Device for lifting at least one flat cement-based material reinforced product

Abstract

An apparatus for lifting at least one (e.g., one) flat cement-based material reinforced product comprising a plurality of openings is provided. The device includes a hoisting frame adapted to be secured to a hoisting device. The hoisting frame comprises support members each having at least one support surface adapted to support at least one flat cementitious material reinforcement product, each of the support members being positioned such that when the hoisting frame rests on the at least one flat cementitious material reinforcement product, the at least one flat cementitious material reinforcement product is supported by the at least one flat cementitious material reinforcement product. Each support member is located in or above a respective opening. The support member is configured to perform at least a first movement and a second movement, the first movement being a movement in a first direction towards, in or into the opening of the at least one flat cement-based material reinforcement product. The second movement is a movement for positioning the support surface of the support member below the at least one flat cementitious material reinforced product such that the support member supports the at least one flat cementitious material reinforced product during lifting of the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for lifting at least one flat cementitious material reinforced product and a method for moving the flat cementitious material reinforced product. Background Technology

[0002] For example, hardened cement-based materials such as concrete screed and mortar can withstand high compressive stress but not an equivalent amount of tensile stress. In other words, the compressive strength of cement-based materials is much higher than their tensile strength, making them unsuitable for structures where the stress is proportionally distributed between tensile and compressive stresses.

[0003] However, to make cement-based materials suitable for such structures, they are often combined with reinforcing products (usually metal rods, also known as reinforcing bars) whose coefficient of thermal expansion is almost the same as that of the cement-based material. This combined material is called reinforced cement-based material, such as reinforced concrete, and can withstand both high compressive and high tensile forces.

[0004] Cement-based materials are typically reinforced on-site or in a workshop. On-site or in a workshop, uncured (e.g., liquid) cement-based materials are combined with reinforcing materials, embedding the reinforcing materials within the uncured cement-based materials. Following this, the cement-based materials are cured. Therefore, reinforcement of cement-based materials can be done on-site, such as at a construction site, where reinforcing bars are temporarily fabricated by operators according to measurements by cutting and bending them. However, this is a time-consuming operation, so reinforcements are often prefabricated in a workshop and then transported to the construction site.

[0005] Cement-based reinforced products can be prefabricated, for example, as steel-reinforced mesh. This is a metal rod mesh in which a first set of parallel rods forms a plane, and a second set of parallel rods is permanently fastened to the top of the first set, wherein the orientation of the first set is different from that of the second set. This permanent fastening consists of, for example, welded joints.

[0006] Because cement-based reinforced products are typically manufactured at locations different from the construction site where they will be used as reinforcements, their maximum size is limited for transportability reasons, and they are usually supplied as flat cement-based reinforced products. For efficient transport of these flat cement-based reinforced products, they are stacked, and the entire stack is transported to the construction site. At the construction site, each flat cement-based reinforced product is then individually removed from the stack and moved to its intended location for reinforcing cement-based materials. Lifting devices and equipment capable of lifting one or more of these flat concrete reinforced products are required.

[0007] Example of such a lifting device or lifting apparatus is disclosed in BE1027413B1. The device is adapted to lift a flat cement-based reinforced product supported by a lifting frame. The lifting frame includes a plurality of support members, each having at least one support surface adapted to support the flat cement-based reinforced product. Each support member is positioned such that when the lifting frame rests on the flat cement-based reinforced product, the support member is located in a corresponding opening (and can move below the lower surface of the flat cement-based reinforced product).

[0008] However, stacked flat cement-reinforced products may not always be perfectly stacked, and they sometimes tend to bend during stacking, causing their sides to fold upwards or downwards. To flatten the stacked flat cement-reinforced products, a force can be applied in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the topmost flat cement-reinforced product in the stack. However, prior art equipment may not always be able to apply these forces sufficiently, for example, by its own weight (when the lifting frame is lifted by a crane, etc.), or be able to be propelled by a lifting device such as an excavator (e.g., a bulldozer) or a lifting device (e.g., a forklift). Thus, in some cases, positioning the support surface of the support member below the flat cement-reinforced product may not always be feasible, reliable, and / or consistent. When prior art equipment is to grasp flat cement-reinforced products from a stack, a disadvantage of the equipment is that the flat cement-reinforced products may deviate from their flat or planar shape.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a device for safely and efficiently lifting one or more flat cement-based reinforced products from a stack, wherein one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above are eliminated. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for lifting at least one (preferably only one) flat cementitious reinforced product.

[0011] The apparatus for lifting at least one (e.g., one) flat cementitious reinforced product comprising multiple openings includes a lifting frame adapted to be fixed to a lifting device. The lifting frame includes support members, each having at least one support surface adapted to support at least one flat cementitious reinforced product. Each support member is positioned such that when the lifting frame rests on the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product, each support member is located in or above a corresponding opening. The support members are configured to perform at least a first movement and a second movement. The first movement is a movement in a first direction toward, within, or into an opening of the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product. The second movement is a movement for positioning the support surface of the support member below the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product, such that during lifting by the apparatus, the support member supports at least one flat cementitious reinforced product.

