Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a tipper platform. In particular, the invention relates to a tipper platform for tipping a compartment for holding elongated objects such as sugarcane, logs and bamboo and will be described in this context.

Background Art

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.

Vehicles such as trucks or lorries are used for carrying loads such as sugarcane, logs and bamboo. These vehicles typically comprise a compartment for holding the load and a rear door for releasing the load to a desired location. Typically, in order to empty the load from the compartment of the vehicle, the compartment is tipped using a tipper platform so that the front end of the vehicle is moved upwardly. Consequently, gravity can act on the load and the load slides or falls from the compartment, through the rear door of the compartment and to a desired location.

A conventional tipper platform PI 000 for tipping a vehicle carrying a load is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, wherein the tipper platform PI 000 comprises a base PI 00 for supporting the vehicle, two wheel stops P200, P200' for abutting against the rear wheels of the vehicle, and a tailgate support P300 for abutting against the tailgate of the vehicle. The tipper platform PI 000 further comprises two movable arms P400 for moving the base PI 00 between a untipped position (e.g. horizontal with respect to a ground surface) and a tipped position (e.g. at a certain angle with respect to a ground surface), wherein each moveable arm P400 is attached to a portion of the base PI 00 at one end and a portion of the surface G at the other end. Fig. 2 shows the base PI 00 in a tipped position, which may be an inclined position, while Fig. 3 shows the base PI 00 in an untipped position, which may be a horizontal position. Depending on requirements, the tipper platform PI 000 can be connected to a conveyor belt system C2000 and a service platform SI 00 which functions as a repair and maintenance area, wherein the conveyor belt system C2000 comprises a conveyor belt CI 00 held between vertical supports C200 and C200', and wherein vertical support C200 is connected to the tipper platform PI 000 via a ledge C250. As such, when the movable arms P400 are extended, the base PI 00 moves from the untipped position to the tipped position by pivoting about a fulcrum pin P320 adjacent to a fulcrum bushing (not shown), thereby tipping the vehicle and causing the load to slide or fall from the vehicle and to the conveyor belt CI 00.

The conventional tipper platform, such as tipper platform PI 000, has drawbacks. In particular, when a load is arranged or stacked inappropriately within the compartment or when the compartment is overloaded, a significant amount of the load may fall off the sides of the compartment during operation of the conventional tipper platform, such that the load does not land on the desired location, e.g. conveyor belt CI 00. For instance, if the load is sugarcane and the desired location is a conveyor belt of a sugarcane mill, a significant number of sugarcane may fall off the sides of the tipper compartment and onto the tipper platform or in other undesired locations. This can cause a delay in the unloading/tipping of a subsequent vehicle because the tipper platform or other undesired locations may have to be cleared of fallen sugarcane. Consequently, transfer of sugarcane from multiple vehicles to the conveyor belt of the sugarcane mill can be time consuming. Often, clearing of the fallen sugarcane may be carried out by manual labour. Therefore, accidents may occur and there may be a delay in the processing of the sugarcane, which may in turn lead to an increase in costs and time.

In light of the above, there exists a need to develop a tipping platform that ameliorates or overcomes the above disadvantages.

The present invention therefore seeks to address and/or ameliorate the problems in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

The invention seeks to provide technical solution in the form of a tipper platform comprising one or more main barriers extending to a height. The extended height may be configured to be related to the height of a load-carrying compartment (which may be attached to a vehicle) onto the tipper platform. The main barrier(s) act to prevent load from: - a. falling off the tipper platform and/or

b. falling off the compartment. Optionally, auxiliary barriers may be attached to the main barriers to collect any load which was not prevented by the main barriers. The collected load may then be disposed onto the tipper platform or to another specific location. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is a tipper platform for tipping a compartment configured to hold a load, the tipper platform comprising: a base for supporting the compartment; and a first barrier disposed on a first side of the base, wherein the first barrier has a first height and wherein the first height of the first barrier is at least related to a height of the compartment. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a barrier for a tipper platform for tipping a compartment configured to hold a load, the barrier attachable to a side of the tipper platform, wherein the barrier comprises a height that is at least related to a height of the compartment. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a method of operating a tipper platform, the method comprising: (a) arranging a compartment for holding a load on a base of a tipper platform, the tipper platform comprising at least one barrier disposed on a side of the base, wherein at least one barrier having a height that is at least related to a height of the compartment; and (b) actuating the tipper platform between an untipped position and a tipped position. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art tipper platform;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a prior art tipper platform connected to a conveyor belt, wherein the tipper platform is in an inclined position; Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of a prior art tipper platform connected to a conveyor belt, wherein the tipper platform is in a substantially flat position; Fig.4 illustrates a rear view of a prior art tipper platform, wherein the stopper for abutting against a tailgate of a vehicle is in a first height (left) and in a second height (right);

