Lifting device and method for lifting spiders of a gyratory crusher

Abstract

A lifting device (100) for lifting a spider (200) of a gyratory crusher comprises a spreader (110) suspended between two leg members (120), each of which has an offset arm (121a), a clearing arm (121b), a cradle arm (121c) and a fixed arm (121d). The offset arm (121a) defines a second offset distance (131) with respect to an offset axis (C). The arms (121a-121d) define an opening (123) for receiving the spider (200). The leg members (120) are arranged opposite each other such that the clearing arms (121b) of the leg members (120) are located on either side of a plane defined by a horizontal axis (D) and a vertical axis (A). The lifting device (100) can be lowered onto the spider (200), rotated approximately 90 degrees in a rotational direction (B) about a vertical axis (A), and can receive and support the spider (200) from below.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a unique lifting device for use in the crushing technology field, in particular for lifting the spider of a gyratory crusher. The lifting device is advantageous in that it can be utilized in tight spaces due to its unique "quarter turn" engagement / disengagement functionality, and in that it can engage the spider from a position directly above the spider. [Background technology]

[0002] The reference herein to a background art is not to be construed as an admission that the art constitutes common general knowledge in the art. Conventional methods for lifting the spider of a gyratory crusher may typically involve welding a lifting eye onto the top end of the spider, molding a circular structure into a portion of the spider, screwing a lifting eye-bolt into the top surface of the spider, or incorporating a lateral lifting bar into a concave cavity that extends into the top surface of the spider. In this regard, a lifting hook attached to a tension member such as a strap, wire rope, chain, or other top-rigging may be attached to the spider. Additionally, a conventional sling may be placed under and around the spider and connected to a hoist or crane. Such conventional systems add unnecessary cost and complexity to the spider design. Moreover, it is difficult, time-consuming, and can be dangerous for the operator to secure the rigging to multiple lifting points, since it generally requires the presence of personnel in or near the dump pocket of the gyratory crusher.

[0003] Some spider hook designs, such as those currently supplied by Tri-Star Design & Manufacturing Inc., aim to lift the entire spider assembly from the gyroscope crusher without placing personnel in the dump pocket of the gyroscope crusher. While this certainly improves safety and efficiency, such designs necessarily require that the spider be approached and engaged from only one side of the spider. With smaller crushers and / or where space is tight, there may not be enough side clearance in the gyroscope crusher feed opening (or throat) to slide the C-hook under the spider from one side of the spider. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to improve upon existing spider lifting devices by incorporating an approximately 90 degree or "quarter turn" hook design that can be lowered directly onto the spider without requiring personnel to be positioned within or directly adjacent to the dump pocket of the gyratory crusher. It is therefore believed that such an embodiment can improve maintenance safety and efficiency, reduce installation / removal time, and aid in installation / removal of spiders in tight spaces or where tight gaps can cause problems with traditional one-sided approach devices.

[0005] It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an improved lifting device (100) for raising and lowering a gyratory crusher spider (200). A specific object is to provide a lifting apparatus (100) which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems discussed above, or which at least offers a useful alternative to conventional spider lifting apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] For example, it is desirable for embodiments of the lifting device (100) to provide a convenient manner for suspending (i.e., raising, lowering, lifting, transporting) a spider (200) within a tight space. More specifically, it is desirable to be able to provide a lifting device (100) that can engage and / or disengage a spider (200) from directly above the central region of the spider (200), rather than scooping the spider from only one of its sides.

[0007] Finally, it is desirable to provide a lifting device (100) that allows the spider (200) to be removed and installed without necessarily having to provide complex lifting structures (such as hooks and eyes) on any portion of the spider (200).

[0008] Other advantageous objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. An embodiment of a lifting device (100) for lifting a gyratory crusher spider (200) is disclosed.

[0009] The lifting device (100) may include a spreader (110). The spreader (110) may have a tether rope receiving portion (113) for receiving and / or connecting to a tensioning member. The tensioning member (not shown) may be operatively connected to a hoist, crane, lift, or the like for raising and lowering the lifting device (100). The tensioning member may include components such as, but not limited to, a cable winch, a crane, a lift, a hoist, a chain, or a rope, for example.

[0010] The spreader (110) can extend along a horizontal axis (D) and can span between two opposing leg members (120). Each of the leg members (120) can extend downwardly from the spreader (110). The leg members (120) can be spaced apart from one another by a first offset distance (130) from the vertical axis (A) of the lifting apparatus (100).

