Scissor-type lifting and tipping platform

Abstract

A scissor-type lifting and tipping platform for handling cargo is disclosed. The platform includes a vehicle (1), a moving platform (3), and a scissor-type lifting and tipping mechanism (2). The mechanism comprises a rigid beam (11) with a vehicle end slidably connected to the vehicle and a platform end fixedly attached to the moving platform, and an articulated beam (12) with two segments joined at an articulated joint (76). The platform is equipped with a rigid linear actuator (36) for vertical movement, an articulating linear actuator (39) for adjusting the platform angle, and a moving platform linear actuator (45) for forward and backward movement. A pulling winch (28) is included for loading cargo. The platform enables efficient lifting, tipping, and transportation of cargo between varying heights, such as from the ground to an aircraft, while maintaining a compact size and simplified operation.

Description

[0001] Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0002] SCISSOR-TYPE LIFTING AND TIPPING PLATFORM

[0003] The present application is an application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 63 / 641 ,743, filed May 2, 2024. The present application is based on and claims priority from this application, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Should any irreconcilable conflicts arise between this patent application and just-mentioned earlier patent application for purposes of claim construction or interpretation, then this patent application's teachings shall govern.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure describes apparatuses, methods, and / or systems that generally relate to the technical field of cargo handling machines, and specifically relate to the technical field of scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms (as well as methods and / or systems that use such platforms).

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Loading and unloading of cargo aircraft (e.g., a Boeing C-17 or Lockheed C-130) are currently accomplished using two loading machines: a first loading machine that lifts cargo, lowers cargo, and provides limited transportation of cargo (e.g., a specialized aircraft ground support machine such as a KL18500 K- Loader), and a second loading machine that moves the cargo from the first loading machine to the ground (e.g., a crane of a forklift (e.g., John Deere 544E)). The first loading machine has cargo carrying structure that rises and tips to allow cargo to be rolled to and from the aircraft directly onto the first loading machine’s structure. The first loading machine is not capable of moving cargo from its cargo carrying structure to the ground; it is only capable of lifting, lowering, and transporting the cargo a Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK certain distance. The second loading machine must be used to move the cargo from the first loading machine to the ground. The first loading machine is almost always significantly larger (e.g., twice as large) than the cargo it moves. Similarly, the second loading machine is almost always significantly larger (e.g., twice as large) than the cargo it moves.

[0008] In austere environments where it is not possible to operate a K-Loader- type loading machine, a forklift truck, by itself, is used to move cargo to and from the aircraft directly. This presents a significant safety hazard to the aircraft because the process requires a highly skilled forklift operator to be able to place the cargo into the aircraft without causing damage. Another disadvantage of loading and unloading by a forklift is the transportation of the forklift to and from the remote austere airfield. If the airfield is located on an island or other location without road access by land, the forklift must be brought to the airfield by an aircraft. Delivery of the forklift takes up a significant portion of the cargo capacity of the aircraft. Once delivered, the forklift must be assembled as it will not fit into the aircraft in one piece. A timely assembly requires several skilled technicians. Also, a forklift by nature handles the load in a cantilevered manner and, therefore, requires a large counterweight to balance the load. To handle a cargo weighing 10,000 pounds, the forklift must weigh 15,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds.

[0009] The following is a list of references that describe machines used for working with cargo:

[0010] • European patent EP2321181 to Quirion is directed to aircraft loaders for lifting cargo and freight onto and off an aircraft cargo bay. The Quirion aircraft loaders are transportable self-propelled aircraft loaders suitable, for example, in military applications. The Quirion aircraft loaders include an articulate scissor assembly for longitudinally tilting the deck platform of the loader.

[0011] • U.S. Patent No. 3,623,617 to Nemessanyi is directed to a cargo-handling device having a load- Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK supporting bed that can be elevated from a parallel first position to a second parallel second position, and then tilted by a tilt-adjusting system to a nonparallel third position to match an adjacent plane surface for loading or off-loading of cargo. The bed can be returned to the first position and restored to its parallel orientation from the nonparallel third position without further actuation of the tilt-adjusting system.

[0012] • Chinese Patent No. CN210620174 to Zhang Xing et al. is directed to a machine with lifting and tipping capacity. More specifically, the Zhang Xing reference discloses an inclinable movable elevator including a walking chassis (having a frame structure), a storage battery pack, a lifting mechanism, and an electric cabinet. The height and inclination degree of a table top can be adjusted when the elevator is lifted to any position in use. In addition, the movable elevator is small, the height of the elevator can be lowered to a very low position, and applicability is wide.

[0013] • U.S. Patent Publication No. 2024 / 0391744 to Buscema is directed to a cargo loader that includes a tractor assembly and a vertical adjustment assembly carried by the tractor assembly. The vertical adjustment assembly includes a base, a deck platform linked to the base by a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is configured to retract and extend in a vertical direction such that a height of the deck platform varies between a retracted height and an extended height. The vertical assembly further includes an attachment. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0014] The attachment is interchangeably and removably coupled to the deck platform and configured to vary between the predetermined retracted height and the predetermined extended height.

