GB2303610A - Load Transportation - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (8) for use in transporting a load comprises load bearing platform (10) for bearing such a load, first and second support devices (12) and respective coupling means (14) for coupling said support devices with respective ends of said load bearing platform such that relative movement between said load bearing platform and support devices is permitted. The support devices each comprise a body (16) provided with gas bearing means (18) for selectively providing a gaseous support for the support device and said load bearing means coupled therewith. In use the coupling means (14) permit relative pivotal movement about first and second transverse axis. Preferably the supports have a recess and rolling guides to allow movement along a monorail 54. Preferably a train of such units is moved by a tractor (118, Fig 7) and can be moved en masse onto a ship provided with rails where it is held by a brake gripping the rail. Preferably, the coupling comprises a seat, plastic bearing and projection.

Description

LOAD TRANSPORTATION The invention relates to load transportation and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with the loading and unloading of sea-going vessels.

Conventional techniques for the loading/unloading of a sea-going vessel include lowering/lifting freight, which may be containerised or palletised, into-out of the vessel's holds by means of cranes or overhead gantries. Alternatively, freight can be stacked on the vessel's decks. Such a technique tends to be slow since the containers, pallets (or other items of freight) are typically moved individually onto/off of the vessel.

It is known for containerised freight to be driven onto/off of a vessel on a lorry which is transported with the freight. This mode of transportation tends to be limited to relatively short journeys and in any event, the loading/unloading of the so-called roll on/roll off ferries typically use tends to be relatively slow since each lorry must be individually driven on/off the ferry.

A problem associated with each of the abovementioned loading/unloading techniques which further slows the loading and unloading process is that the container, pallets, lorries or other items of freight are typically individually secured to the vessel.

To improve load transportation efficiency by seagoing vessels, it is desirable to reduce the time spent in port loading and unloading. Reducing turnaround times will be of particular interest to operators of so-called fast ships such as that disclosed in EP-A-0497776 as these become available for freight transportation.

It is an object of the invention to improve load transportation efficiency.

Accordingly, the invention provides apparatus for use in transporting a load, said apparatus comprising load bearing means for bearing such a load, a first and second support device and respective coupling means for coupling said support devices with respective ends of said load bearing means such that relative movement between said load bearing means and support devices is permitted, said support devices each comprising body means provided with gas bearing means for selectively providing a gaseous support for the support device and said load bearing means coupled therewith.

Preferably the support devices each comprise duct means for supplying gas to said gas bearing means, said duct means extending between opposite ends of the support device and having connectors at each of said opposite ends whereby said duct means is connectable with connectors of duct means extending between opposite ends of said load bearing means.

Advantageously, the duct means of each said support device comprises at least one member of said body means.

Preferably, the duct means of said load bearing means comprises at least one member of said load bearing means.

Preferably, the coupling means are each adapted to allow said load bearing means to pivot about a first axis and a second axis, each said axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of said load bearing means.

Preferably, the first and second axes are substantially mutually perpendicular and said first axis is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

The coupling means may comprise means defining a recess for receiving a projection of the respective support device or end of said load bearing means such that said load bearing means is permitted to pivot about the axis of said projection.

The coupling means may comprise seat means for seating a said respective end of said load bearing means.

The seat means may be adapted to permit the respective end of said load bearing means to pivot relative to the support device coupled therewith.

The coupling means may comprise oppositely disposed members extending outwardly of said means defining a recess and a said seat means disposed on each said member, said seat means comprising a first part fixedly connected with the respective member and a second part rotatable about said first part.

The seat means may comprise a plastics bearing disposed between said first and second parts.

The support devices may comprise bearing means for bearing a said coupling means coupled therewith.

That bearing means may comprise at least one plastics member fitted to the body means.

The means defining a recess may comprise a plastics bearing material.

Preferably the body means is provided with guide means adapted to cooperably engage with elongate rail means whereby the apparatus can be guided during movement thereof.

The guide means may be adapted for engaging such rail means in directions transverse the lengthwise direction of the rail means.

The body means may comprise a recess extending between opposite ends thereof for at least partially receiving an elongate mono-rail means.

The guide means may comprise first and second rotatable members for bearing against respective sides of such rail means.

The body means may be provided with respective said first and second rotatable members in the region of opposite ends thereof.

Preferably the body means is adapted to seat on such rail means in the absence of said gaseous support such that the support device and load bearing means coupled therewith are at least partially supported by the rail means.

