Vehicle For Transporting A Container

Abstract

A vehicle for loading, unloading and tipping a container comprises a first frame pivoted at the rear of the vehicle on a bedframe, and extending (normally) forwardly from the pivot underneath the container when loaded, a second frame or second members pivoted to the first frame and extending forwardly thereof under the container, an L-shaped third member having the outer end of its horizontal limb pivoted to the second frame members underneath the container and its upright limb provided with at least one hook to attach to the container, with the upright limb in front of the container, two tie-rods-cum-struts pivoted at their front ends to the upright limb and at their rear ends to the rear end of a hydraulic ram, the front end of the ram being connected to the bedframe, the ram also being connected with the second frame or members, so that the one ram can both pivot the third member relative to the second frame or members and also pivot the second frame or members and the third member as one unit relative to the first frame or (when the second frame or members and the first frame are in fixed relationship due to engagement with the container) pivot the first frame, second frame or members, third member and container as one unit relative to the bedframe for tipping.

Description

This invention relates to a vehicle for transporting a container.

According to the invention there is provided a vehicle for transporting a container, the vehicle comprising a motorised mechanism for moving the container on to the vehicle over an end or a side of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over the end or side of the vehicle, the mechanism comprising at least one first member pivotally mounted at or adjacent the end or side of the vehicle; comprising at least one second member pivotally connected to the at least one first member, comprising at least one third member pivotally connected to the at least one second member, the or each third member being attachable to the container for the movement of the container on to and off the vehicle by pivotal movement of the at least one second member together with the at least one third member relative to the at least one first member comprising at least one fourth member and at least one fifth member and comprising motor means, the at least one fourth member being pivotally connected to the at least one third member, the at least one fourth member also being connected to the at least one fifth member, the at least one fifth member in turn being pivotally attached to or slidably engaged with the at least one second member such that pivotal or sliding movement of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one second member produced by the motor means causes linear translation of the at least one fourth member relative to the at least one second member, in turn causing interrelated pivotal motion of the at least one third member relative to the at least one second member so as to move the container relative to the or each second member and cause interlocking engagement between corresponding portions of the or each second member and the container, such that the container and the first, second and third members together with the fourth and fifth members can be tipped by the motor means by pivotal movement as one about the pivotal mounting of the or each first member.

The invention will be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first vehicle for transporting a container showing the container in full lines in the travelling position and in dotted lines (this position being rearward of that shown in full lines) in an intermediate position during the loading and unloading phases in accordance with the invention; (Note: in this figure a rear side subframe side member 7 is omitted for clarity).

FIG. 2 is a further side view of the vehicle for transporting a container shown in FIG. 1 showing the container in full lines in the position of initial lift for on loading on to the vehicle (this position also corresponds to the final position of the container during off loading from the vehicle) and in dotted lines in the tipped position;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the container removed; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part of the mechanism of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a second vehicle for transporting a container showing the container in full lines in a travelling position and in dotted lines (this position being rearward of that shown in full lines) in an intermediate position during the loading and unloading phases in accordance with the invention (note: in this figure a nearside subframe side member 7B is omitted for clarity);

FIG. 6 is a further side view of the vehicle for transporting a container shown in FIG. 5, showing the container in full lines in a position of initial lift for on-loading on to the vehicle, (this position also corresponds to a final position of the container during off-loading from the vehicle,) and in dotted lines in the tipped position; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with the container removed;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a third vehicle for transporting a container showing the container in full lines in a travelling position and in dotted lines (this position being rearward of that shown in full lines) in an intermediate position during the loading and unloading phases in accordance with the invention (note: in this figure a nearside subframe side member 7C is omitted for clarity);

