Patent GB-1150572-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for use in Unloading or Loading Vehicles
Inventor: ELLAMS GEORGE HENRY
IPC: B65G67/02
Filed: 1965-09-03
Abstract: 1,150,572. Loading-bays; platform elevators. G. H. ELLAMS. 26 Aug., 1966 [3 Sept., 1965; 7 May, 1966], Nos. 37678/65 and 20332/66. Headings B8E and B8H. Apparatus for loading and unloading vehicles comprises a support structure having sides adapted to have a vehicle positioned between them and a plurality of beams which are movable individually from an inoperative position to an operative position in which they extend between the sides of the structure to define a platform for supporting a load transferred thereto from a vehicle, or from which a load can be transferred to a vehicle. The support structure comprises two parallel rows of posts 10 interconnected by horizontal members 13 and a horizontal member 12. One of the rows supports a bar 15 on which are pivotally mounted the beams 16 for manual movement between an upright inoperative position and a horizontal operative position in which their free ends rest on the member 13 at the side opposite the bar 15. The beams 16 have counterweights 17 and have spring-loaded plungers 18 adapted to engage behind members 19 on the posts 10 to releasably retain the beams in their upright position. A stair 24 and a gangway 22 are provided. The beams 16 may be lockable in their horizontal position. In operation, a lorry carrying bags is reversed into the space between the posts 10 with all but the last two beams 16 being upright. The rearmost bags are transferred to the last two beams 16 to provide space for lowering the next two beams 16 which then have bags transferred to them. The process is continued until all the bags have been transferred. Loading is achieved by reversing this process. The member 12 may be omitted so that a vehicle can enter from either end. If granular material is to be transferred the beams 16 are close together and have overlapping flanges. The support structure may be formed by fixed masonry parapets defining a recessed area for reception of a vehicle. In a second embodiment, Fig. 5 (not shown), two sets of beams are respectively hinged to the rows of ports 10 and, in their operative position, extend towards and have their free ends lockably interengaged with each other. The posts 10 may be adjustable in height and the beams 16, instead of being pivotally mounted, may be moved bodily laterally. The support structure may be portable. In a third embodiment, Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown), the support structure comprises rows of vertically extendible rams supporting side members having lateral openings, provided with rollers and through which the beams are slid. Alternatively the rollers may be disposed on the upper side of the side members. This construction is for use when a vehicle is loaded with pallets having sufficient clearance between them and the platform of the vehicle to receive the beams. In operation the rams are actuated to lift the pallets from or deposit the pallets on the platform of the vehicle. The side members may be in sections that are individually moved by the rams. The beams may be moved mechanically, electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.