A carrier assembly

Abstract

A carrier assembly (10) including a container (12) for receiving material (30) to be carried therein, the container (12) having an opening (14) which extends along a length thereof and having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape, support members (16) extending from opposing end regions (18) of the container (12) for allowing the container (12) to be supported during handling thereof, a cover (20) for covering the opening (14) of the container (12), a cover mounting arrangement (22) for displaceably mounting the cover (20) on the support members (16) and allowing the cover (20) to be displaceable between open and closed conditions and engaging members (24) mounted on opposing free end regions of the support members (16) for engaging a pivoting apparatus (26) for pivoting the container (12) about a central longitudinal axis (28) of the container (12) in order to empty contents (30) thereof.

Description

[0001] A CARRIER ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a carrier assembly for a material handling system.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to the invention, there is provided a carrier assembly which includes: a container for receiving material therein, the container having an opening which extends along a length thereof and having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape; support members extending from opposing end regions of the container for allowing the container to be supported during handling thereof; a cover for covering the opening of the container; a cover mounting arrangement for displaceably mounting the cover on the support members and allowing the cover to be displaceable between open and closed conditions; and engaging members mounted on opposing free end regions of the support members for engaging a pivoting apparatus for pivoting the container about an axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the container in order to empty contents thereof.

[0006] For the purposes of this specification, the term “handling” is to be understood to include any one or more of the terms of the group including moving, transporting, holding, carrying, lifting, tipping, pivoting, rotating, and the like.

[0007] The container may be manufactured from any suitable synthetic, plastic or metallic material, preferably being manufactured from a metallic material. It is to be appreciated that the container may be sized according to a required volume or capacity, and as such, is not limited to a particular size or volume. The container may have a generally elongate shape. The container may have a generally rectangular shape. More particularly, the container may include an elongate base portion, longitudinal side walls extending from opposing longitudinal sides of the base portion and end walls extending from opposing ends of the base portion. The opening may be positioned opposite the base portion, preferably being positioned at an operatively top side of the container.

[0008] The longitudinal side and / or end walls may extend normally or obliquely from the base portion. The longitudinal side and / or end walls may have a generally arcuate form or include an arcuate section. The longitudinal side and / or end walls may have a generally planar form, preferably being manufactured from metallic plates.

[0009] Edge regions of the container may have a generally arcuate, chamfered or bevelled form, preferably being generally chamfered or bevelled. More particularly, edge regions of the container located between the base portion and longitudinal side walls may have a chamfered or bevelled form. It is to be appreciated that having said edge regions chamfered or bevelled reduces a likelihood of material building up and / or becoming stuck at the junctions between the base and walls of the container and allows the cover to pivot and / or rotate around the container without being encumbered by its corners.

[0010] The container may have a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0011] An inner surface of the container may have a co-efficient of friction which encourages material contained therein to slide relative thereto during pivoting or rotating of the container.

[0012] The inner surface of the container may be coated or lined with a friction reducing material for further encouraging sliding of material contained therein during pivoting of the container. Preferably the inner surface of the container may be lined with a low friction liner so as to reduce frictional forces between the material and the container.

[0013] Strengthening formations may be provided for improving a structural strength of the container. The strengthening formations may be mounted on the base portion, longitudinal side walls and / or end walls. In particular, the strengthening formations may be in the form of a plurality of ribs which may be mounted on an outer surface of the container. The ribs may be defined by elongate members, preferably having a generally U-shaped, channelled or tubular form. The strengthening formations may be spaced apart along the central longitudinal axis of the container. The strengthening formations may extend along a height, width and / or length of the container.

[0014] Tine receiving zones may be defined in the container for allowing receipt of tines of a forklift therein. The tine receiving zones may extend generally perpendicularly relative the central longitudinal axis of the container. The tine receiving zones may be located towards an operative underside of the container.

[0015] The support members may extend from a generally central region of the container. The support members may extend from the container from points which may be offset or spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the container. It is to be appreciated that the support members being spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the container serves to space handling and / or supporting forces away from a centre of mass of the container, thus encouraging pivoting of the container to empty its contents under the effect of gravity. The support members may be in the form of shafts. The support members may have a length which is variable according to user requirements, and as such, is not limited to a particular length.

