Tire loading apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a tyre loading apparatus (10) for carrying and storing a stack of tyres and a method of carrying and storing a stack of tyres. The tyre loading apparatus (10) comprises a carrier element (20) for holding the stack of tyres, the carrier element (20) comprising a rear wall (5) and a plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9), where the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) are arranged in the rear wall (5). Each of the retractable side panels (9, 9) is configured to move relative to the rear wall (5) between an extended position for holding a stack of tires in the carrier element (20) and a retracted position for storing the stack of tires from the carrier element (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire loading apparatus for carrying and storing a stack of tires and a method for loading tires into a loading location such as a trailer. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a tire loading apparatus for automated or semi-automated loading of tires. Background Art

[0002] Transporting tires typically requires manually loading and stacking each individual tire onto a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) trailer. Typically, the tires are manually loaded by at least one person onto a conveyor or forklift, which is used to transport the tires into the trailer or, at most, to the trailer door. At least one other person (usually two people) will then manually lift the tires from the forklift or conveyor and position each tire in a stack inside the trailer. Tires are typically loaded in rows, starting at the rear of the trailer's interior loading space. Each row of tires typically extends the entire width and height of the trailer's interior loading space, and the tires can be stacked in various patterns within each row to optimize the available space. Subsequent rows of tires are then added until they reach the front of the loading space, at which point the trailer has reached maximum capacity.

[0003] This manual loading of tires into trailers is very time-consuming, taking, for example, 2 to 3 hours to load and stack the tire rows, which limits the number of trailers that can be loaded per day to three. This time-consuming loading is undesirable due to several factors, including labor costs, limited available docking space for trailers, and meeting expected delivery timelines. The manual loading process is also uncomfortable for workers who must remain inside the trailer to stack the tires.

[0004] Manually loading tires onto trailers presents additional disadvantages, including health and safety issues due to the risk of tires falling and repeated heavy lifting. Furthermore, with such manual loading, it can be difficult to effectively utilize the entire loading space within the trailer. Leaving empty space within the trailer is undesirable, as it further increases transportation costs and time.

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for improved systems and methods for loading tires into trailers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tire loading apparatus for carrying and storing a stack of tires, the apparatus comprising: a carrier element for holding the tire stack, the carrier element comprising a rear wall and a plurality of retractable side panels, wherein each of the plurality of retractable side panels is configured to move relative to the rear wall between an extended position for holding the tire stack in the carrier element and a retracted position for storing the tire stack from the carrier element.

[0007] Advantageously, the tire loading apparatus allows for loading and unloading of tire stacks without requiring manual labor or any additional machinery. Because the tire stack is stored by retracting the side panels of the carrier element rather than ejecting the tire stack, the structure and integrity of the tire stack are maintained, and loading is therefore more space-efficient. The rear wall remains in a fixed position, at least while the plurality of retractable side panels are moved between the extended and retracted positions.

[0008] The retractable side panels may be driven so as to move relative to the rear wall in any suitable manner. For example, it may be possible to manually push the side panels between the extended position and the retracted position. However, to avoid the need for any manual input, the apparatus may include an actuating member for each of the plurality of retractable side panels. In at least some examples, the apparatus further includes one or more actuators arranged to drive movement of the retractable side panels between the extended position and the retracted position. The one or more actuators may be electrically controllable. For example, a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator mechanism may be arranged between the rear wall and the retractable side panels. For example, a scissor mechanism may be arranged between the rear wall and the retractable side panels.

[0009] Optionally, the tire loading apparatus further comprises a support member configured to support the carrier element, wherein the rear wall is rigidly coupled to the support member and the plurality of retractable side panels are movably coupled to the support member. The support member may be connected to an outer surface of the rear wall to avoid interfering with a tire stack placed in contact with an inner surface of the rear wall.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tire loading apparatus for carrying and storing a stack of tires, the apparatus comprising: a carrier element for holding the stack of tires, and a support member; the carrier element comprising a rear wall and a plurality of retractable side panels; wherein each of the plurality of retractable side panels is configured to move relative to the rear wall between an extended position for holding the stack of tires in the carrier element and a retracted position for storing the stack of tires from the carrier element; wherein the support member is configured to support the carrier element, and wherein the rear wall is rigidly coupled to the support member, and the plurality of retractable side panels are movably coupled to the support member.

[0011] The support member provides a framework that allows the carrier element to be coupled to other components. This includes, for example, coupling the plurality of retractable side panels to one or more actuators that cause their movement. The support member may also provide a framework for one or more actuators that are arranged to drive the movement of the retractable side panels relative to the rear wall. Optionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of retractable side panels are movably coupled to the support member via an actuator mechanism, such as a scissor mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, each retractable side panel of the plurality of retractable side panels is configured to move along a linear path between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0013] Optionally, each retractable side panel of the plurality of retractable side panels is configured to extend and retract substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall.

[0014] Optionally, each of the plurality of retractable side panels is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall. This can help maintain the integrity of the tire stack by providing a straight sidewall.

[0015] The orientation of the plurality of retractable side panels allows them to surround a tire stack and retain the tire stack within the carrier element.

[0016] Optionally, the plurality of retractable side panels are configured to extend and retract substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall to adjust the depth D of the carrier element.

[0017] Extension and retraction of the plurality of retractable side panels in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall adjust the depth D, thereby allowing the volume of the carrier element to be adjustable, enabling the holding and storage of a tire stack. The side panels can be extended so that the volume of the carrier element defines a depth D sufficient to hold the tire stack. The side panels can be retracted so that the tires are stored from the carrier element. Optionally, one or more of the plurality of retractable side panels are further configured to compress the tire stack held in the carrier element.

[0018] Advantageously, the tire stack can be compressed in the carrier element so that the tires are stacked more densely and securely and can therefore fit into a smaller loading volume.

[0019] Optionally, the plurality of retractable side panels includes a lower panel, a first side panel and a second side panel, and the first side panel is opposite to the second side panel.

[0020] Optionally, the first and second lateral panels are separated by a width W, and at least one of the first and second lateral panels is configured to move relative to the rear wall to increase or decrease the width W. This can be used to compress the tire stack horizontally.

[0021] Optionally, the plurality of retractable side panels includes an upper panel opposite a lower panel, the upper panel being separated from the lower panel by a height H, and wherein the upper panel is configured to move relative to the rear wall to increase or decrease the height H. This can be used to vertically compress the tire stack.

[0022] Optionally, the support member includes a tilting mechanism configured to tilt the carrier element so that the plane of the rear wall tilts rearwardly to define an angle of less than 90° with the ground. For example, the support member may remain stationary while the tilting mechanism tilts the plane of the rear wall rearwardly toward the support member.

[0023] Advantageously, the tilting mechanism allows the tire stack to be held more securely in the carrier element.

[0024] Optionally, the support member comprises drive means for transportation of the tire loading apparatus, and / or wherein the support member comprises a coupling element for coupling the tire loading apparatus to an external drive means.

[0025] The drive member allows the tire stack to be transported to a loading area.

[0026] Optionally, one or more (preferably each) of the plurality of retractable side panels comprises a plurality of retractable panels.The panels may be capable of retracting independently of one another or connected to retract in unison.

[0027] Advantageously, the plurality of retractable panels allows the retractable side panels to be retracted more easily against the tyre stack held in the carrier element. This avoids the structure of the tyre stack being disturbed.

[0028] Optionally, the panels can be connected to each other with spaces between them. This means that the panels can be retracted as a single entity, but with less material in the retractable side panels. This helps make the carrier element more lightweight.

[0029] Optionally, one or more (preferably each) of the plurality of retractable side panels comprises a sliding element for reducing traction between the surface of the retractable side panel and the tire stack. For example, the sliding element comprises a plurality of rolling members, such as rollers, wheels and / or ball bearings, located on the inner surface of one or more (preferably each) of the plurality of retractable side panels.

[0030] Advantageously, the sliding element allows the retractable side panel to be retracted more easily against the tyre stack held in the carrier element. This avoids the structure of the tyre stack being disturbed.

[0031] Optionally, the rear wall is sized and shaped to correspond substantially to the interior cross-sectional dimensions of a standard trailer.

[0032] Advantageously, the dimensioning of the rear wall allows loading a tire stack corresponding to the internal cross-sectional dimensions of a standard trailer. Thus, the storage volume of the trailer can be used more efficiently.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of loading a stack of tyres using the tyre loading apparatus as described herein, the method comprising:

[0034] Step 100: Extending each of a plurality of retractable side panels to an extended position; Step 200: Stacking one or more rows of tires into a carrier element; Step 300: Driving the tire loading apparatus to a loading position; Step 400: Positioning the carrier element so that the one or more rows of tires are sandwiched between a wall of the loading position and a rear wall of the carrier element, or between a previously loaded stack of tires in the loading position and the rear wall of the carrier element; Step 500: Retracting the plurality of retractable side panels to a retracted position to deposit the one or more rows of tires into the loading position.

[0035] Optionally, the method further comprises moving the plurality of retractable side panels between the extended position and the retracted position while the rear wall remains in a fixed position in step 100 and / or step 500 .

[0036] Optionally, the method further comprises, in step 100 and / or step 500, moving the plurality of retractable side panels along a linear path between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0037] Optionally, the method further comprises, in step 100 and / or step 500 , moving the plurality of retractable side panels substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall.

[0038] Optionally, the method further comprises: after step 100 and before step 200: step 150: opening the plurality of retractable side panels to an open position. The method further comprises: after step 200 and before step 300: step 250: closing the side panels to compress one or more rows of tires. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] One or more non-limiting examples will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 A perspective view of the front of a tire loading apparatus is shown with a plurality of retractable side panels in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 A perspective view of the rear portion of the tire loading apparatus is shown with the plurality of retractable side panels in an extended position.

[0042] Figure 3 A perspective view of the front of a tire loading apparatus is shown with a plurality of retractable side panels in a retracted position.

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective view of the rear portion of the tire loading apparatus is shown with a plurality of retractable side panels in a retracted position.

[0044] Figure 5 A perspective view of the rear of the tire loading apparatus is shown with the plurality of retractable side panels in an open position.

[0045] Figure 6 A perspective view of the rear of the tire loading apparatus is shown with the plurality of retractable side panels in a closed position.

[0046] Figure 7 A side view of a tilt mechanism of a tire loading apparatus is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 A method of loading a stack of tires using tire loading equipment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 A tire loading apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tire loading apparatus 10 includes a carrier element 20 adapted to hold a stack of tires (not shown). The carrier element 20 includes a rear wall 5 and a plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall 5. The rear wall 5 and the plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 define a volume V for holding the stack of tires, where V = H*W*D. The volume defined by the carrier element 20 can be adjusted by moving the plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 relative to the rear wall 5. The plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 can be adjusted to modify the depth D, width W, and height H.

[0049] The depth D of the volume V can be adjusted by extending or retracting the plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall 5. Figure 1 As shown, when the side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are in the extended position, they define a depth D = d1.

[0050] A support member 30 or frame is rigidly coupled to the rear wall 5 of the carrier element 20. A plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are movably coupled to the support member 30. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are movably coupled to the support member 30 via a scissor mechanism 40. The scissor mechanism 40 includes collapsible supports 41, 42 connected by a connecting pin assembly to form an "X" shape. Each of the supports 41, 42 of the scissor mechanism 40 has a first end closer to the rear wall 5 and a second end further away from the rear wall 5. In this embodiment, the first end of each of the supports 41, 42 is rigidly connected to the rear wall 5, and the second end of each of the supports 41, 42 is rigidly connected to at least the lateral side panels 7, 8. Thus, opening and closing the scissor mechanism 40 causes the plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 to retract and extend relative to the rear wall 5.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are configured to move along a linear path between an extended position and a retracted position. The plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are retractable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall 5. The side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are retractable until a depth D = d0, whereby the carrier element 20 is no longer able to retain the tire. In this configuration, the plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are in the retracted position, and the inner face of the rear wall 5 is exposed.

[0052] The plurality of retractable side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 include an upper panel 9, a lower panel 6, a first lateral panel 7, and a second lateral panel 8, wherein the upper panel 9 is opposite the lower panel 6, and the first lateral panel 7 is opposite the second lateral panel 8. The upper panel 9 is separated from the lower panel 6 by a height H. The first lateral panel 7 and the second lateral panel 8 are separated by a width W.

[0053] In addition to moving substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall 5, at least some of the plurality of retractable side panels 7, 8, and 9 can move in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the rear wall 5. The upper panel 9 can be extended and retracted so that the height H can be increased or decreased between a maximum height. In addition, the first side panel 7 and the second side panel 8 can be extended and retracted so that the width W can be increased or decreased between a maximum width and a minimum width. Figure 5 As shown, the height is increased to height h1, and the width is increased to width w1 (ie, the open position). Figure 6 As shown, the height is reduced to a height h0 and the width is reduced to a width w0 (i.e., the closed position). The degree to which the plurality of retractable side panels 7, 8, 9 are opened and closed will depend on the size of the tire stack and the degree to which they are compressed. To facilitate movement of the side panels 7, 8, 9 between the open and closed positions, the upper panel 9 and the first and second side panels 7, 8 are movably coupled to the support member 30 via linear actuators 51.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the carrier element 20 may be inclined. The carrier element 20 is coupled to the support member 30 such that the plane of the rear wall is inclined at an angle toward the support member 30. Thus, the plane of the rear wall 5 is inclined rearward to define an angle of less than 90° with the ground. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the inclination of the carrier element 20 results in the lower side panel 6 having an angle of 5.15 degrees relative to the ground, and the rear wall defining an angle of 84.85 degrees with the ground.

[0055] The support member 30 may include a drive member, such as wheels or tracks, for transporting the tire loading apparatus 10. Additionally or alternatively, the support member 30 may include a coupling element for coupling the support member 30 to an external drive member, such as a forklift. Coupling the support member 30 to a forklift may allow the carrier element 20 to be further tilted.

[0056] Each of the side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 may comprise a plurality of panels, e.g. Figure 7 Plates 8a - 8j are shown. The plates 8a - 8j are connected together in a linear arrangement but with spaces between them to provide weight savings to the carrier element 20.

[0057] For example, Figure 7 As can also be seen in the figure, the side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 may have rolling elements (such as bearings) 9 embedded therein. This means that at least the inner faces of the side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 comprise sliding elements for reducing the traction between the inner surface of the side panels and the tire held in the carrier element 20.

[0058] The rear wall 5 of the carrier element may be sized and shaped to correspond substantially to the interior cross-sectional dimensions of the trailer.

[0059] The control of the scissor mechanism 40 and optionally the linear actuator 51 driving the movement of the side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 can be performed by a control unit 60 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 If the support member 30 is coupled to a forklift, the control unit may alternatively reside in the forklift.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 8 A method for loading a stack of tires is described.

[0061] At step 100 , the plurality of side panels 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 are extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 5 until the plurality of side panels 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 reach an extended position and the volume accommodated by the carrier element 20 has a depth D=d1 substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 5 .

[0062] At step 200, tires are stacked by manual or automated means into the volume defined by the carrier element 20. The tires may be stacked in a herringbone configuration.

[0063] At step 300, the tire loading apparatus is driven to a loading location. The tire loading apparatus 10 may be driven by a drive member of the carrier element 20, or by an external drive member coupled to the carrier element, such as a forklift. The loading location may be a storage compartment of a truck.

[0064] At step 400 , the carrier element 20 is positioned so that one or more rows of tires are sandwiched between the wall of the loading position and the rear wall 5 of the carrier element 20 , or between a previously loaded tire stack in the loading position and the rear wall 5 of the carrier element 20 .

[0065] At step 500, the plurality of side panels 6, 7, 8, 9 are retracted until the depth D = d0 of the volume. The rear wall remains fixed in place as the plurality of retractable side panels are pulled back to the retracted position. The tire stack is released from the carrier element and deposited onto the floor of the loading position.

[0066] Optionally, step 150 may be performed after step 100 and before step 200. Step 150 includes extending at least one of the side panels 7, 8, 9 to an open position. The side panels 7, 8, 9 are extended in a direction parallel to the plane of the rear wall 5 to increase the width W and / or height H of the volume V.

[0067] Optionally, after step 200 and before step 300, step 250 may be completed. Step 250 involves retracting at least one of the side panels 7, 8, 9 to a closed position, wherein the side panels 7, 8, 9 are retracted in a direction parallel to the plane of the rear wall 5 to reduce the width W and / or height H of the volume V. This compresses the tires held in the tire stack.

[0068] Various modifications to the examples described above may be possible. For example, extending the side panels to increase / decrease the depth D may be actuated by a mechanism other than a scissor mechanism, such as a screw drive, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or the like.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail in conjunction with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, changes, replacements, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the scope of the present invention. Additionally, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various aspects of the present invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tire loading apparatus (10) for carrying and storing a stack of tires, the apparatus comprising: a carrier element (20) for holding the tire stack, the carrier element (20) comprising a rear wall (5), a plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) and a support member (30), wherein each of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) is configured to move relative to the rear wall (5) between an extended position for retaining a tire stack in the carrier element (20) and a retracted position for storing the tire stack from the carrier element (20), wherein the support member (30) is configured to support the carrier element (20), wherein the rear wall (5) is rigidly coupled to the support member (30), and wherein the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) are movably coupled to the support member (30).

2. A tire loading apparatus (10) for carrying and storing a stack of tires, the apparatus comprising: a carrier element (20) for holding the tire stack, the carrier element (20) comprising a rear wall (5) and a plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9), Each of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) is configured to move relative to the rear wall (5) between an extended position for retaining a tire stack in the carrier element (20) and a retracted position for storing the tire stack from the carrier element (20).

3. The tire loading apparatus (10) of claim 2, further comprising a support member (30) configured to support the carrier element (20), wherein the rear wall (5) is rigidly coupled to the support member (30), and wherein the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) are movably coupled to the support member (30).

4. The tire loading apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein each retractable side panel of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) is configured to extend and retract along a linear path.

5. The tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each retractable side panel of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall (5).

6. The tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) are configured to extend and retract substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall (5) to adjust the depth D of the carrier element (20).

7. The tire loading apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) are further configured to compress the tire stack held in the carrier element (20).

8. The tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of retractable side panels comprises a lower panel (6), a first side panel (7) and a second side panel (8), and the first side panel (6) is opposite the second side panel (7).

9. The tire loading apparatus (10) of claim 8, wherein the first side panel (7) and the second side panel (7) are separated by a width W, and at least one of the first side panel (7) and the second side panel (8) is configured to move relative to the rear wall (5) to increase or decrease the width W.

10. The tire loading apparatus (10) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) includes an upper panel (9) opposite the lower panel (6), the upper panel being separated from the lower panel (6) by a height H, and wherein the upper panel (9) is configured to move relative to the rear wall (5) to increase or decrease the height H.

11. A tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the support member (30) comprises a tilting mechanism configured to tilt the carrier element (20) such that the plane of the rear wall (5) is tilted rearwardly to define an angle of less than 90° with the ground.

12. The tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the support member (30) comprises a drive member for transport of the tire loading apparatus (10), and / or wherein the support member (30) comprises a coupling element for coupling the tire loading apparatus (10) to an external drive member.

13. The tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each retractable side panel of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) comprises a plurality of retractable plates.

14. The tire loading apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more (or each) of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) comprises a sliding element for reducing traction between a surface of the retractable side panel and the tire stack, wherein the sliding element comprises a plurality of rolling members located at an inner surface of one or more (or each) of the plurality of retractable side panels.

15. Tire loading apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more actuators arranged to drive movement of the retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) between the extended position and the retracted position.

16. A method for loading a stack of tires using the tire loading apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim, the method comprising: Step 100: Extend each of the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) to an extended position; Step 200: stacking one or more rows of tires into the carrier element (20); Step 300: driving the tire loading device (10) to a loading position; Step 400: Positioning the carrier element (20) so that the row or rows of tires are sandwiched between the wall of the loading position and the rear wall (5) of the carrier element (20), or between a previously loaded tire stack in the loading position and the rear wall (5) of the carrier element (20); as well as Step 500: Retracting the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) to a retracted position to store the one or more rows of tires in the stowed position.

17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: After step 100 and before step 200: Step 150: Opening the plurality of retractable side panels (6, 7, 8, 9) to an open position; and after step 200 and before step 300: Step 250: Closing the side panels to compress the one or more rows of tires.

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