[0012] Within the scope of this invention, a hoist or hoisting device will be understood as a device capable of lifting and carrying a heavy object connected to the hoisting device. Hoisting devices include tower cranes (such as luffing tower cranes), crawler cranes, telescopic cranes, mobile or stationary cranes, truck cranes, lattice jib cranes, and any other similar cranes, clacks, forklifts, or excavators (such as bulldozers).

[0013] Within the scope of this invention, cement-based products and / or materials refer to products in which cement acts as a binder, namely hydraulic cement (such as Portland cement, a mixture of calcium, silica, alumina, and iron oxide), non-hydraulic cement, auxiliary cementitious materials (SCMs, such as slag and fly ash), or a combination of one or more of the above, thereby binding aggregates such as stones, sand, and gravel. Examples of cement-based products and / or materials are particularly concrete, leveling layers, mortars, and grouts.

[0014] During the first movement, the support member is positioned in the opening, such that the support surface extends sufficiently through the opening to contact the underside of the flat cementitious reinforced product after the support member makes its second movement. During the second movement, the support surface slides or rotates beyond the edge of the opening below the underside of the flat cementitious reinforced product. When the device is lifted, the support surface contacts and supports the underside of the flat cementitious reinforced product, causing the flat cementitious reinforced product to move with the device.

[0015] Within the scope of this invention, when referring to the lower side of a flat cementitious reinforced product, it means the side of the product oriented away from the lifting device to which the equipment is connected. The opposite side of the lower side is indicated as the upper side. Typically, the lower side is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the upper side is oriented upward in the vertical direction.

[0016] The device includes multiple support components; for example, it may include 2, 3, 4, or even more support components, such as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 support components. The support components are preferably positioned to form the vertices of a polygon. Most preferably, the device includes 3 to 6 support components. Preferably, at least 3 of the support components are positioned to form the vertices of a triangle. More preferably, at least 4 of the support components are positioned to form the vertices of a rectangle or square. Additional support components may be positioned along the edges of the polygon, for example, at approximately half the length of one edge of the polygon.

[0017] Typically, the distance between adjacent support members ranges from 1 m to 12 m. According to some embodiments, the distance between the support members can be adjustable. For example, the distance between adjacent support members is approximately 2480 mm to approximately 2780 mm, and can be adjusted within this range. This distance between the support members can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the flat cementitious reinforced product to be supported. Preferably, the distance between the support members is in the range of approximately one-half to approximately two-thirds of the distance between the two edges of the flat cementitious reinforced product, measured in the same direction as the direction between the two support members.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the device may include at least four support members, at least three of which are positioned such that they are located at the vertices of a polygon.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the device includes four support members positioned to form the four vertices of a rectangle (optionally a square).

[0020] Most preferably, the device includes at least four support members positioned at the vertices of a rectangle or square. In the case of a flat cement-based reinforced product having a generally rectangular outer edge, such as in the case of a concrete reinforcing mesh (also known as a steel mesh or reinforcing steel strip, comprising reinforcing bars intersecting each other at right angles and defining mesh openings of generally uniform size), the long sides of the rectangle defined by the four support members are generally parallel, for example, parallel to the long side of the outer edge of the steel mesh, and the short sides of the rectangle defined by the four support members are generally parallel, for example, parallel to the short side of the outer edge of the steel mesh.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the support member may include a boundary perpendicular to one side of its corresponding support surface. The support surface may be a planar surface, particularly when the second movement is a translational movement. The support surface may slide below the lower surface of the flat cementitious reinforced product. Alternatively, the support surface may be a planar surface or a curved surface, particularly when the second movement is a rotational movement. The support surface may rotate until it contacts the lower surface of the flat cementitious reinforced product.

[0022] In the case where the flat cementitious reinforcement product is a steel reinforcing mesh, the support surface can slide or rotate such that it contacts the underside of the surface of one of the reinforcing bars in one of two directions present in the mesh. The support surface can slide or rotate such that the foremost point of the support surface extends beyond the side of the contacted and supported bar or reinforcing bar, which is oriented away from the support member. The support member may also include an interlocking element configured to lock the support bar onto the support surface. The interlocking element may include a closing pin positioned optionally perpendicular to the support surface and configured to close the opening where the support bar of the support member is located.

