A container and a tipping assembly for the container

Abstract

A container tipping assembly for tipping a container (C) having a base (B) with opposed end walls (E1, E2) spaced apart by opposed first and second walls (S1, S2), the end walls and side walls having a container height with upper portions of the side walls and end walls defining an opening into an internal volume of the container, the container tipping assembly comprising: a spreader assembly (10) comprising: a spreader bar (1) extending between first and second ends, the spreader bar being configured to extend above the opening of the container, downwardly dependent end portions (11) located at the first and second ends of the spreader bar to extend downwardly adjacent the end walls of the container during use; a container engaging frame (2) further comprising: a plurality of engagement mechanisms being provided along an in-use top part of the container engaging frame for engaging top portions of the container such that in an engaged configuration the container engaging frame at least partially surrounds the end walls and the first side wall extending between the end walls, a pulling assembly comprising: at least one cable extending from the spreader bar such that an end of the cable is located on the container engaging frame such that during use in the engaged configuration, releasing the cable results in the pivotal movement of the container engagement frame in first rotational direction to effect tipping of the container and wherein tensioning of the cable results in the pivotal movement of the container engagement in a second rotational direction which is opposite the first rotational direction, and wherein the container engaging frame is adapted to be positioned generally between the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar, the container engaging frame being pivotally attached (7) to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar at opposed pivoting locations to facilitate tipping of the container when the container is in the engaged configuration.

Description

A CONTAINER AND A TIPPING ASSEMBLY FOR THE CONTAINERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved container and a tipping assembly for the container.BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Large volumes of flowable solids such as but not limited to ores, waste, grains are usually collected in large containers with an “open-top” configuration that are initially transported on land by trains or trucks before being transferred to bulk or freight carrier for transportation by sea. The bulk material is loaded into one or more cargo holds on the ship through one or more hatchways which are typically covered by a removable hatch cover during transit. To unload a ship, a dockside crane may be used to lower the large container through the hatchway into the hold to scoop up the bulk material. The bucket is then raised out of the hold and suspended above a location where the bulk material is dumped from the bucket.

[0004] One of the currently known systems that caters for transfer of bulk materials from containers to the cargo hold of specialised freight carriers is commonly known in the marker as the Retainer® which has been described in International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2019 / 050992. One of the shortcomings of this systemrelates to the bulky structure of the spreader system that requies a bulky rotating assembly to undergo rotation relative to the spreader bar attached to the crane. The rotating assembly is attached to standard twist lock attachment points on container to undertake the rotation of the container by effecting rotation of the rotation assembly relative to the spreader bar by use of hydraulic systems. These systems use spreaders that can easily weigh around 7 tonnes. The use of the bulky spreader assembly is impractical and uneconomical when it comes to suitability of use for smaller sized cranes. These heavier spreader systems are impractical for use on 30 tonne ship’s cranes as they are too heavy and reduce the capacity of product the container can carry.

[0005] There remains a need for improved measures for loading bulk materials for containers with lighter and less bulky spreader systems. The present invention provides at least an alternative solution for rotatable containers with a much more simplified rotating mechanism.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided a container tipping assembly for tipping a container having a base with opposed end walls spaced apart by opposed first and second walls, the end walls and side walls having a container height with upper portions of the side walls and end walls defining an opening into an internal volume of the container, the container tipping assembly comprising: a spreader assembly comprising: a spreader bar extending between first and second ends, the spreader bar being configured to extend above the opening of the container,downwardly dependent end portions located at the first and second ends of the spreader bar to extend downwardly adjacent the end walls of the container during use; a container engaging frame further comprising: a plurality of engagement mechanisms being provided along an in-use top part of the container engaging frame for engaging top portions of the container such that in an engaged configuration the container engaging frame at least partially surrounds the end walls and the first side wall extending between the end walls, and wherein the container engaging frame is adapted to be positioned generally between the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar, the container engaging frame being pivotally attached to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar at opposed pivoting locations to facilitate tipping of the container when the container is in the engaged configuration.

