Material or article handling – Self-loading or unloading vehicles – Conveyor
Patent
1997-01-03
2000-06-06
Hess, Douglas
Material or article handling
Self-loading or unloading vehicles
Conveyor
414532, 414536, 19878106, 280253, 280263, B65G 104
Patent
active
060710632
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to wheeled load transporters and is applicable particularly, but not exclusively, to wheeled load transporters for use in the transportation and transfer of palletised aircraft freight units.
BACKGROUND ART
Typical air cargo facilities utilise "fixed integrated" handling equipment for moving and storing the heavy fragile aircraft containers. Within these handling systems the method of transporting and manipulating the containers involves a combination of rail or track mounted transfer vehicles, transfer conveyors, orientation decks and turntables. The machinery is fixed in place and linked together to facilitate the movement of containers across the equipment system.
Such systems wherein the machinery is fixed in place, pose limitations on cargo handling in that the container can only be moved along specific pathways to fixed transfer stations. Moreover there is a wastage in equipment in that specific equipment is only used at the time of container transfer at the specific location.
OBJECT
It is an object of the present invention to provide a wheeled load transporter which addresses the above limitations, or one which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheeled transporter including at least three ground engaging load carrying wheels, at least a first of said wheels being a steerable and drivable wheel and at least a second of said wheels being a castoring wheel not being capable of being driven.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheeled load transporter including at least three ground engaging load carrying wheels, at least a first and a third of said wheels being steerable about respective substantially vertical axes, and steering means operable to steer said first and third wheels such that when the first wheel is turned in a clockwise direction about the vertical axis thereof the third wheel is turned in an anti-clockwise direction about the vertical axis thereof and vice versa, and in which at least a second of said wheels is not capable of being driven.
Preferably the first and third wheels are drivable wheels. The second wheel may be a castoring wheel.
Conveniently, the second wheel is positioned outside any vertical plane passing through both of the first and third wheels.
Advantageously, the first and third wheels can each be turned through a steering angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
Preferably the first and third wheels at one end of the steering angle through which they may be turned are substantially parallel.
Conveniently, at least one of the first and third wheels is brakable for additional transporter steering purposes, independently of the other of the first and third wheels. Both of the first and third wheels may be brakable independently of the other.
Advantageously, a control position is provided on the transporter for a driver thereof, the control position including driving and/or braking and/or steering controls. Two of the control positions may be provided each having one of more of the controls, the control positions being spaced apart at opposite ends of the transporter.
Preferably, the or both of the control positions are located in or near a vertical plane through the steering axes of the first and third wheels.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a wheeled transporter including a load carrying platform having disposed along the length thereof, in spaced relationship, a plurality of load presence detection means, conveyor means for moving the load along the platform, the conveyor means being started and stopped in response to signals from the load presence detection means.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheeled transporter, including a load carrying platform comprising a plurality of powered rollers drivable in forward and reverse directions, mounted thereon by means of adjustable mounts whereby said roller
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McGrath Christopher John
McGrath Vincent James
Hess Douglas
McGrath Industries Limited
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