Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MOVABLE FRAME INCLUDING GANTRY
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to)
an apparatus
including a height-adjustable gantry assembly mounted to a movable frame
assembly (and
method therefor).
BACKGROUND
[0002] A gantry is a structure configured to straddle an object or a
workspace. The gantry
straddles an empty space. The gantry supports a gantry crane (also called an
overhead
crane) that straddles the workload. The gantry is configured to vertically
lift a load from
the workspace.
SUMMARY
[0003] It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least
in part) at least one
problem associated with the existing gantry systems (also called the existing
technology).
After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an
understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is
articulated as
follows:
[0004] For the case where a known gantry is mounted to a movable frame, the
known gantry,
in use, may permit a gantry load (that is supported by the known gantry) to
freely swing
from side-to-side and/or from front to back while (A) the gantry load is held
above a
working surface, and (B) the movable frame moves the gantry and the gantry
load. This
situation may lead to inadvertent or unwanted damage to the gantry, the
movable frame
and/or to users.
[0005] Currently, mining companies use cranes and trailers to move equipment
that is broken
or needs maintenance and/or relocation. This sort of operation costs a lot of
money as the
cost rates for cranes and heavy haul trailers are relatively high.
[0006] What is needed is a solution for the above situation.
[0007] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the
existing
technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an
apparatus.
[0008] The apparatus includes a height-adjustable gantry assembly configured
to be securely
connected to a gantry load resting on a working surface. The height-adjustable
gantry
assembly is also configured to be height adjusted. This is done in such a way
that the
height-adjustable gantry assembly, in use, lifts and supports the gantry load
vertically
above the working surface once the height-adjustable gantry assembly is
securely
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connected to the gantry load. A movable frame assembly is configured to move
and
support the height-adjustable gantry assembly. This is done in such a way that
the movable
frame assembly moveably supports the height-adjustable gantry assembly and the
gantry
load once the movable frame assembly has moved the height-adjustable gantry
assembly
proximate to the gantry load, and once the height-adjustable gantry assembly
is securely
connected to the gantry load. The height-adjustable gantry assembly is also
configured to
maintain the gantry load in a substantially stationary position relative to
the movable frame
assembly once the movable frame assembly is made to move relative to the
working
surface.
[0009] By using the apparatus (also called a mobile hydraulic gantry trailer
system), costs
may be reduced for moving equipment and machinery components. The apparatus
(trailer)
may allow companies to cut operating costs and focus on their efficiency.
[00010] A technical advantage of the apparatus is that the gantry assembly
reduces, at least in
part, the possibility of the gantry load from becoming freely swung, from side-
to-side
and/or from front to back while (A) the gantry load is held vertically above
the working
surface, and (B) the movable frame assembly moves the gantry assembly and the
gantry
load.
[00011] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (trailer) is
configured to
vertically lift and move machinery, parts, mobile shops, buckets and shovels,
small mobile
buildings, etc. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a sliding hydraulic
gantry
system is mounted (built) on top of the movable frame, and is configured to
vertically lift
loads up and down. Once the gantry load is secured, the frame may be moved
(transported). The apparatus may be pulled by a prime mover (such as a rock
truck, etc.).
The apparatus is configured to be backed overtop of the gantry load.
Preferably, by the use
of a self-contained hydraulic system that is activated by a remote control,
the gantry load
may be securely connected to the overhead gantry. The gantry load may then be
secured
by the use of four hydraulic recovery winches and a stabilizing push bumper to
reduce the
potential of swing for relatively larger gantry loads. The gantry load may
then be
transported from one location to another, and put down for maintenance,
repairs, or
storage. The apparatus can lift relatively larger loads of most shapes and
sizes that fit
within the movable frame.
[00012] Other aspects are identified in the claims.