FIG. 9 is a further side view of the vehicle for transporting a container shown in FIG. 8, showing the container in full lines in a position of initial lift for on-loading on to the vehicle, (this position also corresponds to a final position of the container during off-loading from the vehicle,) and in dotted lines in the tipped position; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 with the container removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, the first vehicle having a chassis 1 which is fitted with a fabricated subframe assembly 2, forming part of a motorised mechanism for moving a container 3 on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle. The mechanism comprises, at the rear end of the subframe 2, which is at the rear end of the vehicle, a rear cross member 4 on each end of which is a stub axle 5 carrying flanged roller wheels 6. Forward of the rear cross member 4 and mounted in side members 7 of the subframe 2 are two pivot pins 8. On inner ends of the pins 8 and between the side member 7 of the subframe 2 are pivotally mounted two side-by-side "first" members interconnected by cross members to form a trapezium-shaped "first" frame 9. At the forward ends of the two first members are two further pivot pins 10 whereby two side-by-side "second" members 11 are pivotally connected to the first frame 9. When the first frame 9 is in the position shown, (except the tip position of FIG. 2,) it is supported at its forward end by laterally projecting lugs 12, fixed to the first members, resting on bearing pads 13 which are in turn carried laterally by the side members 7 of the subframe 2.

The two side-by-side second members 11 are interconnected by cross members to form a "second" frame 14. In addition to the pins 10 pivotally connecting the second frame to the first frame, each side member 11 of the second frame 14 carries two further pivot pins 15 and 16. Pivot pins 16 are at the forward end of the frame 14 and pivot pins 15 are at an intermediate position along the frame between the pivot pins 10 and 16. At the forward end of the second frame 14 and pivotally connected to the second frame by pivot pins 16 is a (normally) horizontal portion of a third member 17. From the forward end of the horizontal portion of the third member 17 a (normally) upright portion of member 17 extends (normally) upwardly from the horizontal portion. At the top of the upright portion the third member 17 comprises a hook 18 for connection to a lifting bar 19 at a front end of the container 3.

A pair of (normally) upright levers 20 forming so-called "fifth" members are pivotally connected to the second frame 14 by the intermediate position pivot pins 15. At the upper end of each lever 20 a pivot pin 21 on the respective lever 20 connects the upper end of the respective lever 20 to the rear end of a respective one of two (normally) horizontal rods 22 forming so-called "fourth" members, the rods running forwardly to connect pivotally through pins 23 to the rear end of the horizontal portion of the third member 17. At an intermediate position along each of the levers 20 and between its upper and lower ends is mounted a respective "third" pivot pin 24. The pin 24 carries the rearward end of an hydraulic ram "motor" 25, the ram running forwardly to a further connection point at pivot pin 26 on a front cross member 27 of the subframe 2. A selectively operable variable back-stop, shown by way of example in the form of a cam 28 mounted on the second frame 14, controls the limits of the pivotal movement of the levers 20 in relation to the second frame.

In the travelling position, the forward end of the second frame 14 is supported by a cross member 29 mounted in the subframe 2, and the third member 17 is supported at the bottom of its (normally) upright portion by pads 30 mounted on the upper face of the subframe front cross member 27.

Hydraulic power for the ram 25 is supplied by an hydraulic pump 31 driven by a cardan shaft 32 from a drive transmission gearbox 33 of the vehicle. Distribution of the oil flow from the pump 31 to the ram is selectively controlled by means of a control valve 34.

The container 3 is specially adapted for transportation by the vehicle. In addition to the lifting bar 19, the container has a base, (the lifting bar being higher than the base) which is supported by the second frame 14 of the motorised mechanism of the vehicle when the container is being tipped. In the travelling position, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6 and support pads 35 mounted on the subframe 2.

In order to move the container 3 on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, the container 3 is initially sited on the ground immediately behind the vehicle, as shown at FIG. 2. The ram 24 is extended, initially moving the levers 20 from position A to position B, shown in FIG. 4, relative to the second frame 14, which in turn through the translation of the rods 22 moves the third member 17 from position C to position D, shown in FIG. 1, relative to the second frame, and subsequently pivoting the complete assembly of the second frame 14 and third frame 17 about pivot pins 10 relative to the first frame 9 to reach position E shown in FIG. 2, where the hook 18 can be engaged with the lifitng bar 19 of the container 3.

The ram 25 is then retracted, pivoting the assembly of the second and third frames about pins 10, to lift and move the container 3 upwards and forwards relative to the vehicle to reach the position D shown in dotted lines on FIG. 1, with the upright portion of the third member 17 in front of the front end of the container 3. During this movement, longitudinally extending tracks formed by under-frame members 36 of the container 3 run on the flanged wheels 6. When the container has reached the position D, further retraction of the ram 25 causes, via the levers 20 and the rods 22, the third member 17 to pivot about pins 16 relative to the second frame 14 to move the container to the travelling position C shown in full lines in FIG. 1. As the container moves forwards from position D to position C, two rearwardly projecting cantilever arms 37 carried by a cross member 38 interconnecting the two side-by-side second members 11 pass along respective longitudinally extending clearways along the base of the container 3 until the undersides of the arms 37 engage with the topsides of respective laterally extending portions 39 of the container base.