[0015] • U.S. Patent No. 4,408,739 to Buchsel is directed to an air transportable cargo loader for an airplane that includes a platform body supportively coupled to articulated foldable leg assemblies at its opposite ends. The leg assemblies are independently foldable between extended positions wherein they support the respective ends of the platform at a height sufficient to serve the cargo openings of a commercial transport airplane and retracted positions wherein the leg assemblies are folded compactly against the underside of the platform body for stowage within the airplane. The leg assemblies may be actuated synchronously to raise and lower the platform in a horizontal position in the manner of an elevator, or they may be actuated independently to position the ends of the platform at different selected heights so as to form a loading ramp. The leg assemblies of the cargo loader, when retracted against the underside of the cargo loader, include substantially planar bearing pad support surfaces which enable the cargo loader to be moved while aboard an airplane on a conventional air cargo deck having cargo casters or rollers. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0016] SUMMARY

[0017] Disclosed herein is a lifting and tipping platform designed for handling cargo. The platform includes a vehicle, a moving platform, and a scissor-type lifting and tipping mechanism. The scissor-type mechanism incorporates a rigid beam having a vehicle end slidably connected to the vehicle and a platform end fixedly attached to the moving platform, with the rigid beam featuring a mid-point located between its ends. Additionally, an articulated beam is included, which consists of a first segment with a vehicle end and a joint end, and a second segment with a platform end and a joint end. The vehicle end of the first segment is fixedly connected to the vehicle, while the joint ends of the first and second segments are movably associated around the mid-point of the rigid beam to form an articulated joint. The platform end of the second segment is movably connected to the moving platform.

[0018] In further lifting and tipping platforms, the platform additionally comprises a rigid linear actuator operatively connecting the vehicle and the moving platform for raising and lowering the moving platform, an articulating linear actuator configured to orient the moving platform at a desired angle, and a linear actuator for controlling the forward and backward movement of the moving platform relative to the scissor-type mechanism. The vehicle is configured with a wheelbase, and the platform further includes a pulling winch along with a winch actuator arranged on the moving platform such that the actuator operates to pull cargo onto the moving platform.

[0019] Objectives, features, combinations, and advantages described and implied herein will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The subject matter described herein is also particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms, components of exemplary scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms, and / or provide teachings by which the exemplary scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms are more readily understood.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, shown in an exemplary horizontal elevated position.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, shown in a horizontal high position in solid lines and in a horizontal low position in dashed lines to show the range of vertical motion.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, shown in a horizontal high position in solid lines and in a tipped position at the same elevation in dashed lines to show the range of tipping motion.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform shown in a tipped low position in solid lines, and dashed lines showing the range of motion of the load holding moving platform.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, shown in a ramp position, prepared to pull cargo up from the ground.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform in a ramp position, with the cargo partially pulled up the lifting and tipping platform.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform in a ramp position, with the cargo fully pulled up the platform. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0031] FIG. 10 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the platform with the cargo thereon partially retracted, thereby no longer resting on the ground such that it is elevated off the ground.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the platform fully retracted and the total center of gravity of the cargo fully supported over the wheelbase of the compact vehicle.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, the arrows showing the direction of the platform with the cargo thereon rotating toward a horizontal position.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the platform with the cargo thereon in a horizontal position.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the platform with the cargo thereon lowered to a transport stable position and moved into a location for unloading at an aircraft.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the platform raised to an elevation for loading at the aircraft door ramp.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the platform angle adjusted to be in alignment with the aircraft door ramp angle.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the cargo being shifted from the platform onto the aircraft.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a side view of the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the cargo fully shifted from the platform to the aircraft.

[0040] FIG. 19 is an isometric exploded view of a second preferred scissor- type lifting and tipping platform, with a quick attach adapter added to the first preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform.

[0041] FIG. 20 is a side view of the second preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, with the quick attach adapter in a fully attached position. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0042] FIG. 21 is a side view of the second preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing how the quick attach adapter is articulated by shifting the moving platform, the solid lines showing a first position and the dashed lines showing a second position. FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the second preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing an exemplary quick attach implement (shown as a forklift) to be attached thereto.

[0043] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the second preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing the forklift attached thereto in a low position. FIG. 24 is a side view of the second preferred scissor-type lifting and tipping platform, showing a high forklift position with the forks tipped at an angle to the ground.

[0044] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features or components herein may be shown in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown or described in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The figures are hereby incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms 75, 75’ (also referred to as “handling machines”) disclosed herein can move cargo 49 between locations of differing heights, and can travel with the cargo 49 some distance. The differing heights are discussed herein in terms of an aircraft (being used herein as an exemplary “high” or “raised” height) and the ground 48 (being used herein as an exemplary “low” or “lowered” height). It should be noted that the high and low heights are relative. It should also be noted that the low height does not have to be on the ground. The handling machines described herein are preferably the same size (e.g., having the volume dimensions of a container and / or the footprint dimensions of a pallet) or smaller than the cargo they can handle. (Put another way, the handling machines preferably fit in a container and / or on a pallet.) The handling machines described herein are also preferably lighter than (i.e., weigh less than) their intended cargo (e.g., the maximum gross weight of the loaded standardized pallet used for transporting military air cargo (e.g., the 463L master pallet) and / or the loaded ISU-90 standard container used by many air transport organizations). These handling machines preferably have a cargo carrying mechanism to raise, lower, and tip a cargo carrying platform in a manner that enables large (relative to the size of the handling machine) cargo resting on the ground 48 to be picked up and delivered to another location some distance away.

