WO2010142983A1

WO2010142983A1 - Lifting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010142983A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Wheatley
Original assignee: Continental Polymers Limited
Priority date: 2009-06-10
Filing date: 2010-06-09
Publication date: 2010-12-16
Also published as: GB2482814A; GB0909949D0; GB201119934D0; GB2482814B

Abstract

The invention provides a lifting apparatus for lifting or manoeuvring a load. The apparatus comprises a body, at least one arm for engaging with the load, the at least one arm being adapted to be movable on the body, and an operating means. The operating means Is operable to cause the at least one arm to move from a first position to at least one alternative position on the body.

Description

Lifting Apparatus

The invention relates to a lifting apparatus. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a lifting apparatus for lifting a horizontal load.

Many materials are manufactured, stored and transported as large horizontal loads. Such loads may include reels, rolls, and bobbins, of, for example, fabrics or plastics material.

Lifting apparatus for lifting such heavy or cumbersome horizontal loads are known.

Typically, such apparatus comprise a "D" shaped fixed arm which operates by hooking the bobbin onto the arm. However, this type of apparatus has the disadvantage that a large space is needed to enable an operator to withdraw the hook from the bobbin in order to unload the cargo. This is because the arm cannot be moved from the fixed "O" position.

A further known apparatus comprises a "C" shaped fixed hooked arm. The "C" shaped lifting apparatus avoids the need for additional unloading space because the arm is shorter in length, being curved upwardly, but this apparatus has the disadvantage that the load being carried is prone to falling off the shorter hook.

It is an object of the invention to provide a iifϋng apparatus which aims to overcome the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a Sifting apparatus for lifting or manoeuvring a load, said apparatus comprising a body, at least one arm for engaging with the load, the at least one arm being adapted to be movable on the body, and an operating means, wherein the operating means Is operable to cause ttie at least one arm to move from a first position to at least one alternative position on the body.

Preferably, the lifting apparatus comprises two arms. Preferably, the said each arm being operable to be movable, preferably said arms being operable to be moveablβ simultaneously of each other. Preferably, the lifting apparatus comprises a lifting member. Preferably, said member is located substantially centrally of the body of the lifting apparatus. Preferably, one of each said arms is located either side of the lifting member.

Advantageously, the arrangement provides two arms which move together so that the load is balanced about the centre point, preferably, the lifting member, of the iifϋng apparatus.

Preferably, the load is a horizontal load. Preferably, the load is a bobbin or reel. Preferably, the or each arm comprises a gripping means for gripping the load. Preferably, said gripping means is adapted to receive the or a part of the load. Preferably, the or each gripping means is operable to engage the load by translationa! movement. Preferably, at least a part of each said gripping means Is adapted to penetrate at least a portion of the load. Preferably, two gripping means are provided, one being provided at an end of each said arm, Preferably, each said gripping means is adapted to penetrate into an aperture of the load. The gripping handle enables an operator to readiiy grip the apparatus, at a location adjacent the arm, to easily withdraw the gripping means out of the bobbin,

Preferably, 8 moving means is provided on the body. Preferably, the moving means is operable to inter-engage with the operating means to move the at least one arm from the first position to the aiternative position.

Preferably, the moving means comprises at ieast one track. Preferably, the moving means comprises a first gear track and a second gear track. Preferably, the first gear track comprises a locking gear track. Preferably, the second gear track comprises a base gear track, Preferably, the and/or each said track comprises meshing means, preferably teeth. Preferably, the moving means comprises at ieast one moving member preferably being adapted to be movable on said track. Preferably, said moving member is a track bearing.

Preferably, the operating means is located on the body. Preferably, the operating means comprises a lever for operating the operating means. Preferably, the lever is rotatably mounted on the body, preferably mounted on a rotating means. Preferabfy, a part of the moving means is mounted on the rotating means. Preferably, at least the one said track is mounted on the rotating means.