The engagement of the arms 37 with the laterally extending portions 39 of the container base prevents the second frame 14 from pivoting relative to the first frame 9 about the pivot pins 10. Thus if the variable backstop 28 is operated to a selectable position such that pivotal movement of the levers 20 relative to the second frame 14 is prevented, thereby preventing movement of the container 3 relative to the second frame 14, extension of the hydraulic ram 25 will cause the first frame 9, second frame 14, third frame 17 and the container to pivot as one, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about the pivot pins 8, to cause tipping of the container 3 to the position F shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, for the container to discharge its contents through the openable rear end of the container. Upon retraction of the ram 25, the container 3 is lowered again to position C of FIG. 1.

To unload the container 3 from the vehicle, the backstop 28 position is re-selected to permit the levers 20 to pivot relative to the second frame 14, thus allowing the container to move relative to the second frame on extension of the hydraulic ram 25, to disengage the cantilever arms 37 from the container 3 and allow the container to move rearwards and downwards relative to the vehicle by pivotal movement of the second and third frames 14 and 17 respectively, relative to the first frame 9, that is to say a complete reversal of the loading cycle.

It will be appreciated that the motorised mechanism might be scaled down and turned through 90.degree. for moving a correspondingly smaller container on to the vehicle over the side of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over the side of the vehicle. For example there might be a plurality of such mechanisms for a corresponding number of containers on one vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 of the drawings, the second vehicle is a commercial vehicle having a chassis 1B which is fitted with a fabricated sub-frame assembly 2B forming part of a motorised mechanism for moving container 3B on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle. The mechanism comprises, at the rear end of the sub-frame 2B, which is at the rear end of the vehicle, a rear cross member 4B on each end of which are stub axles 5B carrying flanged wheels 6B. Forward of the rear cross member 4B of the sub-frame 2B are side members 7B of the sub-frame 2B. Two pivot pins 8B project laterally inwards from the side members 7B. On the inner ends of the pivot pins 8B and between the side members 7B of the sub-frame 2B are pivotally mounted two side-by-side first members inter-connected by cross members to form a trapezium-shaped first frame 9B. At the forward end of the first frame 9B are two further pivot pins 10B whereby two side-by-side second members 11B are pivotally connected to the first frame 9B. When the first frame 9B is in the position shown (except the tipped position of FIG. 6,) it is supported at its forward end by laterally projecting lugs 12B fixed to the side-by-side first members and resting on the upper faces of the side members 7B of the sub-frame 2B.

The two side-by-side second members 11B are interconnected at their forward ends by a cross shaft 14B to form a second frame 15B. In addition to the pivot pins 10B pivotally connecting the second frame to the first frame, each side member 11B of the second frame 15B carries two further pivot pins 16B and 17B. Pivot pins 16B are at an intermediate position along the frame 15B between pivot pins 10B and cross shaft 14B; pivot pins 17B are at an intermediate position along the frame 15B between pivot pins 16B and pivot pins 10B. At the forward end of the second frame 15B and pivotally connected to the second frame by the cross shaft 14B is a (normally) horizontal portion of a third member 18B. From the forward end of the horizontal portion of the third member 18B (and forward of cross shaft 14B) a (normally) upright portion of member 18B extends upwardly from the horizontal portion. At the top of the upright portion the third member 18B comprises a hook 19B for connection to a lifing bar 20B at the upper front end of the container 3B.

A pair of (normally) upright levers 21B forming two so-called "fifth" members, are pivotally connected to the second frame 15B by the intermediate position pivot pins 16B. The upper ends of the two levers 21B are interconnected by a cross shaft 22B which forms a pivotal attachment for the rearward end of an hydraulic ram "motor" 23B the ram running forwardly to a further connection point at pivot pin 24B on a front cross member 25B of the sub-frame 2B. At the lower end of each of the upright levers 21B is a respective pivot pin 44B positioned such that pivot pin 16B on the lever 21B is intermediate pivot pins 22B and 44B. Also on the rearward face of each of the levers 21B is a concave semi-circular cup 41B.

