U.S. patent application number 14/243850 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for bulk material handling device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Craig Oberg. Invention is credited to Craig Oberg.
Application Number | 20150023769 14/243850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52343692 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150023769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oberg; Craig |
January 22, 2015 |
Bulk Material Handling Device
Abstract
A bulk material handling device can comprise a base and a frame
rotatably coupled about the base. The frame can have a first bin
engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can also
comprise a carriage slidably coupled to the frame. The carriage can
have a second bin engagement feature. In addition, the bulk
material handling device can comprise an actuator coupled to the
base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause the
carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the
first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to
rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the
bin.
Inventors: |
Oberg; Craig; (Ephraim,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oberg; Craig |
Ephraim |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52343692 |
Appl. No.: |
14/243850 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61807585 |
Apr 2, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/299 ;
414/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/56 20130101;
B65D 90/14 20130101; B65G 65/23 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/299 ;
414/810 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00; B65D 90/18 20060101 B65D090/18 |
Claims
1. A bulk material handling device, comprising: a base; a frame
rotatably coupled about the base and having a first bin engagement
feature; a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and having a
second bin engagement feature; and an actuator coupled to the base
and the carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the
carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the
first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to
rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the
bin.
2. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the base
is configured to receive and interface with forks of a
forklift.
3. The bulk material handling device of claim 2, wherein the
actuator comprises a hydraulic ram having a hydraulic coupler which
is coupleable to a hydraulic system of the forklift.
4. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the
actuator comprises a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or
combinations thereof.
5. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the
actuator is operable by hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, or
combinations thereof.
6. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the first and second bin engagement features comprises a
hook to interface with a protrusion of the bin.
7. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, further comprising
a locking mechanism to prevent unintended release of the bin when
dumping the material.
8. The bulk material handling device of claim 7, wherein the
locking mechanism is configured to maintain a position of the
second bin engagement feature relative to the first engagement
feature when the frame is rotated beyond a predetermined angle
relative to the base.
9. The bulk material handling device of claim 7, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises: a gas-charged ram configured to
develop gas pressure as the frame rotates relative to the base to
dump material; a secondary cylinder fluidly coupled to the
gas-charged ram; and a retaining mechanism coupled to the secondary
cylinder and configured to maintain a position of the second bin
engagement feature relative to the first engagement feature,
wherein the gas pressure developed by the gas-charged ram is
operable to cause the secondary cylinder to actuate the retaining
mechanism.
10. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the frame
has a rotational range of motion relative to the base of at least
about 91 degrees and up to about 179 degrees.
11. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the
carriage is slidably coupled to the frame via a wheel and a
track.
12. The bulk material handling device of claim 11, wherein the
wheel is associated with the carriage and the track is associated
with the frame.
13. A bulk material handling system, comprising: a bulk material
bin; and a handling device operable with the bin, the handling
device including a base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base
and having a first bin engagement feature, a carriage slidably
coupled to the frame and having a second bin engagement feature,
and an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage, wherein the
actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the
frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement
features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to
dump material disposed in the bin.
14. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, wherein the bin
includes interface features to interface with the first and second
engagement features.
15. The bulk material handling system of claim 14, wherein the
interface features of the bin comprise flanges extending from a
bottom of the bin and the first and second interfaces comprise
hooks to interface with the flanges.
16. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, further
comprising a forklift, wherein the base is configured to receive
and interface with forks of the forklift.
17. The bulk material handling system of claim 16, wherein the
actuator comprises a hydraulic ram having a hydraulic coupler which
is coupleable to a hydraulic system of the forklift.
18. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, wherein the
carriage includes a bin support structure configured to interface
with and support the bin.
19. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, wherein a width
of the bin exceeds a width of the handling device.
