Patent Application
20080035010
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to
In
The guide track 30 has an opening 34, and is an open channel beam, preferably a C-section beam. The guide track 30 and opening 34 are adapted to receive a bridge crane component. The guide track 30 is made of a metal, but any other material having similar strength can be used, such as composites, or alloys.
As illustrated in
The guide track 30 can extend past the trapezoidal beam 12 so as to be able to connect to additional guide tracks 30 through a guide track coupler 38.
Referring now to
Alternatively, the trapezoidal beam 12 can include a first top section 22 adjacent the first side 14, a second top section 22′ adjacent the second side 20, a first flange 18 opposite the first top section 22 of the first side 14, and a second flange 24 opposite the second top section 22′ of the second side 20. The first and second top sections 22, 22′ are oriented parallel and adjacent to each other, so as to produce a flush contact along their entire length. The first and second sides 14, 20 taper inwardly from their respective top sections 22, 22′ to their respective flanges 18, 24. The angle at which the first and second sides 14, 20 taper relate to the height of the trapezoidal beam 12 and the width of the guide track 30. The first top section 22 is placed above the second top section 22′ so as to leave a gap between the edges of the first and second top sections 22, 22′ and the first and second sides 14, 20. Thereby allowing for the first and second top sections 22, 22′ to be rigidly fixed together, such as by, but limited to, welding along the first and second top sections 22, 22′ edges.
The guide track 30 has sides 32, and a top portion 36 adjacent to the sides 32, thereby producing an open channel beam.
The first and second flanges 18, 24 extend down from the first and second sides 14, 20 so as to receive the sides 32 of guide track 30. The first and second flanges 18, 24 are rigidly fixed to the sides 32, such as by, but not limited to, welding along the first and second flanges 18, 24 edges.
The diaphragm stiffeners 40 are configured to correspond to the interior shape of the trapezoidal beam 12, thereby allowing the diaphragm stiffeners 40 to be securely inserted therein. The diaphragm stiffeners 40 each have chamfered top corners 42, and a centrally located opening 44. The chamfered top corners 42 are configured to receive the edge of the first or second top sections 22, 22′, depending on the orientation of the top sections. The bottom section of the diaphragm stiffeners 40 are configured to abut against the top portion 36 of the guide track 30. The diaphragm stiffeners 40 are rigidly fixed to the interior of the trapezoidal beam 12, and the top portion 36 of the guide track 30.
It is to be appreciated that the diaphragm stiffeners 40 increase the strength and rigidity of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 10.
As best illustrated in
Additionally, the guide track coupler 38 can be configured to the shape of guide track 30 but which is smaller in size so as to allow the guide track coupler 38 to be inserted into two adjoining guide tracks 30 (not illustrated).
It is appreciated that the guide track 30, as described above, can be adapted to receive through the opening 34 a carriage, trolley, traveling crane, or any other traveling crane or bridge crane component.
An alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50 is illustrated in
Alternatively, the trapezoidal strong back beam system 50 can include a first top section 62 adjacent the first side 54, a second top section 62′ adjacent the second side 60, a first flange 58 opposite the first top section 62 of the first side 54, a second flange 64 opposite the second top section 62′ of the second side 60, and an opening 66 between the first and second flanges 58, 64. The first and second top sections 62, 62′ are oriented parallel and adjacent to each other, so as to produce a flush contact along their entire length. The first top section 62 is placed above the second top section 62′ so as to leave a gap between the edges of the first and second top sections 62, 62′ and the first and second sides 54, 60. Thereby allowing for the first and second top sections 62, 62′ to be rigidly fixed together, such as by, but limited to, welding along the edges of the first and second sides 54, 60.
Additionally, diaphragm stiffeners (not illustrated) can be inserted into the trapezoidal strong back beam system 50 in a way so as to leave a space between the bottom of the stiffener and the first and second flanges 58, 64.
The first and second flanges 58, 64 are angled inwardly toward each other. Preferably, the angle orientates the first and second flanges 58, 64 parallel with the top section 56, as best illustrated in
The first and second sides 54, 60 taper inwardly from the top section 56 to their respective flanges 58, 64. The angle at which the first and second sides 54, 60 taper relate to the desired width of the opening 66.
