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US3820673A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Loading and unloading means for cable reels and other structures
Assignee: CHAMPION CORP
•
Filing: 1972-06-05
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Granted: 1974-06-28
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Expires: 1992-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A mechanism for loading structures such as cable reels onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures from the bed. The mechanism employs pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at their ends adapted to engage rods associated with the structures to be lifted onto or off of the bed. The arms are mounted on a shaft with the mounting means permitting adjustment of the arms along the shaft whereby the spacing between the arms can be varied to accommodate structures of different sizes. The arms are preferably supported on a frame which can be removably mounted on the bed. Transfer arms associated with the bed are preferably employed whereby structures moved onto the bed can be moved by the transfer arms to a separate location on the bed thereby permitting loading of additional structures on the bed. The transfer arms are also preferably associated with frame structures which are removably supported by the bed. Latch means which facilitate engaging, locking and releasing of the structures are associated with the arms, including the transfer arms. These latch means may be manually and automatically operable.
Inventors
- 👤 Vaugh A Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:35
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/035; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S414/00; Y10S414/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
312 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, the improvement wherein the opposite ends of said arms define openings for receiving the shaft, and means for adjusting the positions of said opposite ends of said arms relative to the horizontal axis of the shaft whereby the spacing between said arms can be varied to accommodate structures of different sizes, the portions of said shaft supporting said arms defining a non-circular configuration, the openings defined by said arms defining a substantially corresponding configuration whereby said arms are adapted to slide along the shaft without relative rotation between the openings and the shaft, and including a second set of arms pivotally mounted on said bed, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the arms are located at a substantially common point whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, said second set of arms being mounted on a second shaft positioned at an intermediate point on said bed, the portions of said second shaft supporting said second set of arms defining a non-circular configuration, said second set of arms defining openings for receiving said shaft portions, said opening defining a substantially corresponding configuration whereby said second set of arms can be moved along said second shaft without relative rotation between the openings in the second set of arms and the shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
312 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, the improvement wherein the opposite ends of said arms define openings for receiving the shaft, and means for adjusting the positions of said opposite ends of said arms relative to the horizontal axis of the shaft whereby the spacing between said arms can be varied to accommodate structures of different sizes, the portions of said shaft supporting said arms defining a non-circular configuration, the openings defined by said arms defining a substantially corresponding configuration whereby said arms are adapted to slide along the shaft without relative rotation between the openings and the shaft, and including a second set of arms pivotally mounted on said bed, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the arms are located at a substantially common point whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, said second set of arms being mounted on a second shaft positioned at an intermediate point on said bed, the portions of said second shaft supporting said second set of arms defining a non-circular configuration, said second set of arms defining openings for receiving said shaft portions, said opening defining a substantially corresponding configuration whereby said second set of arms can be moved along said second shaft without relative rotation between the openings in the second set of arms and the shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said portions of said shaft define a rectangular cross section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
241 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, the improvement wherein the opposite ends of said arms define openings for receiving the shaft, and means for adjusting the positions of said opposite ends of said arms relative to the horizontal axis of the shaft whereby the spacing between said arms can be varied to accommodate structures of different sizes, and including at least one cylinder and piston assembly for imparting movement to said arms, a first link, at least one member tied to and extending perpendicularly from said shaft, said member being pivotally connected to one end of said link, the outer end of said piston being connected to the opposite end of said link whereby movement of the piston is transmitted through the link and member to said shaft to thereby pivot said arms upon rOtation of the shaft, and wherein said cylinder comprises a forward end through which said piston extends, and means pivotally connecting said forward end to said bed at a point adjacent the axis of said shaft whereby said cylinder pivots during extension and retraction of the piston.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
241 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, the improvement wherein the opposite ends of said arms define openings for receiving the shaft, and means for adjusting the positions of said opposite ends of said arms relative to the horizontal axis of the shaft whereby the spacing between said arms can be varied to accommodate structures of different sizes, and including at least one cylinder and piston assembly for imparting movement to said arms, a first link, at least one member tied to and extending perpendicularly from said shaft, said member being pivotally connected to one end of said link, the outer end of said piston being connected to the opposite end of said link whereby movement of the piston is transmitted through the link and member to said shaft to thereby pivot said arms upon rOtation of the shaft, and wherein said cylinder comprises a forward end through which said piston extends, and means pivotally connecting said forward end to said bed at a point adjacent the axis of said shaft whereby said cylinder pivots during extension and retraction of the piston.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said cylinder is located in a substantially horizontal position relative to said bed when the piston is retracted, said arms then being located over said bed for engagement with a structure on the bed, extension of the piston operating to pivot the cylinder upwardly relative to the bed and to simultaneously rotate said shaft whereby said arms pivot away from the bed for engagement with structures located beyond the bed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