Preferably, the lever comprises a fixing means. Preferably, the operating means comprises a locking latch. Preferably, the Socking latch is adapted to receive the fixing means. Preferably, the operating means comprises a stop block being adapted to limit the movement of the lever.

Preferably, in a first configuration, the fixing means Is received in the iocking latch. Preferably, in the first configuration, the first gear track and the second gear track inter- engage with each other. Preferably, in the first configuration, the at least one arm is substantially fixed in a position on the body. Preferably, in a second configuration, tfie lever Is substantially freely movable. Preferably, in the second configuration, the first gear track and the second gear track are spaced apart from each other Preferably, in the second configuration, the lever is operable to abut against the stop block. Preferably, in the second configuration, the at least one arm is substantially freely movable on the body.

The arrangement provides for the interaction between the operating means and the moving means. Specifically, when the lever is in the first configuration, the locking latch receives the fixing means in a given position. In this position, the lever is locked in position. The gear tracks are meshed together and so prevent the arm/s from moving on the body.

In the second configuration, the lever is released from the locking catch, to allow the lever to rotate preferably clockwise by preferably substantially between 80 to 90°. The lever abuts against the stop block to prevent further rotation of the lever. The action of the lever causes the gear tracks to move apart, this allowing the arm/s to move substantially freely on the body.

Preferably, the body comprises a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the tracks are mounted substantially parallel with said axis, preferably substantially coplaπar, preferably substantially coaxial with said axis. Preferably, the arm/s are operable to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, preferably on said tracks.

Preferably, the moving means and/or the operating means are operable to provide lateral translation of each said arms, preferably on the or each said track.

Advantageously, an operator of the apparatus can readily move the lever from the first configuration, wherein the arms are in a fixed position on the track, to the second configuration wherein the arms are freely movable. In the second configuration, the operator is able to manually move the arms, for example by pushing the arms along the track, to the desired location. This is particularly advantageous because the operator can readily adjust the width between the arms according to the length of the bobbin to be manoeuvred.

Preferably, the lifting apparatus comprises at least one arm adjustment means. Preferably, two arm adjustment means are provided, most preferably, one said means for each arm. Preferably, the arm adjustment means comprises an arm adjustment handle, and/or preferably an abutment member, and/or preferably a stopper, and/or preferably a pivot section. Preferably, the arm adjustment means is operable to cause the at least one arm to move from a first arm position to preferably a third arm position.

Preferably, in the first arm position, a portion of the arm adjustment handle is operable to abut against the stopper. In this position, preferably, the at least one arm is substantially in a fixed position, said position is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Preferably, in a second arm position, the portion of the arm adjustment handle is operable to abut against the abutment member. In this said position, preferably, the at least one arm is substantially in a fixed position, said position is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Preferably, in the third position, the portion of the arm adjustment handle is operable to abut against both the stopper and the abutment member. In the third position, the or each arm is operable to pivotably move about the pivot section. Preferably, in the third position, the arm adjustment handle is operable to move to said position with substantially minimal external operational force. Preferably, in the third position, the or each arm is substantially locked in a pivoted position.

Preferably, the arm adjustment handle is operable to move by a forcing means. Preferably, the forcing means is a manual force. The forcing means may comprise a spring force.

Advantageously, operation of the arm adjustment handle allows the operator to pivot the or each arm about the pivot section. The operator can thus choose the preferred piviot angle of the arm/s depending on the load to be carried, in particular, the operator can move each handle to the third position, preferably independently of one another, to allow the release of the load from the gripping means of the arm.

