Patent Application
20080066241
An overhead self-levelling lift system, generally referred to as 10 is shown in
The superstructure is pivotally mounted proximate to a first end 20 and a second end 22 to a first and second supporting frame work 24, 26, each of which has two support members 28, 30, respectively and a header 32. Each support member 28 of the first supporting framework 24 is terminated with a roller 34 at a distal end 36 relative to the header 32. Each support member 30 of the second supporting framework 26 is terminated with a pivot mount 38 at or near a proximal end 40 relative to the header 32, for pivotal engagement with the girders 14. The distal end 42 of each support member 30 is affixed to an anchor block 44 by a bottom flange plate 46. The anchor block 44 is suitably affixed to the shore and is also the attachment point for a gangway 48. The gangway can be any design of gangway, as the overhead self-levelling lift system 10 can be manufactured to the appropriate dimensions.
A carriage, generally referred to as 50 is rollably suspended from the rails 18 as shown in
The opposing side 62 consists of two safety rails that are pivotally mounted on the proximate side 60. The doors 64, 66 are pivotally mounted on the platform 58 by hinges 63. The doors 64, 66 function as a ramp when in the open position. Two door hydraulic rams 70 are located between the platform 58 and the back and front doors 64, 66, respectively, to assist in opening and closing the doors 64, 66. Two retractor hydraulic rams 72 are located between the platform 58 and the framework 54 to assist in folding the car 52 by raising the platform 58 into a vertical position. A fifth hydraulic ram 74 is located between the framework 54 and the transporter 56, and aids in maintaining the platform 54 level. The transporter 56 has trucks 76 mounted on the undersides 78 of the transporter 56 such that the wheels 8o of the trucks 76 rollably suspend the carriage 50 from the rails 18. The transporter 56 additionally has Teflon sides 57.
A cable drive, generally referred to 82, as shown in
In use, the overhead self-levelling lift system 10 can transport cargo, people in wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters, able-bodied people and essentially any payload that weighs less than about 3000 pounds, in dynamic settings, such between a static surface, for example a runway, or the shore and a non-static surface for example a plane deck, a float deck or a ship. At the first end 20 the appropriate door 64 or 66 is opened, and the payload is loaded. As mentioned above, the door 64 or 66 becomes a ramp in the open position, to allow wheelchairs for example, to roll onto the platform 58. The door 64 or 66 is closed, the brake 92 is released and the cable drive 82 is actuated to move the carriage 50 along the rails 18. Once the carriage 50 reaches the second end 22, the brake 92 is engaged, the appropriate door 64 or 66 is opened, again becoming a ramp, and the payload is unloaded. When used in conjunction with a gangway 48, as shown in
The car 52 can be folded away when not in use. As shown in
The foregoing is a description of an embodiment of the invention. As would be known to one skilled in the art, variations in the design that do not alter the scope of the invention are contemplated. For example, one rail could be used rather than two, and a cable system that is suspended by pulleys could replace the rail system. The girders and trusses could be replaced by any supporting superstructure, including joists and rafters, for example. The rollers terminating the columns of the first supporting framework could be replaced with a single roller or with any means to permit horizontal movement between the column and the float, for example, but not limited to, a slide mechanism. Similarly, the columns can be affixed to an existing gangway and utilize the system that allows the gangway to move across the float. The anchor block could be, for example, but not limited to a steel framework, or a concrete block. The cable drive can be replaced with any drive as would be known to one skilled in the art, including for example, but not limited to a chain drive or a belt drive. Similarly the wheels of the trucks can replaced with belts that move along cogs. The controls can be located on the gangway as an alternative to having them in the carriage, or can be both in the carriage and at each end of the gangway, for example. This would permit remote operation of the system by an operator. The car can be, for example, but not limited to, a platform, a box, or a specialized structure for carrying cargo.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,560,033 | Sep 2006 | CA | national |
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 60/853,323 filed Sep. 15, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