[0007] In an embodiment, the container engaging frame further comprises opposed sub-frames are configured for lying adjacent said end walls of the container and wherein the opposed pivoting locations are provided on the opposed sub-frame members of the container engaging frame.

[0008] In an embodiment, each of said opposed frames comprise end wall engaging frame members converging in an in-use downwardly direction towards the respective pivoting locations.

[0009] In an embodiment, the container engaging frame further comprises a transverse subframe extending across said other side wall extending between the end walls of the container.

[0010] In an embodiment, the transverse subframe comprises: a plurality of spaced apart transverse frame members extending across said side wall, the spaced apart transverse frame members extending between upright frame members configured to be located adjacent respective corners between the said side wall and corresponding end walls.

[0011] In an embodiment, the transverse sub-frame further comprises and one or more guiding members depending downwardly from the transverse frame members for guiding the container engagement frame into position as the container engagement frame is positioned above the container and lowered onto the container during use.

[0012] In an embodiment, the pivoting location is arranged to be located such that an imaginary pivoting axis of the container engaging frame is spaced away from the base at a distance which is less than half the height of the container.

[0013] In an embodiment, in the engaged configuration, the distance between the pivoting axis and the first side wall is greater than the distance between the pivoting axis and the second side wall.

[0014] In an embodiment, the container tipping assembly further comprises a pulling assembly with a cable wound on a rotatable drum wherein the cable extends between the spreader and the container engaging frame and wherein during use rotation of the drum effects relative pivoting movement between the spreader and the container engaging frame, the container engaging frame being engaged with container during the pivoting movement.

[0015] In an embodiment, the container tipping assembly further comprises a pulling assembly with at least one cable extending from the spreader bar such that an end of the cable is located on the container engaging frame such that during use in the engaged configuration, releasing the cable results in the pivotal movement of the container engagement frame in first rotational direction to effect tipping of the container and wherein winding and tensioning of the cable results in the pivotal movement of the container engagement in a second rotational direction which is opposite the first rotational direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the container engaging frame comprises a first plurality of stop members to limit extent of rotation of the container engaging frame relative to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar in a first rotational direction, during use, thereby facilitating tipping of the container, from an initial upright position, in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first plurality of stop members are located on the opposed sub-frame members to limit extent of rotation of the container engaging frame.

[0018] In an embodiment, the container tipping assembly further comprises a second plurality of stopping members to limit the extent of rotation in the second rotational direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, the engagement mechanisms provided along corner portions of the in-use top part of the container engaging frame further comprise locking arrangements configured for being actuated to result in engagement and locking of the corner portions of the in-use top part of the container engaging frame with respective top corner portions of the container.

[0020] In an embodiment, the top portion of the container engaging frame is sufficiently spaced away from the spreader to facilitate pivoting of the container engaging frame such that no section of the top portion of the container engaging frame contacts the spreader as the container engaging frame undergoes pivoting relative to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader assembly.

[0021] In another aspect, the invention provides a container comprising a rectangular base with a length extending between two end walls wherein the end walls are connected to each other by spaced apart side walls wherein the end walls and side walls extend upwardly from the base to define a container volume such that upperregions of the end walls and side walls define an opening into the container volume, wherein each of said end walls further comprises a plurality of spaced apart attachment members, the attachment members being spaced apart across a width of the end wall and configured for facilitating tipping of the container upon engagement with container attachment arms located at each end of a spreader assembly by extending at least one of the attachment arms.

[0022] In an embodiment, the plurality of attachment members comprise at least one upper attachment member that is vertically spaced away from at least one lower attachment member such that the upper attachment, is located closer along an upper region of the end wall and wherein the lower attachment member is located along a lower region of the end wall.