Preferably, the arm adjustment means is operable independently of the operating means and/or the moving means. The arm adjustment means may operate simultaneously of the operating means. Preferably, the operating means, and/or preferably the moving means, and/or preferably the arm adjustment means, is operable fay manual operation. The operating means, and/or preferably the moving means, and/or preferably the arm adjustment means, may be operational by pneumatic means.

in a further aspect, there Is provided a lifting apparatus for iifling a horizontal load, the lifting apparatus comprising a body, a pair of arms, and an operating means, wherein the arms are connected to the body, and the operating means is operable to cause at ieasi one of the arms to move from a first position to an alternative position on the body.

in a further aspect, there is provided a lifting apparatus for lifting a horizontal ioad, the lifting apparatus comprising a body, a pair of arms, each said arm being located on a pivot section, and an arm adjustment means, wherein the arm adjustment means Is operable to cause the or each arm to pivot about the pivot section.

Preferably, at least one track adjustment mechanism is provided on the lifting apparatus. Preferably, two said mechanisms are provided, preferably being operable simultaneously of one another, Preferably, said mechanism comprises a slide rarnp and/or a lifting track rarnp block, and/or a safety stop block.

in a further aspect, there is provided a method of Sifting or manoeuvring a load using a lifting apparatus, said apparatus comprising a body; at least one arm, the at least one arm being adapted to be movable on the body; and an operating means, comprising the steps of; 1. Engaging the at least one arm with the load; 2. Operating the operating means to cause the at least one arm to move from a first position to at least one alternative position on the body.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention wi!S now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional front view of a Sifting apparatus according to the invention: Figures 2a and 2b show a schematic front view and a schematic side view respectively of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional side view of a lifting apparatus in a first configuration according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic sectionai side view of a Sifting apparatus in a second configuration according to the invention;

Figures 5a and 5b show alternative sectiona! side views of a portion of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 6a and 6b show sectional side views of a part of a lifting apparatus in a left and right arm respectively;

Figures 7a and 7b show a schematic front view and a schematic sectional view of a part of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 8a to 8c show a schematic sectional view of a part of a iifting apparatus according to the invention in a first arm position, a second arm position and a third arm position respectively;

Figures 9a and 9b show an alternative embodiment of a part of a iifting apparatus in a first position and second position respective iy;

Figures 10a and 10b show a further alternative embodiment of a part of a iifting apparatus in a first and second position respectively;

Figure 11 shows a schematic sectionai side view of a further alternative embodiment of a part of a iifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 12a to 12g show a schematic front view of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 13a to 13d show a schematic front view of a Hfting apparatus according to the Figures 14a to 14f show a schematic front view of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 15a to 15d show a schematic front view of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 16a to 16f show a schematic front view of a lifting apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 17 shows a schematic sectional front view of an embodiment of a lifting apparatus according to the invention; and

Figures 18a and 18b show a schematic front view of a part of the apparatus of Figure 17, in a first and a second position respectively.

Figure 1 shows a lifting apparatus 2 according to the invention. The lifting apparatus 2 comprises a body 4 which is generally rectangular in cross section. A central lifting member 5 is located on an upper edge of the body 4. The lifting member 5 is dimensioned to receive a winch (not shown). A pair of arms 6 Is located on the body 4, one arm being provided at either side of the central lifting member 5. The arms 6 are connected to the body 4 by an arm adjustment means 8 which will be described in further detail below. Gripping handles 12 are provided on each of the arms 6 to allow for ease of manoeuvring by an operator. Additional handles 14 are provided on opposite sides of the body 4, to further enable an operator to readily grip and manoeuvre the body 4. Both the gripping handles 12 and handles 14 are elongate in shape being dimensioned to be readily gripped by an operator. A bobbin 16 is shown in a loaded configuration on the lifting apparatus 2 in Figure 1.