[0016] The cover may be sized so as to cover the opening of the container, preferably being sized to extend beyond an edge region of the opening. The cover may fit complementally over the edge region of the opening for reducing a likelihood of ingress or egress of dust and / or fine particles into or out of the container when the cover is in the closed condition. A seal may be interposed between the edge region of the opening and an edge region of the cover for sealing an inside of the container from the atmosphere and further reducing the likelihood of ingress or egress of dust and / or fine particles into or out of the container when the cover is in the closed condition. It is to be appreciated that the cover serves to reduce the likelihood of egress of dust, fine particles, and the like out of the container, typically when the container is filled with material, and to reduce the likelihood of ingress of impurities, contaminants, or otherwise unwanted material therein, typically while moving the container after having been emptied. The cover may include company branding thereon, the outer surface of the cover providing an easily visible region suitable for branding and / or advertising. It is to be appreciated that the branding on the outer surface of the cover will not be exposed to direct material contact during handling, loading and offloading which can be expected for a conventional ISO container.

[0017] The cover mounting arrangement may be configured to mount the cover pivotally on the support members. In particular, the cover mounting arrangement may be configured to allow pivotal displacement of the cover between the open and closed conditions about an axis substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the container. The cover mounting arrangement may be configured to permit the cover to be pivotally displaced up to 360 degrees relative to the container, preferably up to 160 degrees or more. More particularly, the cover mounting arrangement may include support arms which may extend between and pivotally interconnect opposing end regions of the cover and the support members, respectively. In particular, the support arms may be connected at a first end to the cover and may include a connecting portion for permitting pivotal connection to the support member. The connecting portion may include a receiving aperture for receiving the support member therethrough. A bearing assembly may be interposed between the connecting portions of the respective support arms and the support members, respectively, for permitting pivotal and / or rotational displacement therebetween. The bearing assemblies may be sized to be capable of supporting the weight of the carrier assembly together with the material contained therein during handling thereof. In use, the cover may be displaced to the open condition during filling and emptying, and to the closed condition during transportation of the container. The cover mounting arrangement may define a support surface on which forces associated with handling of the container may be applied to the container. The support surface may form part of the support arms, preferably forming part of the connecting portions thereof. More particularly, the support surface may form part of an operative underside surface of the connecting portion. It is to be appreciated that because handling forces are applied to the support surfaces which are pivotally connected to the support members, and with them, the container, as a result of the presence of the bearing assemblies, the container remains free to be pivoted or rotated relative a handling apparatus which is typically handling, lifting or carrying the container via the support surfaces. The handling apparatus may be in the form of a crane, spreader, forklift, reach stacker, and the like.

[0018] A portion of the cover mounting arrangement, preferably a support arm thereof, may be shaped to be received by a complementally shaped retaining formation of the pivoting apparatus upon engagement of the engaging members with the pivoting apparatus. In particular, the support arms of the cover mounting arrangement may be shaped to be received by opposing retaining formations of the pivoting apparatus upon engagement of the engaging members with the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the support arms, and with them, the cover, in an operatively upright position when the container is pivoted to empty its contents. It is to be appreciated that when the container is pivoted by the pivoting apparatus, via the engagement members, the cover remains in the operatively upright position, thus uncovering the opening to the container as the container is pivoted and allowing emptying thereof.

[0019] A biasing means may be provided for biasing the cover toward either the open or closed conditions, preferably for biasing the cover toward the closed condition. The biasing means may be in the form of a spring assembly or a spring and link assembly. The spring assembly may be in the form of a linear spring or a torsional spring, preferably being in the form of a linear spring and link assembly. It is to be appreciated that the biasing means for biasing the cover toward the closed condition serves to retain the cover in the closed condition during handling while allowing the cover to be easily displaced into the open condition during filling or emptying. A retaining arrangement may be provided for releasably retaining the cover in the open condition to facilitate filling thereof in use.