20. A method for facilitating handling of bulk material,
comprising: providing a bulk material handling device including a
base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidably
coupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the base and the
carriage; facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagement
feature of the frame; and facilitating engagement of the bin with a
second engagement feature of the carriage, wherein the actuator is
operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to
secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement features
and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump
material disposed in the bin.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising facilitating
interfacing of the base and forks of a forklift.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising facilitating
operation of the actuator by a hydraulic system of the forklift.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/807,585, filed Apr. 2, 2013 and entitled
"Bulk Material Handling Device" which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bulk material typically refers to dry materials such as
ores, coal, cereals, wood chips, sand, gravel, and stone in loose
bulk form. Bulk material can also refer to mixed wastes. Bulk
material handling systems are often utilized at storage facilities,
such as stockyards, storage silos, and stockpiles. The purpose of a
bulk material handling facility may be to transport material from
one of several locations to an ultimate destination or to process
material, such as ore for concentrating and smelting, or handle
materials for manufacturing, such as logs, wood chips and sawdust
at sawmills and paper mills. Other industries using bulk materials
handling include waste disposal, flour mills and coal fired utility
boilers.
[0003] Bulk material handling systems often include stationary
machinery such as conveyor belts, screw conveyors, stackers,
reclaimers, bucket elevators, truck dumpers, railcar dumpers,
shiploaders, hoppers, or diverters as well as various mobile
equipment such as loaders and shuttles.
SUMMARY
[0004] Accordingly, an improved bulk material handling device and
associated systems and methods are provided. Such a device can
comprise a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base and
having a first bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling
device can further comprise a carriage which is slidably coupled to
the frame and has a second bin engagement feature. The bulk
material handling device can also comprise an actuator coupled to
the base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause
the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the
first and second bin engagement features and to also cause the
frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in
the bin.
[0005] In one aspect, a bulk material handling system in accordance
with the principles herein can comprise a bulk material bin and a
handling device operable with the bin. The handling device can
include a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base and
having a first bin engagement feature. The handling device can also
include a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and having a
second bin engagement feature. In addition, the handling device can
include an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. More
specifically, the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to
move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and
second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate
relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.
[0006] Furthermore, a corresponding method for facilitating
handling of bulk material in accordance with the principles herein
can comprise providing a bulk material handling device including a
base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidably
coupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the base and the
carriage. The method can also comprise facilitating engagement of a
bin with a first engagement feature of the frame. In addition, the
method can comprise facilitating engagement of the bin with a
second engagement feature of the carriage. In this respect, the
actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the
frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement
features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to
dump material disposed in the bin. Thus, there has been outlined in
general terms several features of the improved bulk material
handling device, system and method. The following detailed
description and accompanying drawings illustrate additional aspect
and features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bulk material handling
system, in accordance with an example of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2A is a side view of a bulk material handling device of
the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an
example of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2B is a front view of the bulk material handling device
of FIG. 2A.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a bulk material bin, in accordance with
an example of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4A is a side view of the bulk material handling system
of FIG. 1 illustrating an unsecured bin disposed on the bulk
material handling device, in accordance with an example of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4B is a side view of the bulk material handling system
of FIG. 1 illustrating the bulk material handling device securing
the bin disposed thereon, in accordance with an example of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4C is a side view of the bulk material handling system
of FIG. 1 illustrating the bulk material handling device rotating
the bin at an inclined angle, in accordance with an example of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4D is a side view of the bulk material handling system
of FIG. 1 illustrating the bulk material handling device further
rotating the bin to dump contents of the bin, in accordance with an
example of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate a locking mechanism of a bulk
material handling device, in accordance with an example of the
present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5A illustrates a bin and a bulk material handling
device of a bulk material handling system being lifted by a
forklift, in accordance with an example of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 5B illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling
device of FIG. 5A being moved by a forklift to a dumping
receptacle, in accordance with an example of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5C illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling
device of FIG. 5A at the dumping receptacle, wherein the bulk
material handling device is rotating the bin, in accordance with an
example of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5D illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling
device of FIG. 5A, wherein the bulk material handling device is
dumping the contents of the bin into the dumping receptacle, in
accordance with an example of the present disclosure.
[0020] These figures are provided merely for convenience in
describing specific embodiments of the invention. Alteration in
dimension, materials, and the like, including substitution,
elimination, or addition of components can also be made consistent
with the following description and associated claims. Reference
will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and
specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
invention is thereby intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference will now be made to certain examples, and specific
language will be used herein to describe the same. Examples
discussed herein set forth a bulk material handling device and
associated systems and methods that can provide for increased
dumping angles, engageability with standard forklift systems, and
secure retention of a bin during dumping.