Figures 2a and 2b show the lifting apparatus 2. In particular, the Figures show the gripping means 18 extending from the arms 6. The gripping means 18 extend inwardly and perpendicular to the arms 6. An arm width adjustment handle 22 is located on the arm adjustment means 8. The arm adjustment handle 22 projects outwardly from the body 4; projecting outwardly from both the front face of the body and the rear face of the body to allow an operator to readily grip said handle 22 from either direction. This is shown most clearly in Figure 2b. Figures 3 and 4 show an operating means 24. Figure 3 shows the track lifting lever 28 in a track 'locked position". Figure 4 shows said lever 28 in a track "raised position" The operating means 24 is located on the body 4, and Is operable to engage with a moving means 25 located on the body. The operating means 24 comprises a lever 28 which is rotatably mounted on a rotating means 29, being operable to rotate 85° from a horizontal position. A locking latch 30 is provided adjacent the lever 28, being rotatably mounted on a member 52, The locking latch 30 is dimensioned to receive a latching bolt 33 on the lever 28 when the operating means is in a first configuration as shown in Figure 3. A ievβr stop block 32 is located in proximity to the rotating means 29. The stop block 32 is configured such that a portion of the lever 28 abuts against said block 32 in a second configuration as shown in Figure 4. A key 30 and a securing screw 40 are provided on the assembly to secure the lever 28 in an operating position.

In Figures 3 and 4, the rotation of the track lifting lever 28 achieves 85° from a horizontal position, fn so doing, when the lever 28 is released, the weight of the arms 6 and bobbin

16 return a locking gear track 34 (as will be described below) on the arms 6 to a fully engaged position In a base gear track 36. The configuration ensures a safe and secure lift. Additionally, the weight of the bobbin 18, when raised on the winch 5, will overcome the hand grip between the track lifting lever 28 and the handle 14; this guarantees a safe locked load.

in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the track lifting lever 28 rotates beyond 90°, to rest against the stop 32. The configuration maintains the track 74 in the raised position. The locking gear track 34 and the base gear track 36 not being engaged, allows the operator to be able to move around the load which is to be iifted.

Figures 5a and 5b show the moving means 25. The moving means 25 comprise a first gear track 34 and a second base gear track 38, Each said track comprises teeth 37 which, by operation of line operating means 24, mesh together in the first configuration to prevent movement of the arm 8 on the body 4.

Figure 5a shows a sectional view of part of the moving means 25 in greater detail. A fixing block 42 is located at an upper end of the body. Adjacent the fixing block 42 is a bush plate 44. A spacer washer 46 is located adjacent the bush plate 44. A spacer sleeve 48 is provided adjacent the spacer washer 46. A chain sprocket 50 is shown below the spacer sleeve 48, and a sprocket shaft 52 runs perpendicular to the chain sprocket 50. An oilite bush 54 is located perpendicular to a cover guard 56 of the body 4. A pivot shaft 58 is shown substantially centrally of the body 4. A lifting handle shaft 60 is located adjacent the pivot shaft 58. A spacer sleeve 62 is located rearwardiy of the pivot shaft 58. A bottom fixing block 64 is provided towards an end 66 of the body 4, adjacent a locking shaft 68.

Figure 5b shows a further section of the body 4 showing the arms 6 in relation to the body 4. Specifically, Figure 5b shows a support pfate 70 provided adjacent a track bearing 72. The track bearing 72 is located above a track runway 74. The locking gear track 34 and base gear track 36 are shown in Figure 5b, A connecting rod 76 is provided on opposite sides of the body 4. An arm support pin 78 together with a lock washer/nyloc nut 80 and a connecting rod 82 are provided to support and iock the arrangement *n the given configuration.

In use, in order to adjust the width between the arms 6, an operator releases the locking latch 30 to allow the lever 28 to move from the first configuration to the second configuration. In so doing, the first gear track and the second gear track move from an engaged position to an open position wherein the teeth 37 are not meshed, fn this second configuration, the arms 6, specifically the track bearings 72, are freely movable on the tracks 74. After the correct adjustment in width has been achieved, the operator moves the lever 28 back to the first configuration whereby the lever 28 is locked into a fixed position by the latching iock 30, This sequence is shown in Figures 12s through to 12g. The action of the track 74 in the locked position secures a footplate in such a way that the movable gear 34 is locked against the base track gear 36.

The apparatus 2 further comprises the arm adjustment means 8 which allow an operator to pivot one or both arms 8, preferably before locking the arms 6 in the second locked configuration. Figures 6 to 8 show the adjustment means 8 in detail.