Pivotally connected to levers 21B by pivot pins 44B are two tie-rods-cum-struts 26B forming two so-called "fourth" members, running forwardly to connect with third member 18B at pivot pins 27B. The outer ends of pivot pins 17B on the second frame 15B each carry levers 28B. Levers 28B are on the outside of second member 15B and each carry, at the end opposite to the pivot pin 17B, a roller 30B. In the travelling position roller 30B engages the upper surface of side members 7B of the sub-frame 2B.

The inner ends of pivot shafts 17B carry levers 29B which are intermediate side members 11B of the second frame 15B. At the ends of levers 29B opposite to pivot pins 17B are mounted rollers 31B. Springs (not shown) are fitted between levers 28B and side members 11B in a disposition such as to cause levers 29B to tend to rotate so as to swing rollers 31B towards the levers 21B.

In the travelling position the forward end of the second frame 15B is supported by stops 32B abutting the underside of side members 11B, and the third member 18B is supported at the underside of its (normally) upright portion by a pad 33B carried on the upper face of the sub-frame front cross member 25B. Pivotal motion of the two (normally) upright levers 21B about pivot pins 16B relative to the second frame 15B, is limited by abutments (not shown) mounted laterally on the lower ends of the levers 21B and corresponding shoulders (not shown) on the inner faces of the side members 11B of the second frame 15B.

The (normally) upright portion of third frame 18B carries a pivot shaft 34B intermediate the hook 19B and the (normally) horizontal portion. At the outer ends of pivot shaft 34B are mounted hooks 35B which can be selectively engaged with pins 36B on the front of container 3B. The hooks 35B are retained in their extreme operating positions by over centre springs and rockers (not shown) operating on pivot shaft 34B.

Hydraulic power for the ram 23B is supplied by a hydraulic pump 42B driven from a transmission gearbox of the vehicle. Distribution of the oil flow from the pump 42B to the ram is selectively controlled by means of an hydraulic directional control system (not shown).

The container 3B is specially adapted for transportation by the vehicle. In addition to the lifting bar 20B the container has a base 37B, (the lifting bar being higher than the base) which is supported by longitudinal frame members 38B which in turn subtend or support laterally projecting portions 39B intermediate the two longitudinals 38B. In the travelling position, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6B and support pads 43B mounted on the sub-frame 2B and, during tipping, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6B and the second frame 15B reacting on the base 37B of the container.

In order to move the container 3B on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, the container 3B is initially sited on the ground immediately behind the vehicle as shown by the full lines at FIG. 6. The ram 23B is extended, initially rotating the levers 21B relative to the second frame 15B about pivot pins 16' from position A' to position B' shown in FIG. 5, which in turn, through the lateral translation of the tie-rods-struts 26B, causes pivotal movement of the third frame 18B, about cross shaft 14B relative to the second frame 15B, from position C' to position D' shown at FIG. 5 and subsequently, after abutment of the stops on levers 21B, with the shoulders on the side members 11B of second frame 15B, pivoting the complete assembly of the second frame 15B and the third frame 18B about pivot pins 10B relative to the first frame 9B, to reach position E' shown in FIG. 6, when the hook 19B can be engaged with the lifting bar 20B of the container 3B. As the initial pivotal movement of the second frame 15B relative to the first frame 9B takes place, the axis of the pivot shaft 17B carrying levers 28B and 29B moves away upwardly from the sub-frame side members 7B, thus permitting the bias of the springs, (not shown) fitted between the side members 11B and the levers 28B, to pivotally rotate the two like assemblies each comprising pivot shaft 17B, lever 38B with roller 30B and lever 39B with roller 31B relative to the side members 11B so as to cause rollers 31B to engage the concave semi-circular cups 41B of the (normally) upright levers 21B, thus preventing any pivotal movement of levers 21B relative to the second frame 15B about pivot pins 16B.

The ram 23B is then retracted, pivoting the assembly of the second and third frames about pins 10B to lift and move the container 3B upwards and forwards relative to the vehicle to reach the position D' shown in dotted lines on FIG. 5 with the (normally) upright portion of the third frame 18B in front of the front end of the container 3B.