[0047] A preferred handling machine 75 described herein has a moving load holding platform 3 supported by a lifting and tipping mechanism 2 (e.g., a single level scissor lift). The scissor lift contains a rigid scissor leg (rigid beam 11 ) and an articulated scissor leg (articulated beam 12). The articulated scissor leg is shown as including two segments joined together by a pin connection (pin 76). The moving load holding platform 3 is associated with structure (e.g., pulling winch 28 low friction features 29 (shown as angle 29a and wheels or castors 29b)) for moving the cargo 49 parallel to the moving load holding platform 3 (or at least the load support surface 26 thereof), which facilitates transportation of the cargo 49 to an ideal location. The platform angle can be changed (tipped) by operating an articulating linear actuator 39 (also referred to as an “articulating actuator” and an “articulating leg actuator”) Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK that may be at least functionally mounted between the two segments of the articulated scissor leg. Using the rigid linear actuator 36 (also referred to as a “lifting actuator”), the moving load holding platform 3 may be lifted (or lowered) to various elevations while maintaining the same angle without operating the articulating actuator 39. This simplifies the control and operation of the lifting and tipping platform 75 because it requires less skill. The platform angle can be sufficient to allow the platform to at least very nearly touch the ground 48. The moving load holding platform 3 can be shifted further toward the ground 48 at this angle to form a ramp to pull up cargo 49. Once the cargo 49 has been pulled up the ramp so that the combined or total (including both the cargo 49 and the handling machine 75, 75’) center of gravity is over the wheelbase 77, the ramp and cargo 49 can be retracted to move the total center of gravity further over the wheelbase 77. Then the moving load holding platform 3 can be tipped (tipping can also be understood as rotating about an axis, pivot, or pin) using the articulating linear actuator 39 to a stable horizontal position for transport to a desired location for unloading. Upon arriving at the desired location (e.g., an aircraft), the handling machine 75 can be maneuvered into proper alignment (e.g., with the aircraft door, bottom of the aircraft door opening, and / or the aircraft floor) whereupon the cargo 49 can be lifted, using the lifting actuator 36, to the required elevation. The platform angle can be adjusted to match that of the aircraft floor and then the cargo 49 can be slid off the handling machine into the aircraft.

[0048] Exemplary scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms may be better understood with reference to the drawings, but these scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms are not intended to be of a limiting nature. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings and description in this document to refer to the same or like parts. Unless specified otherwise, the shown shapes and relative dimensions are preferred, but are not meant to be limiting unless specifically claimed, in which case they may limit the scope of that particular claim.

[0049] Before describing the scissor-type lifting and tipping platforms and the figures, some of the terminology should be clarified. Please note that the terms and phrases may have additional definitions and / or examples throughout the Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK specification. Where otherwise not specifically defined, words, phrases, and acronyms are given their ordinary meaning in the art. The following paragraphs provide basic parameters for interpreting terms and phrases used herein.

[0050] • The term "cargo" (shown as cargo 49) unless specified otherwise, includes the cargo itself and / or cargo in containers (e.g., “cargo containers” or “shipping containers” such as ISU-90 standard containers used by many air transport organizations), pallets (e.g., standardized pallets used for transporting military air cargo (e.g., the 463L master pallets)), and / or other types of shipping apparatus. The cargo and / or shipping apparatus may also be referred to as “cargo units” and “freight.” Exemplary cargo includes, for example, standardized pallets used for transporting military air cargo (e.g., the 463L master pallets) and / or ISU-90 standard containers used by many air transport organizations.

[0051] • The terms “pin” and “pinned” (or variations thereof, including when used with adjectives / adverbs such as rotationally or pivotally) are meant to include any type of rotational or pivotal device or movement. Exemplary “pins” include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, shafts, bearings, and other mechanical structure known or yet to be discovered that allows movement therebetween. In the figures, the pins are designated simultaneously with the structure they are pinning. For example, a pin of articulated joint 76 (including ends of first and second articulate segments 15 and 16) is also designated by reference number 76, a pin of fixed end 6 is also designated by reference number 6, a pin of first rigid beam end 13 is also designated by reference number 13, a pin of second rigid beam end 14 is also designated by reference number 14, a pin of a second end 21 of the second articulate segment 16 is also designated by reference number 21 . Some pins are not specifically called out or provided with reference numbers. On the other hand, some pins may be referred to using multiple reference numbers.

[0052] • The term "articulated beam" includes a plurality of articulate segments movably joined together to allow movement therebetween such that the combined articulate segments (the articulated beam) can have a spectrum Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK of lengths. The articulated beam 12 is shown as including a first articulate segment 15 and a second articulate segment 16 movably joined (pinned) together by a pin 76 to form an articulated joint 76. An alternative articulated beam could a first articulate segment and a second articulate segment telescopically joined (one of the articulate segments insertable into and slidable relative to the other articulate segment) to form an articulated joint 76.

[0053] • The term "associated" is defined to mean integral or original, retrofitted, attached, connected (including functionally connected), positioned near, and / or accessible by.

[0054] • It should be noted that relative terms are meant to help in the understanding of the technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "first" and "second" are meant solely for purposes of designation and not for order or limitation. There are also other terms used herein that are meant to be relative. For example, the term "top" is meant to be relative to the term "bottom." The term "front" is meant to be relative to the term "back," and the term "side" is meant to describe a "face" or "view" that connects the "front" and the "back." The coordinate system 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 show a vertical y axis 31 perpendicular to the load support surface 26 and the x axis 32 and z axis 33 defining a plane (x-z plane) parallel to the load support surface 26. Another example is that the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" (and variations of the terms horizontal and vertical) are meant to be relative and, if the device was rotated, the terms would change accordingly. Rotation of the system or component that would change the designation might change the terminology, but not the concept.

[0055] • Terms such as "may," "might," "can," and "could" are used to indicate alternatives and optional features and only should be construed as a limitation if specifically included in the claims.