[0020] A cover displacement means may be provided for displacing the cover between the open and closed conditions. The cover displacement means may be in the form of a hydraulically operated displacement arrangement, a gear arrangement, a link assembly, or a pulley and rope or cable arrangement. The cover displacement means may be in the form of an operator. The cover displacement means may be in the form of a spring-operated assembly, which may utilise a linear spring, torsional spring or a spring and link assembly to displace the cover between the open and closed conditions.

[0021] The engaging members may extend from the support members such that the engaging members may be spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the container. More particularly, the engaging members may be positioned on an axis parallel to, yet spaced apart from, the central longitudinal axis of the container. It is to be appreciated that the engaging members being spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the container serves to space handling and / or supporting forces away from a centre of mass of the container, thus encouraging pivoting of the container to empty its contents under the effect of gravity. It is to be appreciated further that either the support members or the engaging members may be positioned on an axis parallel to, yet spaced apart from, the central longitudinal axis of the container in order to encourage pivoting of the container under gravity. The engaging members may be sized, shaped and / or configured to engage complementally with opposing connecting members of the pivoting apparatus for allowing the connecting members to impart a pivotal and / or rotational force onto the engaging members. The engaging members may be mounted on the free end regions of the support members such that relative pivotal displacement therebetween is inhibited. It is to be appreciated that the engaging members, and with them, the container, are free to pivot and / or rotate relative a central longitudinal axis of the container when the container is being held by a handling apparatus via the cover mounting arrangement. The engaging members may have a size larger than the connecting portions of the cover mounting arrangement, thus defining a generally stepped profile. The stepped profile may be dimensioned to be receivable by a complementally shaped stepped receiving zone of the pivoting apparatus, so as to inhibit translational displacement of the engaging members, and with them, the remainder of the carrier assembly, relative the pivoting apparatus upon engagement of the engaging members and the pivoting apparatus. It is to be appreciated that when the engaging members engage with the connecting members of the pivoting apparatus, respectively, translational displacement of the carrier assembly is inhibited, thus preventing dislodging of the carrier assembly from the pivoting apparatus, while pivotal displacement of the container is permitted, thus allowing pivoting and emptying of the container.

[0022] The pivoting apparatus may include a support assembly including a pair of side supports and a connector extending between and interconnecting the side supports. The support assembly may be of a lightweight construction.

[0023] An attachment arrangement may be provided for permitting attachment of the support assembly to a lifting mechanism of a lifting apparatus. The attachment arrangement may include an elongate load bearing member which may extend between and interconnect the support assembly, preferably the connector thereof, and an attachment member. The elongate load bearing member may be in the form of any of the group including, but not limited to, a chain, cable, a link assembly, and a piston- and-cylinder assembly. Preferably, the attachment arrangement may include a plurality of elongate load bearing members which may extend between and interconnect the connector of the support assembly and the attachment member. In particular, the attachment arrangement may include a central hydraulic piston -and- cylinder assembly which may extend between and interconnect a generally central region of the connector and the attachment member. The attachment arrangement may include a pair of chains which may extend between and interconnect opposing end regions of the connector and the attachment member. It is to be appreciated that the plurality of load bearing members serve to disperse forces applied to the connector along its length. The attachment member may include a plurality of attachment points for permitting attachment of the elongate load bearing members thereto and a connecting point for permitting connection to the lifting mechanism of the lifting apparatus. The lifting mechanism may include a hook member. The lifting or handling apparatus may be in the form of any of the group including a crane, spreader, forklift, reach stacker, and the like.

[0024] The pivoting apparatus may include receiving members mounted on each side support which define receiving zones for receiving opposing end regions of the carrier assembly therein.

[0025] Guide formations may be provided for guiding displacement of the end regions of the carrier assembly into the receiving zones of the respective receiving members.

[0026] The pivoting apparatus may include a displacement arrangement for pivotally displacing the carrier assembly in order to empty contents of the container. Preferably, the pivoting apparatus may include a pair of displacement arrangements for pivotally displacing opposing end regions of the carrier assembly, respectively. The displacement arrangements may be mounted on the receiving members, respectively.

[0027] The displacement arrangements may include a displacement member and a displacement transferring mechanism for transferring the forces associated with displacement caused by the displacement member to the engaging members of the carrier assembly.

[0028] The displacement member may be in the form of a motor, a piston-and-cylinder assembly, or a planetary gear arrangement. Preferably, the displacement member may be in the form of a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly. The displacement transferring mechanism may be in the form of a transmission mechanism, gearbox arrangement, chain assembly or link assembly. The displacement transferring mechanism may be in the form of a lever assembly for providing a degree of mechanical advantage so as to increase the force being transferred to the engaging members of the carrier assembly.

[0029] The connecting member may include an engaging zone defined therein for receiving and engaging with the engaging member. The engaging zone may be sized, shaped and / or configured to receive the engaging member complementally therein and inhibit relative pivotal displacement between the engaging member, and with it, the support member and container, and the connecting member, thus permitting pivoting of the container by the displacement arrangement. The engaging zone may be of any suitable non-circular geometric shape when viewed in plan for inhibiting relative pivotal displacement between the opposing connecting members and the engaging members.

[0030] A hydraulic energy regeneration system may be provided for harvesting hydraulic energy from lifting the carrier assembly, typically a fully loaded carrier assembly. The hydraulic energy regeneration system may include an accumulator, preferably a plurality of accumulators, for allowing hydraulic energy to be stored for later use. The accumulators may be mounted on the support assembly.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] A carrier assembly in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the drawings: -

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 are three-dimensional schematics showing a carrier assembly in accordance with the present invention in a closed and open condition, respectively; Figure 3 is three-dimensional schematic showing a generally rear view of a container of the carrier assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0035] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a carrier assembly with a biasing means for biasing a cover of the carrier assembly into a closed condition;

[0036] Figure 5 is an enlarged three-dimensional schematic showing the biasing means in Figure 4;

[0037] Figures 6 and 7 are side views of the carrier assembly showing the different positions of the biasing means when the cover is a closed and opened condition, respectively.

[0038] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional schematic of a pivoting apparatus to be used with the carrier assembly; and

[0039] Figures 9 and 10 are three-dimensional schematics showing the displacement of the container of the carrier assembly by the pivoting apparatus shown in Figure 8.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Referring now to the figures, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a carrier assembly of a material handling system (not shown) in accordance with the present invention. The carrier assembly 10 includes a container 12 for receiving material or contents (not shown) to be carried therein, the container 12 having an opening 14 which extends along a length thereof and having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape, support members 16 extending from opposing end regions 18 of the container 12 for allowing the container 12 to be supported during handling thereof, a cover 20 for covering the opening 14 of the container 12, a cover mounting arrangement 22 for displaceably mounting the cover 20 on the support members 16 and allowing the cover 20 to be displaceable between open and closed conditions and engaging members 24 mounted on opposing free end regions of the support members 16 for engaging a pivoting apparatus 26 for pivoting the container 12 about a central longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12 in order to empty contents thereof. The container 12 is manufactured from any suitable synthetic, plastic or metallic material, typically being manufactured from a metallic material. It is to be appreciated that the container 12 is sized according to a required volume or capacity, and as such, is not limited to a particular size or volume.

[0042] The container 12 has a generally elongate shape. The container 12 has a generally rectangular shape. More particularly, the container 12 includes an elongate base portion 30, longitudinal side walls 32 extending from opposing longitudinal sides of the base portion 30 and end walls 34 extending from opposing ends of the base portion 30. The opening 14 is positioned opposite the base portion 30, typically being positioned at an operatively top side of the container 12.

[0043] The longitudinal side and end walls 32 and 34, respectively, extend normally from the base portion 30.

[0044] Edge regions 36 of the container 12 have a generally arcuate, chamfered or bevelled form, typically being generally chamfered or bevelled as shown in the Figures. More particularly, edge regions 36 of the container 12 located between the base portion 30 and longitudinal side walls 32 have a chamfered or bevelled form. It is to be appreciated that having said edge regions 36 chamfered or bevelled reduces a likelihood of material building up and / or becoming stuck at junctions between the base 30 and walls 32 of the container 12, and allows the cover 20 to pivot and / or rotate around the container 12 without being encumbered by its corners.

[0045] The container 12 has a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12.