During this movement, longitudinally extending tracks formed by under-frame members 38B of the container 3B run on the flanged wheels 6B. Immediately prior to the container 3B reaching position D', the rollers 30B strike the upper face of the side members 7B of the sub-frame 2B, causing partial rotation of the two like assemblies, each comprising pivot shaft 17B, lever 28B with roller 30B and lever 29B with roller 31B, about pivot 17B relative to the second frame 15B, and against the bias of the springs, so as to disengage rollers 31B from concave cups 41B, thus permitting levers 21B to pivot relative to the second frame 15B. When the container has reached the position D', further retraction of the ram 23B causes, via the levers 21B and the tie-rods-struts 26B, the third member 18B to pivot about cross shaft 14B relative to the second frame 15B to move the container to the travelling position C' shown in full lines in FIG. 5. As the container moves forward, following the movement of the (normally) upright portion of the third member 18B from position D' to position C', two rearwardly projecting cantilever arms 40B carried by side members 11B of the second frame 15B pass along respective longitudinally extending clearways along the base of the container 3B until the undersides of the arms 40B engage with the top sides of the respective laterally extending portions 39B of the container base. The engagement of the arms 40B with the laterally extending portions 39B of the container base prevents the second frame 15B from pivoting relative to the first frame 9B about the pivot pins 10B.

Rotation of the cross shaft 34B relative to third frame 18B causes the locking hooks 35B to engage with laterally extending bars 36B on the front of the container 3B, thus preventing movement of the container 3B relative to the second frame 15B.

Extension of the hydraulic ram 23B will now cause the first frame 9B, the second frame 15B, the third frame 18B and the container to pivot as one, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about the pivot pins 8B to cause tipping of the container 3B to the position F' shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6, for the container to discharge its contents through the openable rear end of the container.

Upon retraction of the ram 23B the container 3B is lowered again to position C', FIG. 5.

To unload the container 3B from the vehicle, the locking hooks 35B are rotated to the release position shown in FIG. 5, thus permitting the third frame 18B to pivot relative to the second frame 15B, allowing the container to move relative to the second frame on extension of the hydraulic ram 23B, to disengage the cantilever arms 40B from the container 3B and allow the container to move rearwards and downwards relative to the vehicle by pivotal movement of the second and third frames 15B and 18B relative to the first frame 9B, that is to say, a complete reversal of the loading cycle.

It will be appreciated that the operation of tipping the container may be achieved in an alternative fashion. Instead of using locking hooks 35B pivotally mounted on cross shaft 34B to the third frame 18B to engage lateral pins 36B on the container 3B, a selectively operable variable back stop (not shown) may be used to engage levers 21B by selective means, thus preventing rotation of levers 21B relative to the second frame 15B and thereby preventing movement of the container 3B relative to the second frame 15B and causing, by extension of the hydraulic cylinder 23B, the first frame 9B, second frame 15B, third frame 18B and the container to pivot as one, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about the pivot pins 8B to causing tipping of the container 3B to the position F' shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6, for the container to discharge its contents through the openable rear end of the container.

It will also be appreciated that the motorised mechanism might be scaled down and turn through 90.degree. about a vertical axis for moving a corresponding smaller container on to the vehicle over the side of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over the side of the vehicle.

Also there might be a plurality of such mechanisms for a corresponding number of containers on one vehicle.

It is contemplated that the vehicle of FIGS. 1 to 4 might be modified to have a pivot shaft and hooks engageable with pins on the front of the container, equivalent to the pivot shaft 34B, hooks 35B and pins 36B of the second vehicle, in place of the variable backstop 28.

The backstop, not shown, referred to above as an alternative for the second embodiment to the pivot shaft 34B, hooks 35B and pins 36B might, for example, be similar to the backstop 28 of the mechanism described in the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 of the drawings, the third vehicle is a commercial vehicle having a chassis 1C which is fitted with a fabricated sub-frame assembly 2C forming part of a motorised mechanism for moving container 3C on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle. The mechanism comprises, at the rear end of the sub-frame 2C, which is at the rear end of the vehicle, a rear cross member 4C on each end of which are stub axles 5C carrying flanged wheels 6C. Forward of the rear cross member 4C of the sub-frame 2C are side members 7C of the sub-frame 2C. Two pivot pins 8C project laterally inwards from the side members 7C. On the inner ends of the pivot pins 8C and between the side members 7C of the sub-frame 2C are pivotally mounted two side-by-side first members inter-connected by cross members to form a trapezium-shaped first frame 9C. At the forward end of the first frame 9C is a further pivot pin 10C whereby two side-by-side second members 11C are pivotally connected to the first frame 9C. When the first frame 9C is in the position shown (except the tipped position of FIG. 9.) it is supported at its forward end by laterally projecting lugs 12C fixed to the side-by-side first members and resting on abutements 13C fixed to the inside faces of the side members 7C of the sub-frame 2C.