A construction in accordance with claim 4 including a second link having one end pivotally connected to said bed and the other end pivotally connected at the point of connection of said piston with said first link, said second link maintaining said point of connection in a definite path of movement relative to said bed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said first link comprises a yoke, and a pair of said members extending from said shaft for connection with the arms of said yoke.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A construction in accordance with claim 6 wherein a pair of cylinders and piston assemblies are provided for pivoting the shaft, a separate pair of said extending shaft members straddling each assembly, the outer end of each piston being connected to the base of the yoke associated with the particular cylinder and piston assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
A construction in accordance with claim 7 wherein each cylinder is pivotally connected adjacent its forward end to said bed at a point located above the pivot axis of said shaft, and wherein said second link is pivotally connected to said bed at a point below the pivot axis of said shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
237 words
A mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including a first set of pivotally mounted arms each having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, a second shaft located in an intermediate position relative to said bed, a second set of arms mounted on said second shaft whereby rotation of said second shaft results in pivotal movement of said second set of arms, means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the first set of arms whereby pivoting movement of the first set of arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the respective arms are located at substantially common points whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, a frame supporting said first shaft, and means for removably mounting said frame on said bed, a second frame supporting said second shaft, and means for removably mounting said second frame on said bed, and including a deck removably positioned on said bed, and recessed areas defined by said deck for receiving said frames whereby said frames and deck can be located on different beds.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
237 words
A mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including a first set of pivotally mounted arms each having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, a second shaft located in an intermediate position relative to said bed, a second set of arms mounted on said second shaft whereby rotation of said second shaft results in pivotal movement of said second set of arms, means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the first set of arms whereby pivoting movement of the first set of arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the respective arms are located at substantially common points whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, a frame supporting said first shaft, and means for removably mounting said frame on said bed, a second frame supporting said second shaft, and means for removably mounting said second frame on said bed, and including a deck removably positioned on said bed, and recessed areas defined by said deck for receiving said frames whereby said frames and deck can be located on different beds.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A construction in accordance with claim 9 wherein said deck defines a supporting surface for said structures.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A construction in accordance with claim 9 including means for removably positioning said deck on a truck bed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
228 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, the improvement comprising a frame supporting said shaft, and means for rEmovably mounting said frame on said bed, a second shaft located in an intermediate position relative to said bed, a second set of arms mounted on said second shaft whereby rotation of said second shaft results in pivotal movement of said second set of arms, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the respective arms are located at substantially common points whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, a second frame supporting said second shaft, means for removably mounting said second frame on said bed, and including cylinder and piston assemblies for rotating said shafts, said frames defining recessed areas for receiving said assemblies whereby the assemblies can be located beneath the structure supporting surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
228 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end, a horizontally extending shaft for supporting said arms, and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, the improvement comprising a frame supporting said shaft, and means for rEmovably mounting said frame on said bed, a second shaft located in an intermediate position relative to said bed, a second set of arms mounted on said second shaft whereby rotation of said second shaft results in pivotal movement of said second set of arms, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the respective arms are located at substantially common points whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, a second frame supporting said second shaft, means for removably mounting said second frame on said bed, and including cylinder and piston assemblies for rotating said shafts, said frames defining recessed areas for receiving said assemblies whereby the assemblies can be located beneath the structure supporting surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
A construction in accordance with claim 12 wherein the assembly associated with said first mentioned frame is pivotally connected to the frame, and wherein said assembly pivots out of said recess in the course of a loading and unloading operation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
259 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, said means carried by said structures comprising rods extending outwardly from opposite sides of said structures, the improvement in said engaging means comprising recesses defined at said one end of said arms, said recesses being dimensioned for receiving said rods, latch elements normally blocking said recesses, spring means urging said latch elements into blocking position whereby said rods are free to enter said recesses by moving said latch elements out of blocking position in opposition to said spring means, means for locking said latch elements in blocking position when said rods are positioned in said recesses, and means for unlocking said latch element for releasing said rods, and including a shaft for pivotally supporting each latch element, eccentric means associated with the shaft, and means for rotating the shaft, said eccentric means operating to set the latch element in a first position wherein the latch element is out of blocking position to permit release of rods from said recesses, a second position wherein the latch element is in position to be moved by said rods in opposition to said spring means, and a third position wherein the latch element is located in blocking position for holding the rods within said recesses.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