[0046] An inner surface 38 of the container 12 has a co-efficient of friction which encourages material contained therein to slide relative thereto during pivoting or rotating of the container 12. The inner surface 38 of the container 12 is coated or lined with a friction reducing material (not shown) for further encouraging sliding of material contained therein during pivoting of the container 12. Typically, the inner surface 38 of the container 12 can be lined with a low friction liner (not shown) so as to reduce frictional forces between the material and the container 12.

[0047] Strengthening formations, in the form of a plurality of ribs 40, are mounted on the base portion 30, longitudinal side walls 32 and end walls 34 for improving a structural strength of the container 12. In particular, the ribs 40 are mounted on an outer surface of the container 12. The ribs 40 are spaced apart along the central longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12 and extend along a height, width and length of the container 12.

[0048] Tine receiving zones 42 are defined in the container 12 for allowing receipt of tines of a forklift therein. The tine receiving zones 42 extend generally perpendicularly relative the central longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12. The tine receiving zones 42 are located towards an operative underside of the container 12.

[0049] As most clearly shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support members 16 extend from the container 12 from points which are offset or spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12. It is to be appreciated that the support members 16 being spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12 serves to space handling and / or supporting forces away from a centre of mass, located along the axis 28, of the container 12, thus encouraging pivoting of the container 12 to empty its contents under the effect of gravity. The support members 16 are in the form of shafts. The support members 16 have a length which is variable according to user requirements, and as such, are not limited to a particular length.

[0050] The cover 20 is sized so as to cover the opening 14 of the container 12 and extend beyond an edge region 44 of the opening 14. The cover 20 fits complementally over the edge region 44 of the opening 14 for reducing a likelihood of ingress or egress of fine particles into or out of the container 12 when the cover 20 is in the closed condition. A seal (not shown) is interposed between the edge region 44 of the opening 14 and an edge region of the cover 20 for sealing an inside of the container 12 from the atmosphere and further reducing the likelihood of ingress or egress of dust or fine particles into or out of the container 12 when the cover 20 is in the closed condition. It is to be appreciated that the cover 20 serves to reduce the likelihood of egress of dust, fine particles, and the like out of the container 12, typically when the container 12 is filled with material 30, and to reduce the likelihood of ingress of impurities, contaminants, or otherwise unwanted material therein, typically while moving the container 12 after having been emptied. The cover 20 includes company branding thereon, the outer surface of the cover 20 providing an easily visible region suitable for branding and / or advertising.

[0051] The cover mounting arrangement 22 is configured to mount the cover 20 pivotally on the support members 16. In particular, the cover mounting arrangement 22 is configured to allow pivotal displacement of the cover 20 between the open and closed conditions. The cover mounting arrangement 22 is configured to permit the cover 20 to be pivotally displaced up to 360 degrees relative to the container 12, typically up to between 160 degrees and 180 degrees. More particularly, the cover mounting arrangement 22 includes support arms 46 which extend between and pivotally interconnect opposing end regions 48 of the cover 20 and the support members 16, respectively. In particular, the support arms 46 are connected at a first end to the cover 20 and include a connecting portion 50 for permitting pivotal connection to the support member 16. The connecting portion 50 includes a receiving aperture (not shown) for receiving the support member 16 therethrough. A bearing assembly (not shown) is interposed between the connecting portions 50 of the respective support arms 46 and the support members 16, respectively, for permitting pivotal displacement therebetween. The bearing assemblies (not shown) are sized to be capable of supporting the weight of the carrier assembly 10 together with the material contained therein during handling thereof. In use, the cover 20 is displaced to the open condition during filling and emptying, and to the closed condition during handling, lifting, carrying, holding, or transportation of the container 12. As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the cover mounting arrangement 22 defines a support surface 52 on which forces associated with handling of the container 12 are applied. The support surface 52 forms part of the support arms 46, typically forming part of the connecting portions 50 thereof. More particularly, the support surface 52 forms part of an operative underside surface of the connecting portion 50. It is to be appreciated that because handling forces are applied to the support surfaces 52 which are pivotally connected to the support members 16, and with them, the container 12, as a result of the presence of the bearing assemblies (not shown), the container 12 remains free to be pivoted relative a handling apparatus which is typically handling, lifting or carrying the container 12 via the support surfaces 52. The handling apparatus can be in the form of a crane (not shown), spreader 58, forklift 60, reach stacker (not shown), and the like.