Preferably at least one said support device is provided with brake means adapted for selectively engaging with elongate rail means.

The brake means may be actuable by fluid pressure.

Preferably the brake means is adapted to be normally engaged and is moveable to a non-engaged position by said fluid pressure.

Preferably, the brake means is actuable by gas pressure, the gas for said brake means and said gas bearing means being supplied from a common source.

Preferably the support devices are each adapted for coupling with respective ends of two said load bearing means by respective coupling means.

Preferably the support devices are provided with a cylindrical projection for engaging in the said recess defined in the respective coupling means.

The invention includes apparatus for use in transporting a load, said apparatus comprising a support device and respective coupling means for coupling said support device in end-to-end relationship with respective ends of separate load bearing means such that relative pivotal movement between the support device and the end of the load bearing means is permitted, said support device comprising body means provided with gas bearing means for selectively providing a gaseous support for the support device and said coupling means each extending transversely of an axis extending between said ends of the support device and being adapted to permit said relative pivotal movement about a first axis and a second axis, said first and second axes extending transversely of said axis extending between said ends of the support device.

Preferably, the first and second axes are substantially mutually perpendicular and said first axis is substantially perpendicular to said axis extending between said ends of the support device.

The first axes may be defined by respective projections of said support device and said coupling means comprise means defining a recess for receiving a said projection such that said relative rotation about said first axis is permitted.

The first axes may be defined by respective projections of the said coupling means and said support device comprise means defining a recess for receiving such a projection such that said relative rotation about said first axis is permitted.

The coupling means may comprise seat means for seating an end of such a load bearing means.

The seat means may define said second axes and are adapted to permit said rotation about said second axis.

Each of said coupling means may comprise oppositely disposed members extending outwardly of said axis extending between said ends of the support device and a said seat means disposed on each said member, said seat means comprising a first part fixedly connected with the respective member and a second part rotatable about said first part.

The invention also includes apparatus for use in transporting a load, said apparatus comprising a body means provided with gas bearing means for selectively providing a gaseous support for said body means and brake means adapted for selectively engaging with elongate rail means whereby the apparatus is releasably securable to such rail means.

The body means may be adapted to be coupled with an end of a load bearing means for partially supporting the load bearing means.

Alternatively, the body means may define load bearing means for bearing such a load.

The invention also includes a method of releasably securing a load to a sea-going vessel, the method comprising the steps of securing the load to load bearing means of load transportation apparatus, moving said load transportation apparatus to a selected position on the sea-going vessel and operating brake means of said apparatus to engage rail means of the vessel such that said engagement of the brake means and rail means secures the load transportation apparatus to the vessel.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of supplying gas to gas bearing means of the apparatus prior to the step of moving said apparatus whereby the apparatus and load secured thereto are gaseously supported and discontinuing supplying of said gas to said gas bearing means on reaching said selected position whereby the load transportation apparatus is brought into contact with a surface or surfaces of the vessel therebelow.

Preferably, the brake means is adapted to be normally engaged and is disengageable by a supply of fluid pressure thereto, the step of operating said brake means comprising relieving the fluid pressure applied thereto.

The method may comprise the steps of forming a train comprising a plurality of said load transportation apparatus, moving said train onto the vessel to said selected position and substantially simultaneously operating the brake means of each said apparatus forming said train.

In order that the invention may be well understood, an embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a two support devices supporting respective ends of a transporter coupled therewith; Figure 2 is a side view of a support device coupled with respective ends of two transporters; Figure 3 is a plan view of the support device of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a section on line IV-IV in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a section on line V-V in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a section on line VI-VI in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a partially sectioned side view of a gas bearing; Figure 8 is a partially sectioned side view of the gas bearing of Figure 7 when providing a gaseous support;; Figure 9 is a plan view of one side of a coupling means for coupling the support device and a respective end of a transporter; Figure 10 is a side view in partial cross-section of the coupling means of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a section on line XI-XI in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a section on line XII-XII in Figure 9; and Figure 13 is a side view of a train formed of a plurality of support devices and transporters.

With reference to Figure 1 an apparatus 8 for transporting a load comprises load bearing means 10 (hereinafter referred to as a transporter) for bearing such a load, first and second support devices 12 and respective coupling means (which are indicated generally at 14) for coupling the support devices 12 with respective ends of the transporter 10 such that relative movement between the transporter 10 and support devices 12 is permitted. The support devices 12 each comprise body means 16 provided with gas bearing means 18 for selectively providing a gaseous support for the support device and the transporter 10 coupled therewith.