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[00013] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now
become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description of the
non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
[00014] This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that
are further
described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to
identify key
features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter, and
is not intended
to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed
subject
matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become
apparent as
this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more
particularly
exemplify illustrative embodiments.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00015] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by
reference to the
following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in
conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[00016] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict perspective views of embodiments of an apparatus
including a
height-adjustable gantry assembly and a movable frame assembly;
[00017] FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[00018] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict end views of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1; and
[00019] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict top views of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[00020] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom lines,
diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details
unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that
render other
details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[00021] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout
the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are
illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of
some of the
elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for
facilitating an
understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but
well-
understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible
embodiments
are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of
the present
disclosure.
[00022] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
101 movable frame assembly
102 movable U-shaped frame, or U-shaped frame
104 first elongated member
105 first end section
106 second elongated member
107 second end section
108 frame-connection member
109 gantry assembly, or height-adjustable gantry assembly
110 first gantry, or first height-adjustable inverted U-shaped gantry
112 first spaced-apart telescopic legs, or first telescopic legs
114 second gantry, or second height-adjustable inverted U-shaped gantry
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116 second spaced-apart telescopic legs, or second telescopic legs
118 winch assembly
120 neck attachment
122 gantry slide actuator
124 gantry-lift actuator
126 dampening bumper
128 lift point, or spaced apart lift points
130 lock
132 tires
134 lift-point actuator
136 walking beam suspension
900 gantry load
901 working surface
902 prime mover
903 anti-swing line
905 lift line
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[00023] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not
intended to limit
the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described
embodiments. As
used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example,
instance, or
illustration." Any implementation described as "exemplary" or "illustrative"
is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
implementations. All
of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided
to
enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the
disclosure and are
not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of may be defined
by the
claims (in which the claims may be amended during patent examination after
filing of this
application). For the description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear,"
"right,"
"front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
examples as
oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed
or implied
theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following
detailed
description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes
illustrated in the
attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary
embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence,
dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed are not
to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It
is understood
that the phrase "at least one" is equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples,
alterations,
modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof)
are described
regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited
to the subject
matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular aspects
depicted and described.
[00024] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict perspective views of embodiments of an apparatus
including
(and not limited to) a synergistic combination of a height-adjustable gantry
assembly 109
and a movable frame assembly 101. Hereafter, the height-adjustable gantry
assembly 109
is referred to as the gantry assembly 109.
[00025] The gantry assembly 109 is configured to be mounted (preferably,
securely
connected, securely fixedly mounted, securely selectively coupled to, or
affixed to, either
directly or indirectly) a gantry load 900 that is resting (either directly or
indirectly) on a
working surface 901 (as depicted in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8).
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[00026] Preferably, the gantry assembly 109 includes structural steel beams
that are welded
together, etc.
[00027] Embodiments of the gantry load 900 are depicted in FIGS. 4, 7, 8 and
10.
[00028] The gantry assembly 109 is also configured to be height adjusted
(height adjustable,
either directly or indirectly). This is done in such a way that the gantry
assembly 109, in
use, lifts and supports (either directly or indirectly) the gantry load 900
vertically above the
working surface 901 once the gantry assembly 109 is securely connected (either
directly or
indirectly) to the gantry load 900 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8).
[00029] The movable frame assembly 101 is configured to move and support
(either directly
or indirectly) the gantry assembly 109. This is done in such a way that the
movable frame
assembly 101 moveably supports (either directly or indirectly) the gantry
assembly 109
and the gantry load 900 once (A) the movable frame assembly 101 has moved the
gantry
assembly 109 proximate to the gantry load 900 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8),
and (B) the
gantry assembly 109 is securely connected (either directly or indirectly) to
the gantry load
900 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8).
[00030] Preferably, the movable frame assembly 101 includes structural steel
beams that are
welded together, etc.
[00031] The gantry assembly 109 is also configured to maintain (either
directly or indirectly)
the gantry load 900 in a substantially stationary position relative to the
movable frame
assembly 101 once the movable frame assembly 101 is made to move relative to
the
working surface 901 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8).
