GB2438084A

GB2438084A - Portable dock leveller

Info

Publication number: GB2438084A
Application number: GB0709090A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Mark Adams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-11
Filing date: 2007-05-11
Publication date: 2007-11-14
Also published as: GB0709090D0; GB0609313D0

Abstract

A portable hydraulically-operated dock leveller has a platform 14 hinged at its rear end to a frame member 27 of a base 12 and pivoted by one or more hydraulic rams 26 to adjust the angle of the platform to bring an extension 30 to the level of a container or other storage means to or from which goods are to be loaded or unloaded. The goods can thus be moved between floors at different levels. The base 12 has wheels 44 which may be moved into contact with the ground using hydraulic rams allow the apparatus to be moved and retracted when the dock leveller is in use.

Description

I

Apparatus for Loading and Unloading of Goods The present invention relates to apparatus for the loading and unloading of goods and more particularly to the provision of a platform to assist in the movement of goods to and from containers and the like.

The transportation of goods between different geographical locations typically requires goods to be moved to and from containers. Containers may take the form of static containers which are loaded onto vehicles for transportation or else the interior of the vehicles themselves. The majority of containers are raised above ground level and the goods therefore need to be raised and lowered during respective loading and unloading operations. This represents a well known problem since dealing with goods which are raised, especially when raised above head height, poses a safety risk for the persons in the vicinity of the goods.

A number of solutions have been proposed in the past in order to avoid the need to manually raise and lower the goods in question. One such solution involves the use of a fixed loading dock at a predetermined height above ground level to match the floor level of the containers. Thus goods can be freely moved into and out of the containers from the dock. However such an arrangement is only of benefit for permanent installations when the height of the container floor matches the dock height. *I..

For containers of differing heights, there will inevitably be a height mismatch between the dock and the containers such that the benefit of having a dock is negated by the need to raise and * or lower the goods from the dock level. Such problems often :.: * occur at retail premises which would normally receive goods on the back of vans or small trucks and for which the dock is unsuitable when goods are received on larger container vehicles.

this problem is often compounded when not only the dock, but also the entire loading bay is unsuitable for larger vehicle containers. In such instances the lorry is often not even able to be manocuvrcd into position adjacent the platform due to the limited space available, for example, at retail premises in built-up areas.

It is known to provide trucks with containers fitted with movable tailgates such that goods can be positioned on the tailgate platform and then raised vertically to the level of the container floor for loading. In addition to lift mechanisms which are integral with vehicles, it is also known to provide standalone lifts which can be moved into position as required.

Whilst this offers a safe method of loading goods, when it is considered that goods are often loaded into containers using trolleys or the like, it can be seen that the need to raise/lower the goods reduces loading speeds considerably. In addition, in the case that the container in question is not adjacent the dock, goods which have been lowered to ground level may subsequently need to be raised again onto the dock.

Therefore there is a need to provide apparatus which can allow loading and unloading of goods into containers of varying heights without the delay associated with known lift mechanisms, but which does not jeopardise the safety of the loaders. *... * *

*.I. . . . . According to a first aspect of the present Invention there is provided apparatus for loading and/or unloading of goods onto :. and from a vehicle mounted container and the like, the * apparatus having a platform and a base arranged to support the :.: * platform, said platform selectively locatable at a distance above the surface upon which the base stands, the platform having at least a portion which is movable with respect to the base to lie at a selected angle, within a range of angles with respect to the surface on which the base is positioned.

in one embodiment actuation means are disposed between the platform and the base, the actuation means arranged to exert a force on the platform so as to selectively alter the angle of the platform.

In one embodiment this is achieved by exerting a force to raise and/or lower a portion of the platform to a desired height, and thereby causing the remainder of the platform to pivot about a pivot location with the base.

Tn an alternative embodiment, different portions of the platform can be moved by different actuation means thereby allowing the height and angular orientation of the platform to be selected by selectively adjusting the position of the actuation means.

lypically the apparatus is selectively movable into position for use. Preferably the apparatus can readied for use by way of fixing means to hold the apparatus in place such that the apparatus becomes a semi-permanent unit. In one embodiment, the portion which is moved is located at a first end of the platform and the platform is pivotally located at a second, opposing, end of the platform. es

:: When a fixed loading dock is installed, the variation in heights *.S. . . . to be taken into account for different containers/vehicles are relatively small compared to the height of the container above ground level. The present invention exploits this by provision of a platform that can be provided in the form of a variable height ramp which can be moved into position and an end of which can be raised or lowered to suit variable vehicle heights.