The two side-by-side second members 11C are interconnected intermediate their forward and rear ends by a cross member 14C to form a second frame 15C. In addition to the pivot pin 10C pivotally connecting the second frame to the first frame, each side member 11C of the second frame 15C carries at its forward end a respective one of two further pivot pins 16C. At its forward end the second frame 15C is pivotally connnected via pivot pins 16C to the horizontal portion of a third member 18C. From the forward end of the horizontal portion of the third member 18C (and forward of pivot pins 16C) a (normally) upright portion of the third member 18C extends upwardly from the horizontal portion. At the top of the upright portion the third member 18C comprises a hook 19C for connection to a lifting bar 20C at the upper front end of the container 3C.

A cross-shaft 21C forming a so-called "fifth" member, is slidably engaged in slots 22C in the second frame 15C. The cross-shaft 21C forms a pivotal attachment for the rearward end of an hydraulic ram "motor" 23C, the ram running forwardly to a further connection point at pivot pin 24C on a front cross member 25C of the sub-frame 2C.

Pivotally connected to cross-shaft 21C are two tie-rods-cum-struts 26C forming two so-called "fourth" members, running forwardly to connect with third member 18C at pivot pins 27C.

In the travelling position, the forward end of the second frame 15C is supported by stops 32C abutting the underside of side members 11C, and the third member 18C is supported at the underside of its (normally) upright portion by a pad 33C carried on the upper face of the sub-frame front cross member 25C.

Hydraulic power for the ram 23C is supplied by a hydraulic pump 42C driven from a transmission gearbox of the vehicle. Distribution of the oil flow from the pump 42C to the ram is selectively controlled by means of an hydraulic directional control system (not shown).

A locking device is provided for regulating sliding of cross-shaft 21C in the slots 22C. This locking device is in the form of two rotatable slotted sleeves 34C, (omitted from FIGS. 8 and 10), located at one end of each of slots 22C. In one position of sleeves 34C, the cross-shaft 21C is free to slide from one end to the other end of each of the slots 22C, by virtue of registration between the sleeve slots and slots 22C. In another position of sleeves 34C, the cross-shaft 21C is either held within sleeves 34C, at the corresponding ends of slots 22C, or is kept outside sleeves 34C at the opposite ends of slots 22C, by non-registration of the sleeve slots with slots 22C.

The container 3C is specially adapted for transportation by the vehicle. In addition to the lifting bar 20C the container has a base 37C, (the lifting bar being higher than the base) which is supported by longitudinal frame members 38C which in turn subtend or support laterally projecting portions 39C intermediate the two longitudinals 38C. In the travelling position, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6C and support pads 43C mounted on the subframe 2C and, during tipping, the container is supported by the flanged wheels 6C and the second frame 15C reacting on the base 37C of the container.

In order to move the container 3C on to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle, the container 3C is initially sited on the ground immediately behind the vehicle as shown by the full lines at FIG. 9. The ram 23C is extended, initially sliding the cross-shaft 21C in slots 22C in the second frame 15C from position A" shown in FIG. 8 to position B" shown in FIG. 9, which in turn, through the lateral translation of the tie-rods-struts 26C, causes pivotal movement of the third frame 18C, about pivots 16C relative to the second frame 15C, from position C" to position D" shown at FIG. 8 and subsequently, after abutment of the cross-shaft 21C with ends B" of slots 22C in the side members 11C of second frame 15C, pivoting the complete assembly of the second frame 15C and the third frame 18C about pivot pin 10C relative to the first frame 9C to reach position E" shown in FIG. 9 when the hook 19C can be engaged with the lifting bar 20C of the container 3C. As the initial pivotal movement of the second frame 15C relative to the first frame 9C takes place, the slotted sleeves 34C rotate, for example due to spring bias, to move the sleeve slots out of register with slots 22C, thus preventing cross-shaft 21C for the time being from returning to position A" from position B", thus preventing any pivotal movement of third frame 18C relative to the second frame 15C.