[00032] A technical advantage of the apparatus is that the gantry assembly 109
reduces, at
least in part, the possibility of the gantry load 900 from becoming freely
swung, from side-
to-side and/or from front to back while (A) the gantry load 900 is held
vertically above the
working surface 901, and (B) the movable frame assembly 101 moves the gantry
assembly
109 and the gantry load 900.
[00033] FIGS. 3,4 and 5 depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. I.
[00034] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, the movable frame
assembly 101
preferably includes a movable U-shaped frame 102 (hereafter referred to as the
U-shaped
frame 102) is configured to be moved in such a way that the gantry assembly
109 is
vertically positioned above the gantry load 900. The gantry assembly 109 is
configured to
be securely selectively connected to (either directly or indirectly) the
gantry load 900
resting (either directly or indirectly) on a working surface 901 (once the U-
shaped frame
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102 is moved so that gantry assembly 109 is vertically positioned above the
gantry load
900). The gantry assembly 109 is configured to lift (vertically lift) the
gantry load 900
relative to the working surface 901, once the gantry assembly 109 is securely
selectively
connected to the gantry load 900. The gantry assembly 109 is configured to
move the
gantry load 900 horizontally relative to the working surface 901, once the
gantry assembly
109 has vertically lifted the gantry load 900 above the working surface 901.
Preferably, the
U-shaped frame 102 surrounds the gantry load 900 along three sides (the front
side and
lateral opposite sides), while leaving the back side open an accessible.
[00035] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict end views of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[00036] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7 (a view from the
backside), the U-
shaped frame 102 was moved in such a way that the gantry assembly 109 is
vertically
positioned above the gantry load 900. The gantry assembly 109 was securely
selectively
connected to the gantry load 900 resting, and then the gantry assembly 109
lifted the
gantry load 900 above the working surface 901. Specifically, a lift point 128
of the gantry
assembly 109 was fixedly connected to a lift line 905 that is fixedly
connected to a top
portion of the gantry load 900.
[00037] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, the U-shaped frame
102 includes
a winch assembly 118 configured to haul in an anti-swing line 903 that is
connected to a
bottom section of the gantry load 900. This is done in such a way that the
winch assembly
118, in use, reduces, at least in part, swinging side-to-side movement of the
gantry load
900.
[00038] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict top views of embodiments of the apparatus of
FIG. 1. The U-
shaped frame 102 surrounds the gantry load 900 along three sides (the front
side and
lateral opposite sides), while leaving the back side open an accessible.
[00039] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the movable frame assembly 101 preferably includes (and is not
limited to) a
movable U-shaped frame 102.
[00040] The gantry assembly 109 preferably includes a first height-adjustable
inverted U-
shaped gantry 110 that is supported (either directly or indirectly) by the
movable U-shaped
frame 102. This is done in such a way that the first height-adjustable
inverted U-shaped
gantry 110 is movable by the movable U-shaped frame 102. Hereafter, the first
height-
adjustable inverted U-shaped gantry 110 is referred to as the first gantry
110.
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[00041] The gantry assembly 109 also preferably includes a second height-
adjustable inverted
U-shaped gantry 114 that is supported (either directly or indirectly) by the
movable U-
shaped frame 102. This is done in such a way that the second height-adjustable
inverted U-
shaped gantry 114 is movable by the movable U-shaped frame 102. Hereafter, the
second
height-adjustable inverted U-shaped gantry 114 is referred to as the second
gantry 114.
[00042] The second gantry 114 is spaced apart from the first gantry 110.
[00043] The second gantry 114 and the first gantry 110 are configured to
vertically lift and
support (either directly or indirectly) the gantry load 900 vertically above
the working
surface 901, once the U-shaped frame 102 has moved the second gantry 114 and
the first
gantry 110 proximate to the gantry load 900. This is done in such a way that
the second
gantry 114 and the first gantry 110 are height adjusted, in use, to vertically
lift, support and
maintain the gantry load 900 so that the gantry load 900 is in a substantially
stationary
position relative to the U-shaped frame 102 while the U-shaped frame 102 is
made to
move relative to the working surface 901. In this manner, the gantry load 900
is less likely
to swing freely side-to-side and/or front to back while the gantry load 900 is
held vertically
above the working surface 901, and while the U-shaped frame 102 is moved.