[0056] • Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "exemplary" is meant to indicate an example, representation, and / or illustration of a type. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0057] • It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the term "or" is used in its nonexclusive form (e.g., "A or B" includes, but is not limited to, A, B, A and B, or any combination thereof). It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "and / or" is used similarly (e.g., "A and / or B" includes, but is not limited to, A, B, A and B, or any combination thereof). It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "includes," "has," and “contains” (and variations of these terms) mean "comprises" (e.g., a device that “includes,” “has,” or “contains” A and B, comprises A and B, but optionally may contain C or additional components other than A and B).

[0058] • It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, unless specifically limited, the use of singular language (e.g., “component,” “module,” or “step”) may include plurals (e.g., “components,” “modules,” or “steps”), unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0059] Drawings:

[0060] FIGS. 1 -18 show a first preferred lifting and tipping platform 75.

[0061] FIGS.19-24 show a second preferred lifting and tipping platform 75’ (that includes the first preferred lifting and tipping platform 75 with an attached quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 ).

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 -6, the lifting and tipping platform 75 includes a vehicle 1 (which is preferably a compact vehicle that has a wheelbase 77) with a lifting and tipping mechanism 2 (e.g., a single level scissor lift) and a moving load holding platform 3. The vehicle 1 supports the lifting and tipping mechanism 2 and the moving load holding platform 3 (that includes moving platform 23).

[0063] A controller 78 is used to control the various functions / components of the tipping platform 75. For example, the pulling winch actuator 28 is controlled by the pulling winch actuator sub-controller 28’, the lifting actuator 36 is controlled by the lifting actuator sub-controller 36’, the articulating linear actuator 39 is controlled by the articulating linear actuator sub-controller 39’, and the moving platform linear actuator 45 is controlled by the moving platform linear actuator sub-controller 45’. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0064] The controller 78 may be associated with the lifting and tipping platform 75 or it may be a remote controller operatively, but not physically, associated with the lifting and tipping platform 75. The shown sub-controllers may take forms including, but not limited to, joysticks, knobs, buttons, levers, sliders, and other known sub-controllers. The sub-controllers may be combined or additional sub-controllers may be preprogrammed to specific positions.

[0065] FIG. 1 shows the lifting and tipping platform 75, with the lifting and tipping mechanism 2 shown in a high position. FIGS. 2-3 show different exploded views of the lifting and tipping platform 75 and exemplary components thereof. FIG. 4 shows the vertical range of motion of the lifting and tipping platform 75 and the lifting and tipping mechanism 2, with a high position (shown in solid lines) and a horizontal low position (shown in dashed lines). FIG. 5 shows the tipping range of motion of the lifting and tipping platform 75, and the lifting and tipping mechanism 2, with a non-tipped high position shown in solid lines and a tipped high position shown in dashed lines (the second articulate segment 16 is not aligned with the first articulate segment 15 in this position). FIG. 6 shows the extent of motion of the moving platform 23 with the lifting and tipping mechanism 2 in a low tipped position, with a retracted moving platform position shown in solid lines and an extended moving platform position shown in dashed lines.

[0066] As shown, the vehicle 1 is a compact vehicle having an upper vehicle surface and a lower vehicle surface. The wheelbase 77, at least in part, is associated with the lower vehicle surface. The wheelbase 77 forms ground support structure that interacts with the ground 48. The wheelbase 77 is shown generically as continuous track or tracked treads, but other wheelbases are possible including, but not limited to, a plurality of traditional wheels or transportation mechanisms suitable for an intended purpose. An exemplary vehicle 1 is the “Wolverine MPEP” track vehicle with engine and hydraulic power unit sold by Gulf Coast Wolverine.

[0067] As shown, the lifting and tipping mechanism 2 projects upwards from the upper surface of vehicle 1 . The lifting and tipping mechanism 2 includes two elongate members (a first articulate segment 15 and a second articulate segment 16) movably (pivotally) connected (pinned) at a central location (e.g., at or near their centers), forming a scissor assembly. The shown lifting and tipping mechanism 2 Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK preferably includes a scissor lift lower end 4 and a scissor lift upper end 5. The scissor lift lower end 4 preferably includes a lower fixed end 6 pinned (using pin 6) to vehicle 1 and a lower sliding end 7 constrained to move along the primary axis 8 of vehicle 1 . The primary axis 8 is preferably parallel to the primary direction of movement of the vehicle (longitudinal). The scissor lift upper end 5 preferably includes an upper fixed end 9 that moves primarily (and, in some cases, only) in the vertical direction. The upper fixed end 9 is preferably aligned vertically with the lower fixed end 6. The scissor lift upper end 5 also preferably includes an upper sliding end 10 that moves both parallel to the primary axis 8 as well as vertically (perpendicular to the ground 48).