In more detail and with reference to Figures 2 to 8, the body means 16 comprises a plurality of members welded together to define two platforms 20. The platforms 20 are interconnected by two tubular members 22 and a generally U-shaped member 24 which each extend between opposite ends 26 of the support device.

The tubular members 22 which are disposed at either side of the support device form a part of a duct means for supplying gas to the gas bearing means 18. A connector 28 is provided at each end of the tubular members 22 whereby the duct means of the support device is connectable with like connectors of duct means (not shown) extending between opposite ends of the transporter 10. Preferably, the duct means of the transporter is formed at least in part by a structural member or members of the transporter. In use, the connectors of the respective duct means of the transporter 10 and support devices 12 are interconnected by flexible ducting which allows for the relative movement permitted between the support devices and transporter.It will be understood that the interconnection of the duct means of the transporters 10 and support devices 12 allows the gas for the gas bearing means 8 of each device 12 to be supplied from a common source. This is particularly advantageous where a train of transporters 10 and support devices 12, such as that shown in Figure 13, is formed.

The gas bearing means comprises a plurality of gas bearings 18 detachably mounted to the body means 16. As can be seen in Figure 4, a gas bearing 18 is mounted in each corner region of the support device.

The duct means of the support device further comprises suitable ducting and valving for communicating gas from the tubular members 22 to the individual gas bearings.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each gas bearing 18 comprises a body part 30 which defines a chamber 32.

The body part is provided with a quick-release coupling 34 by which it can be connected with a flexible hose 35 which communicates with a duct 36 which is in turn connected with one of the tubular members 22. A generally annular rubber bellows 38 is sealingly fitted to the body part 30 and is supplied with gas from the chamber 32 through an aperture 40.

In use, to provide a gaseous support, gas is supplied to the chamber 32 and passes through the aperture 40 to inflate the bellows 38 thereby gradually raising the support device. When the pressure in the bellows exceeds the downward pressure exerted by the support device and transporter or transporters coupled therewith, gas flowing out of a further aperture 42 in the body part which is disposed inwardly of the bellows 38 forms a thin gas film on which the support device floats above a surface 44 therebelow. It will be appreciated that by regulating the gas flow to the bearings 18, the support devices 12 can be used to level the transporter 10 coupled therewith to cope with uneven loads.

Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 8, the gas bearings are bolted to the underside of the support devices.

The body part 30 includes hook-like extensions 48 by which it can be hooked onto a lower plate member 50 of the support device. The support device is configured such that in the absence of a gas supply to the bearings, side members 52 of the body means 16 contact the surface 44 therebelow and the centrally disposed U-shaped member 24 seats on a mono-rail (to be described in more detail below). In this condition the gas bearings do not support the support device.

Accordingly, if the rubber bellows of a gas bearing is damaged, the bearing can be readily removed from the support device to allow a replacement to be fitted even when the device 12 is in use supporting a fully laden transporter 10. This is achieved by disconnecting the gas supply to the damaged bearing and simply unbolting and sliding the bearing away from the plate member 50.

The U-shaped member 24 defines a recess extending between the ends 26 of the support device 12 which, in use, receives an elongate rail means in the form of an elongate mono-rail 54 which is shown in Figures 1 and 6. The body means 16 is provided with guide means in the form of first and second rotatable members 56, 58 which are adapted to co-operably engage the mono-rail 54 whereby the apparatus 8 can be guided during movement thereof. The first and second rotatable members 56, 58 are adapted for engaging the mono-rail 54 in directions transverse the lengthwise direction of the mono-rail by bearing against the respective sides thereof. As shown in Figure 4, the body means 16 is provided with rotatable members 56, 58 in the region of each of the opposite ends 26.The rotatable members 56, 58 are wheels which are preferably provided with a plastics tyre and are mounted on respective axles 59 which in use of the support device 12 are vertical with respect to the mono-rail 54.