[00044] Preferably, the first gantry 110 and the second gantry 114 are each
configured to, in
combination, be attached or affixed (either directly or indirectly) to the
gantry load 900,
and to vertically lift and support the gantry load 900 (support the weight of
the gantry load
900).
[00045] Preferably, the first gantry 110 and the second gantry 114 each
includes a
combination of structural steel beams that are welded together, etc.
[00046] Preferably, once the first gantry 110 and the second gantry 114, in
combination and in
use, support (either directly or indirectly) the gantry load 900, the U-shaped
frame 102
may be moved by a prime mover 902 (as depicted in FIG. 5).
[00047] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the U-shaped frame 102 is configured to be movably supported
horizontally
above the working surface 901 relative to the gantry load 900. This is done in
such a way
that the U-shaped frame 102 is movable to position the first gantry 110 and
the second
gantry 114 proximate to the gantry load 900. In this manner, the first gantry
110 and the
second gantry 114, in use, are connectable (either directly or indirectly) to
the gantry load
900, and lift the gantry load 900 vertically above the working surface 901
once the first
gantry 110 and the second gantry 114 are height adjusted (as depicted in FIGS.
7 and 8).
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[00048] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the U-shaped frame 102 is configured to be movably supported
horizontally
above the working surface 901 relative to the gantry load 900. This is done in
such a way
that the U-shaped frame 102 movably supports the first gantry 110, the second
gantry 114
and the gantry load 900 (once the first gantry 110 and the second gantry 114,
in use, lift
the gantry load 900 vertically above the working surface 901, as depicted in
FIGS. 7 and
8).
[00049] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the U-shaped frame 102 is configured to be moved to straddle the
gantry load
900 once the U-shaped frame 102 is horizontally moved, along the working
surface 901, to
the gantry load 900 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8).
[00050] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the U-shaped frame 102 includes (and is not limited to) a first
elongated member
104 having a first end section 105.
[00051] The U-shaped frame 102 also includes a second elongated member 106
having a
second end section 107.
[00052] The second elongated member 106 is held in a spaced-apart, side-by-
side relationship
relative to the first elongated member 104.
[00053] The first end section 105 and the second end section 107 are spaced
apart.
[00054] The U-shaped frame 102 also includes a frame-connection member 108
connecting
the first end section 105 of the first elongated member 104 with the second
end section 107
of the second elongated member 106.
[00055] Preferably, the first elongated member 104 includes structural steel
beam, etc.
Preferably, the second elongated member 106 includes structural steel beam,
etc.
Preferably, the frame-connection member 108 connects (preferably, securely and
fixedly
connects) the first end section 105 of the first elongated member 104 with the
second end
section 107 of the second elongated member 106. Preferably, the frame-
connection
member 108 includes a structural steel beam, etc. The frame-connection member
108
spans perpendicularly between the first end section 105 of the first elongated
member 104
and the second end section 107 of the second elongated member 106.
[00056] Preferably, the first gantry 110 is affixed to, and spans across, the
first elongated
member 104 and the second elongated member 106.
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[00057] Preferably, the first gantry 110 is securely connected (affixed) to
the first elongated
member 104 and the second elongated member 106 in such a way that the first
gantry 110
is not movable relative to the first elongated member 104 and the second
elongated
member 106.
[00058] Preferably, the second gantry 114 is linearly slidable lengthwise
along the first
elongated member 104 and the second elongated member 106.
[00059] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the first gantry 110 is coupled to, and extends between, the first
elongated
member 104 and the second elongated member 106.
[00060] The first gantry 110 has first spaced-apart telescopic legs 112
respectively
permanently mounted (affixed) to the first elongated member 104 and the second
elongated member 106. Hereafter, the first spaced-apart telescopic legs 112
are referred to
as the first telescopic legs 112.
[00061] Preferably, the first telescopic legs 112 are configured to
telescopically extend along
an extension axis extending through each of the first telescopic legs 112.