It is appreciated that the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50, as described above, produces a combination trapezoidal beam and guide track which can be adapted to receive through the opening 66 a carriage, trolley, traveling crane, or any other traveling crane or bridge crane component.
The attachment means 76 is connected to a trolley 78. The trolley 78 is movably suspended from a bridge 72, which can have a similar configuration to the guide track 30. Additionally, the bridge 72 could be in the form of an open channel section, an I-beam, or any other suitable form. The trolley 78 includes trolley rollers being wheels, ball bearings or other suitable propulsion means. The rollers are capable of rolling longitudinally along the bridge 72. The trolley rollers could adopt any suitable form. In this respect, the trolley rollers could include plastic coated rolling surfaces for silent running. Alternatively, the rollers, including the roller surfaces, could be constructed from steel. Alternatively other mechanisms could be used in place of rollers, such that the trolley 78 is movable along the length of the bridge 72.
The attachment means 76 extends through an opening 74 provided in the underside of the bridge 72. In this way the attachment means 76 and crane are movable along the length of the bridge 72. Where the bridge does not have a slot, the attachment means 76 is connected to the trolley 78 or bridge 72.
It is to be appreciated that the attachment means 76 could be movably connected to two or more bridges 72.
Two substantially parallel trapezoidal strong back beam systems 10 are provided. The bridge 72 is movable longitudinally relative to the parallel guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam systems 10. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the bridge 72 is manually movable relative to the parallel guide tracks 30. Again, however, it is to be appreciated that the bridge 72 could be electrically movable relative to the parallel guide tracks 30.
The parallel guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam systems 10 as shown are formed from an open channel C-section which are respectively provided with openings 34.
In the illustrated embodiment the parallel guide tracks 30 are each rigidly secured to the first and second flanges 18, 24 of the trapezoidal beams 12, thereby forming the trapezoidal strong back beam system 10 in which the lifting assembly is attached to thereby producing the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 70, as best illustrated in
It can be appreciated the guide track couplers 38 can be attached to the ends of the guide tracks 30 so as to allow for the attachment of additional guide tracks 30 to the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 70.
The bridge 72 includes carriages 80. The carriages 80 are provided for traveling along the parallel guide tracks 30 respectively. The relationship and configuration of the carriages 80 and the guide tracks 30 are substantially identical. Therefore, the following description, with reference to
The parallel guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 10 are illustrated in
The carriage 80, or similar device, is movable along the parallel guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 10, and includes at least one mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 is configured to travel longitudinally along the parallel guide track 30 by way of rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 which are rotatably mounted to the mounting plate 82. The carriages 80 bear the weight of the bridge 72 and the crane (not illustrated), which is, in turn, borne by the parallel guide tracks 30. An additional mounting plate 82 may be used external of the profile (I-beam).
Preferably, the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 include tapered surfaces thereby enabling the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 to roll efficiently along the guide tracks 30. The rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 include plastic (or rubber) coated rolling surfaces. The plastic coated rolling surfaces are provided to reduce rolling noise of the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90. It is to be appreciated, however, that the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 need not include plastic coated rolling surfaces. The rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 could instead include, for example, steel rolling surfaces.
Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 could be replaced by another suitable arrangement such as, for example, a bearing arrangement.
Existing crane assemblies tend to jam when an operator initiates movement of the bridge along the assembly guides. This is, in part, a result of the rigid connection in existing crane assemblies of the bridge to the carriage.
To address this problem, the present invention includes a displacement arm 82. The displacement arm 92 is constructed from mild steel, or higher-grade steel, generally from steel plate or steel strip. Alternatively, the displacement arm 92 could be constructed from any other suitable material. The displacement arm 92 is pivotally connected to a sleeve 94. The sleeve 94 is rigidly fastened (by any suitable means) to the mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 is preferably welded to the sleeve 94, but other means of rigid attachment such as bolting could be used. The pivotal connection between the displacement arm 92 and the sleeve 94 is by way of a ball bearing 96. The ball bearing 96 is retained in place by a ball bearing seat 98 provided in the displacement arm 92 and the sleeve 94, respectively. The ball bearing 96 could be manufactured from any suitable grade of steel, or any other suitable material. The bearing seat is formed from a plastic, such as nylon, to minimize friction, but could be formed from other suitable materials.