[0023] In an embodiment, wherein said at least one upper attachment member or said at least one lower attachment member is located on each end wall is substantially located along an imaginary vertical centreline of the corresponding end wall such that during use upon attachment of each upper or lower attachment member with a respective attachment arm of the spreader assembly allows tipping of the container along a tilting axis passing through the upper attachment members of the end walls.

[0024] In an embodiment, the other of said upper or lower attachment member is located away from the vertical centreline.

[0025] In an embodiment, the container comprises two of said attachment members located away from the vertical centreline such that the two attachment members are located on opposite sides of the vertical centreline..

[0026] In an embodiment, the attachment members are mounted on a reinforcing plate extending from the base towards the upper region of the end wall.

[0027] In an embodiment, the base comprises locking arrangements to allow the base of the container to be locked onto an underlying support during transportation.

[0028] In an embodiment, side walls are reinforced by vertically spaced apart reinforcing members extending from the base towards the upper regions of the side walls.

[0029] In another aspect, the invention provides a spreader assembly having a spreader bar configured to extend above the opening of the container wherein each end of the spreader bar comprises a pair of attachment arms configured for releasable attachment with the spaced apart attachment members on each end wall of the container described herein.

[0030] In a non-extended length of the attachment arms is sufficiently long such that upon engagement of the attachment arms in a non extended configuration at either end of the spreader bar with respective attachment members on respective end walls of the container results in the spreader bar being sufficiently clear from the opening of the container to allow tipping of the container.

[0031] In an embodiment, end portions of the attachment arms comprises attachment hooks for engaging each end portion of the attachment arms with respective attachment members.

[0032] Preferably, a proximal end of each pair of attachment arms is pivotally attached to a respective end of the spreader bar via a corresponding mounting plate; and a distal end of each pair of attachment arms comprises said attachment hooks.

[0033] In an embodiment, upon engagement of the attachment arms at either end of the spreader bar with respective attachment members on respective end walls of the container, extension of one or both attachment arms results in increased spacing between distal ends for each pair of attachment arms thereby effecting tilting of the container as one or both attachment arms at each end of the spreader bar undergo extension.

[0034] In an embodiment, each pair of attachment arms comprises a respective first attachment arm and second attachment arm such that extension or retraction of the first attachment arm for each pair of arms is substantially synchronised and extension or retraction of the second attachment arm for each pair of arms is substantially synchronised.

[0035] In an embodiment, each of said attachment arms comprises respective arm sections that are telescopically engages with each other to form a respective attachment arm.

[0036] In an embodiment, extension and retraction of each attachment is effected by hydraulic or pneumatic assemblies that are functionally linked with said attachment arms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the container tipping assembly 1000 which comprises a container 100 and a spreader assembly 200 in accordance with a first embodiment.Figure 2 is an end view of the container tipping assembly 1000.Figure 3 is a top view of the container tipping assembly 1000.Figure 4 is a side view of the container tipping assembly 1000.Figures 5A to 12A illustrate perspective views of the tipping assembly 1000 undertaking sequential steps for engaging and tilting the container 100 during use in one possible working configuration.Figures 5B to 12B illustrate end views of the tipping assembly 1000 undertaking sequential steps for engaging and tilting the container 100 during use in one possible working configuration (as shown in Figures 5A to 12A).Figure 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a container 100'.Figure 14 is a top perspective view of the container tipping assembly 1000' which comprises a container 100" and a spreader assembly 200' in accordance with an alternative embodiment.Figure 15 is an end view of the container tipping assembly 1000'.Figure 16 is a top view of the container tipping assembly 1000'.Figure 17 is a side view of the container tipping assembly 1000'.Figure 18 illustrates end views of the tipping assembly 1000' undertaking sequential steps for engaging and tilting the container 100" during use in one possible working configuration.Figure 19 illustrates a container tipping assembly 10 of alternative embodiment in full engagement with a container C being engaged in an initial upright and non-tilted configuration.Figures 20 and 21 illustrate isolated views of the tipping assembly 10 without the container C in engagement.Figure 22 is an intermediate tilted configuration of the tipping assembly 10 whereby the container engaging frame 2 and the container C engaged therein is shown in an initial or intermediate tilted configuration.Figure 23 illustrates a fully tilted configuration of the tipping assembly 10 whereby the container engaging frame 2 and the container C engaged therein is shown in a fully tilted configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Figures 1 to 12 illustrate a first embodiment of the container tipping assembly 1000. The container tipping assembly 1000 is combination of the container 100 and the spreader assembly 200 which in combination provides a novel container rotation arrangement as will be described in the foregoing sections.