[0011] The lifting device (100) may be characterized as follows: each of the leg members (120) may comprise an offset arm (121a), a clearing arm (121b) extending downward from the offset arm (121a), a cradle arm (121c), and a fixed arm (121d) extending upward from the cradle arm (121c). The cradle arm (121c) may bridge from a lower portion of the clearing arm (121b) to a lower portion of the fixed arm (121d). The offset arm (121a) may define a second offset distance (131) relative to an offset axis (C) that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis (D) and also substantially parallel to the vertical axis (A). The fixed arm (121d) may define, without limitation, a third offset distance (132) relative to the same offset axis (C).

[0012] The offset arm (121a), the clearing arm (121b), the cradle arm (121c), and the fixed arm (121d) can collectively form an opening (123) for receiving the spider (200). In other words, the spider (200) can be placed to pass laterally through the opening (123) of each leg member (120) as depicted in FIG.

[0013] The leg members (120) may be positioned opposite each other by facing in opposite directions, as clearly depicted in the drawings. Thus, the leg members (120) may be oriented such that their clearing arms (121b) are provided on both sides of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A). In this regard, the lifting device (100) may be lowered onto or around the spider (200) from above the spider (200). Once the clearing arms (121b) are sufficiently straddling the spider (200), the lifting device (100) may be rotated approximately 90 degrees in a rotational direction (B) about the vertical axis (A) to receive and support the spider (200) from below the spider (200). Thus, the spider (200) may be supported by the lifting device (100) at a support surface (127) on each cradle arm (121c).

[0014] In some embodiments, rotation in direction (B) about the vertical axis (A) may be imparted using one or more tether lines (not shown) extending from the lifting device (100). For example, two tether lines may extend to two operators positioned apart on either side of the spider (200) (e.g., on either side of a gyratory grinder). The operators may move the lifting device (100) into locked or unlocked alignment with respect to the spider (200) by moving the tether ropes around the spider (200) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as required. Although not shown, such tether lines may be attached to a portion of the leg member (120), such as one of the arms (121a-121d). Such tether lines may be attached to either or both ends of the lower body (111), for example, but not limited to, using dedicated rope fastening points.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lifting device (100) can include an extension flange (122) that extends the length of, but is not limited to, the offset arm (121a), the clearing arm (121b), the cradle arm (121c), the fixed arm (121d), or a combination thereof. For example, the extension flange (122) can extend along all four arms (121a-121d), but is not limited to, as shown. The extension flange (122) can define a portion of the support surface (127) and can function to increase the strength or torsional rigidity of the lifting device (100).

[0016] In some embodiments, the spreader (110) of the lifting device (100) can include a substantially planar upper body (112). In some embodiments, the spreader (110) can include a substantially tubular lower body (111).

[0017] The upper proximal end (126) portion of each leg member (120) can include an upper body receiving portion (128). The upper proximal end (126) portion of each leg member (120) can further include a lower body receiving portion (129). The upper body receiving portion (128) and the lower body receiving portion (129) can be configured to receive, without limitation, the respective upper body portion (112) and lower body portion (111) of the spreader (110) (see Figures 4 and 5). In some embodiments, the upper body receiving portion (128) can include a slot or slit. The lower body receiving portion (129) can include, without limitation, an aperture. The lower portion of each leg member (120) can include a skid (124).

[0018] In some embodiments, the leg members (120) may be substantially planar members. Thus, the arms (121a-121d) may be, but are not limited to, substantially flush with one another. The leg members (120) may have, but are not limited to, a generally "C" shaped profile, as shown, a diagonal "J" shaped profile, or a "fish hook" shaped profile. The leg members (120) may appear, but are not limited to, like an inverted question mark.

[0019] The lower distal end (125) of each leg member (120) may be disposed on either side of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A) as shown. Additionally, the fixed arms (121d) of the leg members (120) may be disposed on either side of the plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A). The tether rope receiving portion (113) of the lifting device (100) may include an aperture for receiving, without limitation, a cable, hook, rope, chain, link, or other tensioning member.

[0020] The spreader (110) may include an upper surface (114) having two angled edges that together form an apex (115). The apex (115) may be located adjacent the tether rope receiving portion (113), as shown, but not limited to. The upper body (112) may include one or more reinforcing ribs (not shown) for strength and / or torsional rigidity.

