An apparatus and method for handling bulk materials

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for handing bulk materials, the apparatus comprising a spreader securable to a crane hook, the spreader including a first engagement formation engageable with a container. There is further included a tilting mechanism defined by at least one longitudinally extending member having a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the spreader, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the spreader, an opening being defined between the spreader and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends. The spreader is securable to the crane hook with a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the spreader, and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on the longitudinally extending member and freely moveable between the proximal and distal ends, a sling being located between the ring and the crane hook. The spreader is generally horizontal when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the first high point, and the spreader is angularly inclined when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the second high point.

Description

An apparatus and method for handling bulk materialsTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling bulk materials. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for decanting dry bulk materials from a container. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in other fields of application.Background of the Invention

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Bulk materials such as, scrap metal, woodchips, earth, metal ores, coal, grains, cereals, sand, cement, gravel and salt are often transported in a container and need to be unloaded, often referred to as "decanting" at various locations such as a warehouse, storage yard or a ship's hold. As described herein, the decanting process can be dangerous and is also time consuming and hence labour intensive.

[0004] When bulk materials are transported using containers, the bulk materials are normally loaded onto ships with cranes. The cranes may be either shore based or alternatively ship based. Shore-based cranes have higher lifting capacity and increased productivity, but are expensive to purchase and maintain. In contrast, ship's cranes are more economically competitive, because operators can use three to four cranes during loading and they incur minimal capital costs for the port. However, ship cranes are significantly smaller and have a limited maximum lifting capacity. This dictates that the spreader and any other associated equipment cannot be too heavy, or the amount of bulk material which can be hoisted in a single lift may be significantly reduced.

[0005] Conventional containers for bulk material are often lifted and decanted using chains / slings attached to the crane. To secure the slings to the container, stevedores manually fix the slings to locations at or near the four corners of the container. In practice, two stevedores are normally required to handle the sling placement (one per side). Typically there are two attachment points on each side of the container. At the rear of the container, there is a ring or other such enclosed mounting point which can be secured with a gatedhook of the sling. At the front of the container, there is a slot, or another such formation configured to receive a drop chain having an open hook. When the sling is attached, a worker such as a stevedore typically stands on either side of the container. The worker secures a gated hook to the ring, and places the open hook in the slot. As the sling is hoisted upwardly, the tension in the chain ensures the open hook remains in engagement with the slot.

[0006] The crane then hoists the container to the intended location for decanting.

[0007] Once the container arrives at the intended location for decanting, for example in the hold of a ship, the container lands on a surface and the wire / chain slings with the open hooks are unlocked by gravity, dropping off the container. At the opposing rear end, the chains remain fixed to the rings. The crane operator then luffs the sling, and at this time, only the rear gated hooks are connected to the container. As such, the container rotates, with the rear end raising, while the front initially remains on the ground. The contents of the container are eventually decanted and spill over the front edge of the container into the hold of the ship, or other intended location as the container rotates and the floor of the container moves from horizontal to generally vertical during decanting of the bulk material.

[0008] When the container is withdrawn from the hold of the ship, the container is hanging vertically. This means that before the container can be placed on a truck, for example, the container must first be returned to the ground dockside, and returned to a horizontal orientation. Once the container is horizontal, the stevedores can reattach the front open hooks in the slots before the container can be lifted onto the tray of a truck. This undesirably results in an additional crane lift, and requires the stevedores to again operate in the aforementioned danger zone. Alternatively, the stevedores may disconnect the gated hooks from the rings, decoupling the sling from the container. In this scenario, a fork lift or other quayside vehicle is used to return the empty container to the truck tray. However, this stage is also undesirable, as it requires the operation of additional machinery and personnel, which adds to the bulk material transport costs.

[0009] The unloading, storing and re-handling of bulk materials is costly. Furthermore, the decanting process can be a dangerous and a labour intensive process. One particular issue being that the stevedores that are required to attach the hooks to the containers are working in a potentially dangerous location, beneath the crane, and typically in the vicinity of heavy truck movement.