The ram 23C is then retracted, pivoting the assembly of the second and third frames about pin 10C to lift and move the container 3C upwards and forwards relative to the vehicle to reach the position D" shown in dotted lines on FIG. 8 with the (normally) upright portion of the third frame 18C in front of the front end of the container 3C.

During this movement, longitudinally extending tracks formed by under-frame members 38C of the container 3C run on the flanged wheels 6C. Immediately prior to the container 3C reaching position D", the slotted sleeves 34C are rotated by means of a suitable device, (such as a cam or lever,) not shown, to bring the sleeve slots back into register with slots 22C, against the spring bias, thus permitting cross-shaft 21C to move from position B" to position A". When the container 3C has reached the position D", further retraction of the ram 23C causes, via the cross-shaft 21C and the tie-rods-struts 26C, the third member 18C to pivot about pivot pins 14C relative to the second frame 15C to move the container to the travelling position C" shown in full lines in FIG. 8. As the container moves forward, following the movement of the (normally) upright portion of the third member 18C from position D" to position C", two rearwardly projecting cantilever arms 40C carried by cross member 14C of the second frame 15C pass along respective longitudinally extending clearways along the base of the container 3C until the undersides of the arms 40C engage with the top sides of the respective laterally extending portions 39C of the container base. The engagement of the arms 40C with the laterally extending portions 39C of the container base prevents the second frame 15C from pivoting relative to the first frame 9C about the pivot arm 10C.

Rotation of slotted sleeves 34C to deregister the sleeve slots from slots 22C and hence keep cross-shaft 21C in position A" prevents movement of the container 3C relative to the second frame 15C.

Extension of the hydraulic ram 23C will now cause the first frame 9C, the second frame 15C, the third frame 18C and the container to pivot as one, that is to say, as a whole, as a rigid assembly about the pivot pins 8C to cause tipping of the container 3C to the position F" shown in dotted lines in FIG. 9, for the container to discharge its contents through the openable rear end of the container. Upon retraction of the ram 23C, the container 3C is lowered again to position C", FIG. 8.

To unload the container 3C from the vehicle, the slotted sleeves 34C are rotated to re-register the sleeve slots with slots 22C, thus permitting the third frame 18C to pivot relative to the second frame 15C, allowing the container to move relative to the second frame on extension of the hydraulic ram 23C, to disengage the cantilever arms 40C from the container 3C and allow the container to move rearwards and downwards relative to the vehicle by pivotal movement of the second and third frames 15C and 18C relative to the first frame 9C, that is to say, a complete reversal of the loading cycle.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A vehicle for transporting a container, the vehicle comprising a motorised mechanism for moving the container onto the vehicle over any one side of the vehicle, tipping the container and moving the container off the vehicle over said side of the vehicle, the mechanism comprising at least one first member pivotally mounted close to the said side of the vehicle; comprising at least one second member pivotally connected to the at least one first member, comprising at least one third member pivotally connected to the at least one second member, each third member being attachable to the container for the movement of the container onto and off the vehicle by pivotal movement of the at least one second member together with the at least one third member relative to the at least one first member, comprising at least one fourth member and at least one fifth member and comprising motor means, the at least one fourth member being pivotally connected to the at least one third member, the at least one fourth member also being connected to the at least one fifth member, the at least one fifth member in turn being movably attached for relative movement with the at least one second member such that movement of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one second member produced by the motor means causes linear translation of the at least one fourth member relative to the at least one second member, in turnng causing inter-related pivotal motion of the at least one third member relative to the at least one second member so as to move the container relative to each second member and causing inter-locking engagement between corresponding portions of each second member and the container, such that the container and the first, second and third members together with the fourth and fifth members can be tipped by the motor means by pivotal movement as one about the pivotal mounting of each first member.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein two side-by-side first members are interconnected to form a frame.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are two side-by-side second members.

4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 3 wherein the two second members are interconnected to form a frame.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the third member comprises a normally substantially horizontal portion and anormally upright portion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion being rigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, the upright portion including means for attachment to the container.

