Modular lifting fram assembly

Abstract

A lifting frame has an I beam 2 with upper and lower flanges 4A, 4B and a web 6. with the web and flanges having a rray of apertures along the length of the beam. An end plate 10 forms an axial flange

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular lifting frame. More especially, the invention relates to a modular lifting assembly for a plurality of lifting requirements for use on lifting apparatus in industrial settings. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The lifting of heavy loads in industrial settings typically require specialist lifting equipment known as lifting frames or beams. These are also known as 'below-the-hook' lifting devices which are mechanical devices that attach to a crane or other lifting apparatus such as a hoist. These devices grab and secure the load to the lifting apparatus, distributing the load evenly, enabling to it to be moved safely from one location to another. Lifting devices are typically attached to the lifting apparatus via lifting slings, which are chains or wire ropes.

[0003] Lifting devices are built from strong and rigid materials for a specific load due to its size, shape, centre of gravityor number of lifting points required. As such, considerable planning is typically required to choose the particular frame or beam that should be used for the lift.

[0004] Current lifting devices have several issues. Firstly, due to the unique nature of each load, it is not only costly, but also time consuming to design and manufacture bespoke lifting devices. Secondly, due to their size, the storage and transport can become difficult and expensive, especially if multiple lifting devices are required for the particular job. Thirdly, overtime, lifting devices can be prone to damage due to adverse weather effects, for example rust or corrosion. In the event that this happens, typically the entire lifting device would need to be replaced as using damaged lifting devices can strongly increase the chances of a rigging failure.

[0005] To overcome the aforementioned issues with current lifting devices, manufacturers have developed lifting frames which incorporate modularity into their design. By introducing modularity, it allows for quicker and cheaper design of the lifting devices, but also aways for easier storage and transport as the lifting device can be easily dismantled and set up again.

[0006] One such example is the ‘AL5 Adjustable Lifting Beam’ by MGF Trench Construction Limited, an image of which is shown in figure 1. This uses a beam that has a central channel, suitable for receiving lifting attachments located therebetween. Different configurations for different lifting requirements can be achieved by slotting and securing the lifting attachments at different locations within the channel. The lifting attachments are secured to the channel through apertures which extend laterally through the channel. This beam has apertures located on the top surface, adjacent to the channel, however, in use, the attachment devices would restrict the opening of the channel, thus the number of points of attachment are limited.

[0007] The issue with this arrangement is that the lifting attachments can only be located within the channel, the apertures are then used to secure the lifting attachments, this prevents the use for other attachments located on the top surface and adjacent to the channel.

[0008] Another example is the 'Multi-Point Lifting Beam1 by Modulift, and image of which is shown in figure 2. This uses a central beam portion with two vertical flanges running along the length of the beam. The flanges have apertures which extend along the lateral axis of the beam, the apertures are suitable for receiving lifting attachments. It does not have apertures on the top surface of the beam. Different configurations can be achieved by locating the attachments on different apertures.

[0009] The issue with this arrangement is that the types of lifting arrangements are limited to only lifting beam arrangements, and the arrangements are unable to accommodate other lifting applications.

[0010] The present invention seeks to address the aforementioned problems by providing a modular lifting frame assembly which can be easily adapted into a variety of different lifting arrangements to accommodate different loads through having multiple points of attachments located on its beams, in combination with one or more attachment devices. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a lifting frame assembly comprising at least one elongate beam and at least one attachment device configured to be securable to said beam, wherein: the beam comprises: an l-shaped main body having an upper and lower flanges orientated horizontally in use, and separated by a web portion; an end plate located at each end of the main body forming an axial flange when connected to an end plate of another beam, the flange being larger than the beam cross section; the upper and lower flanges and the web portion all having an array of apertures extending along the length of the beam; and wherein the attachment device comprises: a base plate; a connecting means extending perpendicularly from the base plate; the base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough; wherein the or each aperture is configured to align with a respective aperture or apertures in the either the upper or lower flange or the web portion of the beam to allow securement thereto.