[0022] With the general embodiments set forth above, it is noted
that when describing a bulk material handling device, or the
related system or method, each of these descriptions are considered
applicable to the other, whether or not they are explicitly
discussed in the context of that embodiment. For example, in
discussing the bulk material handling device per se, the system
and/or method embodiments are also included in such discussions,
and vice versa.
[0023] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed
herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be
recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It
should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used
for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting.
[0024] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a wheel" includes one or more of
such wheels and reference to "an actuator" includes one or more of
such actuators.
[0025] Also, it is noted that various modifications and
combinations can be derived from the present disclosure and
illustrations, and as such, the following figures should not be
considered limiting.
[0026] In describing and claiming the present invention, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set forth below.
[0027] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the
complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For
example, an object that is "substantially" enclosed would mean that
the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely
enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute
completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context.
However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so
as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total
completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is equally
applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the
complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic,
property, state, structure, item, or result.
[0028] As used herein, "adjacent" refers to the proximity of two
structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified
as being "adjacent" may be either abutting or connected. Such
elements may also be near or close to each other without
necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity
may in some cases depend on the specific context.
[0029] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the
contrary.
[0030] Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be
executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in
the claims unless otherwise stated. Means-plus-function or
step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a
specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are
present in that limitation: a) "means for" or "step for" is
expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly
recited. The structure, material or acts that support the
means-plus function are expressly recited in the description
herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be
determined solely by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given
herein.
[0031] Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a bulk material handling system
100. In accordance with one example of the present disclosure, the
bulk material handling system 100 can comprise a bulk material bin
101 and a bulk material handling device 102 operable and engageable
with the bin. The bulk material bin can be adapted to contain any
suitable type of material, such as solid materials and/or liquid
materials. Typical solid materials include, but are not limited to,
mixed wastes, ores, coal, cereals, wood chips, sand, gravel, or
stone in loose bulk form. Liquid materials can include, but are not
limited to, slurries, mud, wastewater, industrial effluent, and the
like. Thus, the bulk material bin can be of any suitable
configuration, such as a box configuration as shown in the figure.
The bin configuration can therefore be of any suitable length 151,
width 152, or height 153. In one embodiment, the bin can include an
uncovered top and/or at least one openable side to facilitate
placement of bulk materials in the bin. Alternatively, one or more
sides can include an access door which extends a portion of the
side or an entire side. In such cases, the side can include hinges
and a locking mechanism which secures the side panel in place once
closed.
[0032] In one aspect, the bulk material bin 101 can be configured
to be moved by a forklift and placed on the bulk material handling
device 102. Thus, a length 151 of the bin can be configured to
facilitate use with a forklift. In addition, a bottom of the bin
can be configured to directly interface with and/or facilitate an
interface with the forklift, such as by having feet or other
structures to facilitate access to a bottom portion of the bin by
forks of the forklift. Thus, when on the ground or other support
surface, the bin can rest on feet or other riser members that raise
the bottom portion of the bin above the ground to facilitate
lifting of the bin by the forklift.
[0033] In another aspect, discussed further hereinafter, the bulk
material handling device 102 can also be configured to interface
with and be moved by the forklift. Thus, after placing the bulk
material bin 101 on the handling device, the forklift can interface
with the handling device to move the bin to a desired location and
support the handling device as the handling device operates to dump
or empty bulk material from the bin.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, and continued reference
to FIG. 1, the bulk material handling device 102 can, in general,
include a base 110, a frame 120 rotatably coupled about the base, a
carriage 130 slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator 140
coupled to the base and the carriage. In one aspect, the carriage
can be configured to interface with and support the bin 101 when
the bin is disposed on the handling device. As discussed in further
detail hereinafter, operation of the actuator can cause features of
both the carriage and the frame to secure the bin to the handling
device and rotate the frame to dump or empty contents from the
bin.
[0035] Accordingly, the carriage 130 can include a bin support
structure 133 configured to interface with and support the bin 101
(shown in FIG. 1). For example, the bin support structure can
comprise a planar surface or platform to provide a stable support
for the bin when the bin is disposed on the handling device 102.