Figures 8a and 6b show the arm adjustment means 8 comprising an adjustment handle 84 which pivotably moves about a point 88. The arm adjustment means 8 are located on the locking gear track 34 and are operable to be moveabie by the operation of the track bearing and lock gear track 34. A turn buckle 88 is provided adjacent each track bearing

72. A stop block 90 is located towards a bottom wall 92 of said adjustment means 8, on a stop support bar 94, Figures 6a and 6b show the arm adjustment means 8 in a locked configuration. In Figure 8a, the gear chain is connected at an lower side, and in Figure

6b, the gear chain is connected at an upper side of the apparatus. In so doing, movement of one arm causes simultaneous movement of said other arm on the track. Specifically, as one arm moves downward, the opposite arm moves upward. The different configurations are to provide the chain linkage between the two arms in such a way that the load always is picked up in a centralised balanced position.

Figure 7a and Figure 7b show the arms 6. The arms 6 are rectangular in cross section and are pivotably fixed to the arm adjustment means 8. ^n an alternative embodiment (not shown), when pivotabiy movement Is required, the arm construction is the same as that shown in Figure 7 with the exception that no slot is provided at the top of each of the arms 6 and the pivot pin is fixed. The arm 6 dimension is selected in accordance with the weight of the load and the maximum radius of the load. The arm arrangement is fixed directly to the body 4 in the vertical position by hexagonal set screws and in such a way that there is minimum movement between the body 4 and the arms 6.

Figure 8 shows a schematic sequence of the operation of the arms 6 through a pivotable movement. Figure 8a shows the arms 6 in a first arm position (reel load position), whereby an adjustment handle 84 abuts, or rests, against a stopper 96. In Figure 8b, the arm 6 is lifted to an upper vertical position wherein the handle 84 abuts, or rests, against an abutting member 98. Rotation of the arm 6 in a clockwise direction, causes the handle

84 to move from the position shown in Figure 8b, to the position shown in Figure 8c, whereby said handle 84 abuts against the stopper 96. in this position, the arms 6 pivotably rotate about a pivot section 100.

In the position shown in Figure 8c, the handle 84 is in a weighted locked position so as to secure the arms 6 in the locked position. The length of the handle 84 may be adjustable to ensure an accurate setting of the handle 84 to achieve the locked position. The handle 84 is released by moving the handle upwardly so as to release the arms 6. The weight of the arms 6 and guidance of the stopper 90 and abutting member ensure that the arms 6 return to the load position. When the arms 6 are in the load position, the stop blocks 90 ensure that the arms 6 cannot move from the vertical position, and the captive load is therefore secured safely.

Figures 9a, 9b and 11 show an alternative embodiment 102 of the arm and arm adjustment means 108 comprising a pneumatic assembly which negates the need for a manual lift of the arms 106 to the upper or raised position before being rotated out of the locked position. The pneumatic assembly is preferred for load sizes above 850kg up to approximately 3000kg. The pneumatic assembly comprises a pneumatic cylinder 203 having a compressed air input 207. Figure 11 shows a schematic of the operation of the lever 128 with a pneumatic assembly .

Figures 10 and 10b show a further alternative embodiment of the arm and arm adjustment means 308 wherein a spring assembly 303 is provided comprising a spring 309 being attached to the arm by spring attachment means 311.

Figures 13a to 13d show schematic flow drawings of the lifting apparatus 2 during operation to lock and unlock the arms 6 using the lever 28. Figures 14a to 14f show the continuation of the flow drawings from figures 13, whereby the bobbin is lifted and loaded onto a pallet. It is shown in Figures 14b and 14c that the arm adjustment means allows for automatic self latching of each arm and that each arm is independently pivotably movable. Figures 15a to 15d are example flow schematic drawings showing operation of the lifting apparatus for multiple pallet loading of bobbins. Figures 16a to 16d show a schematic flow sequence of the lifting apparatus being used for lifting a bobbin of reduced diameter. This is achieved by the desirable feature of the arms being easily and readily adjustable by the operating means.