[00062] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus is adapted
such that the second gantry 114 is held in a spaced-apart, side-by-side
relationship relative
to the first gantry 110.
[00063] The second gantry 114 is slidably coupled to, and extends between, the
first elongated
member 104 and the second elongated member 106.
[00064] The second gantry 114 has second spaced-apart telescopic legs 116
respectively
resting on the first elongated member 104 and the second elongated member 106.
The
second gantry 114 is movable lengthwise along the first elongated member 104
and the
second elongated member 106. Hereafter, the second spaced-apart telescopic
legs 116 are
referred to as the second telescopic legs 116.
[00065] Preferably, the second telescopic legs 116 are configured to
telescopically extend
along an extension axis extending through each of the second telescopic legs
116.
[00066] Preferably, the second telescopic legs 116 are respectively slidably
coupled to the
first elongated member 104 and the second elongated member 106 in such a way
that the
second telescopic legs 116 are slidable along a length of the first elongated
member 104
and the second elongated member 106.
[00067] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus further
includes a gantry slide actuator 122 that is fixedly mounted to the movable
frame assembly
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101. The gantry slide actuator 122 is coupled to the height-adjustable gantry
assembly 109.
The gantry slide actuator 122 is configured to actuatably move the height-
adjustable gantry
assembly 109 relative to the movable frame assembly 101 along a horizontal
direction.
[00068] Preferably, the gantry slide actuator 122 includes a hydraulic
cylinder or an electric
motor, etc.
[00069] The movable frame assembly 101 is positioned proximate to the gantry
load 900, so
that the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109 becomes positioned proximate to
the gantry
load 900. The movable frame assembly 101 is placed in a substantially
stationary position
relative to the working surface 901. The gantry slide actuator 122 is then
actuated to move
the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109 relative to the gantry load 900 (if
so desired for
improved positioning of the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109 relative to
the gantry
load 900 while the movable frame assembly 101 remains stationary). The gantry
load 900
is affixed to the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109 while the movable
frame assembly
101 is held in a substantially stationary position. The movable frame assembly
101 is then
moved once the gantry load 900 is affixed to, and lifted by, the height-
adjustable gantry
assembly 109, and in this manner the gantry load 900 may be moved to a desired
location.
[00070] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes gantry slide actuators 122 that are fixedly mounted
to the
movable U-shaped frame 102. The gantry slide actuators 122 are coupled to
(affixed to)
the second gantry 114. The gantry slide actuators 122 are configured to
actuatably move,
in use, the second gantry 114 relative to the movable frame assembly 101 along
a
horizontal direction (the second gantry 114 is movable or slide movable).
[00071] The U-shaped frame 102 is positioned proximate to the gantry load 900,
so that the
second gantry 114 becomes positioned proximate to the gantry load 900. The U-
shaped
frame 102 is placed in a substantially stationary position relative to the
working surface
901. The gantry slide actuator 122 is then actuated to move the second gantry
114 relative
to the gantry load 900 and relative to the first gantry 110 (if so desired for
improved
positioning of the second gantry 114 relative to the gantry load 900 while the
U-shaped
frame 102 remains stationary). The gantry load 900 is affixed to the second
gantry 114
while the U-shaped frame 102 is held in a substantially stationary position.
The U-shaped
frame 102 is then moved once the gantry load 900 is affixed to, and lifted by,
the second
gantry 114 and the first gantry 110 (and in this manner the gantry load 900
may be moved
to a desired location).
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[00072] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus further
includes a winch assembly 118. In accordance with a general embodiment, the
winch
assembly 118 is coupled (directly or indirectly) to the movable frame assembly
101. In
accordance with a specific embodiment, the winch assembly 118 is bias
connected (via a
spring or a dampener) to the movable frame assembly 101. In accordance with
another
specific embodiment, the winch assembly 118 is fixedly mounted to the movable
frame
assembly 101. The winch assembly 118 is configured to haul in an anti-swing
line 903 (as
depicted in FIG. 8) that is connected to a bottom section of the gantry load
900. This is
done in such a way that the winch assembly 118, in use, reduces, at least in
part, swinging
side-to-side movement of the gantry load 900.
[00073] The movable frame assembly 101 is placed in a substantially stationary
position
relative to the working surface 901, in which the gantry load 900 may be
attached to, and
lifted by the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109. The winch assembly 118 is
attached to
the anti-swing line 903 (as depicted in FIG. 8) that is connected to the
bottom section of
the gantry load 900. The winch assembly 118, in use, hauls in the anti-swing
line 903 until
the anti-swing line 903 is tight. In this manner, swinging or side-to-side
movement of the
gantry load 900 may be reduced.
[00074] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes winch assemblies 118 fixedly mounted to
(preferably, coupled
to) the movable U-shaped frame 102. The winch assemblies 118 are configured to
haul in
respective anti-swing lines 903 that are connected to a bottom section of the
gantry load
900. This is done in such a way, that the winch assemblies 118, in use,
reduce, at least in
part, swinging side-to-side movement of the gantry load 900.
[00075] The movable U-shaped frame 102 is placed in a substantially stationary
position
relative to the working surface 901, in which the gantry load 900 may be
attached to, and
lifted by, the first gantry 110 and the second gantry 114. The winch
assemblies 118 are
respectively attached to anti-swing lines 903 (as depicted in FIG. 8) that are
connected to
respective corner sections (the bottom section) of the gantry load 900. The
winch
assemblies 1 18, in use, haul in the anti-swing lines 903 until the anti-swing
lines 903 are
tight. In this manner, swinging or side-to-side movement of the gantry load
900 may be
reduced.
[00076] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
apparatus further
includes a lift point 128 that is slide mounted to, and slidable along, the
height-adjustable
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gantry assembly 109. The lift point 128 is configured to be fixedly connected
to a lift line
905 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8) that is fixedly connected to a top portion
of the gantry
load 900.
[00077] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes lift points 128 (spaced apart lift points 128) that
are respectively
slide mounted to, and slidable along, the first gantry 110 and also along the
second gantry
114. The lift points 128 are configured to be receptively fixedly connected to
the lift lines
905 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8) that are fixedly connected to a top portion
of the gantry
load 900. Preferably, the lift points 128, in use, are respectively fixedly
connected to the
lift lines 905 (as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8) that are fixedly connected to
respective corner
sections of the top portion of the gantry load 900.
[00078] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
apparatus further
includes a lift-point actuator 134 that is affixed to the height-adjustable
gantry assembly
109 and to the lift point 128. The lift-point actuator 134 is also coupled to
the lift point
128. The lift-point actuator 134 is configured to move the lift point 128
along a horizontal
direction relative to the working surface 901.
[00079] Preferably, the lift-point actuator 134 includes a hydraulic cylinder
or an electric
motor, etc.
[00080] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes lift-point actuators 134 that are respectively
affixed to the first
gantry 110 and to the lift points 128 mounted to the first gantry 110.
[00081] The lift-point actuators 134 are also respectively affixed to the
second gantry 114 and
to the lift points 128 mounted to the second gantry 114.
[00082] The lift-point actuators 134 are configured to, respectively, move the
lift points 128
along a horizontal direction relative to the working surface 901.
[00083] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
apparatus further
includes a gantry-lift actuator 124 that is affixed to the movable frame
assembly 101. The
gantry-lift actuator 124 is also coupled to the height-adjustable gantry
assembly 109. The
gantry-lift actuator 124 is configured to move a portion of the height-
adjustable gantry
assembly 109 having the lift point 128 along a vertical direction relative to
the working
surface 901.
[00084] Preferably, the gantry-lift actuator 124 includes a hydraulic cylinder
or an electric
motor, etc.
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[00085] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes gantry-lift actuators 124 that are affixed to the
movable U-
shaped frame 102. The gantry-lift actuators 124 are also respectively coupled
to the first
gantry 110 and also to the second gantry 114. The gantry-lift actuators 124
are configured
to move respective portions of (A) the first gantry 110 having the lift points
128 along a
vertical direction relative to the working surface 901, and (B) the second
gantry 114
having the lift points 128 along a vertical direction relative to the working
surface 901.
[00086] Preferably, the gantry-lift actuators 124 are configured to
telescopically extend the
first telescopic legs 112 and the second telescopic legs 116.
[00087] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 6, the apparatus
further includes a
lock 130 that is mounted to the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109. The
lock 130 is
configured to securely lock the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109 at a
predetermined
height above the working surface 901. This is done in such a way that the lock
130
prevents the height-adjustable gantry assembly 109 from being moved vertically
relative to
the working surface 901. The lock 130 is a safety feature.
[00088] Once the gantry assembly 109 is affixed to the gantry load 900, and
lifts the gantry
load 900 above the working surface 901, the lock 130 is actuated. In this
manner, the lock
130, in use, prevents the gantry assembly 109 from accidentally placing the
gantry load
900 back onto the working surface 901 while the movable frame assembly 101 is
in
motion (travelling along the working surface 901).
[00089] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. I and
2, the
apparatus further includes locks 130 that are respectively mounted to the
first gantry 110
and also to the second gantry 114. The locks 130 are configured to securely
lock the first
gantry 110 and the second gantry 114 at a predetermined height above the
working surface
901. This is done in such a way that the lock 130 prevents the first gantry
110 and the
second gantry 114 from vertical movement relative to the working surface 901.
[00090] Once the gantry assembly 109 is affixed to the gantry load 900, and
the first gantry
110 and also to the second gantry 114 lift the gantry load 900 above the
working surface
901, the locks 130 are actuated to prevent the first gantry 110 and also to
the second gantry
114 from accidentally placing the gantry load 900 back onto the working
surface 901
while the U-shaped frame 102 is in motion (travelling along the working
surface 901).
[00091] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes a dampening bumper 126 that is mounted to the
movable U-
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16
shaped frame 102. The dampening bumper 126 is configured to dampen a reaction
force
imparted to the gantry load 900 that is supported by the first gantry 110 and
the second
gantry 114 and by the movable U-shaped frame 102. This is done in response to
a sudden
braking force that is applied to the movable frame assembly 101.
[00092] Preferably, the dampening bumper 126 includes a hydraulic system with
nitrogen
accumulators configured to dampen a reaction force when suddenly applying the
brakes to
the movable U-shaped frame 102.
[00093] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and
2, the
apparatus further includes a neck attachment 120 that is fixedly attached
(mounted) to the
movable frame assembly 101. The neck attachment 120 is configured to be
connected to a
prime mover 902. Tires 132 are rotatably mounted to the movable frame assembly
101.
The tires 132 are configured to facilitate horizontal movement of the movable
frame
assembly 101 relative to the working surface 901. A walking beam suspension
136 is
mounted to the movable frame assembly 101. The walking beam suspension 136
provides
a user-working surface for receiving and supporting a user. Preferably, the
neck
attachment 120 includes a removable gooseneck hitch.
[00094] It will be appreciated that the description and/or drawings identify
and describe
embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly or non-explicitly). The
apparatus may
include any suitable combination and/or permutation of the technical features
as identified
in the detailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit a
particular technical
purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated, that where possible
and suitable,
any one or more of the technical features of the apparatus may be combined
with any other
one or more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combination
and/or
permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would
know that
technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in
other
embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated
that persons
skilled in the art would know that other options would be possible for the
configuration of
the components of the apparatus to adjust to manufacturing requirements and
still remain
within the scope as described in at least one or more of the claims. This
written description
provides embodiments, including the best mode, and also enables the person
skilled in the
art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by
the claims.
The written description and/or drawings may help understand the scope of the
claims. It is
believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have
been provided in
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17
this document. It is understood, for this document, that the phrase "includes"
is equivalent
to the word "comprising." The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting
embodiments
(examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments
(examples).
It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as
examples.