[0010] Other techniques are available for bulk material decanting and allow automated actuation, such as container rotating devices. However, these devices reduce the capacity of the crane as the equipment is normally very heavy, which reduces the maximum payload of bulk material, as a significant percentage of the crane's maximum capacity is allocated to the weight of the grab, due to the considerable weight of the equipment components such as the motor and oil.Object of the Invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for handing bulk materials, the apparatus comprising: a spreader securable to a crane hook, the spreader including a first engagement formation engageable with a container, a tilting mechanism defined by at least one longitudinally extending member having a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the spreader, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the spreader, an opening being defined between the spreader and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends, the spreader is securable to the crane hook with: a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the spreader; and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on the longitudinally extending member and freely moveable between the proximal and distal ends, a sling being located between the ring and the crane hook, wherein the spreader is generally horizontal when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the first high point, and the spreader is angularly inclined when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the second high point.

[0013] The longitudinally extending member preferably has a generally "M" shaped profile when viewed from a side of the spreader.

[0014] The apparatus preferably comprises two of said longitudinally extending members located side by side and separated by a clearance, each of the longitudinally extending members supporting one of said moveable connections.

[0015] The first engagement formation is preferably defined by a plurality of twistlocks, the twistlocks being selectively engageable with a second engagement formation defined by a plurality of corner castings located on the container.

[0016] The apparatus further preferably comprises a container door manipulating device, the container door manipulating device including a body member adapted to be located adjacent to a portion of a container door, the container door manipulating device being pivotally mounted to the spreader.

[0017] The container door manipulating device is preferably configured to: abut against the container door when the spreader is generally horizontal, and move away from the container door when the spreader is angularly inclined.

[0018] The apparatus further preferably comprises an opening cable extending between the container door manipulating device and the moveable connection, the opening cable being transitioned from a relaxed configuration to a taught configuration as the ring of the moveable connection moves toward the proximal end.

[0019] The apparatus further preferably comprises a locking cable, the locking cable having a first end secured to the container door manipulating device and a second end securable to the crane hook, a holding force is applied by the locking cable against the container door manipulating device when the spreader is generally vertical, and the force is removed as the spreader becomes angularly inclined, or the rope becomes slack.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of handing bulk materials, the method including the following steps: securing a first sling between a crane hook and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on a longitudinally extending member of a tilting mechanism of a spreader, the ring being freely moveable between proximal and distal ends of the longitudinally extending member, securing a second sling between the crane hook and a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the spreader; the longitudinally extending member has a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the spreader, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the spreader, anopening being defined between the spreader and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends, engaging the first engagement formation with a second engagement formation of a container to secure the spreader to the container, releasing tension in the first and second slings to permit the ring of the moveable connection to move away from the first high point by gravity, and moving the crane hook horizontally toward the fixed connection to move the ring toward the second high point; and raising the crane hook to lift the spreader and container in an angularly inclined orientation.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present invention provided an apparatus for handing bulk materials, the apparatus comprising: a container securable to a crane hook, a tilting mechanism defined by at least one longitudinally extending member having a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the container, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the container, an opening being defined between the container and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends, the container is securable to the crane hook with: a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the container; and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on the longitudinally extending member and freely moveable between the proximal and distal ends, a sling being located between the ring and the crane hook, wherein the container is generally horizontal when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the first high point, and the container is angularly inclined when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the second high point.

[0022] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figs. 1A-1G depict a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In particular;Fig. 1A shows the spreader attached to a crane hook,Fig. IB is an isometric view of Fig. 1A,Fig. 1C shows a container with twistlock apertures,Fig. ID is a side view of the spreader landing to twistlocks,Fig. IE is an isometric view of the spreader landed on a container in a horizontal position,Fig. IF is a side view of the apparatus in decanting mode, andFig. 1G is an isometric close up of a portion of the spreader.Figs. 2A to 2E depict a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In particular;Fig. 2A is a top view of the spreader,Fig. 2B is a side view of the spreader,Fig. 2C is an end view of the spreader,Fig. 2D is an isometric view from above of the spreader, andFig. 2E is an isometric view from below of the spreader and it also the show the 5thtwistlock or engaging device for container door manipulation.