The displacement arm 92 is pivotally connected to a bridge sleeve 100, as illustrated in
The above arrangement forms a universal joint that provides the necessary relative pivoting and lateral movement between the carriage 80 and the bridge 72 to at least reduce the incidence of jamming of the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 70, upon initiating movement of the bridge 72 relative to the parallel guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam systems 10.
It is to be appreciated that the pivotal connection of the carriages 80 to the bridge 72 could adopt a configuration(s) different to that specifically described above. The pivotal connection could, instead, include a rod end, or other pivotal or rotatable linkage arrangement.
The mounting plate 82 includes a safety mechanism in the form of anti-derailment means 82A, 82B. The anti-derailment means 82A, 82B are ball bearings or similar, which ensure the carriages 80 remain engaged with the guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 10. The anti-derailment means 82A, 82B are provided to prevent the bridge 72 and crane crashing to the ground in the event of failure of the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 or other parts of the carriage 80.
The bridge 72 and the parallel guide tracks 30 are formed from cold-rolled steel in tube or bar. It can also be appreciated that the bridge 72 can be in the form of trapezoidal beam system 10, 50, thereby form forming a trapezoidal beam bridge 72′, as best illustrated in
Referring now to
The trapezoidal beam 50 has a first side 54, a top section 56, a first flange 58, a second side 60, and a second flange 64. The top section 56 is rigidly secured to the first and second sides 54, 60 through means such as, but not limited to, welds along their flange seams, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, or clamps.
The top section 56 is adjacent the first side 54 and the second side 60. The first flange 58 is opposite of the top section 56 of the first side 54, and the second flange 64 is opposite the top section 56 of the second side 60. An opening 66 is defined between the first and second flanges 58, 64.
The first and second flanges 58, 64 are angled inwardly toward each other. Preferably, the angle orientates the first and second flanges 58, 64 parallel with the top section 56, as best illustrated in
The first and second sides 54, 60 taper inwardly from the top sections 56 to their respective flanges 58, 64. The angle at which the first and second sides 54, 60 taper relate to the desired width of the opening 66.
The bridge 72 includes carriages 80. The carriages 80 are provided for traveling along the first and second flanges 58, 64 of the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50 respectively. The relationship and configuration of the carriages 80 and the first and second flanges 58, 64 are substantially identical. Therefore, the following description, with reference to
The first and second flanges 58, 64 of the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50 forms an internal track system. The alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50 can each include a plurality of diaphragm stiffeners 40 rigidly secured therein (not illustrated). It is to be appreciated, however, that the first and second flanges 58, 64 could adopt other suitable profiles, including I-beam, or external track profiles (not illustrated).
The carriage 80, or similar device, is movable along the first and second flanges 58, 64 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 50, and includes at least one mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 is configured to travel longitudinally along the first and second flanges 58, 64 by way of rollers 84, 86, 88, 90, which are rotatably mounted to the mounting plate 82. The carriages 80 bear the weight of the bridge 72 and the crane (not illustrated), which is, in turn, borne by the first and second flanges 58, 64 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 50. An additional mounting plate 82 may be used external of the profile (I-beam).
Preferably, the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 include tapered surfaces thereby enabling the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 to roll efficiently along the first and second flanges 58, 64. The rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 include plastic (or rubber) coated rolling surfaces. The plastic coated rolling surfaces are provided to reduce rolling noise of the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90. It is to be appreciated, however, that the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 need not include plastic coated rolling surfaces. The rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 could instead include, for example, steel rolling surfaces.
Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 could be replaced by another suitable arrangement such as, for example, a bearing arrangement.
Existing crane assemblies tend to jam when an operator initiates movement of the bridge along the assembly guides. This is, in part, a result of the rigid connection in existing crane assemblies of the bridge to the carriage.