The bin support structure can be located such that a gap 134 exists
between the bin and the base 110 to facilitate access for a
forklift or other suitable device to engage an underside of the bin
in order to place the bin on and/or remove the bin from the
handling device. Thus, as will be recognized, several of the
structures of the handling device disclosed herein can combine to
elevate the bin above the base to provide access for forklift forks
to a bottom portion of the bin for placing the bin on and/or
removing the bin from the handling device.
[0036] In addition, the base 110 can be configured to receive and
interface with forks of a forklift to facilitate use of the
handling device with the forklift. For example, the base can
include openings 111a, 111b in skids 112a, 112b, respectively, to
receive and interface with the forklift forks. Thus, after the
forklift has been used to place or dispose the bin on the handling
device, the forklift can then engage the handling device via the
openings in the base in order to move the bin and the handling
device to a desired location for dumping the bin.
[0037] To facilitate coupling or securing the bin 101 to the
handling device 102, the frame 120 can have a first bin engagement
feature 121a, 121b and the carriage can have a second bin
engagement feature 131a, 131b. As shown in FIG. 1, the bin can
include interface features 150a, 150b to interface with the first
and second engagement features. In one aspect, the interface
features of the bin can comprise protrusions, such as flanges,
extending from a bottom of the bin. The first bin engagement
feature and/or the second bin engagement feature can comprise a
hook 122, 132 to interface with a protrusions or flanges of the
bin. The hooks can have a space or opening to receive the
protrusions or flanges of the bin. In one aspect, a flange can run
the entire width 152 of the bin or a flange can be configured to
interface with the handling device at a specific location, such as
a flange with a short width located or spaced to interface with the
engagement features of the handling device.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a bulk material bin
201, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in the
figure, the bin can include structures, such as feet 254, to
elevate a bottom portion of the bin above the ground or a support
surface in order to facilitate access to the bottom portion of the
bin by forks of a forklift. Thus, when on the ground or other
support surface, the bin can rest on feet that raise the bottom
portion of the bin above the ground to facilitate lifting of the
bin by the forklift. Also shown in the figure are interface
features 250a, 250b to interface with engagement features of a
handling device. In one aspect, the interface features of the bin
can comprise openings 255a, 255b on the bottom of the bin to
receive and interface with protruding engagement features of the
handling device, such as hooks. In this embodiment, the bin can be
configured to interface with the handling device at the specific
locations of the interface features 250a, 250b on the bottom of the
bin.
[0039] The bin 201 shown in FIG. 3 illustrates a plate construction
having rivets and/or fasteners to couple adjoining wall sections.
It should be recognized that a bin in accordance with the present
disclosure can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a
metal, composite, polymer, etc., that can provide sufficient
strength and hardness characteristics to withstand the loads and
impacts to which it may be subjected in service. Various components
or features of the bin can be welded, bolted, riveted, bonded,
glued, or otherwise connected in any other suitable form of
fastening or coupling bin components or features to one
another.
[0040] With further reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the bin engagement
features 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b of the frame and carriage shown in
FIG. 2B are offset 104a, 104b laterally from one another, although
the other configurations are possible, including an in-line
configuration without a lateral offset. In addition, FIG. 2B
illustrates four total engagement features, with the carriage
having two and the frame having two. It should be recognized that
the carriage and frame can have any number or combination of
engagement features. For example, three engagement features can be
utilized, with the carriage having one (or two) and the frame
having two (or one). In another example, the carriage and/or the
frame can have a single engagement feature. In this case, the
single engagement feature can be relatively wide to provide a
stable interface for securing the bin 101 to the handling device
102.
[0041] In order to secure the bin 101 to the handling device 102,
the carriage 130 can be slidably coupled to the frame 120. Thus,
movement of the carriage relative to the frame can move the bin
engagement features 131a, 131b of the carriage relative to the bin
engagement features 121a, 121b of the frame, which can secure the
bin to the handling device. In one aspect, the carriage can include
a wheel 134a, 134b and a track 124 to facilitate sliding or
relative displacement of the carriage and the frame. In one
embodiment, the frame can comprise lateral frame members 123a, 123b
that can support tracks on either side of the carriage. The
carriage can therefore ride between the lateral frame members and
provide a movable platform for the bin support structure 133. In
some embodiments, a wheel can be associated with a carriage and a
track can be associated with a frame, although other configurations
are possible. In one aspect, the carriage can be coupled to the
frame in a manner to prevent unwanted separation of the carriage
and frame, such as when dumping a bin. For example, the wheel and
the track configuration can also facilitate coupling of the
carriage and the frame by capturing the wheels within the track. In
addition, the wheels can have flanges to guide the carriage along
the track and maintain alignment of the wheels with the track. As
an alternative to wheels, any suitable feature or structure can be
used to facilitate sliding or relative displacement of the carriage
and the frame, such as a sliding interface, ball bearings, roller
bearings, bushings, etc.
[0042] In order to dump the contents of the bin 101, the frame 120
can be rotatably coupled about the base 110, such as with a pivot
joint 105a, 105b. Any suitable rotatable coupling can be employed
and can include a bushing, bearings, or the like to facilitate
relative rotation of the frame and the base. In one aspect, the
pivot joint can be located low on the base, as shown in the
figures. In this case, the frame can include offset supports 113a,
113b extending from the pivot joint to elevate the frame above the
base and provide for movement of the carriage along the frame that
is unobstructed by the base. The offset supports can also function
to provide the gap 134 to facilitate forklift access to the bottom
or underside of the bin. In addition, the frame and the base can be
configured to interface with one another at an end 106 opposite the
pivot joint to provide a stable interface with one another in order
to stably support the bin when disposed on the carriage. Thus, in
one aspect, the offset supports at the pivot joint end and the
interfacing structures of the frame and the base at the opposite
end can be configured to provide a level bin support structure for
the carriage. As a result, as shown in the figures, the bin support
structure can be substantially parallel to the base.
[0043] The actuator 140 can be operable to cause the carriage 130
to move relative to the frame 120 to secure the bin 101 with the
first and second bin engagement features 121a 121b, 131a, 131b and
to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base 110 to dump
material disposed in the bin. The actuator can comprise any
suitable actuator, such as a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or
combinations thereof. In one aspect, the actuator is operable by
hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, or combinations thereof. In a
particular embodiment, the actuator comprises a hydraulic ram or
cylinder having a hydraulic coupler 141, which is coupleable to a
hydraulic system of a forklift. Thus, in this embodiment, the
actuator can receive power from the forklift and can therefore be
operable by a forklift operator. It should also be recognized that
any suitable number of actuators may be utilized.
[0044] In the case of a linear actuator, as shown in the figures,
the actuator 140 can be coupled to the base 110 and frame 120 via
mounting brackets 115, 125, respectively. Coupling locations for
the actuator with the base and frame can be configured to
facilitate rotation of the frame sufficient to dump material from
the bin. Thus, the coupling locations can be selected to allow the
linear actuator to be sufficiently long to provide a desired
rotational range of motion for the frame relative to the base. A
telescoping linear actuator may be utilized to achieve a desired
rotational range of motion with the coupling locations for the
actuator.
[0045] In one aspect, the skids 112a, 112b can be configured to
rest on the ground or support surface. In a further aspect, a
bottom portion 114b of the offset support 113b can be configured to
rest on the ground, as shown in FIG. 2A. In another aspect, the
base 110, such as the skids, and/or the geometry of the offset
supports 113a, 113b can function to maintain the offset supports
off the ground when the handling device 102 is placed on the
ground. In yet another aspect, the location and/or size of the
pivot joint 105a, 105b can function to maintain the offset supports
off the ground when the handling device is placed on the
ground.