Figures 17 and 18 show a further embodiment of the invention wherein a track adjustment mechanism 590 is provided on the body 504. A first track adjustment mechanism 590 is located in an end of the body 504 opposite to the end in which the track operating means

524 is located. A further track adjustment mechanism 590 is located adjacent the central lifting member 505 as shown in Figure 17. Each track adjustment mechanism 590 comprises a slide ramp 582, a lifting track ramp block 584 and a safety stop block 586 as shown in Figures 18a and 18b.

During operation, in the event that the clearance between the top and base locking racks becomes fouled, the track clearance may be checked and reset. The track guides are checked to ensure that they are engaged with the slide ramps 582 In the tracked locked position. In the event that said guides are not engaged, the assembly may be adjusted as follows: Using a spacer, preferably a 8mm spacer, support the lifting track 588 at an end opposite to the lifting arm release lever; adjust the slide ramp 582 so that said ramp contacts with the lifting track ramp block 584 as shown in Figure 18a. Using a spacer, preferably a 0.2mm spacer, adjust and set the safety stop block 586; repeat the operation with all slide ramps 582 as shown in Figure 18. in the event that the lifting arm carrier or moving means is not travelling squarely, the PTFE guide blocks are checked and, if worn and below a nominal thickness, are replaced and the mechanism performed again.

The thickness or depth of wear of the PTFE guide blocks is dependent upon the size and model of the lifting apparatus in use. Typically, the minimum thickness is approximately 17mm on a standard lifting apparatus. However, this depth could be approximately 11mm if a 6mm steel packer has been fitted.

Advantageously, the lifting apparatus facilitates the easy lifting and manipulation of symmetrical horizontal loads which can be accessed for lifting at both ends of a central open core. The overall dimensions of the apparatus are determined by the maximum size of the load to be lifted; determined by the load weight, width and diameter.

The product is designed to facilitate the easy lifting and manipulation of symmetrical horizontal loads (reels, rolls, bobbins etc.). which can be accessed for lifting at either end of a central open core. The overall dimensions of the product are determined by the maximum size of the load, which is to be lifted, as determined by the load (reel) weight, width and diameter. The main carrying beam, is sized in accordance with safe lifting requirements and the lifting arm lengths, sized to accommodate the maximum load (reel) radius. Typical range of sizes are from 500 kg to 10 tonne, though the ultimate size is not limited. Typically for reel packaging applications the most common sizes used are in the range up to 3 tonne.

The product is designed In two basic forms, the Fixed Arm and Pήrøt Arm. The Fixed Arm being generally used when heavier loads are to be picked up and manipulated, and the Pivot Arm when lighter loads (typically up to 850 kg) of repeatable dimensions must be frequently handled.

The main characteristics of the design can be described as follows:

"Width Adjustment" applicable to both Fixed Arm & Pivot Arm Devices. The configuration provides two lifting arms. The lifting arms are operable to lift the reel. Said arms may be adjusted to the required width by the actuation of the track lifting lever, by the operator releasing the track lifting locking latch and pushing down on the track lifting lever to a bottom position; the limit of rotation is provided by the lifting lever stop block. Whilst holding the track lifting lever in the "track lifted position" (lever is hand held between track lifting lever and steady handle), the arms are adjusted to the correct position with the arm lifting pins 18 fully engaged within the reel to be picked up by the use of the arm width adjusting handle.

Specific to the design as shown, the rotation of the track lifting lever only achieves 85° from the horizontal position, this is significant for the fail-safe operation of the device, when the handle is released the weight of the arms and reel load (if the hoist is raised) will return the locking gear track on the arm trolleys to the fully engaged position in the base gear track to ensure a safe and secure lift. Additionally the weight of the load when raised on the hoist will overcome the hand grip between track lifting lever and steady handle, to guarantee a safe locked load.