To address this problem, this alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a displacement arm 82. The displacement arm 92 is constructed from mild steel, or higher-grade steel, generally from steel plate or steel strip. Alternatively, the displacement arm 92 could be constructed from any other suitable material. The displacement arm 92 is pivotally connected to a sleeve 94. The sleeve 94 is rigidly fastened (by any suitable means) to the mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 is preferably welded to the sleeve 94, but other means of rigid attachment such as bolting could be used. The pivotal connection between the displacement arm 92 and the sleeve 94 is by way of a ball bearing 96. The ball bearing 96 is retained in place by a ball bearing seat 98 provided in the displacement arm 92 and the sleeve 94, respectively. The ball bearing 96 could be manufactured from any suitable grade of steel, or any other suitable material. The bearing seat is formed from a plastic, such as nylon, to minimize friction, but could be formed from other suitable materials.
The displacement arm 92 is pivotally connected to a bridge sleeve 100, as illustrated in
The above arrangement forms a universal joint that provides the necessary relative pivoting and lateral movement between the carriage 80 and the bridge 72 to at least reduce the incidence of jamming of the alternate embodiment lifting assembly 120, upon initiating movement of the bridge 72 relative to the first and second flanges 58, 64 of the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50.
It is to be appreciated that the pivotal connection of the carriages 80 to the bridge 72 could adopt a configuration(s) different to that specifically described above. The pivotal connection could, instead, include a rod end, or other pivotal or rotatable linkage arrangement.
The mounting plate 82 includes a safety mechanism in the form of anti-derailment means 82A, 82B. The anti-derailment means 82A, 82B are ball bearings or similar, which ensure the carriages 80 remain engaged with the first and second flanges 58, 64 of the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 50. The anti-derailment means 82A, 82B are provided to prevent the bridge 72 and crane crashing to the ground in the event of failure of the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 or other parts of the carriage 80.
It can also be appreciated that the bridge 72 can be in the form of trapezoidal beam system 10, 50, thereby form forming a trapezoidal beam bridge 72′. Bridge 72 can consist of trapezoidal beam 12, and guide track 30, wherein the portion of guide track 30 that extends past trapezoidal beam 12 is received in the bridge sleeve 100.
Referring now to
The trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ consists of the trapezoidal beam 12 and the guide track 30, including all their structural elements as described above.
The displacement arm 92 can be modified to accommodate the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ therein. The displacement arm 92 is pivotally connected to a bridge sleeve 100, as illustrated in
The displacement arm 92, sleeve 94 and carriage 80 are identical to that described above in
Referring now to
The carriage 80′, or similar device, is movable along the parallel guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 70, and includes at least one mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 is configured to travel longitudinally along the parallel guide track 30 by way of rollers 84, 86, 88, 90, which are rotatably mounted to the mounting plate 82. The carriages 80′ bear the weight of the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ and the crane (not illustrated), which is, in turn, borne by the parallel guide tracks 30. An additional mounting plate 82 may be used external of the profile (I-beam).
Preferably, the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 include tapered surfaces thereby enabling the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 to roll efficiently along the guide tracks 30. The rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 include plastic (or rubber) coated rolling surfaces. The plastic coated rolling surfaces are provided to reduce rolling noise of the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90. It is to be appreciated, however, that the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 need not include plastic coated rolling surfaces. The rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 could instead include, for example, steel rolling surfaces.
The mounting plate 82 includes a safety mechanism in the form of anti-derailment means 82A, 82B. The anti-derailment means 82A, 82B are horizontally mounted wheels or similar, which ensure the carriages 80′ remain engaged with the guide tracks 30 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 70. The anti-derailment means 82A, 82B are provided to prevent the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ and crane crashing to the ground in the event of failure of the rollers 84, 86, 88, 90 or other parts of the carriage 80′.
The displacement arm 92 can be modified to accommodate the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ therein. The displacement arm 92 is pivotally connected to a bridge sleeve 100, as illustrated in
The trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ is adapted to receive the trolley 78 therein, with the trolley 78 being supported by the guide track 30 of the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′. The attachment means 76 of trolley 78 thereby received within the opening 74 of the guide track 30 of the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′.
A hanger rod 112 pivotally connects the displacement arm 92 to the mounting plate 82, while and a pair of cables 114 connect the displacement arm appendages 106, 108 to the mounting plate 82. The hanger rod 112 passes through the top of the displacement arm 92, a pivot post bearing 116, and a pivot nut 118. A rolling pin 120 supports the displacement arm 92 to the hanger rod 112.
Referring now to
The carriage 134, or similar device, is movable along the I-beams 132 of the trapezoidal strong back beam system 130, and includes at least one mounting plate 136. The mounting plate 136 is configured to travel longitudinally along the parallel I-beam 132 by way of rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 which are rotatably mounted to the mounting plate 136. Rollers 138, 142 are positioned on one web of the I-beam 132, while the rollers 140, 144 are positioned on the other web of the I-beam 132, as best illustrated in
Preferably, the rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 include deep groove ball bearings 148 thereby enabling the rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 to roll efficiently along the I-beams 132. The rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 include plastic (or rubber) coated rolling surfaces. The plastic coated rolling surfaces are provided to reduce rolling noise of the rollers 138, 140, 142, 144. It is to be appreciated, however, that the rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 need not include plastic coated rolling surfaces. The rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 could instead include, for example, steel rolling surfaces.
The mounting plate 136 includes a safety mechanism in the form of anti-derailment pins 150. The anti-derailment pins 150 ensure the carriages 134 remain engaged with the I-beam 132 of the alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 130. The anti-derailment pins 150 are provided to prevent the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ and crane crashing to the ground in the event of failure of the rollers 138, 140, 142, 144 or other parts of the carriage 134.
The displacement arm 152, which in the configuration of a U-hanger, can be modified to accommodate the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ therein. The displacement arm 152 is pivotally connected to a bridge sleeve or cross travel hanger plates 156, as best illustrated in
The trapezoidal beam bridge 72′ is adapted to receive the trolley 78 therein, with the trolley 78 being supported by the guide track 30 of the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′. The attachment means 76 of trolley 78 thereby received within the opening 74 of the guide track 30 of the trapezoidal beam bridge 72′.
The displacement arm 152 is pivotally connected to the 136 by way of a main axle 168. The main axle 168 passes through the mounting plates 136 and is pivotally secured to the mounting plates 136 by washers 170 and lock nuts 172. Main axle spacers 174 are positioned between the mounting plates 136 and a pivot post 178. The displacement arm 152 is pivotally connected to the pivot post 178 via a pivot post bearing 180. Additionally, cables 182 connect the travel hang plates 156 to the main axle 168.
It is to be appreciated that part(s) of the above-described arrangements could be incorporated into existing assemblies. In this respect, Applicant envisages that the arrangements illustrated in
The alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam system 10, 50, 70, 70′, 130 allows for the bridge weight to be reduced by approximately 35%, compared with using RHS beams as a strong back beam.
Furthermore, without the use of the trapezoidal strong back beams 10, 50, 70, 70′, 130, a current 1 tonne 12 meter bridge design weighs 513 Kg. Using the trapezoidal strong back beams 10, 50, 70, 70′, 130 a 2 tonne 12 meter bridge design weighs 440 Kg. It can be appreciated the benefit of using the trapezoidal strong back beam 10, 50, 70, 70′, 130 on bridge cranes.
The alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam systems 10, 50, 70, 70′, 130 of the present invention have been found to at least reduce the incidence of jamming experienced by existing assemblies. Additionally, alternate embodiment trapezoidal strong back beam systems 10, 50, 70, 70′, 130 of the present invention have also been found to require less operator effort to initiate movement of the bridge 72, 72′ along the parallel beams 10, 50, 132 when compared to existing assemblies.
Moreover, the present invention is particularly useful, because it can be relatively easily incorporated into existing assemblies.
While a preferred embodiment of the trapezoidal strong back beam system has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This patent application is related to the following commonly owned pending United States Patent Application: U.S. Patent Application titled, “Crane Assembly,” Ser. No. 10/867,719, filed Jun. 16, 2004, by Douglas McGregor McKay, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
