GB2433734A - Adjustable counterbalance system - Google Patents

Abstract

A adjustable counterbalance system attached to a crane or tower crane, fire engine turntable ladder, platform hoist, loading shovel, 360{ earth digger, earth mover or for lift truck. Using a telescopic boom (Fig 2) extended or retracted with a telescopic ram (Fig 1) used to control the extension supported on the telescopic booms or solid tracks or rails or a mixture of each as may be required depending on the weight of the counterbalance weight. The counterbalance weight (Fig 3) is to be moved or adjusted or extended automatically to compensate the load being moved to neutralise the loading effect and to distribute and equalise the ground weight of the machine and is to be connected to a load limit or weighing system which is already available and used on most cranes and some lifting equipment.

Description

<p>I</p>

<p>Adjustable Counterbalance System This invention is a device to enable lifting equipment and earth movers to be more effective and safer in their operation. The sketches to signify some of the applications are numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and are not to scale. Drawing number I shows detail of adjustable counterbalance weight or weights and is used in all of the drawings. The primary appliances to benefit with application of an adjustable counterbalance system are:-2. Cranes 3. Tower cranes 4. Fire Engine turntable ladders 5. Platform hoists 6. Loading shovels 7. 3600 earth digger 8. Earth mover 9. Fork lift trucks At the opposite end of the machine from the load a adjustable weight is mounted or hung or built into the body of the appliance, making allowance for the counterbalance weight to be moved. The counterbalance weight is moved on supports and adjusted automatically to the load factor with one or more hydraulic rams set within a telescopic steel section or boom. A tower crane can use a winch to move the adjustable counterbalance weight set onto rails either suspended or supported as is necessary for safety. One end of the telescopic ram or winch cable is firmly attached to the body of the appliance so allowing the counterbalance weight to be moved to the optimum position for the weight to be lifted or moved by the appliance. Connecting the counterbalance weight to a load limiter or a system for calculating the weight being lifted which could be a simple tension or compression spring connected to the main lifting ramp or winch. This will allow that the adjustment of the counterbalance weight is moved automatically to the optimum position for the load to be lifted. A load limiter or weight assessment device is already being used in cranes and lifting equipment and could easily be used in conjunction with the counterbalance system. As the counterbalance system is automatically controlled as the load is moved, so to is the counterbalance weight, so that it is always in the most appropriate position for the weight being lifted.</p>

<p>Applying this system to a Fire Engine turntable ladder, greatly increasing height and reach without increasing the size of the Fire appliance. This has to be beneficial to people in general. The extra benefits of the appliance are well worth the extra weight to be carried and could be most helpful in today's multi-storey buildings, potentially to save lives. The machine can be made more compact and is able to work in a more restricted environment and will not necessarily need such expansive out riggers.</p>

<p>The counterbalance system whilst I believe should be automatically controlled it is quite possible to install the system which can be manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic. This may be determined best by circumstances but it is possible to incorporate a device that incorporates all three options.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>Claims Adjustable Counterbalance System 1. Greater safety, load, height

   and reach are available when using a adjustable counterbalance system.</p>

   <p>2. A crane will be able to lift greater weights to greater reaches with increased safety.</p>

   <p>3. A tower crane will be able to have greater extension capabilities with greater lift and safety and be more in balance with the load factor resulting in less uneven tension on the structure of the machine.</p>

   <p>4. A Fire Engine turntable ladder will have greater height, reach and safety capacity without increasing size of machine.</p>

   <p>5. A platform hoist will have greater increased safety with increased reach and lift capacity.</p>

   <p>6. A loading shovel will have greater reach and height discharge possibilities with increased load and more even ground weight distribution especially when loaded.</p>

   <p>7. A earth digger will have greater reach, greater load and greater dig depth capabilities.</p>

   <p>8. A earth mover will have more capacity for heavy loads with greater reach and higher discharge with more evenly distributed ground weight especially when loaded.</p>

   <p>9. A fork lift truck will have capabilities to lift more weight and to traverse the load to a greater distance from the machine also more evenly distributed ground weight.</p>

   <p>10. The ground load of the machine will be more evenly distributed.</p>

   <p>11. Using mobile cranes it can be more compact and not require such large out riggers.</p>

   <p>12. Fire Engine turntable ladders and mobile cranes will be able to work in a more confined space.</p>

   <p>All the above are designed with more safety and an increased load factor for either height or reach or both.</p>