An alternative on this design, allows the track lifting lever to rotate beyond 90° and come to rest against a stop which maintains the track in the raised position, locking gear track and base gear track not engaged, this then allows the operator to be able to move around the load which is to be lifted, however, it is then the operators responsibility to ensure that the track lifting lever is returned to the "track locked position".

The trolley locking and track gear engagement is applicable to both Fixed Arm & Pivot Arm Devices. Particular to the design is the use of two interlocking gear racks that ensure that when engaged the lifting arm trolleys cannot move and make the load unstable or unsafe. Additionally the action of the track lifting lever to the track locked position locks the locking gear track and base gear track in the engaged position by the track securing the loot plate" which is attached (welded) to the support plate 102, which in turn is attached (hexagon set screws) to the locking gear track. In this position the gear tracks cannot become disengaged. The track lifting locking latch ensures that the track lifting lever cannot be moved accidentally to the release position without a conscious action on the part of the operator by first releasing the track lifting locking latch.

The gear rack sizes are selected in accordance with the requirements of the geometry of the design, i.e. sufficient to enable the correctly sized set screws for the load which Is to be lifted to be used, and also determines the minimum increment of width by which arms may be set to pick up a load.

The trolley or arm operation and movement is particularly advantageous. There are two trolleys or arms, which run on two tracks, each track located either side of the main web of the lifting beam. The trolleys are released to the "free moving" position by the operation of the track lifting lever as described in (1). Each trolley moves freely on the tracks by the use of four bearings mounted on the support plate 102 located on either side of the trolley. The two trolleys are ϋrsked together through chains and sprockets, in such a way that the movement of either trolley in or out ensures that the other trolley moves an equal distance about the load centre point of the device, this ensures that the device is always in balance and that the lifted load remains horizontal. This is particularly important for quick and easy packaging of horizontally suspended loads (reels).

The fixed arm lifting arrangement allows for simple operation of the apparatus. The arm dimensions and material thickness are selected in accordance with the weight of the load and the maximum radius of the load. The arm arrangement is fixed directly to the trolley in the vertical position by hexagon set screws and in such a way that there is no movement between the trolley and the arm.

The lifting arm having the pivot arm arrangement slows an operator to readily release a load from the apparatus. The pivot arm device is particularly useful when it is necessary to pick up and manipulate many packages/loads of the same dimensions. It allows the operator to collect the loads without having to release the trolleys and as such speeds up handling time.

The operation cycle for each arm is shown in the figures. The arm is lifted from the load position by means of the lifting handle located at the bottom of the arm to the upper vertical position and then rotated to the arm release position. In position the locking plate rotates to the lock position under its own weight, and secures the arm in the locked position. Accurate setting of the locking plate is achieved, by its length being adjustable. The release of the arm is by pressing the locking plate "up", the weight of the arm and guidance of the stop blocks ensures that the arm returns to the load position. With the arm in the load position, the stop blocks ensure that the arm cannot move from the vertical position, and the captive load is secured safely. The unique geometry of the design ensures that the features above are achieved.

The pivot pins 18 can rotate from the horizontal position upwards so that when the arm is withdrawn from the load the pin can make easy release. The pivot pin also has a levelling screw such that any misalignment or wear can be accommodated.

Variations of the apparatus include the use of a pneumatic operation of track lifting lever. For applications where the design is required to lift heavy loads, e.g. greater than 3 tonnes, and the weight of the trolleys and lifting arms becomes significant the operation of the manual track lifting lever can be replaced using a pneumatic cylinder. The external track lifting lever would be removed and the linkage would be located within the body of the device on the opposite side of the beam to the chain and sprocket width adjustment. The pneumatic cylinder would employ standard components, the main significant point of note is that the operation of the cylinder would be by push button, which may be located at either or both ends of the device, but would only operate to the open position when the actuation button is depressed, release of the button would exhaust the cylinder and the track would return under gravity to the locked position. As with the manually operated system, the rotation of the pins to lift the track from the horizontal position would not take them beyond the 90° position so that the effect of gravity on the arms and load would always return the trolleys to the locked position.