[0021] The leg members (120) may be attached to the spreader (110) in any conceivable manner. However, as depicted, the lifting device (110) may be assembled, including but not limited to, by moving the leg members (120) along a horizontal axis (D) adjacent the side of the spreader (110). Without limitation, the leg members (120) may be temporarily secured to the spreader (110) (e.g., via fasteners that are removable) or the leg members (120) may be permanently attached to the spreader (110) (e.g., via welding).

[0022] A method of lifting a spider (200) for a gyratory crusher is further disclosed. The method may include the step of providing a lifting device (100) as described above. The method may involve suspending the lifting device (100) by a tether rope or other rigging above the spider (200) to be lifted. The method may further include lowering the lifting device (100) onto the spider (200) so that the leg members (120) (particularly the clearing arms (121b)) of the lifting device (100) straddle the lateral portions of the spider (200). The method may further include rotating the lifting device (100) about a vertical axis (A) in a rotational direction (B) of about 90 degrees so that the lifting device (100) supports the spider (200) from below and supports the spider (200) at the support surfaces (127) on each cradle arm (121c). The method may further include the step of lifting the spider (200) by raising the lifting device (100) with the spider (200) received and secured within the opening (123).

[0023] In some embodiments, the step of lifting the spider (200) by raising the lifting device (100) includes raising a tension member (not shown) attached to a tether rope receiving portion (113) of the lifting device (100).

[0024] In some embodiments, the method can include removing the spider (100) from the gyroscope mill. In some embodiments, the method can include lowering the spider (200) onto the gyroscope mill for clamping relative to the gyroscope mill.

[0025] In some embodiments, each leg member (4, 120) of the lifting device (100) may comprise a complete box-like frame structure that may be comprised of an inner plate (5), an outer plate (6), extension flanges (3) joining the inner plate (5) to the outer plate (6) along their respective edges, and a number of lateral strengthening / reinforcing plates extending between the inner plate (5) and the outer plate (6).

[0026] In some embodiments, a portion of the spreader (35, 110) of the lifting apparatus (100) may comprise a forklift receiving member (37). In some embodiments, the lifting device (100) may further comprise one or more gussets (19) extending between the leg members (4, 120) and the spreader (110).

[0027] In some embodiments, the lifting device (100) may comprise a saddle (32) having a polymer structure (34) provided against the cradle arm (27, 121c) of each leg member (4, 120).

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a lifting device (100) according to the present invention, where the lifting device (100) is shown engaged with a gyratory crusher spider (200); in particular, FIG. 1 shows the lifting device (100) in a "rotated and locked" operable configuration, which may be used to lift or lower the spider (200); the cradle arm (121c) is shown supporting the bottom surface of the spider (200); and to remove the lifting device (100) from the spider (200), the lifting device (100) may be rotated clockwise about a vertical axis (A) in an opposite rotational direction (B) and may be raised or lifted vertically away from the spider (200) along the vertical axis (A). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a first isometric view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a second isometric view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIGS. 1-3, showing details of the spreader (110) portion of the lifting device (100). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIGS. 1-3, showing details of a leg member (120) that is intended to be joined to the spreader (110) shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another non-limiting embodiment of a lifting device (100) according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, taken along the plane of the sample shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the lifting device (100) depicted in FIGS. 6-8, taken along the plane of the sample shown in FIG. [Figure 10]A diagram showing a frame portion of a saddle (32) having one or more overmolded retaining structures (33) that may be provided on a cradle arm (27) of a lifting device (100) according to some non-limiting embodiments. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the saddle (32) of FIG. 10 having a frame portion thereof overmolded with a polymeric structure (34) such as urethane or rubber. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows a first configuration of the lifting device (100) resting on an optional support chassis (300) waiting to be secured to a hoist or crane or transported by a forklift. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a second configuration of the lifting device (100) engaged with the spider (200) for lowering or raising the spider (200); for clarity, the tensioning member of a hoist or crane is not shown connected to the tether rope receiving portion (36) of the lifting device (100). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] 1, lifting apparatus 100 (i.e., the "spider hook") can be lowered to just above a central portion of spider 200 and rotated approximately 90 degrees (or a "quarter turn") in rotational direction B about vertical axis A to receive and support spider 200. Once supported, spider 200 can be lifted (i.e., raised, lowered, or suspended) using lifting apparatus 100.

[0031] Although not shown, rigging may be used with the lifting apparatus 100. The rigging used with the lifting apparatus 100 may include any suitable rigging known in the art, including, but not limited to, tether ropes, ropes, webbing, straps, chains, cables, buckles, hooks, slings, and the like. The rigging may be operatively connected to the lifting apparatus 100, for example, via the tether rope receiving portion 113. In its simplest form, the tether rope receiving portion 113 may include an aperture or lifting eye for receiving a lifting hook at the end of a tension member.

