Apparatus, system and method for facilitating movement of an object

Abstract

Described herein are apparatuses (1), systems and methods for facilitating movement of an object (B), wherein the apparatus comprises: - a carrying body (3) provided with engagement means (5); - a wheel (10) operatively connected to the carrying body by means of an arm (12) having a first end portion (14) and a second end portion (16), wherein the first end portion (14) of the arm (12) is rotatably connected to the carrying body; and - drive means (20) operatively connected, directly or indirectly, to the carrying body (3) and to a portion of the arm (12) having a spacing from the first end portion (14) of the arm, wherein the drive means (20) are configured to rotate the arm (12) and the wheel (10) with respect to the carrying body between a passive first position and an active second position. The engagement means (5) of the carrying body (3) are in the form of at least one protrusion arranged to be inserted into a fork-lift pocket arranged at the bottom of the object (B).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a transport device, system, and method of use thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to a lifting and transporting device for facilitating the movement of an object. The object may typically be a container arranged to transport goods (such as a closed or open cargo container). An open cargo container is also called a "basket." The object is also referred to hereinafter as a container.

[0002] When it is necessary to move a container, it is usually lifted by connecting a lifting device to the lugs on top of the container, or it can be moved with the help of a forklift or other type of specialized vehicle that can engage with the container.

[0003] Forklifts require free passage to maneuver their forks into the forklift pockets on containers. Furthermore, the containers carried by the forklifts must be transported in a direction primarily parallel to the longitudinal axis of the forklift pocket, requiring free space along the entire longitudinal axis of the container. In this document, the longitudinal axis of the container refers to the longest extension of the container, typically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the forklift pocket. Therefore, a so-called 20-foot container, when transported by forklift, would require, for example, more than 6 meters of free width. In freight stations or dock areas, such as those providing space for container storage and movement, this free width requirement is generally not a problem, and forklifts will be readily available. In other areas (such as workshops and processing plants), the situation may differ because forklift space and / or availability may be limited.

[0004] Solutions with wheelsets are known, and wheelsets can be combined with cargo containers in various ways to allow the containers to be towed by vehicles. The disadvantages of this known solution are that installing wheelsets onto containers is relatively time-consuming and complex, and that equipment is needed to lift the container from its base when installing the wheelsets.

[0005] According to US10336135B1, a wheel adapter for lifting cargo containers and providing rolling motion capability to the cargo containers is known. The wheel adapter includes: an adapter body; a container coupling, wherein a front end of the container coupling extends outwardly and forward from the adapter body, wherein the container coupling further includes container coupling bolts configured for coupling to ISO couplings of the cargo container, and a rear end of the container coupling is rotatably coupled to the adapter body. A similar solution is described in US3570694A and US10625997B1, both describing container coupling bolts arranged to be fixed to the corner posts of a container.

[0006] US Publications 3243193A and 4570959A disclose a transport device for lifting and transporting a load unit. The transport device includes a pair of wheels and fasteners for securing to complementary fittings located on the bottom and walls of the load unit. The fittings are arranged to move relative to the pair of wheels.

[0007] US Patent 5006031A discloses a transport and lifting device for containers. The transport and lifting device has a support structure attached to the upper part of a two-piece support frame for the container. The components of the support frame can move relative to each other by means of internal hydraulic cylinders, allowing the two structures to be positioned along the sides of a transport vehicle to reach above a container placed on a vehicle platform, and then pulling its lower part to the platform height. Thus, the support structure, connected to supports and sliding rods, enables the container to be raised and lowered.

[0008] Publication JPH08230976 A discloses a manual lifting mechanism, which includes an operating lever and a grip. A wheel is provided at a first end of the operating lever, and the grip is located at a second end of the lever. A support shaft with a stop pin is provided at the first end of the lever. The stop pin is configured to engage with a matching bearing portion that protrudes from the outer or end portion of a beam.

