. For example, a refuse bin may be provided with wheels, which in cooperation with a wheel mounted to a frame of the apparatus, form a stable wheel arrangement allowing the combined frame and container to be moved by a user without mechanical assistance.

Alternative movement means may be provided, such as rollers, runners, casters, tracks and the like.

Preferably the container engaging means of the secondary frame comprises a portion of the secondary frame for insertion beneath the base of, or in a pocket formed in, a container to be lifted. The engaging means may be a flat tongue or the like, and is preferably one or more tines or prongs.

Preferably the apparatus is suitable for use with a refuse bin.

Conveniently, the apparatus may be provided in combination with adaptor means for use with a container, to provide a suitable pocket on the container. This avoids the need to provide specially made containers, allowing existing standard containers to be retrofitted to be used with the present invention. Alternatively, the engaging

means may comprise hooks, clamps, fingers, belts or the like.

The apparatus may further comprise separate securing means for securing the container to the secondary frame.

This will reduce the risk of the container becoming detached from the container engaging means, particularly in those embodiments where the engaging means is in the form of a tongue or prongs. The securing means may take the form of clamps, clasps, grippers, or the like; although preferably a belt is used, for example, a fabric belt.

Where the engaging means engages a part of a lower portion of the container, conveniently the securing means is arranged to secure an upper portion of'the container.

Preferably the secondary frame is pivotally connected to the primary frame at a lower portion of the secondary frame; this aids gravity in inverting the secondary frame when the attachment means is released. Preferably also the lifting device engagement means is located on an upper portion of the apparatus; this aids stability of the apparatus. If both the pivot connection and the lifting device engagement means were at a lower portion of the device, the sudden change in centre of gravity when the container is inverted may unbalance the apparatus and the lifting device, so putting an operator of the device in danger. Conveniently, in those embodiments of the invention having ground engaging wheels, the pivotal connection may comprise wheel attachment means, for example, an axle or the like.

The releasable attachment means may comprise clips, hooks, buckles,'snap-fit'arrangements, or the like ; preferably the releasable attachment means comprises interference means attached to the primary or secondary frame movable into and out of interference with the secondary or primary frame respectively. Conveniently the interference means is biased toward the interfering position. Most preferably, the interference means is in the form of sprung bolts, pins, or the like which may be retracted.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises actuating means for releasing the attachment means. Preferably also the actuating means is disposed on a lower portion of the apparatus, facilitating operator access to the actuating means while the apparatus is located in or above a skip.

Preferably the actuating means is mechanically operated.

For example, where the attachment means comprises retractable interference means, the actuating means may comprise a mechanical linkage to the interference means, movement of which linkage causes corresponding movement of the interference means.

Preferably the lifting device engagement means comprises a loop, ring, hook or the like for engaging with a hook or the like of a crane. Preferably the engagement means is adjustable to accommodate alterations in the centre of gravity of the apparatus. For example, when lifting heavy loads, the apparatus may be slightly unbalanced if it is configured to accommodate lighter

loads. The engagement means may be manually moved along a portion of the primary frame, to alter the balance of the apparatus. Alternatively, the engagement means may be automatically adjustable to allow for different loads; for example, a loop may be mounted on a spring balance mechanism to automatically change position along the frame when lifting loads of different weights.

Preferably either or both of the frames may be adjustable to accommodate containers of different shapes or sizes.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of lifting and inverting a container, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a container to a secondary frame, the secondary frame being retained on and pivotally attached at a lower portion thereof to a primary frame, and one of the frames including ground-engaging movement means for facilitating movement of the frames over the ground; lifting the frames and container; and releasing a portion of the secondary frame from the primary frame, to allow the secondary frame to pivot on the primary frame, and substantially invert.

The method may further comprise the step of transporting the frames and container to a desired location prior to inverting the secondary frame. This may take place after the frames and container have been lifted, eg, by moving a crane lifting the combination; or prior to lifting the combination, eg, by an operator pushing or

pulling the combination over the ground by means of the movement means.

Preferably the container is a refuse bin.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 show front and side views, respectively, of an apparatus for lifting and inverting a container in accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figures 3,4, and 5 show successive stages in the use of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 for lifting and transporting a container; and Figures 6 and 7 show further stages in the use of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 in the lifting and inverting of a container.

Referring first of all to Figures 1 and 2, these show front and side views respectively of an apparatus for lifting and inverting a container in accordance with one embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

The apparatus 10 comprises a primary frame 12, shown in solid outline, and a secondary frame 14, shown in chain dotted outline. In this example, both frames are made from welded steel sections. The secondary frame 14 is connected to the primary frame 12 by means of a pivot 16, which pivot 16 also forms an axle for a pair or ground-engaging wheels 18. The upper portion of the secondary frame 14 is retained in adjacent relationship with the primary frame 12

and prevented from pivoting freely about pivot 16 by means of a pair of sprung bolts 20 mounted on the primary frame 12 and extending into interfering relationship with the secondary frame 14, as can be most clearly seen in Figure 1.

The sprung bolts 20 can be retracted out of interfering relationship with the secondary frame 14 by means of a short handle 21 coupled to one of the bolts 20a and a handle 22 mechanically connected to the other bolt 20b by means of a lever-action linkage 24.

The lower portion of the secondary frame 14 is provided with a laterally extending prong 26, the use of which will be described below.

The primary frame 12 in addition to the main ground engaging wheels 18 is provided with a castor wheel 28 mounted to the rear and above the main wheels 18; this castor 28 provides support for the apparatus when it is tilted rearwards, as will be discussed below. Adjacent the castor 28 is also provided a footrest 30, for assisting the operator in tilting the apparatus rearwards. Also provided on the primary frame 12 is an operator handle 32, and an upper bar 34 bearing a number of attachment points 36 for a ring 38 to which a crane hook or the like may be attached.