[0012] Preferably, the upper and lower flanges of the beam have a flat surface.

[0013] Preferably, the web portion of the beam has a flat surface.

[0014] Preferably, the end plate of the beam has a generally l-shaped profile.

[0015] Preferably, the base plate of an attachment device is a pair of L-shaped brackets, configured to provide a co-linear connecting means which is perpendicular to the beam.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting means of the attachment device is shaped to receive a strut or spacer.

[0017] Preferably, the connecting means of the attachment device is shaped to correspond to the end plate geometry of a second beam, such that connecting means is suitable for receiving a second beam.

[0018] Preferably, the attachment device comprises a first connecting means and a second connecting means, the first connecting means comprising opposing side plates which extend perpendicularly from either side of the base plate, which in use are suitable for receiving struts or spacers; the second connecting means forming a lifting point extending upwardly from the top surface of the base plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a first modular lifting beam assembly of the prior art;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a second modular lifting beam assembly of the prior art;

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the single beam section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of beam sections of Figure 3 connected about their end plates, showing a lifting beam assembly;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of beam sections of Figure 3 connected about their end plates in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, showing another lifting beam assembly;

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of beam sections of Figure 3 connected about their upper and lower flanges, showing a H-frame lifting assembly;

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of beam sections of Figure 3 connected about their upper and lower flanges in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, showing a H-frame lifting assembly;

[0026] Figure 8A-8D are perspective views of different attachment devices in accordance with the invention;

[0027] Figure 9 is a perspectiveviewof a lifting assembly in accordance with the invention, showing a ‘semispreader’ lifting assembly;

[0028] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lifting assembly in accordance with the invention, showing a ‘tandem’ lifting assembly;

[0029] Figure 11A is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device shaped to receive a fork of a forklift;

[0030] Figure 11B is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, showing another device shaped to receive a fork of a forklift;

[0031] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lifting assembly including the attachment device of Figure 11B, in accordance with the invention;

[0032] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device shaped to receive the ends of struts or spacers;

[0033] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a lifting assembly including the attachment device of Figure 13, in accordance with the invention;

[0034] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device shaped to provide a perpendicular connection between a first beam section and an additional beam section of Figure 3;

[0035] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a lifting assembly including the attachment device of Figure 15, in accordance with the invention;

[0036] Figure 17 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, showing another device shaped to receive the ends of struts or spacers;

[0037] Figure 18 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device suitable for converting a beam section into an ‘under-beam’;

[0038] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a lifting frame assembly in accordance with the invention, including the attachment device of Figure 18;

[0039] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device suitable connecting struts or spacers that are in line with the lifting point;

[0040] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a lifting frame assembly in accordance with the invention, including the attachment device of Figure 20;

[0041] Figure 22 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device suitable for providing corner castings to aid in attaching to a shipping container;

[0042] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a lifting frame assembly in accordance with the invention, including the attachment device of Figure 22, showing an assembly suitable for attaching to a shipping container;

[0043] Figure 24 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device suitable converting a beam section into a spreader beam;

[0044] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a lifting frame assembly in accordance with the invention, including the attachment device of Figure 24, showing the beam section converted into a spreader beam;

[0045] Figure 26 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device configured to provide a sheave wheel;

[0046] Figure 27 is a perspective view of an attachment device in accordance with the invention, showing a device configured to provide caster wheels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present invention provides a modular lifting assembly which is configured to be constructed in different arrangements in order to be able to lift a variety of heavy loads depending on the industrial or construction application. The components of the lifting assembly can be arranged into a variety of different lifting geometries, providing the user the opportunity to handle different loads in different specialist areas, without the need to utilise or acquire bespoke lifting devices.

[0048] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures showing various components which are generally known for their use in the lifting of heavy loads. Each component is made from a rigid material such as, for example, steel. Other suitable materials may be used, provided they are sufficiently durable to be able to withstand heavy loads during operation.