[0024] Figs. 3A to 3D depict the apparatus of Figs. 2A to 2E during container latching and decanting. In particular;Fig. 3A is a side view of an empty spreader,Fig. 3B is a side view of the empty spreader lowering onto a container,Fig. 3C is a side view of a spreader landed and latched to a container,Fig. 3D is a side view of a spreader in a decanting position,

[0025] Figs. 3E and 3F depict two different containers for use with the apparatus of figs. 2A to 2E. In particular;Fig. 3E depicts a container having a trap door end, andFig. 3F depicts a container having a standard door end;

[0026] Figs. 4A to 4D depict a third embodiment of the apparatus during decanting;Fig 4A shows the container landed on the spreader with doors closed,Fig. 4B shows the container hoisted with all chains at one end in tilted decanting position,Fig. 4C is a side view of Fig. 4B,Fig. 4D depicts the apparatus of Figs. 3A to 3D during the transition from landed to decanting;

[0027] Fig. 5A shows a fourth embodiment for operation with the chains permanently connected to the container that allows for tipping into the container from a third container and hoisting and decanting without decoupling of the container; and

[0028] Fig. 5B is a further view of the container of Fig. 5A with the hook and chains included.Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0029] There is disclosed herein several embodiments of an apparatus 10 and method for handling bulk material. Any bulk material may be accommodated, such as, but not limited to scrap metal, woodchips, earth, metal ores, coal, grains, cereals, sand, cement, gravel, salt etc.

[0030] Common to each embodiment, the apparatus 10 is provided as an attachment for a crane (ship or land based) which obviates or at least reduces the need for stevedores to manually assist with the loading of a ship or other space, and in particular obviates the need to drag chain or wire slings to attach to the container. Each embodiment incorporates a common tilt mechanism, as described herein.

[0031] The apparatus 10 retains the functional operational advantages of an existing grab, heavy tippler or motorised container rotating device, but reduces the weight on the crane attachment, thereby making the loading stage faster by increasing capacity per lift and having faster cycles to land and latch containers.

[0032] Referring to the first embodiment of Figs. 1A to IF, the apparatus 10 includes a spreader 20 and in some embodiments the apparatus 10 also includes a container 30. However, in some embodiments, the spreader 20 is used with conventional containers.

[0033] The primary components of the apparatus 10 will now be described.Spreader

[0034] A horizontal lifting attachment or spreader 20 is provided as an attachment for a crane (not shown) that can be used with various types of cranes, such as wharf side cranes or ship based cranes.

[0035] The spreader 20 is attached to the hook of the crane with a number of slings which may be chain, cable or some other flexible linkage.

[0036] The spreader 20 includes a longitudinally extending frame which may be defined by a single member, or alternatively two or more parallel members 30, as depicted in Fig. IB. A perpendicular cross-bar 40 is located at each opposing end of the frame 30 such that the frame 30 and the cross-bars 40 together define a generally "I" shaped spreader body 35 when viewed from above. Additional cross-bars 40 may be included, or other such stiffening members or diagonal braces.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the spreader body 35 may be I shaped, square, rectangular or some other shape when viewed from above, so long as there are suitable mounting locations for four locking points to secure to the corners (or other locations) of the container 20.

[0038] In a generally central region of the spreader 20, between the parallel members 30, the electrical components 25 are located for driving the twistlock mechanisms. This can be seen for example in Fig. 4B.

[0039] The spreader 20 is configured to automatically latch to the container 200 using a conventional twist lock type engagement.