The support device 12 is provided with brake means 60 adapted for engaging the mono-rail 54. The brake means comprises a brake unit 60 secured to either side of the U-shaped member 24 in a generally central location of the support device. The brake units 60 each comprise a brake disc which is spring biassed to an engaged position. That is, the brake units are adapted to be normally engaged. The brake units are actuable by fluid pressure and the brake discs are moveable to a non-engaged position by application of said fluid pressure. In more detail, the brake units are actuated by gas pressure which is supplied from the source which provides gas for the gas bearings. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is such that a gas supply is only required whilst the apparatus 8 is moving.Otherwise the gas supply can be disconnected (in the case of a remote supply) or turned off (in the case of an on board supply such as an air compressor). It will be appreciated that if desired only one support device of the apparatus 8 need be provided with brake means.

With particular reference to Figures 9 and 10, the coupling means comprises a yoke 14 which is fittable to the support device 12. The yoke 14 comprises a centrally disposed annular portion in the form of a tube 66 which defines a recess for receiving a cylindrical projection 68 of the support device 12.

The tube 66 is lined with a bearing material 70 (omitted from Figure 10) which is preferably a heavy duty plastics bearing material such as dukadan. In use, the projection 68 engages the bearing material 70.

The yoke 14 further comprises oppositely disposed members 72 which extend radially outwardly of the tube 66. The radial members 72 each carry seat means 74 for seating an end of a transporter 10. As best seen in Figure 11, the seat means 74 comprise a first arcuate part 76 and a second arcuate part 78. The first arcuate part 76 is fixedly connected with the radial member 72 by welds 80. The seat means further comprises a plastics bearing 82 disposed between the arcuate parts 76, 78. The second arcuate part 78 is rotatable about the first arcuate part 76 and carries oppositely disposed L-shaped members 84 on which cooperably shaped portions of an end of a transporter 10 seat.

As shown in Figure 12, the yoke 14 is provided with securing means by which a transporter can be secured to the yoke. The end portions of each radial member 72 are cut and have plates 88 welded thereto to define an L-shaped end section. A horizontal one of said plates 88 carries an upright plate 90 which has a through-aperture 92 which is axially aligned with a threaded through-aperture 94 of an inner upright one of the plates 88. The transporter 10 comprises portions 100 shown in dashed lines which are adapted to be secured to the L-shaped end sections of the radial members 72. In more detail, the portions 100 are adapted to receive a bolt 102 which is passed through the through-aperture 92 and threadingly engaged in the through-aperture 94.The configuration is such that when the transporter 10 seated on the Lshaped members 84 pivots about the first arcuate part 76, the portion 100 is likewise able to pivot about the bolt 102.

In order to couple an end of a transporter 10 with a support device 12, the tube 66 of the yoke 14 is fitted onto a projection 68 and is rotated about the projection to bring the outer ends 104 of the radial members 72 into position under respective Lshaped side member 106 of the body means 16. Thus, the yoke extends across the platform 20 of one end of the support device 12. The side members 106 are sized to permit a limited amount of upward movement of the yoke relative to the support device.

The platforms 20 of the support device are provided with bearing means for bearing the yoke 14.

The bearing means comprises members 108 made of a plastics material, preferably dukadan, fitted to the platforms 20 in the region of the side members 106 and cylindrical projections 68. When the yoke is fitted onto a projection 68, the underside of the radial members 72 rests on the bearing members 108.

The coupling process is completed by lowering an end of the transporter 10 onto the yoke 14 such that it is seated on the L-shaped members 84 and securing the yoke to the transporter portions 100 by means of bolts 102.

It will be understood that in use the yoke 14 extends transversely of the longitudinal axis 110 of the support device 12 and is adapted to allow the end of a transporter 10 which it couples to a support device to pivot about a first axis 112 (the axis of the cylindrical projection 68) and a second axis 114 (the axis of the second arcuate part 78) and that each of said axes 112, 114 extends transversely of the longitudinal axis 110. It will be appreciated that the axes 112, 114 are mutually perpendicular and that the first axis 112 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 110.It will be understood that the freedom to pivot about the first axis 112 permits the apparatus 8 to follow curves in the mono-rail 54 and the freedom to pivot about the second axis 114 permits the apparatus to be moved over uneven surfaces and more particularly to be moved up and down inclined surfaces such as might be encountered in using the apparatus 8 to move loads onto and off of sea-going vessels.

The apparatus 8 represents a basic unit on which a load can be transported. With reference to Figure 3 it can be seen that the support devices 12 comprises two cylindrical projections 68 and are thus adapted for coupling with respective ends of two transporters 10 by respective yokes 14. It will be appreciated that by this means, a train of transporters 10 and support devices 12 can be formed such as that shown in Figure 13. In such a train, with the exception of the front and rearmost support devices 12, each such device is used to support two transporters 10. One of the front and rearmost support devices is coupled with a moving means which may be a tractor 118 of the type utilised at airports for towing aircraft. The tractor is preferably provided with compressor means for generating pressurised air for the gas bearings 18 and brake units 60.It will be appreciated that the tractor may be used to push or pull the train as required.