[0049] A beam section 2 is shown in figure 3. The beam section 2 has a generally elongate rectilinear profile. In the embodiment shown, the cross-section of beam 2 is l-shaped, comprising a main body formed from upper and lower flanges 4A, 4B, divided by a web portion 6.

[0050] The flanges 4 and web portion 6 have an array of spaced apertures 8 extending partially or fully along their length.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the apertures 8 are arranged in a linear formation. It can be appreciated that the dimensions, arrangement and distance between adjacent apertures 8 may vary depending on the particular requirements and the application of the lifting assembly, which is primarily dependent on the weight and size of the load to be lifted.

[0052] Each end of the beam 2 is capped with an end plate 10. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the plate 10 has a generally l-shaped profile, however it may be appreciated that other geometric profiles could be utilised, such as for example, but not limited to a square. The outer face of the plate 10 has a generally flat profile. Strengthening ribs 12 are provided to strengthen the securement of the end plate 10 to the end of the beam 2.

[0053] Each end plate 10 also has a plurality of spaced apertures 14. In the embodiment shown, the apertures are located along the upper and lower edges of the plate 10.

[0054] As can be seen in figure 4, one end plate 10A of a first beam 2A is engageable with an end plate 10B of a second beam 2B, the other end plate 10C of which is engageable with an end plate 10D of a third beam 2C. The combined and secured beams 2A, 2B, 2C complete the lifting frame assembly.

[0055] When in use, the secured end plates form an axial flange 16 which extends outwardly from each side of the beams 2. Beams 2A, 2Band 2C are secured together by mechanical fixings such as nuts and bolts 18 extending through the apertures 14, as can be seen in the embodiment shown in figure 5.

[0056] In the embodiments shown in figures 4 and 5, three beam sections 2A, 2B, 2C are attached together to increase the length of the overall lifting assembly. Any number of beams sections 2 could be secured end to end depending on the size of the load to be lifted.

[0057] The apertures 8 in the upper and lower flanges 4 and web portion 6 provide a number of attachment points for securing additional beam sections 2D and / or attachment devices 20, thus enabling different lifting geometries depending on the load that needs to be lifted.

[0058] The embodiment shown in figure 6 shows a lifting frame assembly having an additional beam sections 2D attached ator near each end of the beam 2 in a manner perpendicular to the beam 2 to form an ‘H-frame’. The additional beams 2D are secured to the beam section 2 via a suitable fixing means, such as a nut and bolt as previously described, extending through the apertures 8 in the lower flanges of the additional beams 2D and corresponding apertures 8 in the upper flange of the beam section 2.

[0059] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment with additional beam sections 2D secured near to each end, and extending perpendicularly to a beam assembly of comprising of two beam sections 2A, 2B connected end to end as previously described.

[0060] Alternatively, or additionally, attachment devices can be secured to the top flange 4A of the beam section 2 in order to be able to connect the beam section 2 or beam assembly, to a lifting sling. The attachment device may have a variety of configurations, some examples of which can be seen in figure 8. [0061 ] The attachments shown could equally be secured to the underside of the lower flange 4B of the beam section 2.

[0062] The various attachment devices described below are provided as examples showing different arrangements making the lifting frame suitable for different applications. The examples are by no means exhaustive and are selected to illustrate the versality and adaptability of the modular lifting system of the present invention.

[0063] In each of the configurations in figure 8, the attachment device includes a base plate 20 and a connecting member 22 which protrudes upwardly from the base plate 20. The base plate 20 includes one or more apertures 26 extending therethrough. The apertures 26 are arranged and configured to align with groups of apertures 8 located through the upper or lower flange 4A of the beam section 2, such that the attachment device 20 can be secured to the top surface of the upper flange 4A or bottom surface of the lower flange, using suitable fixing means such as a nut and bolt as previously described.

[0064] The embodiment shown in figure 9 is an example of a lifting frame arrangement that includes connecting members 22A of the attachment device shown in figure 8A attached to the upper flange 4A of a beam section 2 within an assembly, to enable the beam assembly to act as a ‘semi-spreader’ lifting mechanism.