[0068] The two elongate members of the scissor assembly preferably include a first elongate member in the form of a rigid beam 11 and a second elongate member in the form of an articulated beam 12. The rigid beam 11 has a rigid beam mid-span 19 (or rigid beam mid-point 19) that is between a first rigid beam end 13 (vehicle end 13) and a second rigid beam end 14 (platform end 14). The rigid beam mid-span 19 (or rigid beam mid-point 19) may not be in the absolute center of the rigid beam 1 1 , but may be, for example, within the middle third of the rigid beam 11 . The first rigid beam end 13 (vehicle end 13) of the rigid beam 11 is slidably associated (using pin 13) with the vehicle (e.g., the pin 13 is slidable within a track or other associated lower slide structure 7). The second rigid beam end 14 (platform end 14) is rotatably associated (e.g., rotatably pinned using pin 14) to the platform 3 (e.g., via upper fixed end 9). The articulated beam 12 includes a first articulate segment 15 and a second articulate segment 16. A first end 17 (vehicle end 17) of the first articulate segment 15 is movably associated (e.g., rotatably pinned) to the vehicle 1 (e.g., via lower fixed end 6 (using pin 6)). A second end 18 (joint end 18) of the first articulate segment 15 is rotatably associated (e.g., pinned using pin 76) to the rigid beam mid-span 19. A first end 20 (joint end 20) of the second articulate segment 16 is rotatably associated (e.g., rotatably pinned using pin 76) to the rigid beam mid-span 19. A second end 21 (vehicle end 21 ) of the second articulate segment 16) is slidably associated with the vehicle 1 via the upper sliding end 10 (e.g., the pin 21 is slidable within a track or other upper slide structure 10). Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0069] The moving load holding platform 3 preferably includes a platform guide frame 22 and a moving platform 23. A platform guide frame fixed end 24 is pinned (using pin 24) to the upper fixed end 9. A platform guide frame sliding end 25 fits with the upper sliding end 10 in such a way that the upper sliding end is in sliding and guiding contact with the platform guide frame sliding end 25. This causes the platform guide frame sliding end to follow the upper sliding end vertically but not longitudinally. The platform guide frame 22 is moved vertically by the scissor lift upper end 5. The platform guide frame 22 is caused to rotate about the upper fixed end 9 by the rotation of the second articulate segment 16 relative to the first articulate segment 15. The moving platform 23 preferably includes a load support surface 26, moving platform support and guide 27, and a pulling winch 28. The load support surface 26 preferably includes low friction features 29 (shown as angle 29a and wheels or castors 29b) to minimize the force required to slide a load along the load support surface 26. These low friction features 29 preferably include, but are not limited to, rolling elements (e.g., wheels or castors 29b) and slide bushings (e.g., angles 29a) made of polymers such as polyethylene. The moving platform support and guide 27 forms sliding and guiding contact with the platform guide frame 22. If a coordinate system 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is placed on the moving platform 23 so the y axis 31 is perpendicular to the load support surface 26 and the x axis 32 is parallel to the primary axis 8, then the moving platform 23 is constrained to the platform guide frame 22 in every direction and rotation except movement along the x axis 32. A first moving platform end 34 is wedge shaped, so the load support surface 26 can be very near the ground 48 when the moving platform 23 is lowered and tipped at about 20 degrees from the ground 48. The pulling winch 28 is fixed to a second moving platform end 35 opposite from the first moving platform end 34.

[0070] The lifting and tipping mechanism 2 can be lifted (increasing the distance between the vehicle 1 and the platform 3) and lowered (decreasing the distance between the vehicle 1 and the platform 3) by actuators such as hydraulic cylinders and other means known and yet to be discovered. This is accomplished using a rigid linear actuator 36 (also referred to as a “lifting actuator”) pinned (using pin 36) by a rigid linear actuator first end 37 to the lower fixed end 6 and by a rigid Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK linear actuator second end 38 to the rigid beam 11 at a point roughly one third of the distance between the rigid beam mid-span 19 and the upper fixed end 9.

[0071] The lifting and tipping mechanism 2 is tipped by articulating the articulated beam 12. The second articulate segment 16 is rotated about the articulated joint 76 by an articulating linear actuator 39 connected on an articulating linear actuator first end 40 to a second articulate segment mid-span 41 and on an articulating linear actuator second end 42 to roughly a first articulate segment midspan 43 and offset from a first articulate segment axis 15a created by the first and second ends 17, 18 of the first articulate segment 15. This causes the articulating linear actuator primary axis 44 (FIG. 2) and the first articulate segment axis 15a to never be aligned. These two axes may at times be parallel but not aligned.

[0072] The moving platform 23 is moved forward and backward (along the x axis 32) using a moving platform linear actuator 45 pinned (using pin 45) on a first moving platform linear actuator end 46 to the platform guide frame fixed end 24 and on a second moving platform linear actuator end 47 to a point near the first moving platform end 34.

[0073] The lifting and tipping mechanism 2 and moving load holding platform 3 can be moved to positions where the projected footprint of the lifting and tipping platform fits within the same footprint as one of the 463L pallet.

[0074] FIG. 7-18 show a method of operation of the lifting and tipping platform.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows the lifting and tipping platform 75 in a ground loading / unloading position in front of cargo 49. The moving platform first end 34 is shown as touching the ground 48 and the moving platform 23 is at around 20-degree angle from the ground 48. (The moving platform 23 may be moved forward and backward (along the x axis 32) using a moving platform linear actuator 45 relative to the scissor-type lifting and tipping mechanism 2.) The cable 50 from the pulling winch 28 is extended and hooked into appropriate container attachment points 51 . The pulling winch actuator 28 is also referred to using reference number 28 as the pulling winch 28 is the actuator or has actuator components associated therewith (e.g., preferably internal to the pulling winch).

[0076] FIG. 8 shows the cargo 49 pulled by the pulling winch 28 partially up the load support surface 26. A cargo container first end 52 is resting on the ground Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0077] 48 while a cargo container second end 53 opposite the first end 52 is resting on the load support surface low friction features 29 (shown as angle 29a and wheels or castors 29b).

[0078] FIG. 9 shows the cargo 49 in a position that is fully supported by the load support surface 26. The pulling winch cable 50 is fully retracted.

