RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Canadian patent application 2,682,003, filed October 9, 2009 under Article 4 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is related to the field of heavy equipment handling. Described here is a device designed for storage, elevation, and installation of equipment of any size, and the manufacture and use of the device, for example, to install mining equipment.

BACKGROUND

During the construction and use of passageways in mines, there is an ongoing requirement to adapt the mine with equipment that improves air circulation, provides services, and otherwise attends to the functioning of the mine and the comfort and safety of the miners who are at work below ground.

The weight of the equipment required and the constraints of the mining environment pose particular challenges to the installation and maintenance of such equipment. Before the making of the invention described here, equipment was typically manipulated by way of the following strategies:

• Use of a boom base manipulator on a dedicated vehicle. This method has a large capital expenditure and imposes substantial operational and storage costs, since the dedicated use limits the vehicle from being used for other purposes.

• Use of timbers on rails of scissor vehicles to raise or lower the equipment into position. This method has safety concerns with respect to loading the equipment and securing it to the on timbers. The method also crowds the operator during installation, limiting escape routes if needed. Several vehicle operators are needed to transport the equipment to the site, place it on the scissor vehicles and then install it into position.

• Use of a scissor or transmission jack style lifting device to hold and raise the equipment. This method limits the flexibility of installation because of the limitations of the jack itself. For the most part, this type of apparatus is manually controlled.

• Use of stands to hold the equipment where it is to be installed. In this case, the stand itself cannot adjust the position of the equipment: instead, a separate device is required to change position. Thus, vehicles are needed to put the stand in place, and other vehicles and operators are needed to adjust the position of the equipment being installed. Clearly, previously available devices and strategies for manipulating and installing large equipment are complicated and cumbersome to work with. This invention represents a substantial improvement in agility, convenience, and safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This patent disclosure provides a device suitable for holding, storing, manipulating, transporting, elevating, installing, and removing equipment of various shapes and sizes for various purposes. Equipment elevating devices of this invention typically have the following components

• a base;

• a first horizontal rotator mounted on the base;

• a lifting arm mounted on the first horizontal rotator and adapted to pivot upwards by way of a first elevating rotator;

• a connecting platform mounted on the lifting arm by way of a second elevating rotator;

• a second horizontal rotator mounted on the connecting platform; and

• an equipment platform mounted on the second horizontal rotator by way of a third elevating rotator, and suitable for holding equipment for elevation by the lifting arm.

The horizontal rotators can be hydraulically driven slew bearings, and the elevating rotators can be hydraulically driven rotational actuators, controlled in coordination to keep the equipment platform in a horizontal position when loaded. The equipment platform may have several rest brackets that pivot to receive equipment of different sizes, and several tie-down brackets for securing the equipment to the platform. Optionally, the equipment platform is interchangeable with one or more other platforms each adapted to hold equipment of different sizes and shapes.

An equipment elevating device of this invention may be self-contained with all electrical and hydraulic connections needed to operate it through its full range of motion... It may be capable of elevating equipment weighing at least 1 ,000 pounds by at least 3 feet. The base of the device may be a skid suitable for mounting on different vehicles. The device may be mounted on a scissor lift to give it a greater vertical and horizontal range of motion. When in operation, the device may be loaded, for example, with a fan or duct suitable for ventilating a hard-rock mine.

Also embodied in this invention is a method for manufacturing an equipment elevating device, comprising assembling the components in the device in an order that retains the desired functionality of the rotators and platforms. Also embodied in this invention is a method for installing equipment in an exact position at a height substantially above ground level (for example, in a mine). This involves securing the equipment to the equipment platform of an elevating device according to any preceding claim; elevating the equipment to the height desired, and moving it to the position by operating the elevating rotators and horizontal rotators of the device; installing the equipment in the position while being held in the device; and then removing the device.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the description that follows.

DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a line drawing showing a model of the equipment elevating device of this invention. Figure 1(A) is a view from an upward diagonal; Figure 1(B) is a side view. The numbered parts are explained further in the Detailed Description, below.

Figure 2 shows the rotatability of the device about its two horizontal rotators.

Figure 3 is a top-down view showing the lateral dimensions of the model.

Figure 4 is a side view showing the lifting capacity of the device by way of its three elevating rotators.

Figure 5 is a side view showing the device in a lowered position and (in relief) in an elevated position. In this embodiment, the cradle can be lifted 34 inches between the two configurations.

Figure 6(A) and 6(B) show two views of the device in operation while holding equipment that is cylindrical in shape (about the size of a fan for ventilating a mine).

Figure 7(A) shows another view of the device when loaded with equipment. Figure 7(B) is a view from an upper diagonal, showing how this particular cradle is adapted to conform to equipment of this shape.

Figure 8(A) and 8(B) are top-down and end-on views of the device installed in the flatbed of a vehicle. Possible manipulation of equipment held by the device is shown.

Figure 9(A) and 9(B) are two other views of the device installed in a vehicle, and loaded with a piece of equipment that is cylindrical in shape. Figure 9(B) shows the ability of the device to lift the equipment from the docking end of the vehicle to a compact configuration within the vehicle.

Figure 10 shows an equipment elevating device positioned atop a scissor jack, to provide an even greater range of motion.

Figure 11 shows a further model of the invention, having pivot rollers to embrace the equipment that is being held and elevated, which are positioned upon a cradle mount.

Figure 12 is a view from above, showing a scale to which the device may be built.

Figure 13 shows a part-by-part enumeration of the model having pivot rollers.

Figure 14 shows the rotatability of the actuators. Figure 15(A) and 15(B) provide side views. Figure 15(A) compares the equipment elevating device in lowered and lifted positions. This model is capable of lifting its cargo by over 40 vertical inches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention provides a modular apparatus that can be used safely and repeatedly to secure and manipulate equipment of various kinds, including equipment of substantial weight that is awkward and difficult to manage using apparatus that was previously available.

The elevating device of this invention has hydraulic rotary actuators with direct mounted load holding valves and slew bearings connected by mechanical arms in a bolted and welded construction controlled by an operator station, tethered remote or radio remote proportional control. The apparatus has multiple connection saddles that may be used to capture and safely hold a variety of equipment items. The device can be mounted on a skid-style base so that it can be used on various styles of service vehicles such as the scissor lifts and deck truck.

The invention was initially developed for use in underground mining: specifically, the manipulation and installation of equipment into mining tunnels and shafts, such as ventilation fans, vent tubes, silencers, pipe, and electrical cables. The device is equally suitable for other situations requiring the secure installation, handling, storage, or removal of equipment of various sizes, shapes and weight. Equipment is held securely on the device while the device is being transported to or about a work site. When empty, the device can assume a compact configuration to save space and ensure safe driving or tramming between projects.

Mechanical components of the device

Further understanding of the equipment elevating device of this invention may be obtained in reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 5 depict a model equipment elevating device according to this invention. This is an illustration of one particular embodiment, and is not intended to limit the invention where not otherwise required.

Figure 1 depicts the components of the model device and how they are operationally interconnected. The device is mounted on some sort of "base" 1, which generically has no constraints except that it provide a stable platform, typically mounted in an essentially horizontal plane, from which the rotators can operate to position and elevate other parts of the device. For example, the base may be the bed of a vehicle in which the device is permanently installed. Alternatively, the base may be platform or skid, allowing the device to be moved between locations and vehicles as desired. Optionally, the base may be removable or interchangeable, it may be adapted to mate to the surface of a vehicle in which it is being carried, and it may have an attachment for a tow motor to facilitate loading onto the vehicle.

Attached to the base is a first or lower horizontal rotator 2 (depicted in the figure as slew bearing #1) that functions to orient the lower lifting arm of the device in any direction of the compass. The lower horizontal rotator is attached by way of a mount or intermediate platform 3 to a first "elevating rotator" 4 (depicted in the figure as actuator #1). This in turn is connected to a second elevating rotator 6 (depicted in the figure as actuator #2) by way of two arm plates 5 or single weldment. The figure shows the circular bolt pattern where each actuator is attached. The first and second elevating rotators and the arm plates that interconnect them collectively constitute the lower lifting arm. The length of the arm plates and the arm is chosen to have the desired reach for the applications for which the device will be used.

The second elevating rotator 6 in turn is operatively connected to a second or mid-level mount or connecting platform 7, upon which rides a second or upper horizontal rotator 8 (depicted in the figure as slew bearing #2), which operates to pivot around an axis running from the connecting platform through the second elevating rotator, whether the platform be in a horizontal position (as it is when the device is in an upwardly extended position), or in a position perpendicular to the base (as it is in the figure, when the device is in a compacted position for storage or transport). To the other side of the second horizontal rotator is another mount 9 which bears a third elevating rotator 10 (depicted in the figure as actuator #3). This is rotationally connected to an "equipment platform" or cradle mount jM upon which the equipment being held or elevated by the device may be secured. This configuration allows the elevating platform to be kept in a horizontal position when loaded with equipment, and allows it to be positioned precisely into position for installation of the equipment at an overhead location.

The term "horizontal rotator" as used in this disclosure (exemplified at 2 and 8 of the figure) means any mechanical mechanism for pivoting part of a device mounted on a platform or base around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the platform or base. When the base is substantially horizontal with respect to the ground, then the rotator causes the part to pivot around an axis that is co-parallel with the direction of gravity. The model device was constructed with a hydraulically driven slew bearing as both horizontal rotators. Depending on the application, other potential rotators include but are not limited to mechanisms that are ball screws, rack and pinion, cylinder driven, sine plates or cranks. The horizontal rotator can be powered by any suitable energy source, including but not limited to hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and manual (human generated) power.

The term "elevating rotator" as used in this disclosure (exemplified at 4, 6, and 10 of the figure) means any mechanical mechanism for pivoting part of the device (such as an arm or platform) around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity, thereby lifting or lowering the arm or platform with respect to the ground or base. The model device was constructed with a hydraulically driven actuator as all three elevating rotators: specifically, hydraulic rotary actuators made by Helac® Corp. in Enumclaw WA, U.S.A., having a rating of 150,000 inch-pounds of output torque. Depending on the application, other potential elevating rotators can be powered by any suitable energy source, including but not limited to hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and manual power.

The "equipment platform" 11 may be any configuration useful for holding or elevating any equipment that the user may desire to manipulate with the device. It can be as simple as a planar platform decking suitable for elevating equipment that can securely stand on its own. More typically, the equipment platform is adapted to conform to the general shape of a particular piece of equipment or range of equipment that the user may from time to time desire to handle. The equipment platform may have two or more rest pads 12 that are optionally pivotable so as to cradle equipment of varying sizes and/or shapes. The equipment platform may also have one or more tie down brackets 13. Equipment may be held more securely to the equipment surface by way of strapping of some kind that is tightened and temporarily affixed to the tie down brackets.

The equipment platform 11 depicted in the figure has four pivoting rest pads 12 and four tie down brackets 13, and is adapted to hold equipment that is approximately cylindrical in shape across a range of diameters. Optionally, the rest pads and brackets may be adjustable and/or removable to accommodate equipment over a larger range of sizes and shapes. Alternatively or in addition, the device may be designed so that the equipment platform is changeable with other equipment platforms having a different configuration, further increasing the variability in the equipment that may be held and manipulated in a secure fashion.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the equipment platform 11 is attached directly to the second elevating rotator 6 on the arm. The equipment platform can thereby be elevated into position and kept in a horizontal position when loaded with equipment. The compass orientation of the equipment can be manipulated by way of the remaining horizontal rotator 2. This revised configuration doesn't provide all the mobility and coverage of the model device depicted in the figure. Installation of equipment into some locations may require repositioning of the base during the installation process.

Other configurations of the invention are possible: the manufacturer or user is welcome to build or adapt the device so as to contain additional horizontal rotators, elevating rotators, arms, and platforms in any combination within the framework of the general design, so as to further increase the range of motion of an equipment elevating device of this invention. By way of illustration, one or more additional arms may be present between the arm assembly in the picture (items 4, 5, and 6), and the upper horizontal rotator 8. The elevating rotator 6 connects to the additional arm(s), which has a second elevating rotator at the other end connecting to the horizontal rotator 8 by way of the mount 7. This provides additional vertical reach by the device. The reader should understand that when a component is referred to in this disclosure as being "attached to", "connected to", or "mounted on" another component, this includes configurations in which one or more additional components are present in between the components mentioned in a way that maintains or enhances the intended function. Figure 2 shows the ability of the device to turn around a vertical axis by way of the two horizontal rotators. Generally, each rotator has a range of motion of at least about 180°, with a range up to about 360° providing optimum maneuverability.

Figure 3 is a top-down view showing the lateral dimensions of the model device in the lowered and compacted configuration. The arm is lowered to a horizontal position; the cradle is kept horizontal, and aligned with the arm by way of the upper horizontal rotator.

Figure 4 is a side view showing the rotatability of the device about its three elevating rotators. Generally, each rotator has a range of motion of at least about 180° up to about 360°, depending on the constraints of the rest of the assembly.

Figure 5 is a side view showing the device in a lowered potion and (in relief) in an elevated position. Keeping the equipment platform in a horizontal position, this particular assembly can lift equipment about 34 inches. Depending on the needs of the user and the power of the elevating rotators being used, the length of the arm plates can be increased or decreased to provide lifting capability in any desired range: for example, up to about 2, 3, 5, or 8 feet or more. When lowered into the horizontal position, a longer arm will increase horizontal dimensions. However, the height of the device in the lowered position can be kept compact: for example, within 2, 3, or 4 feet of the base, thereby facilitating transport of the device when loaded with equipment through passageways with a low overhead, such as a 3.5 meter (11 foot) high tunnel or drift in a mine.

Other features

The equipment elevating device of this invention will come with power connections and controls suitable for powering and controlling the device through its intended range of motion.

The model shown in Figures 1 to 10 was constructed with an Electronic Control Option (ECO) for controlling motion of each of the rotators. Generally, the ECO will send an electronic signal to a diverter valve that will send the hydraulic fluid to specific cylinders, actuators, and slew bearings instead of having dedicated hydraulic lines running to each function from a central control station. Alternatively or in addition, parts of the device may be constructed with a Hydraulic Control Option (HCO). This is a control that will have hydraulic lines running directly to each feature requiring operation. Compared with the ECO, this system involves more lines, since each cylinder, actuator, or slew bearing has its own lines going in and out. The ECO and HCO controls may be set up for either discrete or proportional operating parameters.

The device can be set up so that each of the rotators and positioning components are controlled separately and manually by the operator. However, it is often advantageous that some of the components work in a coordinated fashion, by way of a mechanical, electronic, or computer-controlled means. For example, the first and second elevating rotators can be coordinated to rotate in opposite directions so as to maintain the connecting platform in a horizontal position when appropriate. The first rotator can be coordinated with the second and third rotators together so as to maintain the equipment platform in a horizontal position when appropriate (especially when loaded with equipment). The second horizontal rotator and the uppermost elevating rotator may be coordinated so as to allow the equipment platform to be inverted for loading. The elevating rotators and the horizontal rotators can be coordinated together so that the entire device automatically assumes a compacted and aligned vertical position on demand, with the equipment platform in a horizontal or vertical configuration for transport when loaded or empty. Various combinations of rotators can be coordinated so as to perform any automatic lifting or manipulation function that may be appropriate for a particular use of the device.

The control console can be mounted on the device itself, it may be set up in a separate tethered unit, it may be placed in the cabin or elsewhere on the vehicle used to transport the device, or it may be in the form of a radio or wireless control for remote but nearby operation.

Power (either hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical) can be supplied to all the components on the device by way of quick connect fittings that connect with power sources at the location of use, or in a separate supply vehicle. For example, Joint Industry Council (JIC) tapered fittings or O-Ring Seal (ORS) fittings may be used to connect a source of hydraulic power. Also contemplated is a self- contained system, in which the device (or a vehicle it is transported on) has its own power pack, battery, or generator to supply some or all of the power that is needed.

If desired, the device may also be equipped with drawers, hooks, hangers, or cup-holders for holding tools that may be used, for example, during installation of equipment the device may be carrying: for example, grinders, cutters, and fastening tools such as wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers. The tools holders may be mounted, for example, on the base near the first horizontal rotator, or on the equipment platform.

Manufacture of the device

The equipment elevating device of this invention may be assembled from its components in any fashion that provides the configuration desired. The model device shown in Figures 1 to 10 can be constructed in the following order:

• Base Assembly 1: welded construction/bolted latching device/self locking mechanism/HSS and plate

• Lower Slew Bearing 2 to Base Assembly 1 : bolted connection

• Lower Slew Bearing 2 to First Actuator 4: bolted connection through actuator mount (item 3)

• First Actuator 4 to Lifting Arm Plates 5: bolted connection

• Lifting Arm Plates 5 to Second Actuator 6: bolted connection

• Second Actuator 6 to Upper Slew Bearing 8: bolted connection via Actuator Mount 7

• Upper Slew Bearing 8 to Actuator Mount 9: bolted/welded connection

• Actuator Mount 9 to Third Actuator 10: bolted/welded connection

• Third Actuator 10 to Cradle Mount 11 : bolted/welded connection • Pivot Rest Pads 12 and Tie-Downs 13 to Cradle Mount 11: bolted assembly of welded components.

Use of the device

Figures 6-10 depict various manipulations of the model device in various contexts.

Figures 6 and 7(A) show the range of motion about the horizontal and elevating rotators, while the device is holding equipment that is substantially cylindrical in shape (about the size of a fan for ventilating a mine). Figure 7(B) this particular cradle is adapted to conform to equipment of this shape.

Figures 8 and 9 shows the device installed in the flatbed of a vehicle. Possible manipulation of equipment held by the device is shown. Figure 9(B) shows the ability of the device to lift the equipment from the docking end of the vehicle to a compact configuration within the vehicle suitable for transport through a passageway having a low ceiling.

Figure 10 shows an elevating device positioned atop a scissor jack. The combined function of the scissor jack and the device itself provide an elevating function of about 20 feet, with the device providing the maneuverability to put the elevated equipment exactly into the position desired for installation.

Elevating devices according to the invention can be made on any scale for manipulating any kind of equipment of any size and weight. The term "equipment" as used in this disclosure for convenience, and generically refers to any item or combination of items or objects that the device operator may wish to lift or otherwise manipulate without limitation. This includes but is not limited to machinery, tools, conduits, and other man-made items, and naturally occurring items such as ore samples. The horizontal rotators, elevating rotators, plates, platforms and other components of the device are chosen to accommodate the objectives of the user. For the purpose of robotics in a manufacturing or domestic setting, the device is scaled down to accommodate the size of the equipment to be manipulated.

Depending on the length of the arm or arms, along with the configuration of the other components, the device can be built so as to raise a load by 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold or more times the height of the equipment platform in the lowered or vertical position, when measured from the base. As shown in Figure 3, this can be in the range of at least 2 or 3 feet or more above the base. When mounted on a scissor jack, the combined lift can be up to 10 feet or more.

For the purpose of installing mining equipment such as ventilation fans and vent ducts weighing at least 1,000 pounds or more, the device is built to about the scale shown in the figure. The horizontal and elevating rotators are chosen with an axial load and tilting moment suitable for lifting up to 4,000 pounds or more. Lifting and positioning equipment can be done by securing the equipment to an elevating device according to this invention, elevating the equipment to the height desired and moving it to the position by operating the elevating rotators and horizontal rotators of the device. The equipment can be installed in an overhead position by lifting and positioning it in the same fashion, installing it using brackets, bolts, adhesives, or other means of securing it in place, and then removing the elevating device for subsequent use on other projects.

The devices that exemplify this invention as detailed in this disclosure can be modified effectively by routine experimentation, adjustment and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention embodied in the claims that follow.