With reference to Figure 13, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 8 provides considerable flexibility in the forming of a train particularly where it is to carry a mixed load. That is the transporters 10 can be configured in various lengths for bearing particular loads so that full use can be made of the entire length of the train. It will be appreciated that this would not always be possible if the train were made up of units having a uniform length since the nature of the loads may be such that it is not possible to fully occupy the load bearing length of each unit.

It is envisaged that the transporters 10 will be made in lengths allowing them to carry standard transport units. For example, the train shown in Figure 13 is made up of transporters 10 which are carrying a "20 foot tank container" 120, two "40 foot high cube containers" 122, a "13.6m trailer" 124, a "20 and 40 foot collapsible flatrack" 126, 128 and two "20 foot containers" 130.

It will be appreciated that for certain applications it may be desirable for trains to be formed of uni-length transporters 10. As mentioned above, this can give rise to problems if mixed length loads are to be transported and/or where the load to be transported by the train on a return journey differs from the load carried on the outward journey.

For example, it may be desired to transport a mixed load of "20 foot" and "40 foot containers" on a train made up solely of transporters 10 adapted for carrying "40 foot containers". A solution to this problem can be obtained by adapting a transporter for "40 foot containers" so that it can carry "40 foot containers" or "20 foot containers" as required. This is achieved by providing additional securing means (such as twist lock devices which are devices well known to those skilled in the art) in the central region of the transporter for the "20 foot containers" and strengthening the transporter so that the point load imposed on the central region by the ends of "20 foot containers" resting thereon can be transferred along the length of the transporter to the support devices at either end thereof.Such a transporter could, for example, carry two "40 foot high cube containers" 122 as shown in Figure 13 or four "20 foot containers" 120 stacked two high.

A method of use of the apparatus 8 in the loading and unloading of a sea-going vessel will now be briefly described. The method is analogous to that described in the applicant's co-pending UK patent application no. 9410934.5 in which a sea-going vessel and ancillary quayside apparatus used in such a method are described in some detail. It is, however, to be understood that the apparatus 8 is not limited to such use and may find many other applications.

To be suitable for use with the apparatus 8, the cargo decks of the vessel must be provided with monorails 54 extending along the length of the deck and preferably have a stern or bow opening so that trains made up of the apparatus 8 such as that shown in Figure 13 can be easily moved onto and off of the ship. To allow loading and unloading to take place, the vessel is moored in a position in which it can be connected with the quay by means of a ramp or a socalled linkspan which is a device well known to those skilled in the art.

The quay and ramp/linkspan comprise a mono-rail system which can be connected with the mono-rails on the vessel so that continuous tracks are provided along which the apparatus 8 is guided.

A train of the apparatus 8 to be loaded onto a sea-going vessel is made-up by coupling together support devices 12 and transporters 10 by means of the yokes 14 and connecting the duct means of the devices 12 and transporters 10 by means of flexible hosing as described hereinabove. The train is preferably formed to have a length substantially corresponding to the available length of the cargo deck and the transporters 10 are selected according to the type of load which is to be carried. The loads are secured to the transporters 10 in the usual ways which will be known to those skilled in the art (for example by lashing or the use of twist lock devices) and accordingly will not be described in any detail.

During the loading process, the gas bearings 18 and brake units 60 of the support devices are not supplied with gas so that the brake discs engage the mono-rail and the support devices are supported by the U-shaped member 24 seated on the mono-rail and the side members 52 resting on the quayside.

In order to move the loaded train onto the vessel, a tractor 118 is coupled to the rear most support device (the left-hand device 12 in Figure 13) so that the train can be pushed onto the vessel. It will be appreciated that this allows the tractor to be de-coupled once the train is in the required position on the vessel so that it can be used for loading and unloading other trains. The compressor means of the tractor is connected with the duct means of the rear most support device for supplying pressurised air to the gas bearings and brake units of the entire train.