[0039] The container 100 is substantially rectangular comprising a rectangular base 101 with a length (L) extending between two end walls 102A and 102B (end walls being generally denoted by 102 throughout the specification). The end walls 102 are connected to each other by spaced apart side walls 104A and 104B (side walls being generally denoted by 102 throughout the specification). The end walls 102 and side walls 104 extend upwardly from the base 101 to define a container volume such that upper regions of the end walls 102 and side walls 104 define an opening into the container volume that is adapted to receive and transport bulk flowable solids such as ores, coal, grains or waste such as metal waste.

[0040] Each of the end walls 102 comprises mutually spaced apart attachment members that are spaced apart across each end wall 102. Each end wall 102 requires at least two spaced apart attachment members to effect tilting by the spreader assembly 200 as will be evident in the foregoing sections. In the first container embodiment 100, each end wall 102 is provided with an in-use first attachment member 106 that is located along a vertical centreline of the end wall 102. The first attachment member 106 is also located along an upper region of the end wall 102. The location of the first attachment member 106 is not limiting.

[0041] Two attachment members 108A and 108B (of a second type denoted generally by 108) are provided in a lower region of the end wall 102. These attachment members 108A and 108B (are located on opposite sides of the vertical centreline to form vertices of a symmetric triangle with the vertical centreline extending through the vertex of this imaginary symmetric triangle. For any tilting action to be undertaken, the first attachment member 106 needs to be used in conjunction with any one of the second type of attachment members 108.

[0042] The spreader assembly 200 comprises a spreader bar sub-assembly 210 configured to extend above the opening of the container 100. The length of the spreader bar sub-assembly may be variable to match the length (L) of the container 100. At each end of the spreader bar sub-assembly 210 comprises a pair of extendable attachment arms 220 and 240 that are configured for releasable attachment with the spaced apart attachment members 106 and 108 respectively.

[0043] Each of the attachment arms 220 and 240 are extendable or retractable by way of telescopic sections that are movable relative to each other by utilizing hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Each of the attachment arms 220 and 240 comprise a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends for each pair of attachment arms is pivotally attached to a respective end of the spreader bar via a corresponding mounting plate 250. A distal end of each pair of attachment arms comprises attachment hooks that allow releasable engagement of the distal ends for each pair of the attachment arms with the attachment members 106 and 108 for a corresponding end wall 102.

[0044] Figures 5 to 10 provide detailed illustrations of how the container 100 in combination with the spreader assembly 200 provide a novel container tilting assembly to effect tilting and rotation of the container to effect transfer of bulk material from the container under gravity. For ease of use and understanding an empty container 100 has been shown. Moreover, the container 100 is not shown to be mounted on an underlying support (such as a tray of a truck) by way of twist locking arrangements provided on the base 101 of the base.

[0045] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the spreader assembly 200 in a fully detached configuration relative to the container 100 as the spreader assembly 200 is being lowered to position the length of the spreader bar 210 across the open top of the container 100.

[0046] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the step when the spreader assembly 200 touches down to engage the distal ends of the first attachment arms 220 (at either end of the spreader assembly 200) with the first attachment member 105 (for end walls 102). As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the second attachment arm 240 is extended to result in the engagement of the distal of the second attachment arm 240 (at either end of the spreader assembly 200) with the second attachment member 108 via an attachment hook.