[0079] FIG. 10 shows the moving platform 23 partially retracted such that the moving platform first end 34 is no longer resting on the ground 48. It is possible that in this position, the total center of gravity 54 is located to the left of the front wheel axis 55. If this happens, the first lifting and tipping platform 75 will tip to the left (of the figure) until the anti-tipping leg 56 contacts the ground 48 at which point it will stop tipping and the moving platform 23 can be further retracted, whereby the total center of gravity 54 will shift farther to the right causing the first lifting and tipping platform 75 to sit flat on the ground 48 again. The anti-tipping leg 56 is attached to the platform guide frame sliding end 25 such that it extends in a mostly downward direction a distance that allows it to be near the ground 48 when the moving platform first end 34 is near to the ground 48.

[0080] FIG. 11 shows the moving platform 23 fully retracted.

[0081] FIG. 12 shows the lifting and tipping mechanism 2 tipping back to the horizontal orientation.

[0082] FIG. 13 shows the lifting and tipping mechanism 2 returned to the horizontal orientation. The cargo 49 may be restrained to the moving platform 23 to prevent relative motion using restraints commonly known such as, for example, fabric webbing straps, metal wire rope, metal chains, and / or clamps.

[0083] FIG. 14 shows the moving platform 23 lowered to a transport stable elevation and moved to an aircraft 57a and an aircraft loading position 57b.

[0084] FIG. 15 shows the moving platform 23 lifted to an aircraft loading elevation 58 by the lifting and tipping mechanism 2.

[0085] FIG. 16 shows the moving platform 23 tipped to an aircraft loading angle 59.

[0086] FIG. 17 shows the cargo 49 being moved from the lifting and tipping platform 75 onto the aircraft door ramp 60. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0087] FIG. 18 shows the cargo 49 fully moved from the lifting and tipping platform 75 to the aircraft door ramp 60.

[0088] The sequence of operation shown in FIGS. 7-18 shows cargo 49 being lifted from the ground 48 and transported to an aircraft where it is unloaded onto the aircraft. Moving cargo 49 from an aircraft to a location on the ground 48 follows the same operation in reverse order.

[0089] Movement of cargo 49 from the ground 48 to an aircraft is illustrated here but it is to be understood that the invention may be used to transport a load between many other locations not described here, such as, for example, from the ground 48 in one location to the ground 48 in some distant location.

[0090] FIGS. 19-24 show a second preferred lifting and tipping platform 75’. This lifting and tipping platform 75’ contains an implement quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 attached to the first lifting and tipping platform 75 (including the moving load holding platform 3) that allows the lifting and tipping platform to perform many other operations such as, but not limited to, forklifting, earth moving, hoisting, etc.

[0091] FIG. 19 shows the second preferred lifting and tipping platform 75’ in a position for attaching an implement quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 to the platform guide frame sliding end 25 and more specifically to the anti-tipping leg 56 and to the moving platform 23 at a point near the moving platform first end 34. Dashed lines show how the large pins 62 join the implement quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 to large pin holes 63 in the anti-tipping leg 56. Dashed lines also show how smaller pins 64 and a linkage 65 join an implement quick attachment adapter mechanism upper end 66 to moving platform small pin holes 67 located near the first moving platform end 34. The implement quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 preferably includes a body that has implement quick attachment adapter mechanism large pin holes 68, near an implement quick attachment adapter mechanism lower end 66b, implement quick attachment adapter mechanism small pin holes 69, near the implement quick attachment adapter mechanism upper end 66, and implement quick attachment adapter mechanism quick attachment features 70 to fit with a quick attach plate as defined by the SAE J2513 standard known also as the bobcat skid-steer quick attach. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0092] FIG. 20 shows the implement quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 in a position fully attached to the first lifting and tipping platform 75. The combination of these components forms a second lifting and tipping platform 75’.

[0093] FIG. 21 shows how the implement quick attachment adapter mechanism 61 is articulated by moving the moving platform 23. The solid lines show an implement quick attachment adapter mechanism first position 72, the dashed lines show an implement quick attachment adapter mechanism second position 73.

[0094] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary quick attach implement (forklift) 74 used with the second lifting and tipping platform 75’.

[0095] FIG. 23 shows the forklift 74 attached to the second lifting and tipping platform 75’ in a low position with the forks 74 parallel to the ground 48.

[0096] FIG. 24 shows a high forklift position with the forks 74 tipped at an angle to the ground 48. The forks can be moved to different angle orientations at any elevation from the ground 48 by moving the moving platform 23 relative to the platform guide frame 22.

[0097] Alternatives:

[0098] Although the teaching of the present application has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application. Further, features, components, and alternatives described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Described throughout this specification are alternatives that could be combined with other alternatives. In addition, the following alternatives can be used with the other variations described herein.

[0099] Actuators 28, 36, 39, 45 mentioned herein take the form of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, ball or roller screw actuators that are driven by hydraulic motors or electric motors, and linear electric motors and any other actuator that serves to move two points away from each other and close to each other by force. The force required by the linear actuators described in this lifting and tipping platform 75 is Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK many times greater than the weight of the cargo 49 (e.g., a loaded container) being handled.

[0100] The upper sliding end 10 may be positioned vertically over the lower fixed end 6 rather than over the lower sliding end 7 as described.

[0101] The platform guide frame fixed end 24 and platform guide frame sliding end 25 may be switched in position so that the platform guide frame fixed end 24 is pinned (using pin 24) to the upper sliding end 10 and the platform guide frame sliding end 25 is fit to the upper fixed end 9 in a sliding arrangement.