[0046] In some embodiments, one or more components of the handling
device 102 can be configured to enhance stiffness and provide
structural integrity for the handling device in both static and
dynamic loading conditions. For example, the base 110 can be
configured to support the weight of the handling device and the bin
101 both when the handling device is on the ground and when
elevated above the ground by the forklift. In addition, the base
can be configured to support the bin, carriage 130, and frame 120
when the handling device is subjected to dynamic loading, such as
when the bin is being dumped. The base can therefore include
structural support members to enable the base to withstand various
static and dynamic loading conditions. For example, the base can
include a cross member 116 connecting the skids 112a, 112b at the
end 106 opposite the pivot joint 105a, 105b. The cross member can
be configured to support the mounting bracket 115 for the actuator
140. In one aspect, the cross member can be configured to
facilitate a range of motion for the actuator during operation,
such as by including a recess 117 or opening to accommodate the
actuator when the frame is parallel to the base. In another aspect,
a cross support 126 can be associated with the pivot joint to
effectively couple the skids at the joint end of the base and
provide stiffness for the pivot joint between the offset supports
113a, 113b. For example, the cross support 126 can comprise a
tubular member extending between the offset supports of the frame
to provide structural integrity for the base and frame pivot joint
coupling during use of the handling device with the bin. Similarly,
the frame and/or carriage can include cross supports extending
between and coupling with lateral supports to provide structural
integrity. In one aspect, a cross support of the frame can be
configured to support the mounting bracket for the actuator.
Accordingly, the handling device can be constructed of any suitable
material, such as a metal, composite, polymer, etc., that can
provide sufficient strength and hardness characteristics to
withstand the loads and impacts to which it may be subjected in
service. Various components or features of the handling device can
be welded, bolted, riveted, bonded, glued, or otherwise connected
in any other suitable form of fastening or coupling handling device
components or features to one another.
[0047] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate basic operation of the bulk material
handling system 100. For example, the bin 101 can be placed or
disposed on the handling device 102, as shown in FIG. 4A. In
particular, the bin can be disposed on the carriage 130 with the
flanges 150a, 150b of the bin corresponding to hooks 132, 122 of
the carriage and frame 120, respectively. At this point, the
actuator 140 can cause the carriage to move in direction 107
relative to the frame such that the hooks capture the flanges to
secure the bin to the handling device, as shown in FIG. 4B. The
hook of the carriage may contact the bin prior to the hook of the
frame, such that the movement of the carriage pushes the bin into
engagement with the hook of the frame. With the carriage forced
against the bin, which in turn is forced against the frame,
continued actuation of the actuator in direction 108 can cause the
frame to rotate in direction 109 relative to the base, as shown in
FIG. 4C. The actuator can continue to rotate the frame until the
bin has been sufficiently tipped or inverted to dump or empty the
contents from the bin, as shown in FIG. 4D. The configuration of
the base, frame, and actuator can therefore be designed to rotate
the frame relative to the base sufficient to dump or empty the
contents of the bin. Thus, for example, the frame can have a
rotational range of motion 103 relative to the base of at least
about 91 degrees and up to about 179 degrees. Moving to about 91
degrees can at least slightly invert the bin such that material can
empty from the wall of the bin. With the linear actuator
configuration shown in the figures, limiting the range of motion to
less than 180 degrees can facilitate reverse rotation of the frame
relative to the base by operation of the actuator. It should be
recognized, however, that even greater ranges of motion can be
achieved by utilizing a rotary actuator or a linear actuator with a
linkage mechanism that can facilitate ranges of motion greater than
180 degrees.
[0048] In one aspect, movement of the frame 110 beyond vertical, or
90 degrees rotation in the illustrated embodiment, can introduce an
ever increasing component of force from the actuator 140 that would
tend to push the carriage 130 away from engagement with the bin
101, with the potential to release the bin while in the process of
dumping the contents from the bin. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4D, the
handling device 102 can also include a locking mechanism 160 to
prevent unintended release of the bin when dumping the material.
For example, the locking mechanism can be configured to maintain a
position of the second bin engagement feature 131a, 131b relative
to the first engagement feature 121a, 121b when the frame is
rotated beyond a predetermined angle 161 relative to the base. In
one aspect, the locking mechanism can be actuated by gravity and
can be configured such that the locking mechanism engages at, or
prior to reaching, the predetermined angle, such as 90 degrees of
frame rotation relative to the base. For example, the locking
mechanism can include a pawl pivotally mounted to engage a tooth.