[0040] In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the spreader 20 includes a primary actuation mechanism which is provided by a first engagement formation defined by first set twist locks, comprising four twist locks 50, 60, 70, 80 which are located at or near an underside of each of the four corners of the spreader 20, at distal ends of each of the perpendicular cross-bars 40.

[0041] In one embodiment, the twist locks 50, 60, 70, 80 are mushroom head locking twist locks located at each corner that are capable of rotation by 90 degrees from a locked to an unlocked position. The twist locks 50, 60, 70, 80 engage with a second engagement formation in the form of four corner castings 90, 100, 110, 120 or other such corresponding female members which are formed on the container 200.

[0042] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation could be provided by some other interlocking components.

[0043] Affixed to the spreader body 35 is a tilting mechanism 210. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1A for example, the tilting mechanism 210 is defined by two fabricated beams which are each formed into a "M" shaped crane connection member, as will be described herein. Referring to Fig. 1A, the tilting mechanism 210 is defined by two separate "M" shaped crane connection members 210 which are each mounted to the parallel and longitudinally extending frame 30. However, it will be appreciated that the "M" shaped crane connection members could alternatively be secured to the perpendicular cross-bars 40, or some other portion of the spreader 20.

[0044] Each "M" shaped crane connection member 210 has two outermost and generally vertical arms 220, having a proximal end 222 secured to the frame 30. The distal end 235 of each arm is secured to a "V" shaped central region 240, which is located between each vertical arm 220. The intersection between the vertical arms 220 and the "V" shaped central region 240 defines a forward apex 250 and a rearward apex 260 of each "M" shaped crane connection member 210. The forward and rearward apexes 250, 260 define weight bearing points during lifting and decanting as will be described.

[0045] The forward and rearward apexes 250, 260 define acute angles.

[0046] The "M" shaped crane connection members 210 allow for a first sling 215 (such as a chain or cable) to be connected by a large oval or circular shaped link in the form of an O- Ring 280 having a much greater diameter than the beams of the connection member 210, such that the O-ring 280 can slide freely along the beams of the connection member 210. At the forward apex 250, a notch 290 is defined at the junction of the vertical arm 220 and the "V" shaped central region 240.

[0047] The notch 290 permits the O-ring 280 to be held in a fixed position when the sling 215 is under tension during lifting, when the spreader 20 is horizontal. In contrast, the O- ring 280 can drop out of the notch 290 when the first slings 215 are under a slack rope / chain, and the O-rings 280 are free to travel horizontally along the longitudinal beam to the other end of the M, to the rearward apex 260, which is located at the opposing end of the spreader 20.

[0048] Once the O-rings 280 are located at the rearward apex 260, the crane can then rehoist with both the fixed and moveable linkages located at the same end, as described below.

[0049] The spreader 20 is secured to the crane with 4 attachment points. The first two attachment points being defined by the two O-rings 280, which are longitudinally moveable, and each connected to the crane hook via the first slings 215 (there are two slings 215).

[0050] The second two attachments points are defined by fixed connections 300. The fixed connections 300 may be embodied in various forms such as an eyelet and locking ring or gated hook, or another such connection which will not become unintentionally separated when there is slack in the second slings 225 (chains or cables) which extend between the fixed connections 300 and the crane hook 400.

[0051] In each of the embodiments depicted in the drawings, there are two "M" shaped crane connection members 210, that is, one extending parallel to and near each longitudinal edge of the container 20. However, it will be appreciated that a single, centrally located "M" shaped crane connection members 210 could alternatively be utilised. In such an arrangement, the spreader 20 may be secured to the crane with 3 attachment points. The first attachment point being defined by a single O-rings 280, which is longitudinally moveable. The third and fourth attachments points defined by fixed connections 300.

[0052] Whilst the apparatus 10 is depicted with the "M" shaped crane connection members 210 being parallel to the longest side of the spreader 20 and container 200, it is possible that the "M" shaped crane connection members 210 could alternatively be parallel with the shortest side, so that the container 20 rotates sideways, that is perpendicular to the device shown in the drawings.

[0053] In one embodiment, the "M" shaped crane connection members 210 can be also fitted with a sensor to sense the correct O-ring 280 position which can send the signal to the controller. The sensor may be associated with a LED light indicator or some other indicator to alert the crane operator, or crane operating system of safe or unsafe lifting conditions.

[0054] The operation of the device will now be described. When the container 200 has been filled with bulk material, the spreader 20 is secured to the container 200 with the twist locks 50, 60, 70, 80. Figure 3B depicts the spreader 20 connected to the crane hook lowering onto a container 200.

[0055] This occurs in a convention manner, in which first engagement formation defined by the twist locks 50, 60, 70, 80 engage with the second engagement formation in the form of the four corner castings 90, 100, 110, 120 or other such corresponding female members which are formed on the container 200. At this point the container 200 and spreader 20 are latched. Fig 3B depicts the spreader 20 lowered down onto the container 200 and locking into position. Fig. 3C shows the spreader 20 latched in position.

[0056] The spreader 20 is then hoisted by the crane, to a desired decanting location, such as the hold of a ship. The container touches down, and the crane hook 400 is lowered to slacken the first slings 215 and the second slings 225. The slackening slings 215, 225 results in the O-rings 280 leaving the forward apex 250 and the notch 290 due to gravity. Due to the "V" shaped central region 240 of the "M" shaped crane connection members 210, the O- rings 280 move toward the centre of the "M" shaped crane connection members 210. The crane operator moves the crane boom so that the hook 400 moves toward the rear of the container 200. Importantly the O-ring 280 must pass the central low point in the "M" shaped crane connection members 210, and be located on the rear side of that low point. Once the crane operator now lifts the hook 400, the O-rings 280 move toward the rearward apexes 260, and the four attachment points are now all near the rear of the container 200. As such, the container 200 when lifted is no longer horizontal, and the front of the container 200 is positioned below the rear of the container 200. In this way, the contents of the container 200 spill out, and the container 200 is decanted.

[0057] The container 200 is hoisted out of the hold of the ship, and returned to the dock side, where the O-rings 280 can be reset to the forward apex 250, in the reverse of the process described above, or the first slings 215 and the second slings 225 can be decoupled from the hook 400.

[0058] Importantly, the shape of the crane connection members 210, is not limited to "M" shaped, and other configurations are possible. For example, the central region 240 may be "U" shaped and gradually curve between the forward apex 250 and rearward apex 260. Furthermore the vertical arms 220 could be replace with triangular plates for improved load bearing. Whilst the overall appearance of the crane connection members 210 is not essential, the function of that component is to provide a first lifting point located toward a front of the spreader 20 and a second lifting point located toward a rear of the spreader 20, and the ability for the O-ring 280 and the first slings 215 to selectively translate between the first lifting point and the second lifting point under slack cable or chain conditions.

[0059] In the embodiment of Fig. 2A to 2E, the spreader 20 includes a container door manipulating device 500. The door manipulating device 500 has a body 510 and an abutment formation 520 in for form of a projection 520 which is configured to abut against the doors of a container 400, to retain the container doors in a closed configuration. The body 510 is connected to the spreader 20 with a hinge 530. A pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or mechanical system 540 may provide a force to prevent the body rotating about the hinge 530, and to retain the abutment formation 520 against the doors of the container. Before the apparatus 10 is used, the container doors are manually unlatched, so that the doors are effectively not latched or locked, and simply held in the closed position by the abutment formation 520.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 2D, a first wire or cable 550 extends between the horizontal bar 565 to which the first slings 215 and O-ring 280 are mounted. When the spreader 20 is horizontal, the first cable 550 is slack. However, when the O-rings 280 move from the forward apex 250 toward the rearward apex 260, the first cable 550 is tensioned, thereby rotating the body 510 about the hinge 530. This results in the projection 520 moving away from the doors, and permitting the doors to swing open.