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a tipper platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a tipper platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tipper platform is connected to a conveyor belt and in an inclined position;

Fig. 7 illustrates a side view of a tipper platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tipper platform is connected to a conveyor belt and in a substantially flat position;

Fig. 8 illustrates a rear view of the tipper platform of Fig. 5, wherein the stopper for abutting against a tailgate of a vehicle is in a first height (left) and in a second height (right);

Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of a tipper platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tipper platform comprises a cleaning system;

Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a tipper platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tipper platform comprises handrail units;

Fig. 1 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating a prior art tipper platform; and

Fig. 12 illustrates flowchart of a method of operating a tipper platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Other arrangements of the invention are possible and, consequently, the accompanying drawings are not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout the description. Additionally, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one or ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for clarity and consistency.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion ^" of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Provided herein is a tipper platform suitable for tipping a compartment for holding a load. As used throughout the specification, the term "compartment" includes but is not limited to a compartment for carrying/holding a load and a vehicle comprising an integral or separate compartment(s) for carrying holding a load. The load may be in the form of elongated objects such as (but not limited to) sugarcane, logs and bamboo. The load may comprise other types of objects such as particulate materials such as (but not limited to) soil, sand and limestone. It should also be understood that the load may comprise objects of various sizes.

Depending on the application and requirements, the tipper platform of the present invention can be connected to a conveyor belt system C2000 and a service platform SI 00 which functions as a repair and maintenance area for the tipper platform. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention and as shown in Figs. 5 to 8, there is a tipper platform 1000 for tipping a compartment (which may be attached to a vehicle) carrying a load, the tipper platform 1000 comprising a base 100 for supporting the compartment, a first barrier 500 connected to a first side 102 of the base 100 and a second barrier 500' connected to a second side 104 of the base 100, wherein the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' are arranged on opposing sides of the base 100 and are capable of preventing the load from falling off respective sides via a top portion of the compartment (i.e. allowing the load to be tipped out of the compartment via an end of the compartment) and/or respective sides of the base when the base 100 is moved between a untipped position and a tipped position. In some embodiments, the untipped position may be at a position where the compartment can easily move onto the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000, such as a horizontal position, and the tipped position may be an inclined position (e.g. the base 100 is at an angle with respect to a ground surface) to facilitate the tipping of load from the compartment via an end of the compartment, and/or the tipper platform 1000 onto a conveyer system. The first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' may be connected to the base 100 using means known in the art, which include but are not limited to adhesives (e.g. glue), rivets and screws. The first barrier 500 and/or the second barrier 500' preferably comprises a height that is at least the height of the compartment carrying holding a load. The tipper platform 1000 may be connected to a conveyor belt system C2000, wherein the conveyor belt system C2000 comprises a conveyor belt CI 00 held between a plurality of supports C200 and C200' , and wherein the support C200 is connected to the tipper platform 1000 via a ledge C250.

In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' are removable. In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' may be arranged to retract and extend from the respective sides 102, 104 of the base 100. In particular, the first barrier 500 and second barrier 500' may be configured to extend to a height as desired.

In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500', or a portion thereof are continuous or discontinuous. The walls may be made of a transparent, translucent or opaque material. In addition, the material has sufficient strength to sustain the weight of the load. As used herein, a material that has sufficient strength refers to a material that would not deform, collapse, buckle and/or break due to the weight of the load pressing against a surface of the material. The material may be wood, clay, glass, plastic, metal, metal alloys or a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' are opaque walls. Advantageously, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' are capable of preventing the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment and/or respective sides of the base 100 because they are able to block the load from falling off respective sides via a top portion of the compartment and/or the respective sides of the base 100. In contrast, the prior art base PI 00 does not have an identical or similar structure that is capable of blocking the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment and or respective sides of the base 100 and to an undesired location. As such, when the load is transferred to a desired location with the tipper platform of the present invention, there is no or minimal delay in the tipping of a subsequent compartment because the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' are capable of preventing the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment and/or respective sides of the base 100, and to an undesired location. Consequently, transfer of the load is less time consuming and there would be less or no need to use manual labour to clear the fallen load, thereby minimizing or eliminating the occurrence of accidents. Advantageously, this would lead to a savings in time and costs.

In some embodiments, the distance between the first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' can be varied to accommodate a variety of compartment dimensions. In embodiments where the compartment is a vehicle or part of a vehicle, the minimum distance between the first barrier 500 and second barrier 500' allows an operator of the vehicle to exit and enter the vehicle.

In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' each comprises an auxiliary barrier 550 and 550', wherein the auxiliary barriers 550 and 550' are connectable to the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' respectively. In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 is connected to the auxiliary barrier 550 and the second barrier 500' is connected to the auxiliary barrier 550' using means known in the art, which include but are not limited to adhesives, rivets and screws. In various embodiments, the auxiliary barriers 550, 550'may be arranged to retract and extend from a top portion of the barriers 500, 500'. In particular, first auxiliary barrier 550 and/or second auxiliary barrier 550' may be configured to extend to a height of the respective first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' as desired. Advantageously, auxiliary barriers 550 and 550' are capable of preventing the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment by working together with the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' in blocking the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment to an undesired location, such as outside of the base. Consequently, there would be a savings in time and costs because there would be minimal or no load that falls off the compartment to an undesired location.

In various embodiments, the auxiliary barrier 550 is shaped to form a trough either on its own or with the first barrier 500 and the auxiliary barrier 550' is shaped to form a trough either on its own or with the second barrier 500'. Figs. 5 and 8 illustrate the auxiliary barriers 550, 550' comprising a trough where the lower portion 551 , 551 ' of each auxiliary barrier is curved having a substantially semi-cylindrical cross-section. In various embodiments, the auxiliary barriers 550 and 550' comprise V-shaped cross-sectional lower portions. In other embodiments, the lower portions may be U-shaped, tapered, or any shape that is able to catch any load falling into the auxiliary barrier 550, 500'. Advantageously, the shape of the auxiliary barriers 550, 550' allows the auxiliary barriers 550, 550' to catch and/or hold any load that the first barrier 500 and second barrier 500' failed to contain within the base 100. In various embodiments, the auxiliary barriers 550 and 550' are sloped, preferably from one end to the other end of each barrier 500, 500'. Preferably, the end of the auxiliary barriers 550, 550' proximal to the conveyor belt system C2000 is lower than the end distal from the conveyor belt system C2000. Consequently and advantageously, the sloped auxiliary barriers 550 and 550' may help direct any load that has fallen out of the base 100 of the tipper platform back within the base 100. In various embodiments, the auxiliary barriers 550 and 550' may be of any shape, as long as they are capable of blocking the load from falling off the respective sides of the top portion of the compartment to an undesired location and/or directing load that has fallen off respective sides of the top portion of the compartment to the desired location.

In embodiments comprising one or more service platforms located in the vicinity of the tipper platform 1000, it is to be appreciated that the distance between the trough and base 100 should preferably not pose a hindrance to personnel or operators operating the tipper platform 1000. Such distance may be implemented in the form of a minimum height clearance.

In various embodiments, the auxiliary barrier 550 and the auxiliary barrier 550' comprises a material that has sufficient strength to sustain the weight of the load. In addition, the material may be a transparent, translucent or opaque material. The material may be wood, clay, glass, plastic, metal, metal alloys or a mixture thereof. In various embodiments, the first and second barrier 500 or 500' comprise further comprises at least one reinforcement for supporting the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500'. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the at least one reinforcement, for instance, 600a, 600b, 600c (collectively referred to as 600), is positioned along a surface of the first barrier 500. Similarly, there is at least one reinforcement, for instance, 600'a, 600'b, 600'c (not shown, collectively referred to as 600') positioned along a surface of the second barrier 500'. Advantageously, reinforcement 600 and 600' provide support to the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' respectively, thereby preventing the load from falling off the respective sides of the top portion of the compartment and/or respective sides of the base 100.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 5, the reinforcement 600a may further comprise an arm 650a, which is capable of providing support for the auxiliary barrier 550. In addition, the reinforcement 600b may further comprise an arm 650b and the reinforcement 600c may further comprise an arm 650c, such that the arm 650b and the arm 650c provide support for the auxiliary barrier 550. Similarly, the reinforcement 600'a may further comprise an arm 650'a, the reinforcement 600'b may further comprise an arm 650'b and the reinforcement 600'c may further comprise an arm 650'c, such that the arm 650'a, the arm 650'b and the arm 650c provide support for the auxiliary barrier 550'. Consequently, there is additional support for the auxiliary barrier 550 and 550' so that a heavier load can be supported and prevented from falling off the respective sides of the top portion of the compartment. In various embodiments, the arms 650a, 650b, 650c, may be extendable such that the distance between the first barrier 500 and the auxiliary barrier 550 may be adjusted. Similarly and in various embodiments, the arms 650'a, 650'b, 650'c, may be extendable such that the distance between the second barrier 500' and the auxiliary barrier 550' may be adjusted.

In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 further comprises at least one stopper/support capable of preventing movement of the compartment /support the tailgate.

In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 comprises a chain for tying the front beam of a vehicle carrying a compartment. As such, undesired movement of the vehicle/compartment is prevented. In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 5, the tipper platform 1000 comprises wheel stops 200, 200' for abutting against the rear wheels of a vehicle carrying a compartment for holding/carrying a load. It will be appreciated that the wheel stops 200, 200' may also abut against a lower portion of a compartment (i.e. without a vehicle) to minimize undesired movement of the compartment on the base 100. The wheel stops 200, 200' comprise a movable arm, preferably operated by a mechanical system, more preferably by a mechanical system driven by motor or gear, for moving the wheel stops 200, 200' between an inactivated position and an activated position. In operation, the mechanical system is activated, which activates the movable arm of the wheel stops 200, 200' to actuate the wheel stops 200, 200' from the inactivated position to the activated position. In the activated position, the wheel stops 200, 200' are adapted to abut against a wheel of a vehicle carrying a compartment for holding carrying a load, and adapted to prevent movement of the vehicle when the tipper platform 1000 is in operation. Conversely, the mechanical system can be activated to cause the movable arm of the wheel stops 200, 200' to actuate the wheel stops 200, 200' from the activated position to the inactivated position. When the wheel stops 200, 200' are in the inactivated position, they are no longer capable of abutting against a wheel of the vehicle and the vehicle is allowed to move freely. Advantageously, this provides flexibility in controlling the movement of the vehicle on the base 100. More advantageously, a vehicle is able to move through the tipper platform 1000, without having to move in the same direction that it came in from. This may lead to a savings in time because a subsequent vehicle can move to the base 100 without waiting for the vehicle to come back out. In some embodiments, the wheel stops 200, 200' are flushed with the surface of the base 100 in an inactivated position so as to facilitate cleaning of the base 100. In some embodiments, the wheel stops 200, 200' are retracted from the base 100 when in the inactivated position and comprise a portion protruding from the base 100 when in the activated position. In some embodiments, the wheel stops 200, 200' may be operable by other mechanisms such as hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic or a combination of the aforementioned mechanism.

In contrast, the wheel stops P200, P200' of prior art tipper platform PI 000 are not movable between a substantially flat position and an inclined position because the wheel stops P200, P200' are permanently fixed to the base PI 00. As such, the prior art tipper platform PI 000 does not have flexibility in controlling the movement of the vehicle on base PI 00. I I

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 5, the at least one stopper may comprise a tailgate support 300 for abutting against the tailgate of a vehicle carrying a compartment for holding/carrying a load. It will appreciate that the tailgate support 300 may also abut against a portion of a compartment (i.e. without a vehicle) to support the tailgate. Advantageously, the tailgate support 300 for is capable of being actuated between an activated position and an inactivated position by a movable arm 350 (Fig. 8). The movable arm 350 may be operated by a hydraulic system. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the tailgate support 300 is positioned above the base 100 when in an activated position, while the tailgate support 300 is positioned below the surface of the base 100 when in an inactivated position. In operation, the hydraulic system of the tailgate support 300 is activated, which causes the movable arm 350 to extend, thereby moving the tailgate support to the activated position. When in the activated position, the tailgate support 300 is adapted to abut against a tailgate of a vehicle. Conversely, the hydraulic system can be activated to cause the movable arm 350 of the tailgate support 300 to move the tailgate support 300 to the inactivated position. When the tailgate support 300 is in the inactivated position, it is no longer capable of abutting against the tailgate of a vehicle and the vehicle is allowed to move freely. Advantageously, this provides flexibility in controlling the movement of the vehicle on the base 100. In particular, in some configurations the vehicle is able to move through the tipper platform 1000, without having to move in the same direction that it came in from. This may lead to a savings in time because a subsequent vehicle can move to the base 100 without waiting for the vehicle to come back out.

In some embodiments, the tailgate support 300 may be operable by other mechanisms such as electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or a combination of the aforementioned mechanism. In contrast and as illustrated in Fig. 4, a prior art tailgate support P300 for abutting against a tailgate of the vehicle is capable of moving between a first height and a second height because of a movable arm P350, wherein the first height and the second height are both above the surface of the base PI 00 of prior art tipper platform PI 000 and above the service platform S I 00. The movable arm P350 may be operated by a hydraulic system. In operation, the hydraulic system is activated, which causes the movable arm P350 to extend, thereby moving the tailgate support P300 to a first position, which is above the surface of the base PI 00 and above the service platform SI 00. When the tailgate support P300 is in the first position, it abuts against the tailgate of the vehicle. Conversely, the hydraulic system can be activated to cause the movable arm P350 of the tailgate support P300 to move the tailgate support P300 to the second position, which is also above the surface of the base PI 00 and above the service platform SI 00. As such, when the tailgate support P300 is in the second position, it also abuts against the tailgate of the vehicle. Consequently, the prior art tipper platform PI 000 does not have flexibility in controlling the movement of the vehicle on base P 100 because the first position of the tailgate support P300 and the second position of the tailgate support P300 both prevent movement of the vehicle.

In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 further comprises at least one movable arm 400 for moving the base 100 between the untipped position and the tipped position, wherein each moveable arm 400 is attached to a portion of the base 100 at one end and a portion of the surface G at the other end. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the tipper platform 1000 comprises two moveable arms 400. The movable arm 400 is preferably operated by a hydraulic system. Consequently and as illustrated in Fig. 6, when the movable arms 400 are extended, the base 100 moves from the untipped position to the tipped position, by pivoting about a fulcrum pin 320 adjacent to a fulcrum bushing (not shown), thereby tipping the compartment and causing the load to slide or fall from one end of the compartment and to the conveyor belt CI 00.

In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 further comprises a cleaning system. Advantageously, the cleaning system is capable of cleaning the surface of the base 100. In particular, if a part of the load falls on to the base 100 instead of the desired location, the cleaning system can remove the load or part thereof from the surface of the base 100.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 9, the cleaning system comprises at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b operable to move across a surface of the base 100. In various embodiments, the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b is pivotal about a pivot point located on a side of the base 100. The pivot points of the elongated arms 700a, 700b are preferably located at opposing sides of the base 100. In various embodiments, the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b can pivot about the pivot point by an angle between 0 and 180 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the two elongated arms 700a, 700b are oblique to each other such that the elongated arm 700a follows the path outlined by CI and the elongated arm 700b follows the path outlined by C2. In various embodiments, the cleaning system may comprise water jets that are capable of spraying water across the surface of the base 100 to clear the base 100 of any fallen load. Such water jets are utilized on a discretionary basis depending on the type of load. For example, water jets will not be suitable for loads that are sensitive to water.

In various embodiments, the cleaning system further comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting an object on a surface of the base 100. Consequently, the at least one sensor can assist in cleaning of the base 100 by activating or deactivating the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b when part of the load or other undesired object is detected.

In various embodiments, the cleaning system further comprises a linkage mechanical unit comprising a linear actuator, such as (but not limited to) a hydraulic linear actuator comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electric linear actuator or a linear screw actuator. In various embodiments, the linkage mechanical unit further comprises a motor that activates the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b by driving the linear actuator.

In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 further comprises a supporting stand which is adjacent to the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000. In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 10, the tipper platform 1000 further comprising a handrail unit 8000 comprising at least one handrail, for instance, 800a, 800b, 800c, 800d, 800e (collectively referred to as 800), adjacent to at least one side of the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000. Each handrail 800 comprises an extendable arm 850a, 850b, 850c, 850d, 850e, 850f (collectively referred to as 850) on each end of the handrail 800 and an support 820a, 820b, 820c (collectively referred to as 820) supporting the extendable arm 850.Advantageously, the handrail unit 8000 assists in ensuring the safety of person(s) cleaning the tipper platform 1000, thereby preventing accidents from occurring. In particular, the handrails 800 provide grip for person(s) that are accessing (e.g. cleaning) the tipper platform 1000. In various embodiments, the person(s) cleaning the tipper platform 1000 may be standing on the service platform SI 00. More advantageously, the handrails unit 8000 helps the tipper platform 1000 to conform with one or more Industrial Standards. In various embodiments, each handrail 800 is mounted on at least two sides of the base 100. Each handrail 800 comprises a height of about 80 to about 90 cm. In operation, the handrail 800 is extended when the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 is actuated from the untipped position to about 5 degrees with respect to the untipped position. When the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 has moved upwards by an angle, such as about 40 to about 45 degrees with respect to the untipped position, the handrail 800 will move up by a distance of up to about 90 cm. The handrails 800 will start to retract when the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 moves downwards by about 30 degrees with respect to the untipped position, from the tipped position, and will resume to the original position when the base 100 is at about 5 degrees with respect to the untipped position.

In various embodiments, each handrail 800 is located at an inner edge of the tipper platform 1000. Preferably, the inner edge of the tipper platform 1000 comprises a concrete groove 880. There comprises a minimum gap between the concrete groove 880 and the base 100 to facilitate clearance of the base 100 when it is actuated between the untipped position to the tipped position.

In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' may be passive barrier(s), i.e. the barrier 500, 500' may be erected to a predetermined height. The predetermined height may be customized, or made related to, or dependent on the height of the compartment. Such a predetermined height can be about 40 to 60% of the height of the compartment, 50 to 90% of the height of the compartment, or above 100% of the height of the compartment.

In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' may be a continuous wall. Such an arrangement is advantageous compared to fence-type barriers which may comprise gaps that certain load can inadvertently escape from.

In various embodiments, the height of the first barrier 500, second barrier 500' may be configured in a plurality of ways to minimize loss of load and/or retaining the load within the base 100. For example, the height of the first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' may be configured at a height of about 50% of the compartment height. Such a configuration may retain most load within the parameter of the base 100 but may not prevent some load from falling of the base because load is often stacked beyond the height of the compartment. The auxiliary barriers 550, 550' are therefore important to catch any wayward load not retained by the first or second barrier. As the height of the first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' increase beyond 50% of the compartment height, the increased height may be able to retain majority of the load and even up to a point where the loads are prevented from falling off the respective sides of the compartment, which is typically higher than the height of the compartment. In some embodiments, the surface area of the trough(s) of the auxiliary barriers 550, 550' may be inversely proportional to the height of the first barrier 500 or second barrier 500'.

In various embodiments, the extendable arm 850 of each handrail 800 is a hydraulic arm. Advantageously, the extendable arm 850 is capable of extending and retracting the handrail 800 to and from the portion at which the handrail 800 is attached to the tipper platform 1000, depending on the position of the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000.

In various embodiments, each service platform SI 00 may be adjacent to the handrail unit 8000 and another handrail unit 8000', wherein the handrail unit 8000' comprises at least one handrail, for instance, 800'a, 800'b (collectively referred to as 800'), an extendable arm 850'a, 850'b, 850'c (collectively referred to as 850') on each end of the handrail 800' and a support 820'a, 820'b, 820'c (collectively referred to as 820') connected to the extendable arm 850'.

A method of using a prior art tipper platform PI 000 is illustrated in Fig. 1 1. The method comprises moving the truck on to the base PI 00 of the tipper platform PI 000 and towards the two wheel stops P200, P200' for abutting against the wheels of a vehicle until the wheels of the vehicle contacts the two wheel P200, P200' (step 1). The method further comprises moving the tailgate support P300 for abutting against the tailgate of the vehicle from the first height to the second height, such that the tailgate support P300 abuts against the tailgate of the vehicle (step 2). The method further comprises using a chain to tie a part of the vehicle, such as the front beam, to a part of the tipper platform PI 000, to prevent movement of the vehicle (step 3). The method further comprises operating two movable arms P400 to move the base PI 00 from an untipped position to a tipped position, thereby tipping the vehicle and causing the load to slide or fall from the vehicle onto the conveyor belt CI 00 (step 4). Once all of the load has been unloaded from the vehicle, the two movable arms P400 move the base PI 00 from the tipped position to the untipped position (step 5). The chain is then untied from the front beam of the vehicle and the vehicle is free to move off from the base PI 00 of the tipper platform PI 000 (step 6). Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a method of using a tipper platform 1000 will now be disclosed with reference to Fig. 12. The method comprises providing arranging a compartment for holding a load on a base 100 of a tipper platform 1000, the tipper platform 1000 comprising at least one barrier 500 disposed on a side 102 of the base 10, wherein at least one barrier having a height that is at least related to a height of the compartment; and actuating the tipper platform 1000 between an untipped position and a tipped position. The first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' of the base 100 are capable of preventing the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment and/or respective sides of the base 100 when the base 100 is moved between the untipped and tipped positions.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method comprises moving a vehicle such as a truck or lorry onto the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 (step ) or placing a compartment carrying a load on the base 100. In various embodiments, the first barrier 500 and the second barrier 500' each comprises an auxiliary barrier 550, 550' capable of preventing the load from falling off the respective sides via a top portion of the compartment and/or respective sides of the base 100.

In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 further comprises at least one stopper capable of preventing movement of the compartment on the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the at least one stopper comprises wheel stops 200, 200' for abutting against at least one wheel of a vehicle and the method further comprises moving the wheel stops 200, 200' between an inactivated position and an activated position (step 2'). The wheel stops 200, 200' comprise a movable arm, preferably operated by a mechanical system, more preferably operated by a mechanical system driven by motor or gear, for moving the wheel stops 200, 200' between an inactivated position and an activated position. In various embodiments, the method comprises moving the wheel stops 200, 200' to an activated position when the base 100 is in the tipped position. In operation, the mechanical system is activated, which causes the movable arm of the wheel stops 200, 200' to move the wheel stops 200, 200' to an activated position. Advantageously, when the wheel stops 200, 200' is in the inclined position, the wheel stops 200, 200' are adapted to abut against at least one wheel of the vehicle, thereby preventing movement of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the method further comprises moving the wheel stops 200, 200' to the inactivated position when the base 100 is in the untipped position. In particular, the mechanical system of the stopper 200, 200' can be activated to cause the movable arm of the stoppers 200, 200' to retract, thereby moving the stoppers 200, 200' back to the inactivated position. As such, the stopper 200, 200' is no longer capable of abutting against at least one wheel of the vehicle and the vehicle is free to move off the base 100.

In some embodiments, the stoppers 200, 200' may be operable by other mechanisms such as hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic or a combination of the aforementioned mechanism.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the at least one stopper comprises a tailgate support 300 for abutting against a tailgate of the vehicle, and the method further comprises moving the tailgate support 300 between the inactivated position and an activated position (step 3'). Advantageously, the tailgate support 300 for abutting against the tailgate of the vehicle is capable of moving between the inactivated and activated positions because of a movable arm 350 (Fig. 8). The movable arm 350 may be operated by a hydraulic system. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the tailgate support 300 is above the surface of the base 100 when in the activated position, while the tailgate support 300 is below the surface of the base 100 when in the inactivated position. In various embodiments, the method comprises moving the stopper 300 to the activated position when the base 100 is in the tipped position. In operation, the hydraulic system is activated, which causes the movable arm 350 to extend, thereby moving the tailgate support 300 to the activated position. In some embodiments, the tailgate support 300 may be operable by other mechanisms such as electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or a combination of the aforementioned mechanism.

In various embodiments, the tipping platform 1000 further comprises at least one movable arm 400 for moving the base 100 between the untipped position and the tipped position, wherein each moveable arm 400 is attached to a portion of the base 100 at one end and a portion of the surface G at the other end. The movable arm 400 is preferably operated by a hydraulic system. In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises extending the movable arms 400 so that the base 300 of the tipper platform 1000 moves from the untipped position to the tipped position (step 4'). Consequently and as illustrated in Fig. 6, when the movable arms 400 are extended such that the length of the movable arms 400 is increased, the angle of inclination increases and the base 100 moves from the untipped position to the tipped position by pivoting about a fulcrum pin 320 adjacent to a fulcrum bushing (not shown). As such, the method further comprises adjusting the tipped position of the base 100 by varying the length of the movable arms 400, and thereby the angle of inclination.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises locking the front beam of the vehicle, for instance, by a chain, before tipping and unlocking the front beam of the vehicle after tipping (step 5'). In a preferred embodiment, the front beam of the vehicle is locked when the base 100 has been moved upwards by an angle, such as about 5 degrees.

In various embodiments, the tipping platform 1000 further comprises a handrail unit 8000 for preventing accidents.

In various embodiments, the handrails unit 8000 comprises at least one handrail 800, wherein each handrail 800 comprises an extendable arm 850 on each end of the handrail 800 and the method comprises activating the extendable arm 850 to adjust the height of each handrail 800. In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises commencing the extension of the handrails 800 when the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 is moved upwards by an angle, such as minimum about 5 degrees or about 7 degrees (step 6'). It is to be appreciated that movement of the base upwards about 5 to 7 degrees may be considered as a 'pre- tipped' position which is an intermediate position between the untipped position and the tipped position. In the pre-tipped position security checks may be performed to ensure that the compartment does not slide or move. When the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 has moved upwards by an angle, such as about 40 to about 45 degrees, the handrail 800 will move up by a distance of about 80 to about 90 cm, which is the maximum distance (step 7'). However, it should be understood that the maximum distance of handrail 800 can be varied as required depending on application and requirements.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises lowering the base 100 after the load slides or falls from an end of the compartment, such that the length of the movable arms 400 decreases and the angle of inclination decreases (step 8'). In various embodiments, the method further comprises commencing the retraction (lowering) of the handrails 800 downwards when the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 moves downwards, such that the angle of inclination is (but not limited to) about 30 degrees with respect to the untipped position. In various embodiments, the lowering of the handrails 800 occurs gradually and is completed when the base 100 moves downwards, such that the angle of inclination is (but not limited to) about 5 degrees.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises lowering the base 100 until the base 100 is in the untipped position (step 9'). In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises unlocking the front beam of the vehicle (step 10').

In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises moving the tailgate support 300 to the inactivated position when the base 100 is in the untipped position (step 1 Γ). In particular, the hydraulic system can be activated to cause the movable arm 350 of the tailgate support 300 to move the tailgate support 300 to the inactivated position, which is below the surface of the base 100 and below the service platform SI 00. When the tailgate support 300 is in the inactivated position, it is no longer capable of abutting against the tailgate of the vehicle and the vehicle is allowed to move freely (step 12').

In some embodiments, the tailgate support 300 may be operable by other mechanisms such as electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or a combination of the aforementioned mechanism. In various embodiments, the tipper platform 1000 further comprises a cleaning system for cleaning the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000. In various embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the method further comprises activating the cleaning system (step 13'). In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning system is activated when the compartment moves off the base 100 after tipping. Preferably, the cleaning system is activated when the at least one stoppers is not activated. Specifically, the at least one stoppers is not activated when the wheel stops 200, 200' are in the inactivated position and the tailgate support 300 is in the inactivated position. Advantageously, the cleaning system maintains the cleanliness of the surface of the base 100. In various embodiments, the method comprises at least one additional step of actuating the tipper platform 1000 between the untipped position and the tipped position, before, during and/or after the activation of the cleaning system to tip and clear any load fallen onto the base 100, onto a desired location, e.g. the conveyor belt system C2000. This improves the efficiency of the cleaning system to clear the base 100 of any fallen load prior to the unloading tipping of a subsequent loaded compartment. Preferably, the additional actuation of the tipper platform 1000 to clear the base 100 of any fallen load, is conducted without a compartment positioned on the base 100. More preferably, the wheel stops 200, 200' and tailgate support 300 are in the inactivated position during the additional actuation of the tipper platform 1000. After the base 100 has been cleaned/cleared of any fallen load, a subsequent compartment can move and/or be moved on to the base 100 for tipping/unloading.

In various embodiments, the cleaning system comprises at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b operable to move across a surface of the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000. In various embodiments, the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b is pivotal about a pivot point located on a side of the base 100. In various embodiments, the method further comprises activating the cleaning system by moving the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b across the surface of the base 100 of the tipper platform 1000 by an angle between 0 and 170 degrees. In various embodiments, the elongated arm 700a may commence cleaning by moving across the surface of the base 100. After which, the elongated arm 700b commences cleaning by moving across the surface of the base 100. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated arm 700b commences cleaning when the elongated arm 700a has moved across the surface of the base by an angle of about 35 degrees about the pivot point. Preferably, the elongated arms 700a, 700b move across the surface of the base 100 in a direction towards the desired location, e.g. the conveyor belt system C2000. In various embodiments, the cleaning system further comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting an object on a surface of the base 100 and the method further comprises detecting an object on the surface of the base 100 via the at least one sensor.

In various embodiments, the cleaning system further comprises a linkage mechanical unit as described above. Consequently, the method comprises activating the cleaning system by activating the motor, driving the linear actuator and moving the at least one elongated arm 700a, 700b. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of features described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments falling within the intended scope of the invention. In particular,

• The tipper platform may comprise only one barrier which prevent a load from fall from a side via a top portion of the compartment and/or a side of the base of the tipper platform.

• The first barrier 500 and/or second barrier 500' may be integrally moulded with their respective auxiliary barriers 550, 550'.

• The first barrier 500, second barrier 500', first auxiliary barrier 550 and second auxiliary barrier 550' may be manufactured separately and attached to an existing tipper platform (i.e. retrofittable).