[0102] The pulling function (pulling force) of the pulling winch 28 may be accomplished using another form of actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) pinned (or otherwise attached) to the moving platform 23. Alternative attachment mechanisms may also be used to attach the load holding container (cargo 49) to the pulling force.

[0103] The scissor-type lifting and tipping platform described herein is described as having a scissor-type lift with an articulated leg and a moving platform that is part of a vehicle. It should be noted, however, that other mobile and non- mobile lifting and tilting applications (e.g., a stationary bin lifting and positioning for bulk material handling including, but not limited to, collecting, lifting, and dumping) are contemplated.

[0104] Although the preferred handling machine 75 is described in terms of a lifting and tipping mechanism 2 that is a single level scissor lift, it may also be a multi-level scissor lift. This could be accomplished, for example, by having one of the crossing beams of the upper level be articulated. This allows the tipping function to be independent of the lifting / lowering function.

[0105] The beams and frames described herein may be made of steel material as is common in the industry. They may easily be made of other mostly rigid materials such as aluminum, copper, titanium, wood, and / or other known or yet to be discovered rigid materials.

[0106] Distinctions:

[0107] As set forth in the Background, loading and unloading of cargo aircraft are currently accomplished using two loading machines: a first loading machine that lifts cargo, lowers cargo, and provides limited transportation of cargo, and a second Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK loading machine that moves the cargo from the first loading machine to the ground. The first and second loading machines are sometimes twice as large as the cargo they move. The size and weight of the handling machines 75, 75’ described herein is minimized, in part, by moving the cargo 49 such that the total center of gravity 54 is aligned closely with the center of the wheelbase 77 of the handling machine so that the load (of the cargo 49) is not cantilevered.

[0108] European patent EP2321181 to Quirion, which is described in the Background, illustrates a machine that can carry cargo directly on top of itself and tilt relative to the ground. Referring to Quirion FIG. 2, the load holding platform 12 is positioned at an angle relative to the ground to form a ramp up which cargo could be pulled. The linear actuator 64 is used to cause the platform to change angle and is attached to a point on the rigid beam 44 and the articulating beam 56. This attachment method creates a disadvantage in that the angle of the load holding platform 12, relative to the ground, changes as the lifting actuator 54 is extended or retracted. This means the operator must operate both the lifting actuator 54 and the articulating actuator 64 simultaneously when changing the elevation of the platform 12 to keep the platform 12 at a constant angle relative to the ground. This simultaneous operation requires someone who is highly skilled. The handling machines 75, 75’ described herein significantly simplify operation such that the operator does not have to be highly skilled.

[0109] U.S. Patent No. 3,623,617 to Nemessanyi, which is described in the Background, describes a machine with lifting and tilting capacity. Significantly, the Nemessanyi machine is unable to tilt sufficiently to pick up a load from the ground. Similarly, Chinese Patent No. CN210620174 to Zhang Xing et al., which is described in the Background, discloses a machine with lifting and tipping capacity. The Zhang Xing machine, however, is unable to tip sufficiently to pick up a load from the ground.

[0110] Apparatuses and Methods:

[0111] A lifting and tipping mechanism comprising: a first and a second elongate member pivotally connected to each other by a swivel joint to form a scissor Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK assembly, a scissor assembly comprising a scissor linear actuator to move the scissor assembly between an open and a close position; wherein one of the first and second elongate members is articulated comprising a first elongate segment pivotally connected to a second elongate segment wherein the second elongate member also comprises a second elongate member actuator to cause the first elongate segment to rotate relative to the second elongate segment; the second elongate member actuator comprising a linear actuator having a linear actuator first end pivotally connected to the first elongate segment and having a linear actuator second end connected to the second elongate segment such that a linear actuator axis formed by the linear actuator first and second ends and a first elongate segment axis formed by a first elongate segment first end and a first elongate segment second end or a second elongate segment axis formed by a second elongate segment first end and a second elongate segment second end are never aligned.

[0112] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, comprising a moving load holding platform having front and rear ends, and two opposing longitudinal sides.

[0113] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the open and close positions respectively cause the moving load holding platform to be placed in a high position and a low position.

[0114] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving load holding platform having an angular orientation relative to a fixed reference, the rotation of the first elongate segment relative to the second elongate segment causes the moving load holding platform to change angular orientation.

[0115] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving load holding platform having an angular orientation relative to a fixed reference, the rotation of the first elongate segment relative to the second elongate segment causes the moving load holding platform to change angular orientation and the angular orientation is not changed by changing between the open or close position. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0116] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above wherein the moving load holding platform comprises platform guide frame and moving platform, comprising means for moving the moving platform relative to the platform guide.

[0117] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving load holding platform comprises platform guide frame and moving platform, comprising means for moving the moving platform relative to the platform guide.

[0118] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving platform consists of pulling winch in proximity to the rear end of the moving load holding platform.

[0119] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving platform consists of load support surface consisting of low friction features.

[0120] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, comprising compact vehicle, the moving load holding platform attached to an upper end of the lifting and tipping mechanism, and the compact vehicle attached to a lower end of the lifting and tipping mechanism.

[0121] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving load holding platform comprises platform guide frame and moving platform, comprising means for moving the moving platform relative to the platform guide.

[0122] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving platform consists of pulling winch in proximity to the rear end of the moving load holding platform.

[0123] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the moving platform consists of load support surface consisting of low friction features.

[0124] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the platform guide consists of anti-tipping means near the front end of the moving load holding platform.