6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member and to said at least one fourth member and further comprising variable backstop means for preventing pivotal movement of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one second member, whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members can be prevented while moving the container on and off the vehicle.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6 wherein said motor means comprises an hydraulic ram pivotally connected at one end thereof to said at least one lever at a pivot intermediate the pivotal connections of said at least one lever to the at least one second member and the at least one fourth member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at least one first member is pivotally mounted, the other end of the hydraulic ram being pivotally connected to the subframe.

8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member and to the at least one fourth member and further comprising at least one pair of further levers rigidly interconnected with each other and pivotally connected to the at least one second member, a first lever of each pair of said further levers being controllably engageable with the at least one fifth member to preventing pivoting of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one second member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at least one first member is pivotally mounted, the other lever of each pair of said further levers being engageable with the subframe, upon pivoting of the at least one second member, for disengaging the first lever of each pair of levers from the at least one fifth member, whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members is prevented by engagement of the at least one fifth member by the first lever of each pair of said further levers, while moving the container on and off the vehicle.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5 wherein said upright portion comprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof for attachment to the container and also comprises selectively operable second hook means below said first hook means for attachment to the container for preventing relative movement between the container and said at least one third member.

10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one fifth member is slidably engaged in guide means of said at least one second member and further comprising means for controllable locking of said at least one fifth member in either of two extreme positions in said guide means, to prevent relative pivoting between said second and third members.

11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two side-by-side first members are interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are two side-by-side second members, wherein the third member comprises a normally substantially horizontal portion and a normally upright portion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion being rigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, the upright portion including means for attachment to the container, wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member and to said at least one fourth member and further comprising variable backstop means for preventing pivotal movement of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one second member, whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members can be prevented while moving the container on and off the vehicle, wherein said motor means comprises an hydraulic ram pivotally connected at one end thereof to said at least one lever at a pivot intermediate the pivotal connections of said at least one lever to the at least one second member and the at least one fourth member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at least one first member is pivotally mounted, the other end of the hydraulic ram being pivotally connected to the subframe.

12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11 wherein said upright portion comprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof for attachment to the container and also comprises selectively operable second hook means below said first hook means for attachment to the container for preventing relative movement between the container and said at least one third member.

13. A vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein the two second members are interconnected to form a frame.

14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two side-by-side first members are interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are two side-by-side second members, wherein the third member comprises a normally substantially horizontal portion and a normally upright portion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion being rididly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, the upright portion including means for attachment to the container, wherein the at least one fifth member is formed by at least one lever pivotally connected both to the at least one second member and to the at least one fourth member and further comprising at least one pair of further levers rigidly interconnected with each other and pivotally connected to the at least one second member, a first lever of each pair of said further levers being controllably engageable with the at least one fifth member to prevent pivoting of the at least one fifth member relative to the at least one second member, and further comprising a subframe on which the at least one first member is pivotally mounted, other lever of the each pair of said further levers being engageable with the subframe, upon pivoting of the at least one second member, for disengaging the first lever of the or each pair of levers from the at least one fifth member, whereby relative pivoting of the second and third members is prevented by engagement of the at least one fifth member by the first lever of each pair of said further levers, while moving the container on and off the vehicle.

15. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said upright portion comprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof attachment to the container and also comprises selectively operable second hook means below said first hook means for attachment to the container for preventing relative movement between the container and said at least one third member.

16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the two second members are interconnected to form a frame.

17. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two side-by-side first members are interconnected to form a frame, wherein there are two side-by-side second members, wherein the third member comprises a normally substantially horizontal portion and a normally upright portion, the horizontal portion being pivotally connected at one end thereof to the at least one second member, the bottom end of the upright portion being rigidly connected to the opposite end of the horizontal portion, the upright portion including means for attachment to the container, wherein said at least one fifth member is slidably engaged in guide means of said at least one second member and further comprising controllable locking means for selectively locking said at least one fifth member in either of two extreme positions in said guide means, whereby to prevent relative pivoting between said second and third members.

18. A vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein said upright portion comprises first hook means at least near the upper end thereof for attachment to the container and also comprises selectively operable second hook means below said first hook means for attachment to the container for preventing relative movement between the container and said at least one third member.