[0023] The support members may include one or more pairs of support members. A first movement of the two support members in a pair is a translational movement in the same first direction with the same sense. A second movement of the two support members in a pair is a translational movement in the same second direction but with opposite senses. This second translation can cause a force to be applied in a direction coplanar with the plane of the flat cementitious reinforced product when the support member contacts not only the lower surface of the flat cementitious reinforced product but also the edge of the opening in the flat cementitious reinforced product (e.g., the side of the mesh opening where the reinforcing bar forming support member is located). When using this pair of support members, and each of the two support members contacts the edge of the opening where it is located, the opposing forces can tighten the flat cementitious reinforced product between the support members and can flatten or stretch the flat cementitious reinforced product during lifting.

[0024] Generally, the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention has the advantage that it can lift one (or optionally more than one) flat cement-based reinforced product from the stack even when the stack of flat cement-based reinforced products is not stacked sufficiently properly. The stack of flat cement-based reinforced products, such as steel reinforcing mesh, may have a tendency to bend to some extent, with one side bent downwards or upwards. Therefore, the flat cement-based reinforced products can be positioned in a more curved manner.

[0025] When the device is positioned on the upper surface of a flat cementitious reinforced product, and when it is loosely connected to a lifting device—for example, when lifted by a tower crane (such as a luffing tower crane), crawler crane, telescopic crane, mobile or stationary crane, truck crane, lattice jib crane, and any other similar crane—the device may not adequately compress the flat cementitious reinforced product into its planar shape. Similarly, when the device is rigidly connected to a lifting device (e.g., connected to a spreader, forklift, or excavator), the lifting device may not always be able to apply a force large enough to adequately compress the upper surface of the flat cementitious reinforced product into its planar shape. A support member capable of at least two movements is provided, allowing the device to adequately lower or raise the support member to bring the support surface to a position relative to the lower surface of the flat cementitious reinforced product, such that the support surface can contact the lower surface by a second movement, even when the flat cementitious reinforced product is excessively bent.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the first movement may be a translational movement in a first direction into the opening.

[0027] The first direction may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the flat cementitious material reinforced product.

[0028] The length of displacement of the support member during this first movement is preferably in the range of 120 mm to 250 mm, for example, in the range of 125 mm to 175 mm, such as about 150 mm. This length can be divided into a displacement segment above the nominal plane of the flat cementitious reinforced product and a displacement segment below the nominal plane of the flat cementitious reinforced product. The segment above the nominal plane can be in the range of 10 mm to 75 mm, for example, in the range of 25 mm to 75 mm, such as about 50 mm; while the segment below the nominal plane can be in the range of 75 mm to 150 mm, for example, in the range of 80 mm to 115 mm, such as about 100 mm.

[0029] The nominal plane of a flat cementitious reinforced product is an imaginary plane, parallel to the plane containing the upper and lower surfaces of the flat cementitious reinforced product, and located at half the thickness of the flat cementitious reinforced product.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the second movement may be a translational movement toward the edge of the opening in a second direction.

[0031] The second direction can be parallel or substantially parallel to the plane defined by the flat cementitious material reinforced product. The length of displacement of the support member in this second movement is preferably in the range of 20 mm to 300 mm, for example, in the range of 50 mm to 250 mm, and as an example, in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm, such as about 150 mm.

[0032] Optionally, the support members may each have a first support surface and a second support surface, both adapted to support at least one flat cementitious reinforced product. Both support surfaces are adapted to be brought under the flat cementitious reinforced product by movement in a second direction, but with different (optionally opposite) orientations. According to some embodiments, the second movement may be a rotational movement about an axis oriented upward in a third direction. Both support surfaces are adapted to be brought under the flat cementitious reinforced product by movement that may be a rotation in the same direction in the second direction. Optionally, when the first movement is a translational movement into an opening in the first direction, the third direction may be the same as or parallel to the first direction.

[0033] Optionally, the support members may each have a first support surface and a second support surface, both of which are adapted to support at least one flat cementitious reinforced product, and both support surfaces are adapted to be brought under the flat cementitious reinforced product by the movement in the second direction.

[0034] The support member can thus rotate between a first rotational position about the axis and a second rotational position about the axis. In the first rotational position, the support surfaces do not contact the edge of the opening to which they are brought or positioned, and in the second rotational position, the support surfaces each contact the edge of the opening to which they are brought or positioned. The rotation angle of the support surface in this second movement is preferably in the range of 10° to 75°, such as in the range of 25° to 64°, for example, about 45°.

[0035] Optionally, the third direction can form an angle with the first direction, for example, an angle of approximately 90°.

[0036] Optionally, when the first movement is a translational movement into the opening in the first direction, the third direction may be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0037] It is possible that the support component can be adapted to perform the same first movement, or perform the first movement in the same direction but possibly in different directions.

[0038] The support components can be adapted to perform the first movement synchronously.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the support components can be adapted to perform the first movement independently of each other.

[0040] Therefore, the support component can be adapted to perform its first movement at different times, in different directions, with different orientations and / or over different distances of movement.

[0041] It is possible that the support component can be adapted to perform the same second movement, or perform the second movement in the same direction but possibly in a different orientation.

[0042] The support components can be adapted to perform the second movement synchronously.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the support components can be adapted to perform a second movement independently of each other.

[0044] Therefore, the support component can be adapted to perform its second movement at different times, in different directions, with different orientations and / or over different distances of movement.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the device may include a first actuator for performing the first movement and a second actuator for performing the second movement. The actuator may be an electric actuator (such as an electric motor), a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, or any other suitable type of actuator known in the art. Preferably, the actuator is a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. Possibly, the first and second actuators may be hydraulic actuators that operate independently of each other.

[0046] Within the scope of this invention, flat cementitious material reinforced products are understood to be reinforced products suitable for incorporation into cementitious material structures to enhance the cementitious material structure after hardening. The term "flat" means that the product is generally defined by a plane and is intended to be used in that planar shape, although when used (e.g., when lifted), the product may bend (e.g., under its own weight) to form a curved surface.

[0047] Preferably, the flat cementitious material reinforcement product is a steel product. More preferably, the flat cementitious material reinforcement product is a steel mesh, also known as steel reinforced mesh or concrete reinforced mesh.

[0048] Such steel reinforced mesh is a grid of metal rods (also known as reinforcing bars) in which a first set of parallel rods forms a plane, and a second set of parallel rods is permanently fastened to the top of this plane, with the orientation of the first set differing from that of the second set. These rods typically intersect at right angles. This permanent fastening is achieved, for example, by welded joints. This creates openings in the mesh. The distance between adjacent rods within a set is typically uniform on the surface of the steel reinforced mesh. The distance between adjacent rods within each set is usually the same.

[0049] Depending on how the steel reinforcing mesh is manufactured, it can be set up with square, rectangular, or diamond-shaped meshes. Typically, for example, the steel reinforcing mesh consists of rods of the same diameter in each direction, spaced evenly apart in a plane, and perpendicular to each other in each direction. Square meshes are typical, but other combinations are also possible.

[0050] The diameter of the rods typically ranges from 3 mm to 50 mm, such as from 3 mm to 25 mm, or for example, from 6 mm to 12 mm. The diameter of the rods is generally consistent for all rods used to install the steel-reinforced mesh.

[0051] The apparatus according to the invention is suitable for lifting at least one flat cementitious reinforced product at a time, although it may be suitable for lifting more than one (e.g., two, three, or even more) flat cementitious reinforced products simultaneously. Clearly, in order to lift more than one flat cementitious reinforced product, the openings in the flat cementitious reinforced products will be aligned such that each support member of the support structure can be positioned such that when the lifting frame rests on top of more than one flat cementitious reinforced product, each support member is located in or above a corresponding series of aligned openings, which are aligned in the first direction of movement.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the device may include one or more contact devices configured to be fixed to a lifting frame such that the lifting frame is rested on the flat cementitious reinforced product by means of the contact devices before the support member performs the first movement. According to some embodiments, at least one dimension of the contact device prevents the contact device from passing through or entering an opening in the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the device may also include one or more contact devices, such as base plates or pressure plates, or base beams or pressure beams, which are configured to be fixed to a lifting frame such that the lifting frame rests on the flat cementitious reinforced product or multiple flat cementitious reinforced products solely by means of the contact devices (such as base plates or pressure plates). At least one dimension of the contact device prevents the contact device from passing through an opening in the flat cementitious reinforced product. The height of the contact device (such as one or more base plates) may be adjustable, such that the distance between the lower side of the contact device (such as one or more plates) and the upper side of the support surface is adjusted and set according to the thickness of the flat cementitious reinforced product. The device may include multiple contact devices, most preferably as many as the number of support members. The contact devices may be positioned adjacent to the support members, preferably one contact device adjacent to each of the support members. Each contact device may be located between two support members, and preferably closer to one of the two support members. Each contact device may be located between two support members such that the two support members and the contact device are collinear.

[0054] Each contact device can be positioned adjacent to the support member, such that the second movement of the support member is guided away from the contact device.

[0055] This positioning between the support member and the base plate allows the flat cement-based reinforced product to flatten near the opening, into which the support member is positioned by the necessary movement. This flattening action causes the flat cement-based reinforced product to flatten in a second direction of movement. Once lifted, this causes the flat cement-based reinforced product to tilt and move in the opposite direction toward the support member, which further ensures a more secure and reliable positioning of the flat cement-based reinforced product on the support member.

[0056] By using a leveling effect, the distance of the first movement of the support component can be reduced to a certain extent, thereby increasing the operating speed of the equipment, because the time required for the support component to move is reduced.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the lifting frame may include two parallel side beams connected by a connecting beam, each of the two parallel side beams including a support member at each end. The lifting frame may include a coupling for attachment to a lifting device. The coupling may be configured to rigidly connect the lifting frame to the lifting device or loosely suspend the lifting frame to the lifting device.

[0058] The equipment (specifically, the first and second movements) can be controlled to support and lift at least one (e.g., only one) flat cement-based reinforced product. These movements can be manually controlled by an operator who can signal the movement to a control unit that is part of the equipment or a control unit to which the equipment is connected. Signaling can be accomplished via wired communication between the control unit and the controller, or wirelessly via a remote control that provides radio commands or coded signals to the control unit. Control can also be semi-automatic or automatic, using appropriate sensors to control, for example, the movement of the support surface in detail, or to provide overall control of the support components.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the invention, a lifting device is provided, which includes equipment according to a first aspect of the invention. The lifting device or hoist can be a tower crane (e.g., a luffing tower crane), a crawler crane, a telescopic crane, a mobile or stationary crane, a truck crane, a lattice jib crane, and any other similar crane. For such a lifting device, the lifting frame is preferably loosely suspended to the lifting device. Similarly, other lifting devices or equipment, such as lifting tools, forklifts, or excavators, can be used. For such a hoist, the lifting frame is preferably rigidly connected to the lifting device.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for moving a flat cementitious material reinforced product is provided. The method includes the following steps:

[0061] 1) Provide stacking of flat cementitious reinforced products;

[0062] 2) Provide

[0063] a) The device according to the first aspect of the invention and connecting the device to the lifting device, or

[0064] b) A lifting device according to the second aspect of the invention;

[0065] 3) Bring the device into contact with the upper surface of the upper layer of flat cementitious reinforced products in the stack of flat cementitious reinforced products;

[0066] 4) Adjust the position of some or all of the support components by performing the first movement;

[0067] 5) Perform a second movement on some or all of the supporting components;

[0068] 6) While the equipment is supporting at least the upper flat cement-based reinforced product, the equipment is lifted.

[0069] The lifting device can move the lifted equipment to a position on the construction site, the equipment supporting at least the upper flat cement-based reinforced product and optionally more than one flat cement-based reinforced product. The lifting device can lower the equipment and the lifted flat cement-based reinforced product and release the lifted flat cement-based reinforced product, preferably when the equipment is placed on the ground level of the construction site.

[0070] Therefore, according to some embodiments, the method may further include the following steps:

[0071] 7) Move the lifted equipment to its designated location on the construction site;

[0072] 8) Lower the equipment and release the lifted, flat cementitious reinforced product;

[0073] 9) Lift the equipment and move it back to the remaining portion of the flat cementitious reinforced product stack;

[0074] 10) Bring the device into contact with the upper surface of the upper layer of flat cementitious reinforced products in a stack of flat cementitious reinforced products;

[0075] 11) Optionally, the position of some or all of the support components can be adjusted by making the first movement;

[0076] 12) A second movement is made for some or all of the supporting components;

[0077] 13) While the equipment is supporting at least the upper flat cement-based reinforced product, the equipment is lifted;

[0078] 14) Optionally, repeat steps 7 to 13 until all flat cement-based reinforced products or stacks of flat cement-based reinforced products have been moved. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An apparatus for lifting flat cementitious reinforced products from a stack of flat cementitious reinforced products is illustrated schematically.

[0080] Figures 4a to 4c The illustrations depict support components at three different stages of the lifting operation of the device according to the invention.

[0081] Figure 5 Details of alternative support components of the device according to the invention are illustrated schematically.

[0082] Figure 6a and Figure 6b , Figure 7a and Figure 7b , Figure 8a and Figure 8b as well as Figure 9a and Figure 9b Details of the alternative support components of the device according to the invention are shown.

[0083] In different figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Figure 1 The diagram shows an apparatus 100 for lifting flat cementitious reinforced products 900 from a stack 902 of flat cementitious reinforced products. The apparatus 100 rests on the stack 902 of flat cementitious reinforced products, which in this example is a stack of steel mesh. Figure 2 Device 100 is shown in the same location, with the exterior of protective plate 111 removed. Figure 3 In the image, only the upper flat cement-based material reinforced product 900 is shown, thus showing the upper steel mesh. Figure 3 The flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 is shown being held or supported by the device 100 when it is placed on the stack 902, or during the lifting and movement of the flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 by the device 100.

[0085] like Figure 3 As can be seen, the flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 includes a plurality of openings 901 that serve as mesh openings of a steel reinforcement mesh.

[0086] The device 100 includes a lifting frame 110 adapted to be secured to a lifting device (not shown) by means of a coupling 130. The coupling may be adapted to attach the frame to the lifting device in a locking or fixed manner. In these embodiments, the lifting device is preferably a mobile device having an arm to which the device is locked, the arm being fully controllable in at least two or more dimensions (e.g., three dimensions) during its movement. Examples of such mobile devices are bulldozers or other excavators, or forklifts, etc. The device 100, connected to the lifting device, can be moved by moving the arm and can even be rotated in a controlled manner about the coupling 130. Alternatively, the coupling 130 may be adapted to attach the frame to the lifting device in a loosely suspended manner, for example, while suspended on the load line of a crane.

[0087] In this embodiment, the lifting frame 110 includes lateral beams 141 that are connected to connecting beams (such as crossbeams 142 and / or diagonal beams 145). Together, these beams form a robust, rigid frame 110 capable of withstanding the load of the flat cement-based reinforced product 900 to be lifted, its own weight, and the weight of other components of the equipment 100.

[0088] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c The figures show more details of the device 100 at different intermediate positions during the pickup of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900. As shown in these three figures, the frame 110 can contact and rest on the upper surface 905 of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 by means of a contact device (base plate 143 in this example). Figure 5 The frame is shown in Figure 4b At the same location, the frame includes adjustable contact devices, in this example an adjustable base plate 144, the lower surface of which (for contacting the flat cementitious reinforced product 900) is height-adjustable with reference to other parts of the frame 110. There are as many contact devices as there are support members. Adjacent to each support member is a base plate, oriented such that it is collinear with the line connecting two adjacent support members. The proximity of the support member to the base plate causes the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 to flatten near the opening into which the support member is positioned by its required movement. Thus, the distance the support member needs to travel can be reduced to some extent.

[0089] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device 100 in this embodiment includes four support components (101, 102, 103, and 104), which are identical provided they can be mirror images of each other. Details of support component 101, which serves as an example of these four support components, are provided in... Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, these four support components are positioned at the vertices of a rectangle whose sides are parallel to the outer edge of the rectangle of the flat cement-based reinforced product 900.

[0090] Each of the four substantially identical support members in this embodiment has a support surface 120 located on the underside of the movable support device 205 (e.g., a rod or finger). Figure 4c As shown, the support surface 120 is adapted to support the flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 by means of a steel bar in the support reinforcement at the lower side 906 of the steel mesh.

[0091] Each of the support members (101-104) is positioned such that, Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 5 As shown, when the lifting frame rests on the flat cement-based reinforced product 900, each support member (101-104) is located in or above the corresponding opening 901. In this embodiment, each support member (101-104) is located in or above the mesh opening. To enable the device to lift different types of flat cement-based reinforced products 900 with different mesh opening sizes and / or rebar diameters, such as different types of rebar mesh, the distance between the support members (101-104) can be set to be adjustable, for example, by adjusting the position of the support members (101-104) on the frame 110, or by using a frame with adjustable beams.

[0092] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the support members (101-104) are configured to perform a first movement, which is a translation in a first direction 210, thereby allowing the support surface 120 located at one end of the movable bearing device 205 to move within or into the opening 901. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, in order to move the position of the support surface 120 from Figure 4a The position shown has changed to Figure 4b As shown, actuator 216 can move the support surface downward together with the movable bearing device 205 and the second actuator 225 according to translation, such that the support surface is brought through opening 901 to the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900. In this embodiment, the actuator includes a hydraulic piston 216 that presses against the upper side of actuator 225. Translation is guided by two guide units 217, each located on one side of piston 216 and parallel to piston 216. Each guide unit 217 includes a guide shaft 218 that slides through a fixed bearing seat 219.

[0093] like Figure 4b and Figure 4c As shown, the support members (101-104) are configured to perform a second movement, which is a movement in the second direction 220, whereby the support surface 120, which extends through the opening 901 and thus exists below the lower side 906 of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900, can move in the opening 901 toward the edge of the opening 901.

[0094] like Figure 4b and Figure 4c As shown, in order to move the position of the support surface 120 from Figure 4bThe position shown has changed to Figure 4c As shown, actuator 226 can laterally move the support surface and movable support device 205 together according to translation, such that the support surface is brought below the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900, and in this embodiment, below the reinforcing bar defining the edge of the opening. In this embodiment, the actuator includes a hydraulic piston 226 that laterally presses the movable support device 205 (e.g., a finger). Translation is guided by two guide units 227, each located on one side of piston 226 and parallel to piston 226. Each guide unit 227 includes a guide shaft 228 that slides through a fixed bearing seat 229.

[0095] Since the supporting surface will contact the lower side of the flat cement-based reinforced product 900, the supporting components (101-104) support the flat cement-based reinforced product during the lifting of the device. The flat cement-based reinforced product 900 is taken up together with the device. The device can be lifted to separate the uppermost flat cement-based reinforced product 900 from the stack 902, and the lifted flat cement-based reinforced product 900 can be moved to different positions on the construction site, where the device can be lowered to a position where the flat cement-based reinforced product 900 is placed on the ground. The device can continuously perform a second movement and a first movement in opposite directions, whereby the flat cement-based reinforced product 900 is detached from and no longer supported by the supporting surface 120 of the device. The device can be moved back to the stack 902 of flat cement-based reinforced products 900, where the process is repeated. Figures 4a to 4c The steps shown are for lifting the next flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 from the stack 902.

[0096] Alternatively, perform as follows Figures 4a to 4cThe steps shown are for lifting and moving a first flat cementitious reinforced product 900 from a stack 902 of flat cementitious reinforced products 900. The device can be lifted to distinguish the uppermost flat cementitious reinforced product 900 from the stack 902, and the lifted flat cementitious reinforced product 900 can be moved to different locations on the construction site where the device can be lowered to a position where the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 is placed on the ground. Now, the device can perform a second movement in the opposite direction, whereby the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 is detached from and no longer supported by the device's support surface 120. The device can then be moved back to the stack 902 of flat cementitious reinforced products 900. By not performing the first movement, the device can be positioned and placed to contact the next uppermost flat cementitious reinforced product 900 from the stack 902, while the support surface 120 may have extended through the opening and can be positioned as follows: Figure 4b The position is shown. Further first movement to adjust the position of the support surface 120 can only be made if the support surface 120 is not yet at the proper height. Once the position is correct, a second movement can be made, and as described above, the next topmost flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 is lifted and moved from the stack 902.

[0097] exist Figure 6a and Figure 6b In this paper, an alternative embodiment is shown for the movable support device 205, which has a support surface 120 at its outer end. Figure 7a and Figure 7b The following are shown respectively Figure 6a and Figure 6b A side view of the situation. The finger-like elements here function as hooks. Similar to... Figure 4a As shown, the frame is brought into contact with the upper side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900. The position of the movable support device 205, and thus the position of the support surface 120, is initially adjusted by a first movement, which is a translation in the direction 210 toward the opening 901. Once the desired position is reached, the movable finger makes a second movement, which is a rotation about axis 221, thereby rotating the support surface toward the edge of the opening 901 and bringing it below the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900. In this embodiment, the support surface is brought below the reinforcing bar defining the edge of the opening. Similarly, as for... Figures 4a to 4c As illustrated in the relevant embodiments, the device can lift the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 and can take similar continuous movements and steps to move the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 and optionally lift the next flat cementitious reinforced product 900.

[0098] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Details of another alternative support component are shown. Each support component includes two parallel movable fingers 2005 and 2015, each movable finger having a support surface 1020 at its outer end. The frame is brought into contact with the upper side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900, similarly as... Figure 4a As shown. The positions of the movable fingers 2005 and 2015 allow the support surface 1020 to fit into the opening 901. By making a first movement, which is a translation in direction 210 toward and into the opening 901, the support surface 1020 is brought to a position below the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900. Once the desired position is reached, the movable fingers make a second movement, which is a translation in direction 220. Each support surface moves toward the edge to which it is oriented. Thus, the second movements, which are all translations in direction 220, are performed in opposite directions. The support surface is brought below the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900, and in this embodiment, the support surface is brought below the reinforcing bar defining the edge of the opening, as shown. Figure 8b As shown. Similarly, as for... Figures 4a to 4c As illustrated in the relevant embodiments, the device can lift the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 and can take similar continuous movements and steps to move the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 and optionally lift the next flat cementitious reinforced product 900.

[0099] Specifically, when the flat cementitious material reinforced product 900 is a steel mesh, a set of two fingers 2005 and 2015 can be rotatably installed, thereby allowing them to rotate at least 90° about axis 300. In this way, the two surfaces 1020 of the fingers 2005 and 2015 can be brought into contact with the underside of the steel reinforcement in either of the two directions in which the steel reinforcement exists within the steel mesh is located.

[0100] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Details of the alternative support components are shown. Each support component includes a movable finger 2025, which has two opposing support surfaces 1022 at its outer end. The frame is brought into contact with the upper side of the flat cementitious reinforced product 900, similarly as... Figure 4aAs shown. The position of the movable finger 2025 allows the support surface 1022 to fit into the opening 901. By making a first movement, which is a translation in direction 210 toward and into the opening 901, the support surface 1022 is brought to a position below the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforcement product 900. Once the desired position is reached, the movable finger makes a second movement, which is a rotation about 45° about axis 300 in direction 301. In this way, the two support surfaces 1022 can be brought into contact with the lower side of the reinforcing bar defining a portion of the edge of the opening 901. By adjusting the position of the support surfaces below the lower side of the flat cementitious reinforcement product 900 during the first movement, and by adjusting the direction of rotation during the second movement, the two surfaces 1020 of the finger 2025 can be brought into contact with the lower side of the reinforcing bar in either of the two directions in which the reinforcing bar exists in the reinforcing mesh.

[0101] Similarly, such as for those related to Figures 4a to 4c As illustrated in the relevant embodiments, the device can lift the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 and can take similar continuous movements and steps to move the flat cementitious reinforced product 900 and optionally lift the next flat cementitious reinforced product 900.

[0102] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments of the invention should therefore be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Therefore, all changes falling within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are intended to be included within the meaning and equivalence of the claims. In other words, it is contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic intrinsic principles and whose fundamental attributes are claimed in this patent application. Furthermore, the reader of this patent application will also understand that the word "comprising / comprise" does not exclude other components or steps, the word "a / an" does not exclude a plurality, and a single component can perform the functions of several means recited in the claims. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the corresponding claims. When used in the description or claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "a," "b," "c," etc., are introduced to distinguish similar components or steps and do not necessarily indicate a descriptive order or sequence. Similarly, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., are introduced for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily indicate relative positions. It will be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention can operate in a different order or orientation than described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for lifting at least one flat cementitious reinforced product (900), the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product (900) including a plurality of openings (901), the apparatus (100) including a lifting frame (110) adapted to be fixed to a lifting device, the lifting frame including support members (101-104), each support member having at least one support surface (120), the at least one support surface (120) adapted to support at least one flat cementitious reinforced product, each of the support members being positioned such that when the lifting frame rests on the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product, each support member (101-104)... 4) Located in or above the corresponding opening (901); the support member (101-104) is configured to perform at least a first movement and a second movement, the first movement being a movement in a first direction (210) toward, in or into the opening of the at least one flat cement-based reinforced product, and the second movement being a movement for positioning the support surface of the support member below the at least one flat cement-based reinforced product, such that during the lifting of the device, the support member (101-104) supports the at least one flat cement-based reinforced product.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes one or more contact devices configured to be fixed to the lifting frame such that the lifting frame rests on the flat cement-based reinforced product by means of the contact devices before the support member makes the first movement.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes at least four support components (101-104), at least three of which are positioned such that they are located at the vertices of a polygon.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first movement is a translational movement into the opening in the first direction (210).

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second movement is a translational movement in the second direction (220) toward the edge of the opening.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the support components has a first support surface and a second support surface, both of which are adapted to support at least one flat cementitious reinforced product. Both the first support surface and the second support surface are adapted to be brought under the flat cementitious reinforced product by movement in the second direction but in different, mutually opposite directions.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second movement is a rotational movement about an axis oriented upwards on a third party.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The first movement is a translational movement into the opening in a first direction, wherein the third direction is the same as or parallel to the first direction.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The first movement is a translational movement into the opening in a first direction (210), the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support components are adapted to perform the first movement independently of each other.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support components are adapted to perform the second movement independently of each other.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes a first actuator (215) for performing the first movement and a second actuator (225) for performing the second movement.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first actuator and the second actuator are hydraulic actuators that operate independently of each other.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one dimension of the contact device prevents the contact device from passing through or entering the opening of the at least one flat cementitious reinforced product.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The height of the contact device is adjustable.

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes as many contact components as the support components.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the support components adjacent to the support component is provided with one of the contact devices.

18. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein, Each contact device is located between two support components.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein, Each contact device is located between two support members, and closer to one of the two support members.

20. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein, Each contact device is located between two support members, such that the two support members and the contact device are collinear.

21. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, Each contact device is positioned adjacent to a support member such that a second movement of the support member is guided away from the contact device.

22. A lifting device comprising the equipment according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. A method for moving a flat cementitious material reinforced product, the method comprising the following steps: 1) Providing a stack of the flat cementitious material reinforced products; 2) Provide a) The device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, and connecting the device to the hoisting device, or b) The lifting device according to claim 22; 3) The device is brought into contact with the upper surface of the upper layer of the flat cementitious material reinforced product in the stack of the flat cementitious material reinforced products; 4) Adjust the position of some or all of the support components by performing the first movement; 5) The second movement is performed on some or all of the supporting components; 6) While the equipment is supporting at least the upper flat cement-based reinforced product, the equipment is lifted.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the following step: 7) Move the lifted equipment to its location on the construction site; 8) Lower the device and release the lifted flat cementitious reinforced product; 9) Lift the device and move it back to the remainder of the stack of the flat cementitious reinforced product; 10) Contact the device with the upper surface of the upper layer of the flat cementitious material reinforced product in the stack of the flat cementitious material reinforced products; 11) Optionally, the position of some or all of the support members can be adjusted by performing the first movement; 12) The second movement is performed on some or all of the said support components; 13) While the equipment is supporting at least the upper flat cement-based reinforced product, the equipment is lifted; 14) Optionally, repeat steps 7 to 13 until all the flat cementitious reinforced products or all the flat cementitious reinforced products in the stack of said flat cementitious reinforced products are moved.

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