[0061] The door manipulating device 500 may be fitted with an air spring or standard spring or other electro-mechanical mechanism / system (like electro-magnet) that keep the body 510 in open or close position depending as required.

[0062] A turn buckle or spring or combination thereof may also be located on the first cable 550 for fine adjustment of the closing or opening force.

[0063] In the embodiment of Figs. 2A to 2E, the door of the container may be horizontally hinged, as shown in Fig. 3D and 4D, in a barn door configuration.

[0064] Figure 2 shows Spreader 20 is equipped with 4 or 6 lifting ropes and 2 control cables to manipulate the opening and closing of the door manipulating device 500. The first control cable 550 is connected to door manipulator 500 above the hinge to open and close door manipulator 500. In a similar manner, a second control cable 560 is connected to the door manipulator 500 below the hinge to close or applying a closing force to the door manipulator 500.

[0065] Figs. 2D and 2E show the second control cable 560 is linked with the fixed side of the chain assembly and guided through a pulley 570 and connected below thehinge. The length of the second cable 560 is selected in such a way that when spreader is lifted, secondcable 560 is in tension and first cable 550 is slack. Tension in second cable 560 causes the door manipulator 500 to remain in a closed position, thereby keeping the container door close. When first cable 550 is taught, second cable 560 is slack and vice versa.

[0066] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, the door securing device 600 is designed for use with standard shipping containers having vertically hinged doors, and that embodiment only applies pressure to an upper central portion of each door of the container 200 when the two doors are closed. However, the operation of the door securing device 600 is functionally the same as that described above.

[0067] Figs. 4A to C show the decanting in a sequence. In Fig. 4A, the container 200 is positioned at the desired location with the ship, the container 200 lands on the pile of bulk material allowing the lifting slings to be relaxed, by lowering the crane hook 400.

[0068] As the first slings 215 become slack, the O-rings 280 drops out of the notches 290 due to gravity and the O-rings are free to slide along the "M" shaped crane connection members 210. By moving the crane hook 400 in the longitudinal direction, the slack first slings 215 are pulled along the M bar into position at the other end of the M bar as depicted in Figure 4C. The first cable 550 is also tensioned, causing the door manipulator 500 to open. The operator can then hoist up with all four slings 215, 225 at one end of the container 200 causing it to tip and decant the contents.

[0069] The central portion of Fig. 4D shows when the spreader 20 has landed for decanting and the first sling 215 connected to the O-rings 280 is slack. The first sling 215 is also connected with the first cable 550 which controls opening of the door manipulator 500. The first slings 215 connected with the O-rings 280 move from the forward apex 250 toward the rearward apex 260 as a result of the crane movement. This movement cause the first cable 550 to be tensioned and the second cable 560 is relaxed. Tension in the first cable 550 causes the door manipulator 500 to open while the spreader 20 tilts and lifts.

[0070] Near to the corner fixed guides are mounted to prevent spreader twistlock to take load during tilting.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a purpose built container 200 includes an actuation mechanism in the posts of the container to be actuated by a fifth twistlock. In this arrangement, the spreader 20 would have a fifth twistlock in the transverse end beam. The purpose built container would have a female aperture to match the twistlock. The actuation of the fifth twistlock would drive a link mechanism in the horizontal direction and actuates acam at the end driving the vertical beam to rotate in corner posts by 90 degrees. This fifth twistlock unlock the trap door below. In this arrangement, the need for an external door manipulator 500 is obviated.Container

[0072] Fig. IE, 3E, 4D, 5B shows the different containers suitable for handling of bulk materials. There are a number of containers in the market which can be used with bulk materials, and the apparatus 10 is intended to be functionally compliant with each of those. The containers depicted in the drawings are Fig. ID: Open ended skip, Fig. 3E conventional end trap door, Fig. 4D conventional GP container, and 5B permanently connected container.

[0073] Advantageously, the spreader 20 connects to the container 200 without any manual intervention, which obviates the need for stevedores to secure any slings or chains.

[0074] The present invention advantageously provides a light weight attachment for a crane which maximizes the pay load whilst obviating the need for manual slinging.

[0075] The embodiment of Figs. 5A and 5B shows a container that is directly fitted with the tilting mechanism 210. In this way, the tilting mechanism 210 is defined by two fabricated beams which are each formed into a "M" shaped crane connection member, and the tilting mechanism is directly secured to the container 200, obviating the need for the spreader.

[0076] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

Claims:

1. An apparatus for handing bulk materials, the apparatus comprising: a spreader securable to a crane hook, the spreader including a first engagement formation engageable with a container, a tilting mechanism defined by at least one longitudinally extending member having a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the spreader, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the spreader, an opening being defined between the spreader and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends, the spreader is securable to the crane hook with: a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the spreader; and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on the longitudinally extending member and freely moveable between the proximal and distal ends, a sling being located between the ring and the crane hook, wherein the spreader is generally horizontal when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the first high point, and the spreader is angularly inclined when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the second high point. . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinally extending member has a generally "M" shaped profile when viewed from a side of the spreader. . The apparatus of one of claims 1 or 2, comprising two of said longitudinally extending members located side by side and separated by a clearance, each of the longitudinally extending members supporting one of said moveable connections. . The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement formation is defined by a plurality of twistlocks, the twistlocks being selectively engageable with a second engagement formation defined by a plurality of corner castings located on the container.. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a container door manipulating device, the container door manipulating device including a body member adapted to be located adjacent to a portion of a container door, the container door manipulating device being pivotally mounted to the spreader. . The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the container door manipulating device is configured to: abut against the container door when the spreader is generally horizontal, and move away from the container door when the spreader is angularly inclined. . The apparatus of claim 5 or 6 further comprising an opening cable extending between the container door manipulating device and the moveable connection, the opening cable being transitioned from a relaxed configuration to a taught configuration as the ring of the moveable connection moves toward the proximal end. . The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a locking cable, the locking cable having a first end secured to the container door manipulating device and a second end securable to the crane hook, a holding force is applied by the locking cable against the container door manipulating device when the spreader is generally vertical, and the force is removed as the spreader becomes angularly inclined. . A method of handing bulk materials, the method including the following steps: securing a first sling between a crane hook and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on a longitudinally extending member of a tilting mechanism of a spreader, the ring being freely moveable between proximal and distal ends of the longitudinally extending member, securing a second sling between the crane hook and a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the spreader; the longitudinally extending member has a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the spreader, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the spreader, an opening being defined between the spreader and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends, engaging the first engagement formation with a second engagement formation of a container to secure the spreader to the container,17 releasing tension in the first and second slings to permit the ring of the moveable connection to move away from the first high point by gravity, and moving the crane hook horizontally toward the fixed connection to move the ring toward the second high point; and raising the crane hook to lift the spreader and container in an angularly inclined orientation. . An apparatus for handing bulk materials, the apparatus comprising: a container securable to a crane hook, a tilting mechanism defined by at least one longitudinally extending member having a proximal end secured at or near a rear end of the container, and a distal end secured at or near a front end of the container, an opening being defined between the container and the longitudinally extending member, the opening having a first high point located near the distal end and a second high point located near the proximal end, and a low point located between the proximal and distal ends, the container is securable to the crane hook with: a fixed connection defined by a lug or other such mounting formation located at or near the rear end of the container; and a moveable connection including a ring or other such linkage seated on the longitudinally extending member and freely moveable between the proximal and distal ends, a sling being located between the ring and the crane hook, wherein the container is generally horizontal when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the first high point, and the container is angularly inclined when the ring of the moveable connection is positioned at the second high point.

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