[0047] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the extension of the first attachment arm 220 which effects a tilt in a counter-clockwise direction (when viewed from the front). Further extension of the first attachment arm 220 increases rotation via further tilting of the container 100 as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0048] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate retraction of the second attachment arm 240 which further increases the tilting of the container to achieve full rotation of the container 100.

[0049] The provision of at least two spaced apart attachment members such as 106 and 108 along the end walls 102 of the container 100 in the aforementioned configuration in combination with the extendable and retractable attachment arms provided at either end of the spreader assembly 200 provides an effective and compact configuration for achieving a full tilting motion of the container.

[0050] It is important to note that the extension and retraction of the first attachment arms 220 located at both ends of the spreader assembly 200 should be preferably synchronised. Similarly, extension and retraction of the second attachment arms 240 located at both ends of the spreader assembly 200 should also be preferably synchronised.

[0051] Figure 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the container 100' that provides two upper attachment members 106A and 106B and two lower attachment members 108A and 108B. The container 100' would work in the same manner as container 100 in conjunction with spreader assembly 200.

[0052] Figures 14 to 18 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a container 100" in combination with the spreader assembly 200'. Like reference numerals denote like features that have been previously described. The main difference between the spreader assembly 200' and the previously described spreader assembly 200 is that only one of the attachment arms comprises a extendable configuration. Each end of the spreader assembly 200' comprises a fixed attachmentarm 220' and an extendable attachment arm 240'. The fixed attachment arm 220' at each end defines the tilting axis for the container 100. Once again distal ends of the attachment arms 220' and 240' engage with the mounting members 106" and 108" respectively followed by extension of the extendable attachment arm 240' to effect tilting or rotation of the container. The first mounting member 106" is located along a central region of the end wall 102 of the container 100.

[0053] In all of the described embodiments, it is important to note that the non extended length of the attachment arms 220 and 240 (or 220' and 240') must be sufficiently long such that upon engagement of the attachment arms in a non extended configuration at either end of the spreader bar 200 or 200' with respective attachment members on respective end walls of the container results in the spreader bar 210 being sufficiently clear from the opening of the container to allow tipping of the container.

[0054] Figures 19 to 23 illustrate a second embodiment of a container tipping assembly 100 designed to facilitate the controlled tipping of a standard shipping container C. The container tipping assembly 100 is particularly suited for use with containers having a base B, opposed end walls E1 and E2, and opposed first and second side walls S1 and S2, wherein the end walls (E1 and E2) and side walls (S1 and S2) define an internal volume accessible through an opening at the upper portions of the container C. The tipping assembly 10 is configured to engage the container C securely and enable tipping in a controlled manner, ensuring stability and safety during operation.

[0055] The container tipping assembly 10 comprises two primary components: a spreader assembly 1 and a container engaging frame 2. These components work in conjunction to engage the container C and facilitate its tipping.

[0056] The spreader assembly includes a spreader bar 1 that extends between first and second ends. The spreader bar 1 is configured to be positioned above the opening of the container C during use. At the first and second ends of the spreader bar (1), downwardly dependent end portions 11 are provided. These end portions 11 extend downwardly adjacent to the end walls of the container 4.

[0057] The container engaging frame 2 is designed to engage the container C securely and facilitate tipping. It includes a plurality of engagement mechanisms located along the in-use top part of the container engaging frame 2. These engagement mechanisms are configured to engage the top portions of the container 10, ensuring that the container C is securely held in an engaged configuration. In this configuration, the container engaging frame 2 at least partially surrounds the end walls and the first side wall of the container 4.

[0058] The container engaging frame 2 is positioned generally between the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar 1. The container engaging frame 2 is pivotally attached to the end portions 11 of the spreader bar 1 at opposed pivoting locations 7, allowing the container engaging frame 2 to pivot relative to the spreader bar 1. This pivotal movement facilitates the tipping of the container C when the container engaging frame 2 has been fully engaged and locked with the container Cas will be explained in the foregoing sections.

[0059] The container engaging frame 2 includes opposed sub-frames 22 that are configured to lie adjacent to the end walls of the container 10. The opposed pivoting locations 7 are provided on these sub-frames 22, enabling pivotal movement. Each sub-frame 22 comprises end wall engaging frame members 221 and 222 that converge in an in-use downward direction towards the respective pivoting locations 7.

[0060] The container engaging frame 2 further includes a transverse subframe 33 that extends across the second side wall S2 of the container 10. The transverse subframe comprises a plurality of spaced-apart transverse frame members 331 that extend across the second side wall S2. These transverse frame members 331 are connected to upright frame members 333 located adjacent to the corners between the second side wall S2 and the corresponding end walls E1 and E2. Guiding members 335 depend downwardly from the transverse frame members 331. These guiding members 335 assist in positioning the container engaging frame 2 above the container C and guide it into place as it is lowered onto the container C during use.

[0061] The pivoting locations 7 are arranged such that the imaginary pivoting axis of the container engaging frame 2 is spaced away from the base B of the container Cat a distance less than half the height of the container. This arrangement ensures controlled tipping. Additionally, the distance between the pivoting axis and the first side wall S1 is greater than the distance between the pivoting axis and the second side wall S2, facilitating effective tipping dynamics and ensuring that engaged container and the container engaging frame 2 is weighted to rotate in a preferred rotational direction (also referred to as tipping direction throughout the specification) that causes the second side wall S2 to be lowered. This arrangement is particularlyhelpful to allow the container C to tip when a cable connected between the container engaging frame 2 and the spreader 1 is released. The weighting of the engaged container C pulls the winch cable 31 when the winch cable 31 is released.

[0062] The container tipping assembly includes a assembly 3 comprising a cable 31 wound on a rotatable drum to effect tipping of the container C. The cable 31 extends between the spreader bar 1 and the container engaging frame 2. During use, rotation of the drum releases the cable 31 that effects relative pivoting movement between the spreader bar 1 and the container engaging frame 2. This pivotal movement in the tipping direction upon release of the cable 31 enables the tipping of the container 4 when the container engaging frame 2 is engaged with the container 10. The pulling assembly 3 may be provided in the form of a hydraulic cylinder that can be used to wind the cable 31. Alternatively, a winch mechanism may also be used for effecting pulling movement or release movement for the cable 31.

[0063] The pulling assembly 3 may include at least one cable extending from the spreader bar 1 to the container engaging frame 2. Releasing the cable 31 results in pivotal movement of the container engaging frame 2 in the preferred tipping direction to tip the container 4 due to the weighted pivoting configuration of the container engaging frame 2 and the engaged container 10. Conversely, winding and tensioning the cable 31 results in pivotal movement in a second rotational direction, opposite to the first rotational direction or the tipping direction to move the container Cand the container engaging frame 2 back to a generally more upright position.

[0064] The container engaging frame 2 is also equipped with a first plurality of stop members 41 to limit the extent of rotation and prevent the container engagement frame 2 and the engaged container from tipping from the upright position in the nonpreferred direction (which is opposite the tipping direction). The second plurality of stop members 44 is provided to limit the extent of rotation in the tipping direction ensuring controlled movement and preventing over-rotation.

[0065] The engagement mechanisms 44 are located along the corner portions of the in-use top part of the container engaging frame 2 include locking arrangements. These locking arrangements are actuated to engage and lock the corner portions of the container engaging frame 2 with the respective top corner portions of the container 4. This ensures secure engagement during operation.

[0066] The top portion of the container engaging frame 2 is sufficiently spaced away from the spreader bar 1 to facilitate pivoting. This spacing ensures that no section of the top portion of the container engaging frame 2 contacts the spreader bar 1 during pivotal movement, allowing smooth and unobstructed operation.

[0067] The container tipping assembly provides a robust and efficient solution for tipping containers 4. Its design ensures secure engagement, controlled tipping, and stability during operation. The pivotal attachment of the container engaging frame 2 to the spreader bar 1 , combined with the pulling assembly 3 and stop members 42 and 43 allows precise control over the tipping process. Additionally, the guiding members and engagement mechanisms 4 enhance ease of use and reliability.

[0068] This invention is particularly useful in applications where 10 need to be tipped for unloading or other purposes, such as shipping, logistics, and industrial operations. The assembly's design minimizes the risk of damage to the container Cand ensures safety for operators.

[0069] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0070] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0071] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container tipping assembly for tipping a container having a base with opposed end walls spaced apart by opposed first and second walls, the end walls and side walls having a container height with upper portions of the side walls and end walls defining an opening into an internal volume of the container, the container tipping assembly comprising: a spreader assembly comprising: a spreader bar extending between first and second ends, the spreader bar being configured to extend above the opening of the container, downwardly dependent end portions located at the first and second ends of the spreader bar to extend downwardly adjacent the end walls of the container during use; a container engaging frame further comprising: a plurality of engagement mechanisms being provided along an in-use top part of the container engaging frame for engaging top portions of the container such that in an engaged configuration the container engaging frame at least partially surrounds the end walls and the first side wall extending between the end walls, and wherein the container engaging frame is adapted to be positioned generally between the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar, the container engaging frame being pivotally attached to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar at opposed pivoting locations to facilitate tipping of the container when the container is in the engaged configuration.

2. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the container engaging frame further comprises opposed sub-frames are configured for lying adjacent said end walls of the container and wherein the opposed pivoting locations are provided on the opposed sub-frame members of the container engaging frame.

3. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein each of said opposed frames comprise end wall engaging frame members converging in an in- use downwardly direction towards the respective pivoting locations.

4. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the container engaging frame further comprises a transverse subframe extending across said other side wall extending between the end walls of the container.

5. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein the transverse subframe comprises: a plurality of spaced apart transverse frame members extending across said side wall, the spaced apart transverse frame members extending between upright frame members configured to be located adjacent respective corners between the said side wall and corresponding end walls.

6. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 5 further comprising and one or more guiding members depending downwardly from the transverse frame members for guiding the container engagement frame into position as the containerengagement frame is positioned above the container and lowered onto the container during use.

7. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims the pivoting location is arranged to be located such that an imaginary pivoting axis of the container engaging frame is spaced away from the base at a distance which is less than half the height of the container.

8. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein during use, in the engaged configuration, the distance between the pivoting axis and the first side wall is greater than the distance between the pivoting axis and the second side wall.

9. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a pulling assembly with a cable wound on a rotatable drum wherein the cable extends between the spreader and the container engaging frame and wherein during use rotation of the drum effects relative pivoting movement between the spreader and the container engaging frame, the container engaging frame being engaged with container during the pivoting movement.

10. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a pulling assembly with at least one cable extending from the spreader bar such that an end of the cable is located on the container engagingframe such that during use in the engaged configuration, releasing the cable results in the pivotal movement of the container engagement frame in first rotational direction to effect tipping of the container and wherein winding and tensioning of the cable results in the pivotal movement of the container engagement in a second rotational direction which is opposite the first rotational direction.

11. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the container engaging frame comprises a first plurality of stop members to limit extent of rotation of the container engaging frame relative to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader bar in a first rotational direction, during use, thereby facilitating tipping of the container, from an initial upright position, in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

12. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 11 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the stop members are located on the opposed sub-frame members to limit extent of rotation of the container engaging frame.

13. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising a second plurality of stopping members to limit the extent of rotation in the second rotational direction.

14. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein the engagement mechanisms provided along corner portions of the in-usetop part of the container engaging frame further comprise locking arrangements configured for being actuated to result in engagement and locking of the corner portions of the in-use top part of the container engaging frame with respective top corner portions of the container.

15. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the top portion of the container engaging frame is sufficiently spaced away from the spreader to facilitate pivoting of the container engaging frame such that no section of the top portion of the container engaging frame contacts the spreader as the container engaging frame undergoes pivoting relative to the downwardly dependent end portions of the spreader assembly.

16. A container comprising a rectangular base with a length extending between two end walls wherein the end walls are connected to each other by spaced apart side walls wherein the end walls and side walls extend upwardly from the base to define a container volume such that upper regions of the end walls and side walls define an opening into the container volume, wherein each of said end walls further comprises a plurality of spaced apart attachment members, the attachment members being spaced apart across a width of the end wall and configured for facilitating tipping of the container upon engagement with container attachment arms located at each end of a spreader assembly.

17. A container in accordance with claim 16 wherein the plurality of attachment members comprise at least one upper attachment member that is vertically spacedaway from at least one lower attachment member such that the upper attachment, is located closer along an upper region of the end wall and wherein the lower attachment member is located along a lower region of the end wall.

18. A container in accordance with claim 16 or claim 17 wherein said at least one upper attachment member or said at least one lower attachment member is located on each end wall is substantially located along an imaginary vertical centreline of the corresponding end wall such that during use upon attachment of each upper or lower attachment member with a respective attachment arm of the spreader assembly allows tipping of the container along a tilting axis passing through the upper attachment members of the end walls.

19. A container in accordance with claim 18 wherein the other of said upper or lower attachment member is located away from the vertical centreline.

20. A container in accordance with claim 19 comprising two of said attachment members located away from the vertical centreline such that the two attachment members are located on opposite sides of the vertical centreline.

21. A container in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein the attachment members are mounted on a reinforcing plate extending from the base towards the upper region of the end wall.

22. A container in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein the base comprises locking arrangements to allow the base of the container to be locked onto an underlying support during transportation.

23. A container in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 22 wherein side walls are reinforced by vertically spaced apart reinforcing members extending from the base towards the upper regions of the side walls.

24. A container tipping assembly comprising: the container in accordance with any one of the preceding claims; and a spreader assembly having a spreader bar configured to extend above the opening of the container wherein each end of the spreader bar comprises a pair of attachment arms configured for releasable attachment with the spaced apart attachment members on each end wall wherein at least one of the attachment arms are extendable.

25. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein a nonextended length of the attachment arms is suffciently long such that upon engagement of the attachment arms in a non extended configuration at either end of the spreader bar with resepctive attachment members on respective end walls of the container results in the spreader bar being sufficiently clear from the opening of the container to allow tipping of the cotnainer.

26. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of claims 24 or 25 wherein end portions of the attachment arms comprises attachment hooks for engaging each end portion of the attachment arms with respective attachment members.

27. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein: a proximal end of each pair of attachment arms is pivotally attached to a respective end of the spreader bar via a corresponding mounting plate; and a distal end of each pair of attachment arms comprises said attachment hooks.

28. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 27 wherein upon engagement of the attachment arms at either end of the spreader bar with respective attachment members on respective end walls of the container, extension of one or both attachment arms results in increased spacing between distal ends for each pair of attachment arms thereby effecting tilting of the container as one or both attachment arms at each end of the spreader bar undergo extension.

29. A container tipping assembly in accordance with any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein each pair of attachment arms comprises a respective first attachment arm and second attachment arm such that extension or retraction of the first attachment arm for each pair of arms is substantially synchronised and extension or retraction of the second attachment arm for each pair of arms is substantially synchronised.

30. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 29 wherein each of said attachment arms comprises respective arm sections that are telescopically engages with each other to form a respective attachment arm.

31. A container tipping assembly in accordance with claim 29 or claim 30 wherein extension and retraction of each attachment is effected by hydraulic or pneumatic assemblies that are functionally linked with said attachment arms.

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