[0032] The lifting apparatus 100 can rotate in a rotational direction B about a vertical axis A while connected to the rigging. A portion of the spreader 110 of the lifting apparatus can extend along a horizontal axis D and can span between upper proximal ends 126 of two leg members 120. Each of the two leg members 120 can have its own offset axis C. Each offset axis C can have a vertical axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical axis A and spaced from the vertical axis A by a first offset distance 130 along the horizontal axis D, as shown. The horizontal axis D can extend transversely to the vertical axis A and / or perpendicularly to the vertical axis A, as shown, without limitation.

[0033] The spreader 110 may be comprised of an upper body 112 portion and a lower body 111 portion. The upper body 112 may comprise a flat member or may be formed from a plate as shown in the non-limiting embodiment of the figures. The lower body 111 may comprise a tubular portion that may be hollow or solid (e.g., cylindrical). The tether rope receiving portion 113 may comprise, but is not limited to, an aperture extending through the upper portion of the upper body 112, a welded lift eye, or other means for connecting the lifting device 100 to the rigging mentioned above. The tether rope receiving portion 113 may be located adjacent an upper surface 114 of the upper body 112 of the spreader 110. It is contemplated that multiple tether rope receiving portions 113 may be provided for the spreader 110, for example, but not limited to, in a V-shaped bridal hitch configuration rather than a vertical hitch configuration. While upper surface 114 can take any suitable shape, in some preferred embodiments, as depicted, upper surface 114 can be formed, without limitation, with two angled surfaces that intersect to form apex 115 adjacent tether rope receiving portion 113.

[0034] The leg members 120 can extend downwardly from the lateral ends of the spreader 110, for example, at a connection 140. The connection 140 between the leg members 120 and the spreader 110 can be temporary (e.g., via the use of fasteners) or permanent (e.g., via welding or casting). In the particular embodiment shown, each leg member 120 can include an upper body receiving portion 128 (e.g., aperture) and a lower body receiving portion 129 (e.g., slit, slot) at its upper proximal end 126. The receiving portions 128, 129 can slide over the ends of the spreader 110 along a direction aligned with, but not limited to, the horizontal axis D toward the vertical axis A. Other forms and configurations for the connection 140 can also be practiced.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the leg members 120 may be substantially flat members. The leg members 120 may be inexpensively formed from a plate 121 or may be cast in a manner that provides sufficient strength. Each leg member 120 may include an offset arm 121a extending downwardly away from the spreader 110 and away from the horizontal axis D, a clearing arm 121b extending downwardly from the offset arm 121, a cradle arm 121c extending from the clearing arm 121b and below the spreader 110, and a fixed arm 121d extending upwardly from the cradle arm 121c and terminating at a lower distal end 125. The offset arm 121a, the clearing arm 121b, the cradle arm 121c, and the fixed arm 121d may collectively form an opening 123 configured to receive the spider 200. As depicted in FIG. 1, the spider 200 may be placed laterally within the opening 123.

[0036] The clearing arm 121b of each leg member 120 may be offset from its respective offset axis C by a second offset distance 131 that may be substantially perpendicular to the first offset distance 130. The fixing arm 121d of each leg member 120 may be offset from its respective offset axis C by a third offset distance 132 that may be, without limitation, substantially perpendicular to the first offset distance 130.

[0037] An upper portion of the cradle arm 121c can have a support surface 127 for engaging and supporting one or more underside surfaces of the spider 200. The support surface 127 can optionally be configured to have a shape or profile that is complimentary to, without limitation, a similar shape or profile of the underside of the spider 200. As shown, the support surface 127 can be flat.

[0038] The support surface 127 and / or portions of the other arms 121a-121d may be enlarged with optional extension flanges 122. The extension flanges 122 may function to distribute loads (e.g., as a reinforcing member) and / or to increase the strength and torsional stiffness of the lifting apparatus 100. The extension flanges 122 may further function to spread out point loads at the contact points between the leg members 120 and the spider 200. In addition to or instead of the extension flanges 122, each leg member 120 may include, without limitation, skids 124 at its lower end. The support surface 127 may be treated to have a surface texture or may be a soft material to improve friction between the lifting apparatus 100 and the spider, without limitation.

[0039] 6-13, an embodiment of the lifting apparatus 100 may include a spreader 35 supporting two leg members 4 at each end thereof. The leg members 4 may be secured to a lower body 1 of the spreader 35 by fastening devices 26 (e.g., pinned or welded end caps or flanges) as shown. The lower body 1 may be coupled to an upper body 2 equipped with a tether rope receiving portion 36. The tether rope receiving portion 36 may include, without limitation, an aperture extending through the upper body 2, a welded lifting eye, or other means for connecting the lifting apparatus 100 to rigging for a hoist, crane, or lift, or the like. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the upper body 2 may be flat and the lower body 1 may be tubular to reduce weight.

[0040] Each leg member 4 may be provided in the form of a "C-hook" and may have a complete box-like frame structure made up of an inner plate 5, an outer plate 6, and one or more lateral strengthening / reinforcing plates 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 extending therebetween. For example, as shown, a plurality of lateral strengthening / reinforcing plates 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 may be provided at discrete distance intervals along the profile of each leg member, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 9. An extension flange 3 may join the inner plate 5 and the outer plate 6 together along their peripheral edges and may cover / surround each leg member 4 to form a complete box-like frame structure as shown.

[0041] 1-5, each leg member 4 may be provided with an upper offset arm 30 extending diagonally from the lower body 1 to a substantially vertically extending clearing arm 11, a lower cradle arm 27 extending substantially vertically from the clearing arm 11, and a distal fixation arm 17 rising upwardly from a cantilevered end of the cradle arm 27, and configured to rest within the lifting apparatus 100 and secure the spider 200. The leg members 4 are arranged with their open sides (i.e. openings 38) oriented in opposite directions as depicted.

[0042] Forklift receiving members 37 may be provided for a portion of the lifting device 100. For example, as shown, two forklift receiving members 37 may be provided for a portion of the spreader 35, such as the lower body 1. Each forklift receiving member 37 may comprise a rectangular tubular member having an upper surface 23, two side surfaces 24, and a lower surface 25. Each forklift receiving member 37 may be secured to a portion of the lower body 1, for example, but not limited to, by one or more upper front support plates 20 and upper rear support plates 21. Additionally or alternatively to those mentioned above, each forklift receiving member 37 may be secured to the lower body 1, for example, but not limited to, by one or more side support plates 18. The plates 18, 20, 21 are preferably triangular and preferably extend perpendicular to the surfaces 23, 24, 25 of the forklift receiving member 37. It should be appreciated that a portion of the upper plates 20 , 21 may extend between the underside of the lower body 1 and the upper surface 23 of the forklift receiving member 37 .

[0043] Leg member gussets 19 may extend diagonally between the lower body 1 and the inner plate 5 of each leg member to improve the strength and torsional rigidity of the lifting apparatus 100. The edges of these gussets 19 may be equipped with reinforcing flanges 22 to form a partial I-beam structure for added strength.

[0044] Further, one or more upper reinforcing plates 28 and / or one or more lower reinforcing plates 29 may be provided for the inner plate 5 or outer plate 6 of each leg member, particularly, but not limited to, at the curved joint between the offset arm 30 and the clearing arm 11 and at the joint between the offset arm 30 and the cradle arm 27.

[0045] Optionally, a bottom plate 31 may be provided to the lower body 1 of the spreader 35 to allow for the addition of rigging, to protect the lower body 1 from impact or damage, and / or to act as a resting or "bottom" surface. Such a bottom plate 31 may be of practical use, for example, to center or self-align the lifting apparatus 100 relative to an underlying support chassis 300 (FIG. 12).

[0046] 10-13, a saddle 32 may be provided for the upper portion of the cradle arm 27 of each leg member 4. The saddle 32 may comprise a frame portion (FIG. 10) having one or more overmolded integral retention structures 33 on its upper portion as depicted. Each overmolded retention structure 33 preferably has a protrusion or undercut structure configured to retain an overmolded polymeric substrate. For example, as depicted in FIG. 11, a polymer structure 34 (e.g., an overmolded layer of urethane or rubber) may be formed on the frame to provide adequate protection for the cradle arm 27 and spider 200, as well as to better grip and conform to the shape of the underside of the spider 200.

[0047] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second may be used merely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where permitted by context, reference to an integer or component or step (etc.) should not be construed as being limited to only one of such integers, components, or steps, but may be one or more of such integers, components, steps, etc. When describing methods and method steps, the order or occurrence of the listed steps may not be important. Thus, the order of method steps may be changed from the order described.

[0048] The above description of the invention is provided for the purpose of illustration to those skilled in the art. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the invention to only one disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above teachings. Thus, although several alternative embodiments have been specifically discussed, other embodiments will be apparent to or relatively easily developed by those skilled in the art. The present invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the invention discussed herein, as well as other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention described above.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," "incorporating," or "equipped with," or similar terms, are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, and thus a method, system, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not listed. It is to be further understood that the embodiments described and / or depicted herein are provided for illustrative purposes only, and that certain elements, features, components, or steps described and / or depicted may be excluded at will, replaced by art-recognized equivalents, or combined in any reasonable rearrangement consistent with the scope of the inventive concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Lower body (e.g. tubular section, pipe, rod) 2 Upper body (e.g. plate) 3 Expansion Flange 4 Leg members (e.g., C-hooks) 5 Inner Plate 6 Outer Plate 7 Lateral Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 8 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 9 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 10 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 11 Clearing Arms 12 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 13 Transverse reinforcement / reinforcement plate 14 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 15 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 16 Transverse Strengthening / Reinforcement Plates 17 Fixed Arm 18 Side support plate 19 Gusset 20 Upper front support plate - forklift support member 21 Upper rear support plate - forklift support member 22 Reinforced flange 23 Upper surface - forklift support member 24 Side - Forklift support member 25 Lower surface - forklift support member 26 Fixing devices (e.g. end caps) 27 Cradle Arm 28 Upper reinforcement plate 29 Lower reinforcement plate 30 Offset Arm 31 Bottom plate (of lower body 1) 32 Saddle 33 Overmolded retention structure 34 Polymeric structures (e.g., overmolded layers of urethane or rubber) 35 Spreader 36 Tether rope receiving part 37 Forklift support parts 38 Opening A vertical axis B Rotation direction C offset axis D horizontal axis (e.g., transverse to or perpendicular to the vertical axis A) 100 Lifting devices (e.g., "spider hooks") 110 Spreader 111 Lower body (e.g., tubular part, pipe, rod) 112 Upper body (e.g., plate) 113 Tether rope receiving part 114 Upper surface (e.g. angled) 115 Vertex 120 Leg member (e.g., C-hook) 121 Plate 121a offset arm 121b Clearing Arm 121c cradle arm 121d Fixed arm 122 Expansion Flange 123 Opening 124 Sliding material 125 Lower Distal End 126 Upper proximal end 127 Support surface 128 Upper body receiving portion (e.g., aperture) 129 Lower body receiving part (e.g. slot) 130 First offset distance (i.e. between axis A and axis C) 131 second offset distance (between vertical axis C and clearing arm 121b) 132 third offset distance (i.e., between offset axis C and fixed arm 125) 140 Connection 200 Spider Whirlpool Crusher 300 Support Chassis

Claims

1. A lifting device (100) for lifting a spider (200) of a gyratory crusher, the lifting device (100) comprising a spreader (35, 110) having a tether rope receiving portion (36, 113), the spreader (35, 110) extending along a horizontal axis (D) and spanning between two leg members (4, 120), each of the leg members (4, 120) extending downwardly from the spreader (110) and spaced apart from each other by a first offset distance (130) from a vertical axis (A) of the lifting device (100), each of the leg members (4, 120) comprising an offset arm (30, 121a) and a clearing arm (121b) extending downward from the offset arm (30, 121a), a cradle arm (27, 121c), and a fixed arm (17, 121d) extending upward from the cradle arm (27, 121c), wherein the cradle arm (121c) bridges a lower portion of the clearing arm (11, 121b) to a lower portion of the fixed arm (17, 121d), and the offset arm (30, 121a) forms a second offset distance (131) with respect to an offset axis (C) that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis (D) and also substantially parallel to the vertical axis (A); the offset arm (30, 121a), the clearing arm (11, 121b), the cradle arm (27, 121c), and the fixed arm (17, 121d) form an opening (38, 123) for receiving the spider (200); the leg members (4, 120) are oriented such that the clearing arms (11, 121b) of the leg members (4, 120) are provided on either side of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A), so that the lifting device (100) can be lowered onto or around the spider (200) from above, and so that the lifting device (100) can be rotated about 90 degrees in a rotational direction (B) about the vertical axis (A) to support the spider (200) by receiving it from below at a support surface (34, 127) on each cradle arm (27, 121c), A lifting device (100) comprising:

2. 2. The lifting device (100) of claim 1, further comprising an extension flange (3, 122) extending the length of the offset arm (30, 121a), the clearing arm (11, 121b), the cradle arm (27, 121c), the fixed arm (17, 121d), or a combination thereof.

3. Lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spreader (35, 110) comprises a substantially flat upper body (2, 112).

4. Lifting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said spreader (35, 110) comprises a substantially tubular lower body (1, 111).

5. 5. A lifting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each leg member (4, 120) comprises a complete box-like frame structure having an inner plate (5), an outer plate (6), extension flanges (3) joining the inner plate (5) to the outer plate (6) along their respective edges, and a number of lateral strengthening / reinforcement plates extending between the inner plate (5) and the outer plate (6).

6. The lifting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the spreader (35, 110) comprises a forklift receiving member (37).

7. A lifting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower portion of each of the leg members (4, 120) is provided with skids (124).

8. Lifting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg members (4, 120) are substantially flat.

9. A lifting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg members (4,120) have a "C" shaped profile, a diagonal "J" shaped profile, or a "fish hook" shaped profile.

10. 10. A lifting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a lower distal end (125) of each of said leg members (4, 120) is provided on either side of a plane defined by said horizontal axis (D) and said vertical axis (A).

11. A lifting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fixed arms (17, 121d) of the leg members (4, 120) are provided on either side of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A).

12. The lifting device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tether rope receiving portion (36, 113) comprises an aperture for receiving a cable, hook, rope, chain, link, or other tension member.

13. 13. The lifting device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spreader (35, 110) comprises an upper surface (114) having two angled edges that together form an apex (115) adjacent the tether rope receiving portion (113).

14. A lifting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more gussets (19) extending between the leg members (4,120) and the spreader (110).

15. A lifting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a saddle (32) having a polymer structure (34) provided for the cradle arm (27, 121c) of each leg member (4, 120).

16. A method for lifting a spider (200) for a gyratory crusher, comprising the steps of: providing a lifting device (100) above the spider (200); lowering the lifting device (100) so that the leg members (120) straddle the lateral portions of the spider (200); rotating said lifting device (100) about a vertical axis (A) in a rotational direction (B) of approximately 90 degrees so that said lifting device (100) bears against said spider (200) and supports said spider (200) at a support surface (34, 127) on each cradle arm (27, 121c); Lifting the spider (200) by raising the lifting device (100); Including, The lifting device (100) for lifting the spider (200), the lifting device (100) comprises a spreader (35, 110) having a tether rope receiving portion (36, 113), the spreader (35, 110) extending along a horizontal axis (D) and spanning between two leg members (4, 120), each of the leg members (4, 120) extending from the spreader (110) and spaced apart from each other by a first offset distance (130) from a vertical axis (A) of the lifting device (100), each of the leg members (4, 120) being supported by an offset arm (30, 120). a cradle arm (27, 121c) and a fixed arm (17, 121d) extending upward from the cradle arm (27, 121c), wherein the cradle arm (121c) bridges a lower portion of the clearing arm (11, 121b) to a lower portion of the fixed arm (17, 121d), and the offset arm (30, 121a) defines a second offset distance (131) with respect to an offset axis (C) that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis (D) and also substantially parallel to the vertical axis (A); the offset arm (30, 121a), the clearing arm (11, 121b), the cradle arm (27, 121c), and the fixed arm (17, 121d) form an opening (38, 123) for receiving the spider (200); the leg members (4, 120) are oriented such that the clearing arms (11, 121b) of the leg members (4, 120) are provided on either side of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A), so that the lifting device (100) can be lowered onto or around the spider (200) from above the spider (200) and so that the lifting device (100) can be rotated about 90 degrees in a rotational direction (B) about the vertical axis (A) to receive and support the spider (200) at a support surface (34, 127) on each cradle arm (27, 121c); method.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein raising the spider (200) by raising the lifting device (100) comprises raising a tension member attached to a tether rope receiving portion (36, 113) of the lifting device (100).

18. 18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the method comprises the step of removing the spider (200) from a gyratory crusher.

19. 19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising lowering the spider (200) onto a gyratory crusher.

20. A lifting device (100) for lifting a spider (200) of a gyratory crusher, comprising: two leg members (4, 120) spaced apart from one another by a first offset distance (130) from a vertical axis (A) of the lifting device (100), each leg member (4, 120) extending from an upper proximal end to a lower distal end; a spreader (35, 110) having a tether rope receiving portion (36, 113), the spreader (35, 110) extending along a horizontal axis (D) and bridging between the upper proximal ends of the two leg members (4, 120); each said leg member (4, 120) has a contoured shape that defines an opening for receiving said spider (200), said opening being at least partially defined by a support surface (34, 127) of each said leg member (4, 120); the two leg members (4, 120) are oriented such that the lifting device (100) can be lowered from above the spider (200) over and around the spider (200); The two leg members (4, 120) have open side portions oriented in opposite directions such that the lifting device (100) can be rotated about 90 degrees in a rotational direction about the vertical axis (A) to place the spider (200) from underneath and support the spider (200) on the support surface (34, 127).

21. A lifting device (100) as described in claim 20, wherein the spreader (35, 110) has a substantially flat upper body (2, 112) and / or the tether rope receiving portion (36, 113) has an opening extending through the upper body (2, 112).

22. A lifting device (100) as described in claim 20 or 21, wherein the spreader (35, 110) has a substantially tubular lower body (1, 111).

23. A lifting device (100) as described in claim 22, wherein an upper proximal end of each leg member (4, 120) defines an opening through which the substantially tubular lower body (1, 111) is inserted.

24. Each of the leg members (4, 120) comprises an offset arm (30, 121a), a clearing arm (11, 121b) extending downward from the offset arm (30, 121a), a cradle arm (27, 121c), and a fixed arm (17, 121d) extending upward from the cradle arm (27, 121c), The cradle arm (27, 121c) bridges the lower part of the clearing arm (11, 121b) to the lower part of the fixed arm (17, 121d); the offset arm (30, 121 a) defines a second offset distance relative to an offset axis that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis (D) and substantially parallel to the vertical axis (A); the offset arm (30, 121a), the clearing arm (11, 121b), the cradle arm (27, 121c) and the fixed arm (17, 121d) of each leg member (4, 120) each define an opening for receiving the spider (200); Lifting device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the support surface (34, 127) of each leg member (4, 120) is formed on the cradle arm (27, 121c).

25. A lifting apparatus (100) as described in claim 24, wherein the offset arm (30, 121a) of each leg member (4, 120) extends from its respective upper proximal end.

26. A lifting apparatus (100) as described in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the clearing arms (11, 121b) of each leg member (4, 120) extend over a length longer than the length extended by the cradle arms (27, 121c).

27. ​​A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the two leg members (4, 120) are oriented so that the clearing arms (11, 121b) of the two leg members (121) are provided on either side of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A).

28. A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the fixed arms (17, 121d) of the two leg members (4, 120) are provided on both sides of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A).

29. A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the two leg members (4, 120) are permanently connected to the spreader (35, 110).

30. A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein the two leg members (4, 120) are welded to the spreader (35, 110).

31. A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein the two leg members (4, 120) are substantially flat.

32. A lifting device (100) as described in Claim 31, wherein the two leg members (4, 120) are constituted by plates.

33. A lifting device (100) as described in claim 31 or 32, wherein the surfaces of the two leg members (4, 120) intersect with the horizontal axis (D).

34. A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 33, wherein the two-legged member (4, 120) has a "C" shaped profile, an angled "J" shaped profile, or a "fish hook" shaped profile.

35. A lifting device (100) as described in any one of claims 20 to 34, wherein the lower distal ends of each of the two leg members (4, 120) are provided on either side of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and the vertical axis (A).

36. A method for lifting a spider (200) for a gyratory crusher, comprising: providing a lifting device (100) comprising two leg members (4, 120) and a spreader (35, 110) bridging between upper ends of said two leg members (4, 120), each leg member (4, 120) comprising a support surface (34, 127) at least partially defining an opening for receiving said spider (200), said openings being oriented in opposite directions; lowering the lifting device (100) so that the two leg members (4, 120) straddle the sides of the spider (200); rotating the lifting device (100) about a vertical axis (A) in a rotational direction of about 90 degrees so that the lifting device (100) supports the spider (200) from below the spider (200) and supports the spider (200) on the support surfaces (34, 127) of each leg member (4, 120); and lifting the spider (200) by raising the lifting device (100).

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the lifting device (100) is a lifting device (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 15 or any one of claims 20 to 35.

38. The method described in claim 37, wherein the step of lifting the spider (200) by raising the lifting device (100) includes the step of raising a tension member attached to a tether rope receiving portion (36, 113) of the lifting device (100).

39. A method as described in claim 36 or 37, further comprising the step of removing the spider (200) from a gyratory crusher or lowering the spider (200) onto a gyratory crusher.

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