The pressurised air supplied to the brake units releases the brakes by moving the brake discs to a disengaged position. With the brake units 60 released, gas is supplied to the gas bearings to lift the support devices and transporters upwardly until they are supported by a film of gas. As previously mentioned, valving may be provided to enable the support devices to be used to level the transporters for supporting and uneven load. The train is then pushed along the mono-rail system onto the vessel to a selected position on the cargo deck. Once the selected position has been reached the gas supply to the gas bearings is stopped so that the support devices and transporters sink towards the deck until the U-shaped members 24 are seated on the mono-rail and the side members 52 rest on the deck.At this stage the gas pressure applied to the brake units 60 is relieved so that the brake discs are moved into engagement with the mono-rail by the biassing springs.

The brake units are selected to provide an engaging force which is sufficient to hold the support devices against the mono-rail even under stormy conditions which may be encountered at sea so that it is not necessary to secure the support devices/transporters to the vessel by means of lashings or other securing means. It will be appreciated that by using the braking system of the train to secure it to the vessel rather than some form of independent securing system, the loading/unloading process can be significantly speeded up, since the trains can be rapidly secured to the mono-rail by relieving the gas pressure supplied to the gas actuated brake means and released therefrom by supplying gas pressure to the brake means.It will be appreciated that the brake means of all the support devices in the train can be operated substantially simultaneously so that the train can be secured to the vessel and released therefrom in a single operation.

When the train has been secured to the vessel by means of the brake units, the tractor 118 and its gas supply hoses can be disconnected from the train and used to move other trains. In order to unload a train from the vessel the above-described process is reversed and the tractor 118 is used to pull the train off of the vessel.

It will be appreciated that the trains to be loaded onto the vessel can be made up prior to the arrival of the vessel at the port so that the unloading/loading of the vessel merely requires the moving of trains onto and off of the ship and that as each train is so moved an entire length of a cargo deck of the vessel can be loaded/unloaded in one relatively quick operation. Thus the loading/unloading (turnaround) time can be comparatively short as compared with conventional techniques where fright is loaded/unloaded in individual units by a crane or gantry. For example, it is estimated that a vessel adapted to receive sixteen trains comprising twelve transporters 10 which would be capable of carrying a total of 384 "40 foot high cube containers" could be unloaded and loaded with replacement trains in approximately one to two hours.

To unload and load a similar number (768) of containers by a crane which is typically able to load around thirty containers an hour, would be expected to take approximately twenty-five hours.

It is to be understood that many modifications to the above-described apparatus are possible. In particular it will be appreciated that the structure of the support devices can be varied considerably by fabricating suitable members as required.

With regard to the coupling means it will be appreciated that these may be integral with the support device. For example, a unit provided with a recess for receiving a projection provided at one end of the transporter and seat means for seating that end of the transporter may be trunnion mounted on the support device. Alternatively, a non-integral coupling means provided with seat means for a transporter may comprise a projection which is received in a recess in the support device.

With regard to the use of brake means to secure the load transportation apparatus to elongate rail means, it is to be understood that this is not limited to the apparatus 8 described above. Brake means can be advantageously provided on load transportation apparatus such as that described in the applicant's co-pending UK patent application no. 9410934.5, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The load transportation apparatus disclosed in application no. 9410934.5 comprises body means provided with gas bearing means which body means defines load bearing means for bearing a load to be transported and is coupleable with other such body means to form a train.

It will also be understood that whilst it is preferable that the brake means is arranged to engage the elongate rail means by which the load transportation apparatus is guided, the brake means can alternatively be arranged to engage a further rail means which is provided only at locations at which it is desired to secure the apparatus. Alternatively, brake means can be fitted to load transportation apparatus which is not adapted to be guided by a rail means or the brake means may include integral guide means for cooperating with such rail means.

Claims (73)