[0125] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, wherein the antitipping means consists of an anti-tipping hole for accepting a pin, and the moving platform consists of a platform hole for accepting a pin in proximity to the front end of the moving load holding platform. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK

[0126] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, comprising a quick attachment adapter mechanism comprising: a body; a lower hole located near a quick attachment adapter lower end and an upper hole located near a quick attachment adapter upper end; and an elongate linkage rotatably attached by an elongate linkage first end to the upper hole; wherein the lower hole is rotatably connected to the anti-tipping hole; and wherein the elongate linkage is rotatably attached by an elongate linkage second end to the platform hole.

[0127] The lifting and tipping mechanism described above, comprising a plurality of quick interchange implements such as forklift, or scoop, or blade each with means being attached to the quick attachment adapter mechanism.

[0128] A method whereby a cargo is lifted from the ground and transported a distance, the method comprising the following steps: positioning a lifting and tipping platform by lowering, tipping and extending a moving load holding platform element of the lifting and tipping platform so that the moving load holding platform forms a ramp that is touching the ground in front of the cargo; securing a winch cable from a pulling winch component of the moving load holding platform to the cargo in a manner that the pulling winch component may apply a pulling force to the cargo; engaging the pulling winch component pulling the cargo up the moving load holding platform so that the cargo is positioned such that the cargo will not fall off the moving load holding platform when being support entirely by the moving load holding platform; retracting the moving load holding platform to a retracted position so that the center of gravity of the cargo is positioned such that the combined center of gravity of the cargo center of gravity and the lifting and tipping platform center of gravity is over the footprint of the lifting and tipping platform ground support structure; tipping and lifting the moving load holding platform so that the cargo is entirely supported by the moving load holding platform; and transporting the cargo some distance.

[0129] A method whereby a cargo is lifted from a transport position and delivered to an elevated platform, the method comprising the following steps: moving the cargo being supported by a moving load holding platform element of a lifting and tipping platform into an unloading position by lifting and tipping the moving load Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK holding platform to be substantially coplanar with an elevated destination platform; and moving the cargo away from the moving load holding platform onto the elevated destination platform.

[0130] A method whereby a cargo is delivered to the ground from a transport position, the cargo having a front and a rear end, the method comprising the following steps: tipping and lowering the cargo being supported by a moving load holding platform element of a lifting and tipping platform, the moving load holding platform having a front and a rear end, the front end moving while the rear end remains substantially stationary while the moving load holding platform is being tipped, the cargo rear end being secured by a winch cable from a pulling winch component of the moving load holding platform; extending the moving load holding platform to an extended position so that the front end of the moving load holding platform is substantially touching the ground; engaging the pulling winch in a reverse direction causing the winch cable to loosen causing the cargo to move down the tipped moving load holding platform until the front end of the cargo is supported by the ground, whereafter the front end of the cargo is supported by the ground and the rear end of the cargo is supported by the moving load holding platform; and gradually moving the lifting and tipping platform away from the cargo until the front end of the cargo is also supported by the ground.

[0131] Miscellaneous:

[0132] It is to be understood that the inventions, examples, and embodiments described herein are not limited to particularly exemplified materials, methods, and / or structures. It is to be understood that the inventions, examples, and embodiments described herein are to be considered preferred inventions, examples, and embodiments whether specifically identified as such or not. The shown inventions, examples, and embodiments are preferred, but are not meant to be limiting unless specifically claimed, in which case they may limit the scope of that particular claim.

[0133] It is to be understood that for methods or procedures disclosed herein that include one or more steps, actions, and / or functions for achieving the described Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK actions and results, the methods' steps, actions, and / or functions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, unless a specific order of steps, actions, and / or functions is required for proper or operative operation of the methods or procedures, the order and / or use of specific steps, actions, and / or functions may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0134] All references (including, but not limited to, foreign and / or domestic publications, patents, and patent applications) cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0135] The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described. While the above is a complete description of selected embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to practice the invention using various alternatives, modifications, adaptations, variations, and / or combinations and their equivalents. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. Docket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniKWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A lifting and tipping platform for lifting and tipping cargo, comprising:(a) a vehicle;(b) a moving platform;(c) a scissor-type lifting and tipping mechanism associated with said vehicle and said moving platform, the scissor-type lifting and tipping mechanism comprising:(i) a rigid beam having a vehicle end slidably associated with said vehicle and a platform end fixedly associated with said moving platform, said rigid beam having a midpoint between said vehicle end and said platform end; and(ii) an articulated beam comprising a first articulate segment having a vehicle end and a joint end, a second articulate segment having a platform end and a joint end, said first articulate segment vehicle end fixedly associated with said vehicle, said first articulate segment joint end and said second articulate segment joint end movably associated with said rigid beam mid-point to form an articulated joint, and second articulate segment platform end movably associated with said moving platform;(d) a rigid linear actuator operatively connecting said vehicle and said moving platform to raise and lower said moving platform;(e) an articulating linear actuator operatively controlling said moving platform to orient it at a platform angle; andDocket No. Hallco-PCT-MiniK(f) a moving platform linear actuator operatively controlling forward and backward movement of said moving platform relative to said a scissor-type lifting and tipping mechanism.

2. The lifting and tipping platform of claim 1 , said vehicle having a wheelbase.

3. The lifting and tipping platform of claim 1 further comprising a pulling winch and a pulling winch actuator, said pulling winch associated with said moving platform and attachable to said cargo, said pulling winch actuator operatively pulling said cargo onto said moving platform.

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