[0009] The above-mentioned solutions based on existing technology must be fixed to the object to be moved.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can be easily attached to an object (such as a standard container) and can lift and carry the container relative to a base, so as to facilitate the transport of the container without modifying the container structure in any way.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to remedy or reduce at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0012] According to the present invention, a device is provided that can be engaged with an object (e.g., a container to be moved) in a simple manner, wherein the device is provided with wheels that can be actuated from a passive first position to an active second position, wherein the device is arranged to be able to lift at least a portion of the object relative to a base and to carry the object at a distance from the base.

[0013] In a first aspect of the invention, a device is provided for facilitating the movement of an object on a base, the object being a standard open or closed cargo container, wherein the device comprises: - A supporting body is provided with a connecting device having a longitudinal axis, wherein the connecting device includes a protrusion arranged to insert into a fork-type lifting bag arranged at the bottom of the object, and wherein the connecting device is complementary to the fork-type lifting bag. - A wheel having an axle operably connected to the load-bearing body via an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is rotatably connected to the load-bearing body; and A drive mechanism, directly or indirectly operably connected to the support body and a portion of the arm spaced from the first end of the arm, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the arm and the wheel relative to the support body between a passive first position and an active second position, such that when the engagement device of the device engages the object in the use position and the wheel is in the passive first position, the object abuts against the base, and when the wheel is in the active second position, the support body having the engagement device is lifted, such that the device carries a portion of the object above the base. The axle is in at least one position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engagement device. The support body may have a longitudinal axis, and the arm may have a longitudinal axis such that the relative angular ratio of the longitudinal axes changes when the arm rotates between the passive first position and the active second position. In the passive position, it is advantageous if the lowermost part of the wheel facing the base is positioned at a height relative to the lower side of the support body (the portion of the engagement device suitable for receiving the object). When the wheel is in the passive position, the lowermost part of the wheel facing the base is typically (but not limited to) positioned at a height equal to or higher than the lower side of the support body. This has the effect that the engagement device of the device can engage easily with the portion of the object arranged to receive the device, without requiring the object to be raised above the base.

[0014] It is advantageous if the load-bearing body is provided with at least two arms, each of which is connected to a drive mechanism and a wheel, and these arms are spaced apart from each other along the load-bearing body. The term "along the load-bearing body" refers to the longitudinal direction of the load-bearing body. In the usage position of the device, the load-bearing body is typically arranged primarily parallel to the side of the object. By providing the load-bearing body with at least two arms and associated wheels and a drive mechanism, the weight of the object can be distributed among the at least two wheels. Furthermore, the at least two wheels spaced apart from each other along the load-bearing body will enable a stable load-bearing capacity for the object.

[0015] As described above, the engagement device of the load-bearing body is in the form of at least one protrusion, which is releasably inserted into a forklift bag disposed at the bottom of the object. The object is a closed container or basket. By releasably inserting the protrusion into the forklift bag, modification of the object's structure is avoided. For certain applications of the object, modifications to the object are not permitted without subsequent recertification to ensure its technical integrity. In one embodiment, the engagement device of the load-bearing body includes two protrusions arranged to insert into each of a pair of forklift bags. At least one of the two protrusions can be arranged to move laterally along the longitudinal axis of the load-bearing body, such that the protrusion can be adapted to an object having a pair of non-standardized, mutually spaced forklift bags. Two mutually spaced engagement devices can provide more stable object lifting and carrying. In one embodiment, the device includes an engagement device arranged to engage both a forklift bag and a fixing hole located at a corner of the load-bearing structure of the object, the fixing hole being configured to receive a fixing device for securing the object to a base, the object being, for example, a container.

[0016] In one embodiment of the device, the wheel may be connected to the arm closer to the first end than to the second end, such that the arm is arranged to be rotatable relative to the support body by an operator between the passive first position and the active second position. Therefore, the arm carrying the wheel can function as a lever.

[0017] Therefore, the power that the operator must provide depends on the length of the portion of the lever from the wheel to the arm. In one embodiment, the second end of the arm may be arranged to receive an elongated element, such as a rod, thereby increasing the effective length of the arm if necessary. It is advantageous that the operator can maintain a distance from the device when it is in the active position, at least in the active position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the wheel is connected to the second end of the arm. In this embodiment, the drive device may also be connected to the second end of the arm, or connected between the first end and the second end of the arm. In this embodiment, the drive device for rotating the arm from the passive first position to the active second position may be selected from the group consisting of: fluid-operated drive devices, electrically operated drive devices, and manually operated drive devices. The fluid-operated drive device may be hydraulic or pneumatic. The electrically operated drive device is typically a motor arranged to rotate a threaded rod threaded into the housing. Correspondingly, the manually operated drive device may be in the form of a lifting device, such as a threaded rod threaded into the housing, wherein the threaded rod is provided with a crank that can be rotated by the operator, or, for example, a rack and pinion jack.

[0019] In a second aspect of the invention, a system for facilitating the movement of an object is provided, the system comprising at least two devices according to a first aspect of the invention. The system can be arranged such that, in a usage position, at least one device engages with a first side of the object, and at least one device in the system engages with a second side of the object, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side. This system engaged with the object will be in an active position, meaning that the devices constituting the system are in their active position and capable of carrying the entire object on wheels spaced apart from a base.

[0020] By supporting the entire object at a distance from the base, friction between the object and the base is largely eliminated, while wear on both is avoided. Depending on the weight of the object and any angle of inclination of the base, the object may be moved manually or with the aid of a motor-driven device (such as a vehicle).

[0021] It is advantageous if the system further includes an additional load-bearing body arranged to engage in two opposing engagement devices, such that the engagement devices of the two opposing devices together with the additional load-bearing body form an engagement device that extends continuously between the sides of the object. One effect of this additional load-bearing body is that it at least reduces the risk of the device twisting relative to the load-bearing object. Twisting of the device relative to the object can cause tilting loads on the contact surfaces of the wheels against the base. Another effect is that the axial range of the engagement device may be relatively limited compared to a system without such an additional load-bearing body. Therefore, the unloaded weight of the individual devices forming part of the system can be reduced.

[0022] In one embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, the system further includes at least one front wheel with a housing connected to a support rod, wherein the support rod is operatively connected to the bottom and top of the object in a use position, and wherein the front wheel is arranged to linearly adjust relative to the housing between a retracted first position and an extended second position. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two front wheels, each connected to a housing, wherein the support rods of the at least two housings are spaced apart from each other in sides of the object perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the object, which is typically a container.

[0023] Another envisioned system comprises only front wheels with housings connected to a load-bearing rod, wherein the front wheels are engaged at or near each of the four corners of the container in a position of use, thereby providing the most stable possible load-bearing capacity when moving the object.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for facilitating the movement of an object on a base, the object being an open or closed cargo container, wherein the method comprises: A) - Provide a system according to the second aspect of the present invention; B) - When the wheels of the device are in the passive first position, engage the engagement device of the load-bearing body of each of the devices with the forklift bag of the object (B); and C) - By means of the drive device, the arm and the wheel are rotated relative to the carrying body from the passive first position to the active second position, such that when the engagement device of the device engages with the forklift bag of the object in the use position, and the arm and the wheel rotate from the passive first position to the active second position, the carrying body having the engagement device is lifted from the base, such that the device carries a portion of the object above the base.

[0025] The method may further include: prior to step B), engaging an additional carrier with the engagement device of one of the opposing devices, and then, in step B), engaging the additional carrier with the engagement device of the other of the opposing devices, such that the opposing engagement devices and the additional carrier form a continuous engagement device extending between the sides of the object.

[0026] When using the system according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the system comprises two devices, each comprising only one wheel, it may be advantageous to provide at least one front wheel with a housing connected to a support rod on the side of the object, wherein the side may be perpendicular to the side engaged with the engagement device of the device. Such a front wheel can contribute to the stable movement of the object.

[0027] The following describes examples of preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a A first embodiment of the device according to the invention, as seen from a first side, is shown, wherein the device is in a passive first position: Figure 1b This shows the view from the second side, opposite to the first side. Figure 1a The equipment in; Figure 1c Shown at a larger scale Figure 1a The device is in the second active position; Figure 1d Showing the view from the opposite side Figure 1c The equipment in; Figure 2 A second embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the device includes two arms, each arm carrying a wheel, wherein the arms and wheels are rotatably coupled to a support frame by a coupling device; Figure 3a A third embodiment of the device according to the invention, as seen from a first side, is shown, wherein the device is in a passive first position: Figure 3b The device in Figure 1 is shown from a second side opposite to the first side; Figure 3c The location of use is shown. Figure 3a The equipment in the container is integrated into the container and is in an active position; Figure 4 Details of another joining device are shown; Figures 5a to 5b A third embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the device is in a passive first position; Figures 5c to 5d It shows Figure 5a and Figure 5b The device in the middle, but in which the device is in an active second position; and Figures 6a to 6b A front wheel is shown for use in a system according to the invention, wherein the front wheel is linearly movable relative to a housing fixed to a support rod.

[0028] All location indications refer to the locations shown in the attached diagram.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, some elements may not have reference numerals in some drawings.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams. The relative proportions between the various components may also be distorted.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a device according to the present invention. Device 1 includes a support body 3, which is provided with a mounting surface for contacting an object B (object B is...). Figure 3c and Figure 4 The standard open or closed cargo container shown in Figure B) has a bottom-jointing device 5.

[0032] The device 1 also includes a wheel 10 operably connected to the support body 3 via an arm 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16, wherein the first end 14 of the arm 12 is rotatably connected to the support body 3 via a swivel coupling 18.

[0033] The drive unit 20 is operatively connected to the support body 3 and a portion of the arm 12 spaced from the first end 14 of the arm 12. The drive unit 20 is arranged to rotate the arm 12 and the wheel 10 relative to the support body 3 between a passive first position and an active second position, such that when the engagement device 5 of the device 1 engages with the cargo container B in the use position and the wheel 10 is in the passive first position, the cargo container B abuts against the base, while when the wheel 10 is in the active second position, the support body 3 with the engagement device 5 is lifted, such that the device 1 carries a portion of the cargo container above the base U (e.g., a floor).

[0034] Figures 1a to 1d An embodiment of device 1 is shown, wherein device 1 includes a wheel 10 having an axle 10' connected to a second end 16 of arm 12. Figure 1c As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, arm 12 consists of two parallel and spaced-apart elongated plate-like elements 12'. The first end 14 of arm 12 is rotatably connected to the support body 3, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes two elongated plate-like elements 3' fixed to the ends of a connecting device 5 (shown herein as two square tubes laterally connected to each other by welding). The plate-like elements 3', forming part of the support body 3, protrude upwards at an angle from the end of the connecting device 5. The connecting device 5 is primarily complementary to the forklift bag at the bottom of the cargo container, thereby primarily preventing the position of the connecting device 5 within the forklift bag from twisting about the longitudinal axis of the forklift bag.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 is further provided with a contact plate 51, which is used in the usage position of the device to abut against a portion of the object B.

[0036] Drive unit 20 in Figures 1a to 1d A manually operated hydraulic cylinder 20 is shown operably connected between the ends of the plate-shaped element 3' of the supporting body 3. Figure 1c As shown, the end 21 of the piston rod 20' of the hydraulic cylinder 20 is rotatably coupled around the shaft 10' of the wheel 10, so that the arm 12 can rotate when the piston rod extends and retracts.

[0037] Figures 1a to 1c The illustrated embodiment is relatively easy to handle and can be used alone or in pairs (preferably on both sides of a cargo container that needs to be moved on the base). Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the support body 3 of the device 1 is shown as an elongated hollow profile. The device 1 is provided with two arms 12, which are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the hollow profile 3. Each of the arms 12 is freely and rotatably connected at its first end 14 between two support plates 14', the support plates 14' carrying bolts extending through an opening near the first end 14 of the arm 12. Each arm 12 is provided with a wheel 10, which is connected to the arm 12 closer to the first end 14 of the arm 12 than to the second end 16 of the arm 12. The hollow profile 3 is provided with two engaging devices 5 (shown herein as two hollow profiles of the same size as the support body 3), wherein the engaging devices 5 are arranged to be inserted into a forklift bag, for example, on a cargo container (not shown). The engaging devices protrude vertically outward from the side of the support body 3, which is located on the opposite side of the side of the support body where the wheel 10 is in use.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the distance between wheel 10 and the first end 14 of arm 12 is much shorter than the distance between wheel 10 and the second end 16 of arm 12. This has the following effect: arm 12 provides a lever in the use position, wherein the contact of wheel 10 against the base constitutes the critical point of the lever. Depending on the weight of the object (e.g., a cargo container), the operator can apply force to arm 12 and rotate arm 12 and wheel 10 relative to the load-bearing body 3 between a passive first position and an active second position, such that when the engagement device 5 of device 1 engages with the object in the use position and wheel 10 is in the passive first position, the object abuts against the base, while when wheel 10 is in the active second state, the load-bearing body 3 with engagement device 5 is lifted, so that device 1 carries a portion of the object above the base.

[0039] In one embodiment (not shown), the distance between the wheel 10 and the second end 16 of the arm 12 can be greater than... Figure 2 The distance shown is short, but the first end 16 of the arm 12 is arranged to receive an elongated element (such as, for example, a rod), thereby increasing the torque of the lever (arm). The advantage of the latter embodiment is that the arm 12 will require less space when the device 1 is not in use or when the device 1 is in its active position (where an object is carried by the device 1).

[0040] Figure 2 The device 1 shown is also provided with a locking device (not shown) to secure the arm 12 relative to the top surface of the support body 3 when the device 1 is in its active position. In its simplest form, the locking device may be in the form of a sleeve that is pulled onto the ends of the arm 12 and the support body 3.

[0041] Figures 3a to 3c Another alternative embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown. Figures 3a to 3c Device 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiments have some similarities. Figures 3a to 3c The device 1 is provided with a support body 3, which has two arms 12, each connected to a wheel 10. Each wheel 10 is arranged at intervals along the support body 3 and two engaging devices 5, which protrude vertically outward from one of the two sides of the support body 3. Furthermore, the first end 14 of each of the two arms 12 is rotatably connected to the support body 3.

[0042] and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is the opposite, in Figures 3a to 3c In the middle, wheel 10 is connected to the second end 16 of arm 12. Figures 3a to 3c The shown is for placing the arm 12 and wheel 10 in a passive first position relative to the load-bearing body 3 (e.g.) Figure 3a and Figure 3b (as shown) and the active second position (as shown) Figure 3c The drive unit 20 rotating between (shown) is fluid-operated and is shown herein as a pneumatic drive unit 20. This pneumatic drive unit 20 includes bellows 22 arranged to receive gas (typically air) from a pressurized gas source. Each bellows 22 is operably connected to the support body 3 by means of supports, shown herein as a support plate 24 and two inclined plates 26. The support plate 24 is arranged to abut against a first end of the bellows 22, and the inclined plates 26 are fixedly fastened to a base 30, which is arranged parallel to and fixedly fastened to the end of the support body 3. Therefore, the base 30 constitutes part of the support body 3.

[0043] like Figure 3bAs shown in the best embodiment, device 1 is further provided with a drive arm 28 having a first end and a second end. The first end of the drive arm 28 has a support plate 28' that abuts against the second end of the bellows 22. The second end of the drive arm 28 is fixedly connected to the second end 16 of the arm 12. When the bellows 22 is activated (meaning, for example, when pressurized air is supplied to the bellows 22), the bellows 22 will apply force to the drive arm 28, and the arm 12 and the wheel 10 will... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The passive position shown rotates to Figure 3c The active position is shown.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, a support plate 128 is arranged between a portion of the arm 12 and the drive arm 28 to provide a rigid connection between them.

[0045] The support body 32 is fixedly fastened to the portion of the carrier body 3 between the wheels 10 and protrudes upward from that portion. The purpose of the support body 32 is to provide lateral support for a portion of the side of the container carried by the equipment 1. When the carrier body 3 is arranged parallel to the bottom of the container, the axles of the wheels 10 will be primarily parallel to the base. In one embodiment, an adjustment device (not shown) is provided at the top of the support body 32, which protrudes vertically relative to the longitudinal axis of the support body, allowing adjustment of the angle between the longitudinal axis of the support body 32 and the wall of the container.

[0046] exist Figure 3c In the middle, the bellows 22 is filled with gas (usually air), and the device 1 is driven to its second active position, in which the wheels 10 carry the rest of the device 1 and the container above the base U.

[0047] Figure 3c The support body 32 shown is provided with a strip 35, which has a tensioner 35'. As shown, the purpose of the strip 35 is to guide it to the bottom of the container after the container is lifted above the base by means of the device 1, and to secure the end of the strip to a portion of the support body 32 of the device 1 in the system according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the respective device 1 is arranged on the opposite side of the container. When the container moves by means of the device 1, the strip 35 will at least reduce lateral movement of the device relative to the side of the container by applying tension to the strip 35 by means of the tensioner 35'. Here, lateral movement refers to the movement of the support body 3 and the coupling device 5 of the device 1 in a direction away from the side of the container.

[0048] As an alternative to the pneumatic drive unit 20 in the form of the bellows 22 shown, the drive unit 20 may consist of a fluid-operated cylinder (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder (not shown)), or the drive unit 20 may consist of an electrically operated drive unit (such as, for example, a motor) arranged to rotate a threaded rod threaded into the housing. Correspondingly, a manually operated drive unit may be in the form of a lifting device. Figure 3a Unlike the bellows 22 shown in Figure 3d, as... Figure 3c The bellows 22 shown is flexible, and the alternative drive device must be rotatably connected to the support plate 24 and the arm 12 respectively to achieve the desired rotation of the arm 12, thereby achieving the desired rotation of the wheel 10 between the first passive position and the second active position.

[0049] The above description and Figures 1a to 3c In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 is provided with a coupling device 5, which is arranged to engage with, for example, a forklift bag arranged at the bottom of a cargo container. Figure 4 A connecting device 5' is shown, which is a connecting device that protrudes vertically from the side of the supporting body 3, except for, for example... Figures 1a to 3c The form other than the connecting device 5 shown. Figure 4 The additional engagement device 5' shown is arranged to engage in a lockable manner with a so-called fixing hole H, which is typically located at the bottom of the corner of a cargo container. Furthermore, this fixing hole H in the container is used to secure the container to a base (such as, for example, a deck on a floating vessel or a loading platform of a transport vehicle traveling on a road or rail).

[0050] Similar to Figures 3a to 3c The supporting body 3 shown is in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the support body 3 has a flat top surface. According to the device 1 of the invention, the support body 3, having a flat top surface, is adapted to be positioned at the use location abutting against a protruding side extending between the corners of a cargo container, thereby reducing, for example... Figure 4 The load on the alternative coupling device 5' of the type shown. In cases where the equipment only includes the alternative coupling device 5', meaning there is no coupling device 5 protruding vertically from the side of the load-bearing body 3 as in the equipment 1 according to the invention, and furthermore, it is not feasible to lift the cargo container from the base and guide the top surface of the load-bearing body to the bottom of the cargo container without the aid of lifting equipment (e.g., a forklift), Figure 4 The alternative coupling device shown has limited applicability. However, the alternative coupling device 5' is useful for temporarily locking the device 1 to the container when used in conjunction with a coupling device 5 that protrudes vertically from the side of the carrier body 3.

[0051] Now refer to Figures 5a to 5d , Figures 5a to 5d Another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown. Figures 5a to 5d The illustrated embodiments and Figure 3a The embodiment shown in Figure 3d has similarities. Figures 5a to 5d The device 1 is provided with a support body 3, which has two arms 12, each arm 12 connected to a wheel 10. Each wheel 10 is spaced apart from each other along the support body 3. Furthermore, the support body 3 has two engaging devices 5, which protrude vertically from one of the two sides of the support body 3 in the longitudinal direction. The first end 14 of each of the two arms 12 is rotatably connected to the support body 3 via a base or connector 30 and the bottom of a support body 32, both of which are fixed to a portion of the support body 3. The support body 32 has the aforementioned engaging... Figures 3a to 3c The same purpose described herein will not be repeated here. However, another purpose of the support body 32 is to provide a connection point for the first end of each drive unit 20, which is shown here as two rack-and-pinion jacks 20, rotatably connected to the upper end of the support body 32 by a pair of plates 33 bearing bolts 34. The pair of plates 33 are located in... Figure 5b The center can be best viewed. Therefore, Figures 5a to 5d The drive unit 20 shown is indirectly operably connected to the load-bearing body 3, and the support body 32 is rigidly connected to the load-bearing body 3.

[0052] also, Figures 3a to 3c The illustrated embodiments and Figures 5a to 5d Another significant difference between the illustrated embodiments is that the first ends 14 of the two arms 12 are rotatably connected to the base or support body 30, meaning that the first ends 14 of the arms 12 are connected to a common support body 30. Therefore, Figures 5a to 5d The illustrated embodiment represents a type where the weight may be less than that described. Figures 3a to 3c The solution shown is a relatively simple one. Furthermore, by providing the device 1 with an arm 12 having the desired axial range, the mutual distance between the wheels 10 can be changed. Since there are no structural obstructions along the position of the wheel 10 along the load-bearing body 3, the mutual distance between the axles of the wheel 10 can be greater than the axial range of the load-bearing body 3. Therefore, even using a device 1 with a load-bearing body 3 having an axial range limited to, for example, the distance between two forklift bags on a container, very stable loading of, for example, a container can be achieved. This axial range of the load-bearing body 3 is as follows: Figures 5a to 5d As shown.

[0053] Each of the prior art rack and pinion jacks 20 includes a housing and a rack, the rack being coaxially movable relative to the housing in a manner known to those skilled in the art. For example... Figure 5d As shown, the rack has an end 21, which is rotatably connected to the arm 12 at a second end 16 near the shaft of the wheel 10. The housing of the rack jack 20 has an end 22 opposite to the end 21 of the rack (see end 22). Figure 5a ).

[0054] By operating the rack and pinion jack 20, the rack is pushed outward relative to the housing, and the arm 12 moves from the passive first position of the device 1 relative to the load-bearing body 3 (e.g., ...). Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, where the wheel 10 is in the raised position relative to the supporting body 3, it rotates to the active second position of the device 1 (e.g., Figure 5c and Figure 5d (As shown).

[0055] As an alternative to the drive device 20 in the form of a rack and pinion jack, the drive device may consist of, for example, a fluid-operated drive device or an electrically operated drive device (such as, for example, a motor arranged to rotate a threaded rod that is threaded into the housing).

[0056] In the system according to the invention (wherein the system includes at least two devices 1 of any of the above embodiments, and wherein the system is arranged such that at least one device 1 engages with a first side of an object (e.g., a container) in the use position, and at least one device 1 engages with a second side of the object), if the additional carrier 52 is, for example, Figures 1a to 3c and Figures 5a to 5d It is advantageous to engage two opposing engagement devices 5 of the type shown. Figure 1b An example of this additional load-bearing body is shown in dashed lines. In the usage position, this additional load-bearing body 52 will serve as a load-distributing load-bearing shaft, which at least reduces the risk of twisting of the device 1 relative to the object it carries. Twisting of the device 1 relative to the object may cause tilting loads on the contact surfaces of the wheels 10 against the base.

[0057] Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 5a to 5d A device 1 with a pair of wheels 10 is shown. To facilitate the movement of an object along a curved path, in one embodiment (not shown), at least one of the two wheels 10 of the device 1 is arranged in a swingable manner relative to the load-bearing body 3 of the device 1. In this embodiment, such a swingable wheel 10 is operably connected to an arm 12 via a rotary joint known to those skilled in the art.

[0058] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A front wheel 40 is shown, which can move linearly relative to the housing 42 in a manner known per se. The front wheel is provided with a swivel mechanism 44, which allows rotation of 360° relative to the housing 42. The housing 42 is fixed to the support rod 50 by a connecting element 46.

[0059] The support rod 50 has a first end 53, the first end having a connecting device 54, the connecting device 54 being releasably locked into a hole H in the lower corner of the container (see...). Figure 4 The connecting device 54 is operably connected to the locking device 55 (shown here as a so-called twist-lock) to prevent the connecting device 54 from being accidentally released when it engages with the hole H in the lower part of the container.

[0060] The support rod 50 is provided with an axially movable connecting device 57 at its second end 56. The connecting device 57 includes a locking piece 58, which is configured to be lowered and engage with a complementary hole in the upper part of the container.

[0061] The primary purpose of the front wheel 40 is to serve as a support for the container carried by the device 1 according to the invention, particularly when used in a system according to the invention where there is only one wheel 10 on each side of the container.

[0062] It should be noted that all the embodiments described above illustrate the invention but do not limit it, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, the reference numerals in parentheses should not be considered limiting.

[0063] The use of the verb "comprising" and its various forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not mentioned in the claims. The indefinite article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of more such elements.

Claims

1. A device (1) for facilitating the movement of an object (B) on a base (U), said object (B) being an open or closed standard cargo container, wherein, The device (1) includes: - The supporting body (3) is provided with a connecting device (5) having a longitudinal axis, wherein the connecting device (5) includes a protrusion arranged to be inserted into a fork-type lifting bag arranged at the bottom of the object, and wherein the connecting device is complementary to the fork-type lifting bag. - A wheel (10) having an axle (10') operably connected to the support body (3) via an arm (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), wherein the first end (14) of the arm (12) is rotatably connected to the support body (3); and - A drive device (20) is operably connected, directly or indirectly, to the support body (3) and a portion of the arm (12) spaced from the first end (14) of the arm, wherein the drive device (20) is configured to rotate the arm (12) and the wheel (10) relative to the support body (3) between a passive first position and an active second position, such that when the engagement device (5) of the device (1) engages the object (B) in the use position and the wheel (10) is in the passive first position, the object (B) abuts against the base (U), and when the wheel (10) is in the active second position, the support body (3) having the engagement device is lifted, such that the device (1) carries a portion of the object (B) above the base (U). The axle (10') is located at at least one position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (5).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The support body (3) is provided with at least two arms (12), each of the at least two arms (12) being connected to a drive device (20) and a wheel (10), and the arms (12) being spaced apart from each other along the support body (3).

3. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The wheel (10) is connected to the arm (12) closer to the first end (14) than to the second end (16), such that the arm (12) is arranged to be rotatable relative to the carrier (3) by the operator between the passive first position and the active second position.

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The wheel (10) is connected to the second end (16) of the arm (12).

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The drive device (20) is selected from the group consisting of fluid-operated drive devices, electrically operated drive devices and manually operated drive devices.

6. A system for facilitating the movement of an object, said system comprising at least two devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The system is arranged in such a way that, in the use position, at least one device (1) engages with a first side of the object (B), and at least one device (1) engages with a second side of the object (B), wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The system also includes an additional support body (52) arranged to engage in two opposing engagement devices (5), such that the engagement devices (5) of the two opposing devices (1) together with the additional support body (52) form engagement devices (5, 52) that extend continuously between the sides of the object (B).

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The system also includes at least one front wheel (40) having a housing (42) connected to a support rod (50), wherein the support rod (50) is operably connected to the bottom and top of the object (B) in a use position, wherein the front wheel (40) is arranged to adjust linearly relative to the housing (42) between a retracted first position and an extended second position.

9. A method for facilitating the movement of an object (B), said object (B) being an open or closed cargo container, characterized in that, The method includes: A) - Provide the system according to claim 7; B) - When the wheel (10) of the device (1) is in the passive first position, engage the engagement device (5) of the bearing body (3) of each device (1) with the fork-type lifting bag of the object (B); and C) - By means of the drive device (20), the arm (12) and the wheel (10) are rotated relative to the carrying body (3) from the passive first position to the active second position, such that when the engagement device (5) of the device (1) engages with the fork lifting bag of the object (B) in the use position, and the arm (12) and the wheel (10) are rotated from the passive first position to the active second position, the carrying body (3) with the engagement device (5) is lifted from the base (U), such that the device (1) of the system carries a portion of the object (B) above the base (U).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: prior to step B), engaging another carrier body (52) with the engagement device (5) of one of the opposing devices (1), and then, in step B), engaging the other carrier body (52) with the engagement device (5) of the other of the opposing devices (1), such that the opposing engagement devices (5) and the other carrier body (52) form a continuous engagement device (5, 52) extending between the sides of the object (B).

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