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for use in transporting a load, said apparatus comprising load bearing means for bearing such a load, first and second support devices and respective coupling means for coupling said support devices with respective ends of said load bearing means such that relative movement between said load bearing means and support devices is permitted, said support devices each comprising body means provided with gas bearing means for selectively providing a gaseous support for the support device and said load bearing means coupled therewith.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support devices each comprise duct means for supplying gas to said gas bearing means, said duct means extending between opposite ends of the support device and having connectors at each of said opposite ends whereby said duct means is connectable with connectors of duct means extending between opposite ends of said load bearing means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said duct means of each said support device comprises at least one member of said body means.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said duct means of said load bearing means comprises at least one member of said load bearing means.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said coupling means are each adapted to allow said load bearing means to pivot about a first axis and a second axis, each said axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of said load bearing means.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first and second axes are substantially mutually perpendicular and said first axis is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling means comprise means defining a recess for receiving a projection of the respective support device or end of said load bearing means such that said load bearing means is permitted to pivot about the axis of said projection.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling means comprise seat means for seating a said respective end of said load bearing means.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said seat means is adapted to permit the respective end of said load bearing means to pivot relative to the support device coupled therewith.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 when dependent on claims 6, 7 and 8, wherein said coupling means comprise oppositely disposed members extending outwardly of said means defining a recess and a said seat means disposed on each said member, said seat means comprising a first part fixedly connected with the respective member and a second part rotatable about said first part.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said seat means further comprise a plastics bearing disposed between said first and second parts.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support devices comprise bearing means for bearing a said coupling means coupled therewith.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said bearing means comprises at least one plastics member fitted to said body means.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 when dependent on claim 7, wherein said means defining a recess comprises a plastics bearing material.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body means is provided with guide means adapted to cooperably engage with elongate rail means whereby the apparatus can be guided during movement thereof.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said guide means is adapted for engaging such rail means in directions transverse the lengthwise direction of the rail means.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said body means comprise a recess extending between opposite ends thereof for at least partially receiving an elongate mono-rail means.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein said guide means comprises first and second rotatable members for bearing against respective sides of such rail means.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said body means is provided with respective said first and second rotatable members in the region of opposite ends thereof.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein said body means is adapted to seat on such rail means in the absence of said gaseous support such that the support device and load bearing means coupled therewith are at least partially supported by the rail means.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one said support device is provided with brake means adapted for selectively engaging with elongate rail means.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said brake means is actuable by fluid pressure.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein said brake means is adapted to be normally engaged and is moveable to a non-engaged position by said fluid pressure.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein said brake means is actuable by gas pressure, the gas for said brake means and said gas bearing means being supplied from a common source.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support devices are each adapted for coupling with respective ends of two said load bearing means by respective coupling means.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25 when dependent on claim 7, wherein said support devices are provided with a cylindrical projection for engaging in the said recess defined in the respective coupling means.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second support devices are coupled with respective ends of said load bearing means by said respective coupling means.

28. A support device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A train comprising a plurality of support devices and load bearing means as defined in any of claims I to 26.

30. Apparatus for use in transporting a load, said apparatus comprising a support device and respective coupling means for coupling said support device in end-to-end relationship with respective ends of separate load bearing means such that relative pivotal movement between the support device and the end of the load bearing means is permitted, said support device comprising body means provided with gas bearing means for selectively providing a gaseous support for the support device and said coupling means each extending transversely of an axis extending between said ends of the support device and being adapted to permit said relative pivotal movement about a first axis and a second axis, said first and second axes extending transversely of said axis extending between said ends of the support device.

31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein said first and second axes are substantially mutually perpendicular and said first axis is substantially perpendicular to said axis extending between said ends of the support device.

32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein said first axes are defined by respective projections of said support device and said coupling means comprise means defining a recess for receiving a said projection such that said relative rotation about said first axis is permitted.

33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein said first axes are defined by respective projections of the said coupling means and said support device comprises means defining a recess for receiving such a projection such that said relative rotation about said first axis is permitted.

34. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said coupling means comprise seat means for seating an end of such a load bearing means.

35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein said seat means define said second axes and are adapted to permit said rotation about said second axis.

36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein each of said coupling means comprises oppositely disposed members extending outwardly of said axis extending between said ends of the support device and a said seat means disposed on each said member, said seat means comprising a first part fixedly connected with the respective member and a second part rotatable about said first part.

37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein said seat means further comprise a plastics bearing disposed between said first and second parts.

38. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein said support device comprises bearing means for bearing said coupling means coupled therewith.

39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein said bearing means comprises at least one plastics member fitted to said body means.

40. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 39 when dependent on claim 32 or 33, wherein said means defining a recess comprises a plastics bearing material.

41. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein said body means is provided with guide means adapted to cooperably engage with elongate rail means whereby the apparatus can be guided during movement thereof.

42. Apparatus as claimed in claim 41, wherein said guide means is adapted for engaging such rail means in directions transverse the lengthwise direction of the rail means.

43. Apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein said body means comprise a recess extending between said ends of the support device for at least partially receiving an elongate mono-rail means.

44. Apparatus as claimed in claim 42 or 43, wherein said guide means comprises first and second rotatable members for bearing against respective sides of such rail means.

45. Apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein said body means is provided with respective said first and second rotatable members in the region of each of said ends of the support device.

46. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 45, wherein said body means is adapted to seat on such rail means in the absence of said gaseous support such that the support device and load bearing means coupled therewith are at least partially supported by the rail means.

47. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 46, wherein said support device is provided with brake means adapted for selectively engaging with elongate rail means.

48. Apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said brake means is actuable by fluid pressure.

49. Apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein said brake means is adapted to be normally engaged and is moveable to a non-engaged position by said fluid pressure.

50. Apparatus as claimed in claim 48 or 49, wherein said brake means is actuable by gas pressure, the gas for said brake means and said gas bearing means being supplied from a common source.

51. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 50, wherein said support device comprises duct means for supplying gas to said gas bearing means, said duct means extending between said ends of the support device and having connectors at each of said ends whereby said duct means is connectable with duct means extending between opposite ends of such load bearing means.

52. Apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein said duct means of the support device comprises at least one member of said body means.

53. Apparatus for use in transporting a load, said apparatus comprising a body means provided with gas bearing means for selectively providing a gaseous support for said body means and brake means adapted for selectively engaging with elongate rail means whereby the apparatus is releasably securable to such rail means.

54. Apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein said brake means is actuable by fluid pressure.

55. Apparatus as claimed in claim 54, wherein said brake means is adapted to be normally engaged and is moveable to a non-engaged position by said fluid pressure.

56. Apparatus as claimed in claim 54 or 55, wherein said brake means is actuable by gas pressure, the gas for said brake means and said gas bearing means being supplied from a common source.

57. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein said body means is provided with guide means adapted to cooperably engage with elongate rail means whereby the apparatus can be guided during movement thereof.

58. Apparatus as claimed in claim 57, wherein said guide means is adapted for engaging such rail means in directions transverse the lengthwise direction of the rail means.

59. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58, wherein said body means comprises a recess extending between opposite ends thereof for at least partially receiving an elongate mono-rail means.

60. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 or 59, wherein said guide means comprises first and second rotatable members for bearing against respective sides of such rail means.

61. Apparatus as claimed in claim 60, wherein said body means is provided with respective said first and second rotatable members in the region of opposite ends thereof.

62. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 61, wherein said body means is adapted to seat on such rail means in the absence of said gaseous support such that the body means is at least partially supported by the rail means.

63. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 62, wherein said body means is adapted to be coupled with an end of a load bearing means for partially supporting the load bearing means.

64. Apparatus as claimed in claim 63, further comprising such a load bearing means and a respective coupling means coupling opposite ends of the load bearing means with a respective said body means such that relative movement between said body means and the respective end of the load bearing means is permitted.

65. Apparatus as claimed in claim 64, wherein said coupling means are each adapted to permit said load bearing means to pivot about a first axis and a second axis, each said axis extending transversely of a longitudinal axis of said load bearing means.

66. Apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein said first and second axes are substantially mutually perpendicular and said first axis is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

67. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 62, wherein said body means defines load bearing means for bearing such a load.

68. A method of releasably securing a load to a seagoing vessel, the method comprising the steps of securing the load to load bearing means of load transportation apparatus, moving said load transportation apparatus to a selected position on the sea-going vessel and operating brake means of said apparatus to engage rail means of the vessel such that said engagement of the brake means and rail means secures the load transportation apparatus to the vessel.

69. A method as claimed in claim 68, comprising the step of supplying gas to gas bearing means of the apparatus prior to the step of moving said apparatus whereby the apparatus and load secured thereto are gaseously supported and discontinuing supplying of said gas to said gas bearing means on reaching said selected position whereby the load transportation apparatus is brought into contact with a surface or surfaces of the vessel therebelow.

70. A method as claimed in claim 68 or 69, wherein said brake means is adapted to be normally engaged and is disengageable by a supply of fluid pressure thereto, the step of operating said brake means comprising relieving the fluid pressure applied thereto.

71. A method as claimed in claim 68, 69 or 70, comprising the steps of forming a train comprising a plurality of said load transportation apparatus, moving said train onto the vessel to said selected position and substantially simultaneously operating the brake means of each said apparatus forming said train.

72. Any of the apparatus for use in transporting a load substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

73. A method of releasably securing a load to a seagoing vessel substantially as hereinbefore described.