259 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, said means carried by said structures comprising rods extending outwardly from opposite sides of said structures, the improvement in said engaging means comprising recesses defined at said one end of said arms, said recesses being dimensioned for receiving said rods, latch elements normally blocking said recesses, spring means urging said latch elements into blocking position whereby said rods are free to enter said recesses by moving said latch elements out of blocking position in opposition to said spring means, means for locking said latch elements in blocking position when said rods are positioned in said recesses, and means for unlocking said latch element for releasing said rods, and including a shaft for pivotally supporting each latch element, eccentric means associated with the shaft, and means for rotating the shaft, said eccentric means operating to set the latch element in a first position wherein the latch element is out of blocking position to permit release of rods from said recesses, a second position wherein the latch element is in position to be moved by said rods in opposition to said spring means, and a third position wherein the latch element is located in blocking position for holding the rods within said recesses.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
A construction in accordance with claim 14 including means for rotating said shaft comprising a manually operable handle which moves the shaft and the associated eccentric means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
264 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, said means carried by said structures comprising rods extending outwardly from opposite sides of said structures, the improvement in said engaging means comprising recesses defined at said one end of said arms, said recesses being dimensioned for receiving said rods, latch elements normally blocking said recesses, spring means urging said latch elements into blocking position whereby said rods are free to enter said recesses by moving said latch elements out of blocking position in opposition to said spring means, means for locking said latch elements in blocking position when said rods are positioned in said recesses, and means for unlocking said latch element for releasing said rods, and wherein eAch latch element is slideably mounted in the end of an arm, a cam surface defined by said latch element and engageable by a rod to move the latch element out of blocking position in opposition to said spring means, said latch element being attached to a block slideably mounted in the end of said arm, the angle of sliding movement of said block being such that the pressure on a latch element of a rod held within a recess operates to lock the latch in blocking position to prevent release of a rod from the recess.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
264 words
In a mechanism for loading structures onto a supporting bed and for unloading the structures, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures onto or off of said bed, said means carried by said structures comprising rods extending outwardly from opposite sides of said structures, the improvement in said engaging means comprising recesses defined at said one end of said arms, said recesses being dimensioned for receiving said rods, latch elements normally blocking said recesses, spring means urging said latch elements into blocking position whereby said rods are free to enter said recesses by moving said latch elements out of blocking position in opposition to said spring means, means for locking said latch elements in blocking position when said rods are positioned in said recesses, and means for unlocking said latch element for releasing said rods, and wherein eAch latch element is slideably mounted in the end of an arm, a cam surface defined by said latch element and engageable by a rod to move the latch element out of blocking position in opposition to said spring means, said latch element being attached to a block slideably mounted in the end of said arm, the angle of sliding movement of said block being such that the pressure on a latch element of a rod held within a recess operates to lock the latch in blocking position to prevent release of a rod from the recess.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
159 words
A construction in accordance with claim 16 including a second set of arms pivotally mounted on said bed, one end of each arm in said second set defining engaging means for said structures, said second set being pivotable into overlapping position with said first mentioned arms to the extent that the engaging means of the arms are located at a substantially common point whereby transfer of structures from one set of arms to another can be accomplished, and wherein said latch elements are associatd with the ends of said second set of arms, and including an extension defined by said block, means defined by said first mentioned set of arms for engaging said extension when said sets of arms move to said common point, the engagement of said extension operating to drive said block and associated latch element to said first position to thereby release said rods for transfer of the rods from one set of arms to another.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a mechanism for moving structures relative to a supporting bed, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures, said means carried by said structures comprising rods extending outwardly from opposite sides of said structures, the improvement in said engaging means comprising recesses defined at said one end of said arms, said recesses being dimensioned for receiving said rods, latch elements removably associated with said arms, said elements being adapted to maintain said rods in position within said recesses, said elements comprising rotatable members having camming portions, bores defined by said arms for insertion of said latch elements adjacent the rod engaging portion of said recesses, rotation of said elements operating to drive the camming portions thereof against rods located within the recesses for thereby locking said rods in said recesses.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a mechanism for moving structures relative to a supporting bed, the mechanism including pivotally mounted arms having engaging means at one end and means carried by the structures for engagement with said ends of the arms whereby pivoting movement of the arms operates to lift the structures, said means carried by said structures comprising rods extending outwardly from opposite sides of said structures, the improvement in said engaging means comprising recesses defined at said one end of said arms, said recesses being dimensioned for receiving said rods, latch elements removably associated with said arms, said elements being adapted to maintain said rods in position within said recesses, said elements comprising rotatable members having camming portions, bores defined by said arms for insertion of said latch elements adjacent the rod engaging portion of said recesses, rotation of said elements operating to drive the camming portions thereof against rods located within the recesses for thereby locking said rods in said recesses.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
A construction in accordance with claim 18 wherein said rotatable members comprise shafts receivable within said bores, and means for releasibly retaining said shafts within said bores.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
A construction in accordance with claim 19 including a handle connected to said shafts, said handle providing manual means for rotating said shafts within said bores.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-27 | 1977-12-27 | 1978-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | 1982-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |