Storage rig

Abstract

Conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus (10) for storing conveyor rollers (100) having a shaft (102) and a main body portion (104). The apparatus (10) has at least one entry for receiving a roller (100) in an upper part of the apparatus (10), and an exit for dispensing a roller (100). The exit includes a door (32) for controlling the dispensing of rollers (100). The apparatus (10) defines a pathway (30) for the rollers (100) including a pair of rails spaced to receive opposed ends of the shaft (102) of a roller (100). The rails are inclined relative to the base of the apparatus (10) so that the roller (100) will slide or roll along the rails, under gravity. The pathway (30) comprises two or more pairs of rails arranged in a zig zag arrangement with an end of a first ramp terminating above the upper end of a second ramp so that the rollers (100) are able to roll from the first ramp to the second ramp. The exit is at the lower end of the lowest ramp and is closed by the door (32), whereby opening the door (32) dispenses a single roller (100).

Description

Storage rigCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application no. 2023902902, filed on 8 September 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a storage rig, particularly for storing conveyor rollers and to a method of using the same.Background

[0003] Conveyors are used in many industries, including mining for transferring materials such as mined ore. Depending on the location, and product conveyed, conveyors can be subject to considerable wear and tear and the conveyor belts, and also conveyor rollers too, frequently become damaged and require replacement.

[0004] Spare rollers are typically stored loose on pallets and can be awkward to transport and are often damaged during storage and transport.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a better storage system for handling replacement conveyor rollers.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.Summary

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus for storing conveyor rollers having a shaft and a main body portion, the apparatus having at least one entry for receiving a conveyor roller in an upper part of the apparatus, in use, and an exit for dispensing a roller from the apparatus, in a relatively lower part of the apparatus, the exit including a gate or door for controlling the dispensing of rollers from the apparatus one at a time, the apparatus defining a pathway for the rollers including a pair of spaced apart rails spaced to receive and support the opposed distal ends of the shaft of a conveyor roller with the main body portion disposed between the rails, the pair of rails being inclined relative to the base of the apparatus so that the roller will slide or roll along the rails in use, under gravity, from a higher end of the rails to a lower end, the pathway comprising two or more pairs of rails arranged in a zig zag arrangement with an end of a first run or ramp terminating above the upper end of a second ramp so that the rollers are able to roll from the first run to the second run with the exit being defined at the lower end of the lowest run and wherein the exit is closed by a door which defines a recess for receiving a single roller and opening the door dispenses a single roller at a time.

[0008] The apparatus can store replacement rollers in an organised fashion reducing the risk of damage while dispensing the rollers one by one as required, so that opening the door does not present an uncontrolled egress of conveyor rollers from the apparatus.

[0009] The second run is typically the lowest run.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a third run disposed above the first run and the third run is inclined at a steeper angle than the first run and has an end terminating above the upper end of the second run so that the rollers are able to roll from the third run and drop directly to the second run.

[0011] It is preferred that the dispensing apparatus further includes a fourth run disposed above the third run and which is inclined at a steeper angle than the third runand has an end terminating above the upper end of the second run so that the rollers are able to roll from the fourth run and drop directly to the second run. Note that the number of ramps / runs may be varied depending on the particular requirements. For example, if there is a height limitation for the apparatus fewer ramps / runs may be provided.

[0012] However, the angles may be varied depending on the size and weight of the rollers and the friction of the roller shaft on the ramps. It is envisaged that longer and / or larger rollers may need different angles of inclination to smaller shorter rollers.

[0013] It is preferred that the exit dispenses the rollers between 200mm and 500mm above the base of the apparatus, more preferably 250 to 350mm, most preferably about 300mm above the base. However, the height may vary depending on the application, for example if the apparatus is to be mounted on the back of a truck or ute, or the like, then the exit may be closer to the base.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, in the lowest run adjacent the exit, a holding pin is defined which when deployed projects though an aperture in at least one rail and prevents the penultimate conveyor roller from exiting when the gate is opened.

[0015] The apparatus may include a link mechanism for moving the pin, wherein closing the gate causes the pin to be retracted into the rail allowing the penultimate roller to roll as far as the closed gate.

[0016] Preferably, the mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing the pin into its deployed position, blocking the passage of a roller.

[0017] It is preferred that the base of the apparatus defines two elongate pockets for receiving the tines of a forklift or the like.

[0018] In some embodiments it is envisaged that lifting lugs may be provided to allow the apparatus to be picked up and lifted onto a conveyor. It is also envisaged that insome embodiments male and female lugs will be provided on the top and bottom of the apparatus to allow them to stack one on top of another.

[0019] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is an isometric view of a conveyor roller dispensing apparatus;Figure 2 is a side view of the conveyor roller dispensing apparatus of Figure 1;Figure 3 is a side view of the conveyor roller dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 showing a dispensing door open;Figure 4 is a front view of the conveyor roller dispensing apparatus of Figure 1;Figure 5 is an isometric view of the door of the apparatus of Figure 1;Figure 6 shows part of a locking pin mechanism;Figure 7 is a photographic view of a conveyor storage and dispensing apparatus showing the entries to ramps of the apparatus;Figure 8 is a photographic view of the conveyor storage and dispensing apparatus of Figure 7 showing the gate in a closed state;Figure 9 is a photographic view of the conveyor storage and dispensing apparatus of Figure 7 showing the gate open; andFigure 10 is a photographic view of the conveyor storage and dispensing apparatus showing the gate open from an opposite side to Figure 9.Description of Embodiments

[0021] Referring to the drawings, a conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus is shown at 10. A typical conveyor roller 100 as shown is Figure 10 includes a shaft, 102 typically a steel bar or tube having a circular cross section on which is mounted a much larger diameter roller body 104 which could be made of a number of different materials including plastic and steel. Typically, the body 104 is mounted on and relative to the shaft 102 so that it is able to freely rotate about the shaft.

[0022] The apparatus 10 is contained within a cage 12 in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. The cage is formed from steel tubing having a rectangular cross section. The cage base of the cage is a rectangular base frame 14 defined by two long sides 16 and two ends 18. The frame sits on two elongate tubular pockets 20 having a rectangular cross section sized and located near the ends of the cage for receiving the tines of a forklift, or the like, for moving the cage.

[0023] Two end posts 22 extend up from the front and rear corners of the base frame 14 to a rectangular top frame 24.

[0024] The apparatus defines a series of ramps / runs or pathways for the storage and dispensing of conveyor rollers. As is best seen in Figures 1 and 2, a first lower ramp or pathway 30 extends upwards from a door or gate 32 at the front of the cage towards the rear of the cage. The ramp is defined by two steel tubes 34 (only one of which is visible in Figure 2) having a rectangular cross section the spacing between the tubes is larger than the length of the conveyor roller but shorter than the length of the rollershaft. In that way, the ends of the shaft are supported on the ramp and the roller body sits in between the tubes of the ramp.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the pathway includes an upper steel tube 36 on each side which runs parallel to the steel tube 34 and defines a spacing between the two tubes that receives the shaft of the rollers. This ensures that the rollers are in a line in and do not get displaced if the cage is moved.

[0026] As is best seen in Figure 2, there are three further inclined ramps 50, 52 and 54 located above ramp 30. Each of the ramps is inclined downwards from the front of the cage towards the rear. Like the pathway 30, the lowest ramp 50 is also defined by two steel tubes 56 (only one of which is visible in Figure 2) having a rectangular cross section with the spacing between the tubes is larger than the length of the conveyor roller but shorter than the length of the roller shaft so that the ends of the shaft are supported on the ramp and the roller body sits in between the tubes of the ramp. The angle of inclination of the ramp is typically of the order of 10°. The inclined tubes 56 terminate just before reaching the rear of the cage and are welded to vertically aligned tubes 58 which connect with the ends of the upper steel tubes 36 of the lower pathway 30. This defines a vertical pathway which guides the rollers vertically downwards from the end of the ramp 50 to the lower pathway 30.

[0027] Ramp 52 is located above ramp 50. Like the ramp 50, ramp 52 is also defined by two steel tubes 60 (only one of which is visible in Figure 2) having a rectangular cross section with same spacing between the tubes The angle of inclination of the ramp 52 is slightly steeper than that of the ramp 50 and is typically of the order of 15°. The inclined tubes 60 terminate just before reaching the rear of the cage and are welded to short vertically aligned tubes 62 which terminate before reaching the ramp 50 so as to allow a gap between the end of the tube 62 and ramp 50 to allow the shafts of the on ramp 50 rollers to pass.

[0028] Ramp 54 is located above ramp 52. Like the ramps 50 and 52, ramp 54 is also defined by two steel tubes 64 (only one of which is visible in Figure 2) having arectangular cross section with same spacing between the tubes. The angle of inclination of the ramp 54 is slightly steeper than that of the ramp 52 and is typically of the order of 20°. The inclined tubes 64 terminate just before reaching the rear of the cage and are welded to vertically aligned tubes 66 which terminate before reaching the ramp 52 so as to allow a gap between the end of the tubes 66 and ramp 52 to allow rollers to pass along ramp 52.

[0029] As is best seen in Figure 7, the entrances to the three ramps 50, 52, and 54 define small angled projections or tongues 70, 72 and 74 respectively, which are welded to the ends of the ramps to stop the rollers rolling out of the cage. This also allows easy access to the ramps for loading rollers into the apparatus. During transport of the apparatus, it is envisaged that additional restraining means, such as a ratchet strap, may be provided.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6 show components of the door or gate 32 which closes the lower end of the pathway 30 which is also shown in Figures 8 and 9 in a closed and an open state. As is best seen in Figure 5, the gate comprises a rectangular steel plate 200 to which an L-shaped cradle 202 is attached for receiving a conveyor roller. A handle 204 is attached to one side of the plate.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an elongate link component 220 of a holding mechanism defining an aperture 222 at one end about which the link can pivot, and a locking pin 224 which co-operates with the gate to ensure that only one conveyor roller is dispensed at a time. One link component 220 is mounted to each opposed end of the gate and is connected to the gate and cage by a bolt 223 refer to Figures 8 and 10. The locking pin 224 projects up through an aperture 226 in the steel tube 34 of the lower ramp adjacent the gate, as is best seen in Figure 10. A rod 226 is fixed to and projects laterally from the end of the link near the pin. In use a biasing means in the form of a spring 228 is attached to the rod and to a further rod 230 fixed to the cage to bias the pin upwards into the deployed position when the gate is open as shown in Figures 8 and 10.

[0032] Figure 9 shows the apparatus with the gate 200 closed in which the locking pin 224 is retracted into the aperture 226 in the steel tube so that the rollers can roll down the ramp.

[0033] In use rollers can be directly loaded into any of the three upper ramps 52, 54, 56. They will roll down the ramp and drop into the lower pathway 30. Once that pathway and the vertical channel is filled, the rollers will be stored on the ramps 50, 52, 54.

[0034] To dispense a roller, the handle is pulled downwards. This opens the gate and releases a roller which sits in the cradle of the gate. The locking mechanism pushes the pin 224 upwards through the aperture 226 in the rail and this prevents the next roller 100 from exiting the apparatus. The roller 100 can be removed from the cradle in the gate and the gate is them closed. When the gate is closed the spring is extended and the locking pin 224 is retracted and the next roller can roll into the cradle 202 of the gate 200.

[0035] Although in the described embodiment the ramps are discontinuous in an alternative embodiment, it would be possible to have a continuous track extending from the top of the frame to the base with alternating zig zag ramps / runs. However, the above described embodiment is preferred as it has a greater capacity and reduced fabrication costs.

[0036] In a yet further alternative embodiment, the apparatus only has two ramps 30 and 50 and multiple layers of rollers can be stacked in the cage above the ramp 50. However, in this version there can be a tendency for the rollers to jam and bind up, so the use of additional ramps as described above is preferred.

[0037] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The presentembodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus for storing conveyor rollers having a shaft and a main body portion, the apparatus having at least one entry for receiving a conveyor roller in an upper part of the apparatus, in use, and an exit for dispensing a roller from the apparatus, in a relatively lower part of the apparatus, the exit including a door for controlling the dispensing of rollers from the apparatus one at a time, the apparatus defining a pathway for the rollers including a pair of spaced apart rails spaced to receive and support the opposed distal ends of the shaft of a conveyor roller with the main body portion disposed between the rails, the pair of rails being inclined relative to the base of the apparatus so that the roller will slide or roll along the rails in use, under gravity, from a higher end of the rails to a lower end, the pathway comprising two or more pairs of rails arranged in a zig zag arrangement with an end of a first ramp terminating above the upper end of a second ramp so that the rollers are able to roll from the first ramp to the second ramp with the exit being defined at the lower end of the lowest ramp, and wherein the exit is closed by the door which defines a recess for receiving a single roller and opening the door dispenses a single roller at a time.

2. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second ramp is the lowest ramp.

3. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including a third ramp disposed above the first ramp and wherein the third ramp is inclined at a steeper angle than the first ramp and having an end terminating above the upper end of the second ramp so that the rollers are able to roll from the third ramp and drop directly to the second ramp.

4. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 including a fourth ramp disposed above the third ramp and wherein the fourth ramp is inclined at a steeper angle than the third ramp and having an end terminating above theupper end of the second ramp so that the rollers are able to roll from the fourth ramp and drop directly to the second ramp.

5. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the exit dispenses the rollers between 200mm and 500mm above the base of the apparatus, more preferably 250 to 350mm, most preferably about 300mm above the base.

6. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in the lowest ramp adjacent the exit, a holding pin is defined which, when deployed, projects though an aperture in at least one rail and prevents the penultimate conveyor roller from exiting when the gate is opened.

7. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6 including a link mechanism for moving the pin, wherein closing the gate causes the pin to be retracted into the rail allowing the penultimate roller to roll as far as the closed gate.

8. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the link mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing the pin into its deployed position, blocking the passage of a roller.

9. A conveyor roller storage and dispensing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base of the apparatus defines two elongate pockets for receiving the tines of a forklift or the like.

10. The steps, features, integers, compositions and / or compounds disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps or features.

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