[0052] A portion of the cover mounting arrangement 22, typically a support arm 46 thereof, is shaped to be received by a complementally shaped retaining formation 54 of the pivoting apparatus 26 upon engagement of the engaging members 24 with the pivoting apparatus 26. In particular, the support arms 46 of the cover mounting arrangement 22 are shaped to be received by opposing retaining formations 54 of the pivoting apparatus 26 upon engagement of the engaging members 24 with the pivoting apparatus 26, for retaining the support arms 46, and with them, the cover 20, in an operatively upright position when the container 12 is pivoted to empty its contents. It is to be appreciated that when the container 12 is pivoted by the pivoting apparatus 26, via the engagement members 24, the cover 20 remains in the operatively upright position, thus uncovering the opening 14 to the container 12 as the container 12 is pivoted or rotated and allowing emptying thereof.

[0053] A biasing means in the form of a spring and link assembly 56 is provided for biasing the cover 20 toward either the closed condition. It is to be appreciated that the biasing means (not shown) for biasing the cover 20 toward the closed condition serves to retain the cover 20 in the closed condition during handling while allowing the cover 20 to be easily displaced into the open condition during filling or emptying. A retaining arrangement (not shown) is provided for releasably retaining the cover 20 in the open condition to facilitate filling thereof in use.

[0054] A cover displacement means (not shown) is provided for displacing the cover 20 between the open and closed conditions. The cover displacement means (not shown) can be in the form of a hydraulically operated displacement arrangement (not shown), a gear arrangement (not shown) or a pulley and rope or cable arrangement (not shown). The cover displacement means (not shown) is in the form of a spring- operated assembly (not shown), which may utilise a linear spring (not shown), torsional spring (not shown) or a spring and link assembly (not shown) to displace the cover 20 between the open and closed conditions.

[0055] The engaging members 24 have a similar form to engaging members described in PCT / ZA2022 / 050015. The engaging members 24 are sized, shaped and configured to engage complementally with opposing connecting members 58 of the pivoting apparatus 26 for allowing the connecting members 58 to impart a pivotal force onto the engaging members 24. The engaging members 24 are mounted to the free end regions of the support members 16 such that relative pivotal displacement therebetween is inhibited. It is to be appreciated that the engaging members 24, and with them, the container 12, are free to pivot relative a central longitudinal axis 28 of the container 12 when the container 12 is being held by a handling apparatus via the cover mounting arrangement 22.

[0056] The engaging members 24 have a size larger than the connecting portions 50 of the cover mounting arrangement 22, thus defining a generally stepped profile (not shown). The stepped profile (not shown) is dimensioned to be receivable by a complementally shaped stepped receiving zone (not shown) of the pivoting apparatus 26, so as to inhibit translational displacement of the engaging members 24, and with them, the remainder of the carrier assembly 10, relative to the pivoting apparatus 26 upon engagement of the engaging members 24 and the pivoting apparatus 26. It is to be appreciated that when the engaging members 24 engage with the connecting members 58 of the pivoting apparatus 26, respectively, translational displacement of the carrier assembly 10 is inhibited, thus preventing dislodging of the carrier assembly 10 from the pivoting apparatus 26, while pivotal displacement of the container 12 is permitted, thus allowing pivoting and emptying of the container 12.

[0057] The pivoting apparatus 26 is of similar form to the pivoting apparatus described in PCT / ZA2022 / 050015. The pivoting apparatus 26 includes a support assembly 60 including a pair of side supports 62 and a connector 64 extending between and interconnecting the side supports 62. The support assembly 60 is of a lightweight construction.

[0058] An attachment arrangement 66 is provided for permitting attachment of the support assembly 60 to a lifting mechanism of a handling or lifting apparatus.

[0059] The pivoting apparatus 26 includes receiving members 68 mounted on each side support 62 which define receiving zones 70 for receiving opposing end regions of the carrier assembly 10 therein.

[0060] Guide formations in the form of guide walls 72 are provided for guiding displacement of the end regions of the carrier assembly 10 into the receiving zones 70 of the respective receiving members 68.