[0065] In the embodiment of figure 10, the connecting member 22B of the attachment device of figure 8B is secured to the lifting beam assembly to act as a tandem lifting beam mechanism. The lifting frame arrangement of figure 7 shows the same connecting members 22B, but in this arrangement they are connected to the underside of the lower flange 4B of the beam section 2.

[0066] The attachment device of figure 8C is shown connected to a beam assembly in the arrangement shown in figure 4.

[0067] The connecting member 22D of the attachment device of figure 8D is suitably shaped to provide a conventional swivel hoist ring, to enable the lifting point to pivot or swivel to accommodate lifting at different angles without damaging the frame.

[0068] The attachment devices shown in figure 11A has a tubular connecting member 28 which is shaped and configured to receive a fork of a forklift truck (not shown) to enable safer handling of the lifting assembly.

[0069] In the embodiment of figure 11B one end of the connecting member 28 has a bracket 30 to hold a stopper 32 across the open end of the connecting member 28 to limit the extent to which the fork of the forklift extends through the connecting member 28.

[0070] A lifting beam arrangement including the attachment device of figure 11B is shown in figure 12.

[0071] In alternative arrangements, the attachment devices are configured to be orientated vertically for securement to the apertures 8 in the web portion 6 of a beam section 2. One such example is shown in figure 13 which is suitable shaped to receive the ends of struts or spacers 34 to secure the spacers 34 between two parallel-spaced beam assemblies, as shown in the embodiment of figure 14. The attachment device comprises a back plate 36, securable in use to the web portion 6 of a beam section 2, and a connecting plate 38 which receives the end of the spacers 34 for connection thereto.

[0072] Figure 15 shows another example of an attachment device which is configured to provide a perpendicular connection of an additional beam 2D to a first beam 2. The back plate 40 of this attachment device has a shaped profile corresponding to the beam end plates 10.

[0073] Two L-shaped brackets 42 are secured to one side of the back plate 40 to provide two parallel-spaced connecting plates 44 extending perpendicularly from back plate 40. Both connecting plates 44 include apertures 46 which are configured to align with apertures 8 in the upper and lower flanges 4A, 4B of a beam section 2 when the connecting plates 44 are located adjacent the inner surfaces of the flanges 4.

[0074] As can be seen in figure 16, the attachment device is connected to the beam section 2A, the exposed surface of the back plate 40 can then be secured to an end plate 10 of a further beam section 2D by fasteners extending through the apertures 14 in the end plate 10 and correspondingly aligned apertures 46 in the back plate 40. The other end of the further beam section 2D is secured to an attachment device and beam section 2B in the same way.

[0075] An alternative attachment device to receive strut or spacer 34 is shown in figure 17. The attachment has a generally C-shaped profile. In a similar way the L-shaped brackets 42, the upper and lower flanges form connecting members 48 have apertures 50 which are configured to align with apertures 8 in the upper and lower flanges 4A, 4B of a beam section 2 when the connecting members 48 are located adjacent the inner surfaces of the flanges 4. This arrangement enables the spacers 34 to be connected co-linearwith the beam 2.

[0076] The attachment device in figure 18 is shaped and configured to convert a beam 2 into an ‘underbeam’ to make it suitable for use as an underslung lifting mechanism. The attachment has an annular cross section with a height selected to be approximately equal to the height of the flange 16 formed by the beam end plates 10 so to provide a level connecting surface on the top of the beam section 2. The floor of the attachment has a plurality of apertures 52 which are configured to align with apertures 8 in the upper flange 4A to secure the attachment on to the top surface of the upper flange 4A.

[0077] A lifting frame arrangement showing the attachments of figures 17 and 18 is shown in figure 19.

[0078] The attachment device in figure 20 has a first connecting means comprising opposing side plates 54 extending perpendicularly from either side of a base plate 56 which are suitably shaped to receive a strut or spacer 34, and a second connecting means forming a handle or lifting point 58 extending upwardly from the top surface of the base plate 56. A lifting point 58 allows for connection of a lifting sling. Strengthening ribs 60 are provided to strengthen the securing joint of the side plates 54 to the base plate 56.

[0079] In use the base plate 56 is secured to the top surface of the upper flange 4 of the beam section 2 to enable a lifting frame arrangement shown in figure 21. The attachment device in figure 20 enables the strut or spacer 34 to be co-linearwith the lifting point 58.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the base plate 56 may be secured to the bottom surface of the lower flange 4B of the beam section 2.

[0081] Figure 22 shows an attachment device 62 which configured to provide for corner castings, enabling the lifting frame to be directly attached to a shipping container. Such a lifting frame arrangement is shown in figure 23.

[0082] Figure 24 shows an attachment device configured to convert the beam assembly into a ‘spreader beam’ lifting mechanism. This device includes a base plate 64 shaped and configured to be securable to an end plate 10 of a beam section 4. A cylindrical housing 66 is secured to the base plate 64. The distal end of the housing 66 is formed with an axial flange section 68.

[0083] Extending from the distal end of the flange section 68 is a clevis connector formation, having parallel spaced fork members 70 defining a slot therebetween, the end of each fork member 70 having aligned apertures 72.

[0084] A connecting member 74 is located in the slot between the fork members 70. The connecting member 74 has an aperture 76 at or near each end.

[0085] First aperture 76A is aligned in use with apertures 72 of the fork members 70. The aligned apertures 72, 76A define a throughbore through which a lifting sling (not shown) can be connected to lift the beam assembly.

[0086] The second aperture 76B of the connecting member 74 provides an attachment point that is in line with the beam for a lifting sling configured to lift a load under the beam assembly.

[0087] A lifting frame arrangement including attachment devices of figure 24 is shown in figure 25.

[0088] As well as being secured to the upper flange 4 and web 6 of the beam section 2, attachment devices can be secured to the underside of the lower flange 4 of the beam section 2. Figure 26, for example, illustrates an attachment device for the underside of the lower flange 2 in the form of a sheave wheel. An alternative attachment device with caster wheels is shown in figure 27 which is secured to the web 6 of the beam section 2.

[0089] The various arrangements described illustrate the adaptability and versatility of the modular lifting frame assembly shown in the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A lifting frame assembly comprising at least one elongate beam and at least one attachment device configured to be securable to said beam, wherein:the beam comprises:an l-shaped main body having an upper and lower flanges orientated horizontally in use, and separated by a web portion;an end plate located at each end of the main body forming an axial flange when connected to an end plate of another beam, the flange being larger than the beam cross section;the upper and lower flanges and the web portion all having an array of apertures extending along the length of the beam; andwherein the attachment device comprises:a base plate;a connecting means extending perpendicularly from the base plate;the base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough;wherein the at least one aperture is configured to align with a respective aperture or apertures in either the upper or lower flange or the web portion of the beam to allow securement thereto.

2. A lifting frame assembly, accordingto claim 1, wherein the upper and lower flanges of the beam have a flat surface.

3. A lifting fra me assembly, accordingto claim 1, wherein the web portion of the beam has a flat surface.

4. A lifting frame assembly, according to claim 1, wherein the end plate of the beam has a generally I-shaped profile.

5. A lifting frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base plate of an attachment device is a pair of L-shaped brackets, configured to provide a co-linear connecting means which is perpendicular to the beam.

6. A lifting frame assembly according to claim 5, wherein the connecting means of the attachment device is shaped to receive a strut or spacer.

7. A lifting frame assembly according to claim 5, wherein the connecting means of the attachment device is shaped to correspond to the end plate geometry of a second beam, such that connecting means is suitable for receiving a second beam.

8. A lifting frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises a first connecting means and a second connecting means, the first connecting means comprising opposing side plates which extend perpendicularly from either side of the base plate, which in use are suitable for receiving struts or spacers; the second connecting means forming a lifting point extending upwardly from the top surface of the base plate.A

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