Therefore the present invention can advantageously provide a platform, the orientation of which can be fixed to suit any given container and which does not therefore need to be separately raised and lowered for each individual stack of goods to be loaded /unloaded.

In addition, in the event that a container is located a distance from a fixed dock, one or more additional platforms can be moved in to position to bridge the gap between the fixed dock and the container. When used in this manner, only the platform nearest the container need be provided in accordance with the present invention and the additional platforms may be of simpler construction, having a fixed height to match the height of the dock. Thus a raised walkway can be established and removed as necessary.

Typically the actuation means comprises one or more piston-in-cylinder arrangements and may take the form of a hydraulic tam.

Preferably the actuation means is connected to the platform part way along a length of the platform, between the first and second ends. Such an arrangement is beneficial in that the movement of the piston is exaggerated by the second end of the platform, resulting in a larger range of height adjustment.

Preferably the platform is supported substantially by the pivoting connection with the base and the connection with the :. actuation means, such that the second end of the platform is free to be raised and/or lowered to marry with the floor of a container. The free end of the platform may be provided with an extension portion which can be extended onto a container :. floor during use and subsequently retracted for storage or : repositioning of the platform. *.. .

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The extendable portion is advantageous in that it can extend across a gap between the platform and the container and can also help support some of the weight during loading. Thus the actuation means does not have to withstand the entire load during use and can be located closer to the fixed end of the platform, increasing the range of height adjustment.

Typically the platform is provided with railings along one or rnorc sides thereof. The railings are typically fixed to the platform and are movable therewith. The railings may be provided with one or more extension portions which are extendable across a gap between the platform and the container.

The extension portions are advantageous in that a vehicle does not need to be positioned immediately adjacent the end of the platform for safe operation. This allows a lorry to be quickly and easily positioned for loading without the need for accurate alignment.

Typically the base is selectively movable and may be provided on wheels or casters. Preferable the base is provided with fixing means to hold the base in position for use. In one embodiment the wheels themselves can be provided on movable arms which lower and raise the wheels respectively into and out of contact with the ground. As the wheels are raised, the base is thus lowered into contact with the ground to form a semi-permanent unit. The arms may take the form of hydraulic rams and may be interconnected by one or more beams. S... S *

S... . . . . Alternatively the base may be lifted into an in-use condition by way of one or more feet so as to raise the wheels off the ground.

:. This may be achieved by a single central ram or else, for example, a combination of four feet, each foot being disposed close to a corner of the base. The wheels may be powered or the platform may be moved into position manually or else under power of another vehicle. The base may be provided with one or more handle portions to enable manual movement of the base.

Typically the base comprises a number of frame members forming a frame structure around the platform. Typically the actuation means is provided on a cross member beneath the platform. According to one embodiment, one or more upright beams may be provided with visual indicators in order to assist with alignment of the container and base.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for loading and/or unloading of goods into and from a first storage area at one end of the apparatus and a second storage area at an opposing end of the apparatus, said first storage area having a floor at first level and the second storage area having a floor at a second level, said floors within a predetermined height range and said apparatus having a platform which extends between said floors of the first and second storage areas and the apparatus includes actuation means which can exert a moving force on the platform to allow the same to be moved to an angular configuration which allows the said floors to be spanned by the platform regardlcss of the respective heights of the floors within the predetermined height range.

The present invention therefore allows goods to be moved between the goods storage areas along thc angularly positioned platform directly and without the need for further apparatus or movement along different surfaces or unpacking or unloading of goods storage apparatus to be performed.

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* :0 In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method :.: . of loading and/or unloading goods from goods storage areas comprising the steps of providing apparatus having a platform and a base arranged to support the platform a distance above a surface upon which the base stands, moving the apparatus to a position between the storage areas, moving the platform relative to the base by way of actuation means disposed between the platform and the base so as to bring the platform into the required angular Orientation such that the platform forms a substantially continuous surface extending between the floors of the first and second storage areas and moving the goods directly between the goods storage areas via the platform.

in one embodiment the method further comprises the step of introducing one or more further platforms between the goods storage area and the apparatus to provide a continuous platform structure along the distance between the first and second storage areas and therefore span the floors of the respective storage areas. The other platforms may be fixed or moveable as required.

Preferred embodiments will now be described in further detail in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of apparatus according to the present Invention; Figure 2 shows detail of the railing and platform according to figure 1;

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Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1; * * U* : .. Figure 4 shows an end view of the apparatus of figure 1; *** I

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Figure 5 shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 in a raised condition for use; and, Figure 6 shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 in a lowered condition for use.

In the figures there is shown apparatus 10 for loading and unloading of goods into a container (not shown) but which is mounted at one end 8 and at the other end 6 there can be provided a further container but more typically a fixed loading deck or further platform so that the apparatus acts as a means to allow the goods to be moved between the storage means at the respective ends 6 and 8.

The apparatus 10 comprises a base portion shown generally as 12 and a platform 14.

The base 12 takes the form of a generally box-shaped frame structure with substantially vertical upright frame members 16 at each corner. The vertical frame members 16 are connected by a series of substantially horizontal beams 18. Extending along the side of the frame, a distance between the uppermost and lowermost edges of the frame, are provided two or more spaced beams 20. These beams are joined by a series of vertical frame members 22. The combination of the beams 20 and the vertical member 22 provide increased rigidity to the frame as well as a partial barrier to prevent any people or articles falling from the frame sides.

A cross member 24 extends between the sides of the frame beneath the platform 14 and supports actuating means in the *.S.

form of one or more hydraulic rams 26. The hydraulic rams 26 : *. project upwardly of the cross member 24 and are pivotally **. . connected at their upper ends to the platform 14. S..

: .. The platform 14 has a substantially continuous upper surface S. * - *:*. and is pivotally connected at a first end thereof to a frame member 27 at hinges 28. The platform 14 extends substantially the entire length of the frame and is provided with a front extension portion 30, which is shown in further detail in figure 2. Tn addition, a rear extension portion 32 is provided which is hingedly connected to the frame member 27 such that it can be lowered into an in-use condition as necessary. Both front 30 and rear 32 extension portions act as bridging plates during use to avoid gaps between the platform 14 and a container or fixed dock or other storage means at each end.

As can be seen in figure 2, the front extension portion 30 can be pivotally attached to the platform 14 along edge 36 by one or more hinges 34. The extension portion may comprise two plates disposed at slightly different orientations and the overall construction may be movable into and out of an in-use position by one or more hydraulic rams (not shown).

The platform 14 is provided with rails 38 fixed at each side thereof. The rails 38 have extension portions in the form of sliding gates 40 which are supported by eyes 42 on the rails 38 so as to aliow the gates 40 to be extended and retracted from the front edge of the rails 38 as required.

The frame as shown in figure 1 is provided with wheels 44 on each side thereof. The wheels are connected to the frame members by hydraulic rams such that the wheels can be raised and lowered as required. A pair of two wheels are provided on each side of the frame, each pair being connected by a *...

horizontal frame member to synchronise movement and * ** orientation of the wheels. Whilst the wheels are shown on the outside of the frame, they could equally be provided inside the * frame members in order to reduce overall dimensions. * ** * S * *** S S. * * S.

Preferably the operation of the hydraulic rams 46 for the wheels arc operatively connected to the rams 26 for operating the platform. Thus the platform can only be operated when the wheels arc moved to an inoperative position.

Additionally the wheels could remain live at all times and movable feet could alternatively be provided to lift the frame slightly by way of hydraulic rams into an operative condition.

A series of hooks are optionally provided to secure the apparatus to a fixed dock during use.

A number of handles 50 are provided on the outermost frame members in order to allow the apparatus to be manually moved into position. Additionally or else alternatively the wheels may be powered, or else the apparatus may be provided with a towing hook to allow it to be moved by a vehicle.

During use, the platform is moved into position next to a fixed dock at end 6 such that the extension portion 32 extends to the edge of the dock. A container to be filled is positioned adjacent the end 8 of the apparatus such that the bridging plate 30 extends part way into the container. Thus a continuous surface is formed between the dock and container floor by platform 14.

Turning now to figure 5, the platform 14 is shown in an angled position condition in which the second end 50 is raised to a height above the first end 52. It will be appreciated that the arm *S*.

27 of ram 26 has been extended to force the platform 14 to * ** pivot upwardly about hinges 28 at the first end 52. In figure 6, :s:. the second end 50 has been lowered to below the level of the S..

first end 52 to form a downward sloping ramp as would be used :

for a container floor at end 8 which is lower than the level of S.. * the dock at end 6...DTD: S I.

It will therefore be appreciated that the platform 14 can be moved to a selected angle with a range of angles defined by the extent of movement of the arm 27 of the ram 26. By allowing this angular movement so the end 50 can be moved about the pivot axis at hinges 28 within a range as indicated by arrow 59 in Figure 6. This therefore allows the goods to be loaded and unloaded between two storage areas at each end 6 and 8 of the platform, even though the levels of the floors of the respective stoi:agc areas may be at different levels.

In the event that the container cannot be positioned close to the dock, one or more further platforms could be moved into position at one or both ends of the apparatus to extend between the storage area at one end such as the container and the storage area at the other end such as the fixed dock such that a chain of apparatus can be used to complete the passage of the required length. The further platforms may be the same as the platform shown with a movable platform in terms of angular orientation or else may be of fixed height and/or orientation. S. * . * S.. I... * S * **. * S. * . . I.. *

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Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for loading and/or unloading of goods into and from

a vehicle mounted container and the like, the apparatus having a platform, and a base arranged to support the platform, said platform selectively locatable at a distance above the surface upon which the base stands, the platform having at least a portion which is movable with respect to the base to lie at a selected angle within a range of angle positions with respect to the surface on which the base is positioned.

2. Apparatus according to claim I where actuation means are disposed between the platform and the base, said actuation means arranged to exert a force on the platform, so as to selectively alter the angle of the platform.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the whole platform is moveable about a pivot location with the base.

4. Apparatus according to claim3 wherein the said platform is a unitary body and movement of the actuation means causes the platform to be tilted from the horizontal plane.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is selectively movable into position for use.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus can be made ready for use by way of fixing means to hold the apparatus in place. * ** * S *

S.. * . . . 7. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the actuation S..

means exert movement on a first end of the platform and the pivot location comprises a second, opposing end of the *. : platform. S.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is used in conjunction with a loading dock.

9. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the platform, when moved from the horizontal plane acts as a ramp along which goods, goods containers and/or personnel can move between first and second storage areas.

10. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the apparatus is used in conjunction with one or more additional platforms to bridge a gap between the first and second storage areas.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein only one of the said platforms need to be movable in accordance with the invention.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the actuation means comprise one or more piston and cylinder arrangements.

13. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the actuation means is connected to the platform intermediate the ends of the same.

14. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the platform is supported substantially by a pivot connection with the base and the actuation means. ** * * * *** *S.s

15. Apparatus according to claim I wherein at least one end of : * the platform is provided with an extension portion to be S.. * extended into a storage area. * *. * . . *.. S

S S * *

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16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the extension is load bearing so as to take some of the load exerted on the p at form.

17. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the platform is provided with railings along at least one side thereof.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the railings are provided with one or more extension portions which are extcndablc across a gap between the platform and at least one goods storage area.

19. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base is selectively movable being provided with wheels or castors.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the wheels or castors are provided on movable arms which lower and raise the wheels respectively into and out of contact with the ground.

21 Apparatus for loading and/or unloading of goods into and from a first storage area at one end of the apparatus and a second storage area at an opposing end of the apparatus, said first storage area having a floor at first level and the second storage area having a floor at a second level, said floors within a predetermined height range and said apparatus having a platform which extends between said floors of the first and second storage areas and the apparatus includes actuation means which can exert a moving force on the platform to allow the **..

same to be moved to an angular configuration which allows the * * said floors to be spanned by the platform regardless of the respective heights of the floors within the predetermined height range. * * * . * * . a * * a

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein goods can be moved between the goods storage areas along the angularly positioned platform directly.

23. A method of loading and/or unloading goods from goods storage areas comprising the steps of providing apparatus having a platform and a base arranged to support the platform a distance above a surface upon which the base stands, moving the apparatus to a position between the storage areas, moving the platform relative to the base by way of actuation means disposed between the platform and the base so as to bring the platform into the required angular orientation such that the platform forms a substantially continuous surface extending between the floors of the first and second storage areas and moving the goods directly between the goods storage areas via the platform.

24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the method further comprises the step of introducing one or more further platforms between the goods storage area and the apparatus. * *.. * S. * . S

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S * S. * S *S * S. * S * * S **