[0061] In use, the container 12 of the carrier assembly 10 is positioned on its base portion 30 and the cover 20 is opened by being pivoted via the cover mounting arrangement 22 which is pivotally mounted on the opposing support members 16. In this condition, the container 12 is filled with material to be carried.

[0062] After the container 12 is filled, the cover 20 is pivoted into the closed condition and a pivoting apparatus 26 is moved into position with its receiving members 68 generally beneath the engaging members 24 of the carrier assembly 10. Fine adjustment of position of the pivoting apparatus 26 is typically carried out by an operator. With the receiving members 68 positioned below the engaging members 24, the pivoting apparatus 26 is lifted thereby allowing the support arms 46 of the cover mounting arrangement 22 to slide against the guide walls 72 and into to the receiving zones 70 of the receiving members 68. Once received, the carrier assembly 10 is positioned directly below the lifting point with adequate clearance to the support assembly 60 to allow for the hooking and unhooking of the pivoting apparatus 26 to the carrier assembly 10. The carrier assembly 10 is then moved into a position to offload or empty its contents. The pivoting apparatus 26 activates and begins to pivotally displace the container 12 into an emptying condition, keeping the cover 20 in position until the contents are emptied.

[0063] Upon completion of offloading, the pivoting apparatus 26 returns the container 12 to an upright position and in doing so, closing the opening 14.

[0064] The carrier assembly 10 is then lowered and returned to a loading position, and owing to the closed cover 20, dust and other fine particles are prevented from entering or exiting the container 12.

[0065] ADVANTAGES

[0066] The inventor believes that the carrier assembly in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that owing to the shape and configuration of the walls of the container, the likelihood of material remaining in the container, i.e., getting stuck under a lip or in a corner, is reduced. In addition, the eccentricity of the support members extending from the container encourage pivotal displacement of the container under gravity which reduces the energy required to pivot the container into an emptying condition when filled.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A carrier assembly which includes: - a container for receiving material therein, the container having an opening which extends along a length thereof and having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape; support members extending from opposing end regions of the container for allowing the container to be supported during handling thereof; a cover for covering the opening of the container; a cover mounting arrangement for displaceably mounting the cover on the support members and allowing the cover to be displaceable between open and closed conditions; and engaging members mounted on opposing free end regions of the support members for engaging a pivoting apparatus for pivoting the container about an axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the container in order to empty contents thereof.

2. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container has a generally rectangular shape.

3. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein edge regions of the container located between the base portion and longitudinal side walls have a chamfered or bevelled form.

4. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the container has a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the container.

5. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein an inner surface of the container is coated or lined with a friction reducing material for further encouraging sliding of material contained therein during pivoting of the container.

6. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein tine receiving zones are defined in the container for allowing receipt of tines of a forklift therein.

7. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the support members extend from the container from points which are spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the container.

8. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the cover mounting arrangement is configured to mount the cover pivotally on the support members.

9. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cover mounting arrangement is configured to allow pivotal displacement of the cover between the open and closed conditions about an axis substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

10. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the cover mounting arrangement is configured to permit the cover to be pivotally displaced up to 360 degrees relative to the container.1 1. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the cover mounting arrangement includes support arms which extend between and pivotally interconnect opposing end regions of the cover and the support members, respectively.

12. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the support arms are connected at a first end to the cover and include a connecting portion for permitting pivotal connection to the support member.

13. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the cover mounting arrangement defines a support surface on which forces associated with handling of the container are applied to the container.

14. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein a portion of the cover mounting arrangement is shaped to be received by a complementally shaped retaining formation of the pivoting apparatus upon engagement of the engaging members with the pivoting apparatus.

15. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the support arms of the cover mounting arrangement are shaped to be received by opposing retaining formations of the pivoting apparatus upon engagement of the engaging members with the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the support arms, and with them, the cover, in an operatively upright position when the container is pivoted to empty its contents.

16. A carrier assembly as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the engaging members extend from the support members such that the engaging members are spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the container.

17. A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the engaging members are positioned on an axis parallel to, yet spaced apart from, the central longitudinal axis of the container.

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