The use of the apparatus will now be described with reference to Figures 3,4, and 5. In Figure 3 can be seen a conventional'wheelie bin'40 (shown in chain dotted outline), to which has been mounted an adaptor 42 in

accordance with a further aspect of the present invention.

The adaptor 42 comprises a pair of spaced steel plates forming a pocket 44, located beneath the lower face of the bin 40, and a pair of upright plate members 46, each of which carries a pin 48 inserted through a hole formed in the bin 40 for receiving conventional wheels, which have been removed. A pair of replacement wheels 50 are mounted on the adaptor 42, to allow normal movement and transport of the bin 40.

The prong 26 of the secondary frame 14 are located in the pocket 44 formed on the adaptor 42 of the bin 40 (Figure 4). A restraining belt 54 is fastened around an upper portion of the bin 40, to attach the bin 40 securely to the secondary frame 14.

To move the bin 40 across a surface, the operator places one foot on the footrest 30 while pulling on the operator handle 32, to tilt the apparatus 10 rearwards, resulting in the situation shown in Figure 5. The apparatus 10 may then be transported to a suitable location ready to be lifted by crane or the like.

Once in the desired location, a crane hook 56 is inserted through the ring 38, as shown in Figure 6. The location of the ring 38 on the primary frame 12 may be selected from one of the attachment points 36 to provide a balanced apparatus 10, depending on the weight of the bin 40 being lifted and the distribution of that weight. One of the bolts 20a is retracted, leaving the secondary frame 14 fixed relative to the primary frame 12 by the bolt 20b.

The assembly is then lifted by means of the crane, and swung to be located over a skip or other refuse collection area. The operator may then take hold of the actuating handle 22 and rotate the mechanical linkage 24, so retracting the bolts 20b out of interference with the secondary frame 14.

As shown in Figure 7, this allows the secondary frame 14 to rotate about pivots 16, so inverting this part of the apparatus. With the bin 40 still being attached to the frame 14, the lid of the bin 40 opens, allowing the contents to fall from the bin into the skip below. The apparatus 10 can then be lifted from the skip and lowered to the ground, where the operator may re-engage the frames 12,14, and return the empty bin 40 to its original location.

Alternatively, the assembly is lowered into the skip before releasing the bolt 20b. The primary frame 12 is then lifted by the crane, allowing the bin 40 to pivot and empty into the skip.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 10 provides a safe and convenient means for facilitating handling of refuse containers, particularly the containers commonly known as wheelie bins. The apparatus 10 facilitates safe movement of a filled bin 40, without requiring an operator to balance the bin on a single pair or wheels, and facilitates safe lifting and emptying of such bins.

Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention, and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the frames may be formed of any suitable material, including lightweight moulded GRP. Further, the refuse container may define an integral pocket, and appropriately located wheels, such that an adaptor 42 is not required.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in lifting and inverting a container, the apparatus comprising: a primary frame having means for engaging a lifting device; a secondary frame pivotally connected to the primary frame, having means for engaging a container to be lifted; ground-engaging movement means for allowing movement of the apparatus over the ground; and releasable attachment means for attaching a portion of the secondary frame to the primary frame, whereby on release of the attachment means the secondary frame is free to pivot on the primary frame to substantially invert the secondary frame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movement means comprises ground-engaging wheels or the like.

3. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the movement means comprises a wheel, roller, or the like, mounted on the primary or secondary frame and arranged to engage with the ground when the apparatus is in an inclined configuration.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein, in use, at least part of the movement means is provided by wheels

or the like of a container to which the apparatus is engaged.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the container engaging means of the secondary frame comprises a portion of the secondary frame for insertion beneath the base of, or in a pocket formed in, a container to be lifted.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the engaging means comprises one or more tines or prongs.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is suitable for use with a refuse bin.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6 in combination with adaptor means for use with a container, to provide a suitable pocket on the container.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising separate securing means for securing the container to the secondary frame.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the secondary frame is pivotally connected to the primary frame at a lower portion of the secondary frame.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the lifting device

engagement means is located on an upper portion of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the releasable attachment means comprises interference means attached to the primary or secondary frame moveable into and out of interference with the secondary or primary frame respectively.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the interference means is biased toward the interfering position.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or claim 13 where the interference means is in the form of sprung bolts, pins, or the like which may be retracted.

15. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising actuating means for releasing the attachment means.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the actuating means is disposed on a lower portion of the apparatus.

17. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the lifting device engagement means comprises a loop, ring, hook or the like for engaging with a hook or the like of a crane.

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the engagement means is adjustable to accommodate alterations in the centre of gravity of the apparatus.

19. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein either or both of the frames are adjustable to accommodate containers of different shapes or sizes.

20. A method of lifting and inverting a container, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a container to a secondary frame, the secondary frame being retained on and pivotally attached at a lower portion thereof to a primary frame and one of the frames including ground-engaging movement means for facilitating movement of the frames over the ground; lifting the frames and container; and releasing a portion of the secondary frame from the primary frame, to allow the secondary frame to pivot on the primary frame, and substantially invert.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of transporting the frames and container in combination to a desired location prior to inverting the secondary frame.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said transporting step is effected by an operator moving the combination over the ground by means of the ground-engaging movement means.

23. The method of any one of claims 20-22 wherein the container is a refuse bin.

24. An apparatus substantially as herein described, and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures.