MOBILE CONVEYOR/ELEVATOR

Abstract: A conveyor/elevator comprising an elongated supporting frame (16) pivotally mounted adjacent one end for rotation about a transverse horizontal axis (20) and for limited rotation about a vertical axis (21), said frame being divided into at least two sections (16a) (16b) hingedly coupled together so that in the operative position the sections are aligned on a straight line and the transport position one section can be folded to lie against the other, an endless belt (23) supported on or within the frame (16), a loading hopper (24) provided adjacent the pivotted end of the frame and a discharge chute (26) at the other end of the frame, said discharge chute (26) being capable of rotation to any desired position.

Description: TITLE: "Mobile Conveyor/Elevator" THIS INVENTION relates to a mobile conveyor elevator for use in building operations. The object of. the invention is to provide a mobile con¬ veyor elevator which can be readily transported from one site to the other and which can be used for conveying and elevating building materials such as sand, concrete, bricks and the like to above ground levels such as the first and second floors of small buildings. Cranes have been used for such purposes but are relatively expensive in situations where the lift involved involves lifting a height of only one or two stories. By using a mobile elevator it is possible to perform such operations at least as expeditiously as with a crane but at considerably less cost. In one form the invention resides in a conveyor/elevator comprising an elongated supporting frame pivotally mounted adjacent one end for rotation about a transverse horizon¬ tal axis and for limited rotation about a vertical axis, said frame being divided into at least two sections hinge¬ dly coupled together so that in the operative position the sections are aligned on a straight line and the transport position one section can be folded to lie against the other, an endless belt supported on or within the frame, a loading hopper provided adjacent the pivotted end of the frame and a discharge chute at the other end of the frame, said discharge chute being capable of rotation to any desired position. The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig . 1A is a plan view; Fig. IB is a continuation of Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A is a side elevation; Fig. 2B is a continuation of Fig. 2A; and Fig. 3 is an end elevation. In the embodiment shown in the drawings the unit is moun¬ ted on a trailer type unit 11 fitted with wheels 12 and a tow bar 13. The trailer unit is fitted with retractable feet 14 and 15 to provide a firm base when the unit is in the operative position as shown in the drawings. The line 6 represents ground level -whilst the line F represents the first floor level of a building B. The elevator unit may also be truck or tractor mounted. A frame 16 comprising a rectangular box truss construction is formed in two sections 16A and 16B hingedly coupled together by a hinge 17. A hydraulic ram 18 is provided for moving the section 16B between the extended position shown in the drawing and a collapsed or transport position wherein section 16B lies above section 16A. Section 16A is reinforced by bracing structure 19. Section 16A is pivotally mounted on a shaft 20 for rotation about a transverse horizontal axis the shaft 20 being pivotally mounted for rotation about a vertical shaft 21. A hydrau¬ lic ram 22 is provided for raising or lowering the section 16A. A hydraulic ram (not shown) is also provided for rotating the components relative to the vertical shaft 21. An endless belt 23 of conventional construction is located within and extends the full length of the frame 16. The belt is driven by a hydraulic motor (not shown). The belt may be tensioned by suitable means such as a hydraulic ram. A hopper 24 is provided at the lower end of Section 16A to enable material to be fed onto the upper run of the belt. The upper end of the belt discharges into a chute 25 which is rotatable about a transverse horizontal axis and which is fitted with a " discharge nozzle which rotates through 360° about a substantially vertical axis. The hydraulic motor driving the belt is reversible, and drives belt in both directions. The lines A in Fig. 1A indicate the arc through which the frame may be moved about the vertical shaft. In the transport position ^ the section 16B lies above sec¬ tion 16A outer end of which is supported on a transverse supporting bar provided on the rear end of the trailer. The " transverse supporting bar may be provided with an upward projection at each end to limit the lateral move¬ ment of the section 16A.

Claims: THE CLAIMS defining the invention are as follows:- 1. A conveyor/elevator comprising an elongated support¬ ing frame pivotally mounted adjacent one end for rotation about a transverse horizontal axis and for limited rota¬ tion about a vertical axis, said frame being divided at least two sections hingedly coupled together so that in the operative position the sections are aligned on a straight line and the transport position one section can be folded to lie against the other, an endless belt sup¬ ported on or within the frame, a loading hopper provided adjacent the pivotted end of the frame and a discharge chute at the other end of the frame said discharge chute being capable of rotation to any desired position. 2. A conveyor/elevator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the discharge chute is capable of rotation about a horizontal axis transverse to the frame and is fitted with a dis¬ charge nozzle capable of rotation through 360° about a substantially vertical axis. 3. A conveyor/elevator as claimed in claim 1 or 2 where¬ in the section of the frame adjacent the one end is pro¬ vided with a reinforcing structure. 4. A conveyor/elevator as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 provided with a transverse supporting bar to support the outer end of the two sections in the transport position/ 5. A conveyor/elevator substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: WICKHAM WALLIS GORDON, WICKHAM, WALLIS, GORDON
Applicants: WICKHAM WALLIS GORDON, WICKHAM, WALLIS, GORDON
Application year: 1982
Main classification: E04G21
IPC codes: B65G41, E04G21