The limitation on the pivot arm design is the weight of the arms, which need to be lifted manually to the upper position before rotating out to the locked position. Whilst this is practical on the pivot arm lifter up to 850 kg load size, above this to 3000 kg, the weight of the arm becomes unacceptable for frequent operations of the pivot operation. So as to enable the pivot operation on larger lifters, two options are possible.

Where the lifter has no service connected, i.e. pneumatic or electrical supply, the assisted lift Is provided by the addition of a spring to each arm. The spring is sized to offset the load of the arm when extended and is adjusted by the use of the threaded connection sleeve, such that the arm may then be more easily manually lifted.

When a pneumatic supply is available, and especially for larger lifters where pneumatic operation of the track lifting lever is employed, the lift assist can be provided by pneumatic cylinder. Operation of the lift assist on the arms would once again be by push button actuation located on each arm, held in the on position to cause the cylinder to lift, then released when the arm has been withdrawn to the pivot out position. Release of the actuation button would exhaust the cylinder, so ensuring that on the release of the locking plate the arm would return under gravity to the load position and would be fully engaged in the stop blocks.

Occasionally it is possible that having lifted the track to select a new width for the trolleys/arms, that on return of the track to the locked position the gears do not immediately mesh and that one sits upon the other at the top of the teeth. When this occurs the track lifting lever will not fully return to the closed position to enable the operation of the track lifting locking latch. This can be corrected by re-adjustlng the width fractionally to allow full engagement of the gears and also enables the operation of the track lifting locking latch. In the case of pneumatic operation of the track lifting, the operation of the lift of the track would push a "tell tale" rod through the top of the cover guard to indicate that the track was in a lifted position, in the event that this does not fully retract on the return of the track to the locked position due to non meshing of the gears, the "tell tale" would stiii be visible, so advising the operator that the width should be reset. For both cases in the event that the above does occur and is not corrected and the load Is lifted, any movement of the arms under load wii! force the gears to mesh, and so secure the load.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Ml of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed Is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A lifting apparatus for lifting or manoeuvring a load, said apparatus comprising a body, at least one arm for engaging with the load, the at least one arm being adapted to be movable on the body, and an operating means, wherein the operating means is operable to cause the at least one arm to move from a first position to at least one alternative position on the body.

2. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 2, comprising two arms, each said each being operable to be movable simultaneously of each other.

3. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a moving means is provided on the body, the moving means being operable to inter-engage with the operating means to move the at least one arm from the first position to the alternative position.

4. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the moving means comprises at least one track, comprising a first gear track and a second gear track.

5. A lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating means comprises a lever for operating the operating means, the lever being rotatably mounted on a rotating means.

6. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever comprises a fixing means, and the operating means comprises a locking latch; the locking latch being adapted to receive the fixing means; the operating means comprising a stop block being adapted to limit the movement of the lever.

7. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein in a first configuration, the fixing means is received in the locking latch, in the first configuration, the first gear track and the second gear track are operable to inter-engage with each other.

8. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein in a second configuration, the lever is substantially freely movable; in the second configuration, the first gear track and the second gear track are spaced apart from each other, and the lever Is operable to abut against the stop block.

9. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein in the second configuration, the lever is releasable from the locking catch, to allow the lever to rotate preferably clockwise by preferably substantially between 80 to 90°.

10. A lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one arm adjustment means, being operable to cause the at least one arm to move from a first arm position to preferably a third arm position.

11. A lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the arm adjustment means is operable independently of the operating means and/or the moving means.

12. A lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding clams, wherein at least one track adjustment mechanism is provided on the lifting apparatus, said mechanism being operable to adjust the clearance between said tracks.

13. A lifting apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.