The pawl can be weighted in order to pivot the pawl against the
tooth before the frame rotates beyond 90 degrees relative to the
base. This can lock the carriage prior to a rotational position
where the actuator can exert a force tending, or sufficient, to
release the bin.
[0049] In one aspect, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4E and
4F, a locking mechanism 160 can include a gas-charged ram 162,
which can be coupled to the base 110 and the carriage 130 in a
similar manner as the actuator 140, as discussed above. The
gas-charged ram can be configured to develop gas pressure, such as
by extending (FIG. 4F), as the actuator is extended and/or as the
frame rotates relative to the base to dump material. The
gas-charged ram can be fluidly coupled to a secondary ram 163, such
that the gas pressure developed in the gas-charged ram can cause
the secondary ram to actuate a brake pad 164, a locking pawl, or
other such retaining mechanism to maintain a relative position of
the carriage 130 and the frame 120. For example, as the gas-charged
ram is extended, displaced gas is forced into compression therefore
acting on the secondary ram to cause the brake pad 164 to engage
with a portion of the carriage. In this way, the first and second
engagement features can be maintained in a relative position with
one another to prevent unintended release of the bin 101 when
dumping material. Upon retraction of the actuator and/or rotation
of the frame relative to the base toward an initial configuration,
the gas pressure can be reduced in the gas-charged ram, thus
releasing the brake or other retaining mechanism and allowing the
carriage to move relative to the frame to facilitate removal of the
bin from the handling device.
[0050] It should be recognized that any suitable number of
gas-charged rams, secondary rams, and/or brake pads or other
retaining mechanisms can be employed. For example, a single
gas-charged ram can be fluidly coupled to secondary rams on
opposite sides of the frame to actuate brake pads on both sides of
the unit. It should also be recognized that, although the figures
illustrate the secondary ram associated with the frame and the
brake pad configured to engage the carriage, the secondary ram can
be associated with the carriage and the brake pad can be configured
to engage the frame.
[0051] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a bulk material handling system 300
in use, in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, as
disclosed hereinabove, once a bin 301 has been disposed on a
handling device 302, an actuator can cause a carriage to move
relative to a frame to secure the bin to the handling device in
preparation for moving the bin and the handling device to a
location for dumping contents from the bin. Thus, as shown in FIG.
5A, the bin 301 and handling device 302 can be lifted by a forklift
370 with the bin being secured to the handling device to prevent
the bin from falling off the device while in transit to a dumping
location, such as a receptacle 380. FIG. 5B illustrates the
forklift safely lifting the bin and handling device and moving to
the receptacle at a dumping location. Once at the dumping location,
the forklift operator can cause the actuator to rotate the frame
relative to the base in direction 309 in order to dump the contents
of the bin into the receptacle, as shown in FIG. 5C. The actuator
can continue to rotate the frame relative to the base until the
contents have been dumped from the bin, as shown in FIG. 5D. At
this point, the reverse process can return the empty bin for
further use. As shown in the figures, the forklift can engage the
handling device such that a pivot end 305 of the handling device is
at a front end of the forklift. This configuration can allow
rotation of the frame that will enable dumping of the bin contents
in front of the forks of the forklift. It should also be recognized
from the figures that a width of the bin can exceed a width of the
handling device. Thus, a handling device in accordance with the
present disclosure can be operable with a wide variety of bin
shapes and sizes.
[0052] In a related example, a method for facilitating handling of
bulk material is presented in accordance with the principles
herein. The method can comprise providing a bulk material handling
device including a base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base,
a carriage slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled
to the base and the carriage. The method can also comprise
facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagement feature of
the frame. Additionally, the method can comprise facilitating
engagement of the bin with a second engagement feature of the
carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to
move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and
second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate
relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin. It is
noted that no specific order is required in this method, though
generally in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out
sequentially.
[0053] In one aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating
interfacing of the base and forks of a forklift. In another aspect,
the method can further comprise facilitating operation of the
actuator by a hydraulic system of the forklift. As such, multiple
bins can be dumped using a common handling device which can be
readily engaged with each successive bin.
[0054] It is to be understood that the above-referenced embodiments
are illustrative of the application for the principles of the
present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention while the present invention has been
shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the
exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can
be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the
invention as set forth in the claims.
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