Novel lifting apparatus

Abstract

Herein is described an integrated lifting apparatus, which can be used in combination with a universal beam. The integrated lifting apparatus allows a standard universal beam to be used as a structural ceiling component and a lifting point, all whilst maintaining a low profile. A modular container unit comprising the integrated lifting point is also described.

Description

[0001] Novel Lifting Apparatus

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a novel lifting apparatus and related methods for use with a universal beam. The universal beam may be part of a structure inside a modular container. The invention relates to an integrated lifting point, which is located within a universal beam.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Water treatment is a process which is required in many countries throughout the world to make water clean enough to drink.

[0006] Water treatment systems are typically made up of various stages, such as flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and storage.

[0007] It is possible to contain water treatment devices within a shipping container-shaped unit. These units may be modular, and may be designed to be connected to one another.

[0008] The units are typically made from structural steel sections which are in the form of universal beams, which are also known as H beams, rolled steel joists (RSJs), universal columns, or I beams. Throughout this specification, universal beams will be referred to however this should be construed to be a generic term, and should not be construed to be limiting.

[0009] The horizontal elements of a universal beam are known as flanges, and the vertical element which connects the two flanges is known as a web. The web resists shear forces and the flanges resist the majority of the bending moment. This means the universal beam is very efficient at carrying both bending and shear loads in the plane of the web. Structures made from universal beams are therefore very strong and lightweight.

[0010] Universal beams can be used to form a structural skeleton, which can then be clad with any suitable material to form a strong, lightweight, waterproof, movable container which can contain any type of water treatment devices. The movable units can be modular in form, such that they can be stacked on top of one another, and be joined together side- to-side.

[0011] To move the modular units, there is a requirement to lift them for transport onto a articulated trailer for example. Lifting points are typically added to allow lifting of the module, usually with the aid of a lifting or a spreader frame.

[0012] The lifting points typically consist of plate steel, profiled or cut into a specific shape, then welded into a permanent location or welded onto a bolted base. The lifting points allow a shackle to be connected to them.

[0013] To move the modular container units, these pad-eyes may be welded onto the top of universal beams at suitable lifting point locations. Alternatively, pad-eyes are welded onto suitable base plates, and the base plates are bolted onto the tops of universal beams. However both of these methods have many downsides.

[0014] Firstly, if the pad eye is welded onto a base plate and is bolted onto the existing universal beam, then the universal beam needs to be drilled. Drilling through the flanges of the universal beam weaken the maximum bending resistance of the universal beam, which leads to a weaker structure overall. Further to this, the bolted connection also requires installation on site, and would require correctly torqued bolts: both of which are time consuming tasks. This is therefore not a desirable solution.

[0015] If the pad eye is welded onto the top of the universal beam, this also requires additional labour to attach. Furthermore, the welded section on top of the flange may be weakened by the heat from the welded portion.

[0016] A fundamental problem with both of these solutions is that they protrude up from the universal beams. The modular units described which are formed from universal beam frames are designed to be stacked on top of one another. If a pad eye is protruding on top of the universal beam, then the modular structure above would come to rest on the pad eyes, which would result in an unstable set up. The pad eyes therefore need to be removed before stacking can take place. This is a difficult job if they are welded to the universal beams as the will be required to be cut off via a cutting disk or a plasma cutter for example. If a bolted connection is used, then this is a time consuming task due to the number of nuts and bolts to be removed. On each modular unit, there are often up to eight or fourteen lifting points which may contain four to eight bolt and nut assemblies. Removing eight lifting points on each modular unit is therefore a very time consuming task which also needs to be done ‘at height’, which makes the task more dangerous.

[0017] There is therefore a need for a solution which is less time consuming, and one which reduces the amount of work required on-site.

[0018] There is also a need for a solution which provides a strong, non-protruding, low-profile, lifting point for use with a modular unit made from a universal beam structure.

[0019] There is also a need for a component which is integral to a universal beam, such that load testing can be done within a workshop environment, and not on-site.

[0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a universal beam comprising: a top flange and a bottom flange arranged parallel to one another, wherein the flanges are connected via a web arranged perpendicular to the flanges; an extrusion which extends through the web of the universal beam, wherein the extrusion comprises a through-hole which is parallel to the top and bottom flanges; and a plurality of support webs, which are located between the extrusion and the top and bottom flanges to provide strengthening to the extrusion; wherein the extrusion and through-hole provide an integrated lifting point for use with a bow shackle.

[0022] The support webs may be located above and below the extrusion. The support webs may be located on either side of the extrusion. There may be four support webs on each integrated lifting point, with two support webs on one side of the beam, and two webs on the other side of the beam.

[0023] The universal beam may be for use in a building which can be movable. The universal beam may be used in a horizontal orientation, or in a vertical orientation.

[0024] The integrated lifting point is low profile but provides a strong and stable lifting point to allow the universal beam to be lifted with a bow shackle.

[0025] A bow shackle may be used in combination with the integrated lifting point, by inserting a bolt through the through-hole, and fastening it on either side of the universal beam.

[0026] The through-hole may be located equidistant from the top flange and the bottom flange. The through-hole may be sized to accommodate a particular shackle. When the universal beam is used as a ceiling beam, and is arranged horizontally, the through hole may also be in the horizontal plane.

[0027] The extrusion may be a cylinder. The extrusion may be any suitable shape to house a through-hole. The extrusion may be a rectangular cuboid shape for example. The extrusion may be any shape, which provides enough material for the through-hole to be robust and strong.

[0028] The extrusion may be welded onto the universal beam.

[0029] The top flange and the bottom flange may be the same width, and the extrusion may extend to the same width as the widths of the top and bottom flanges. The extrusion may be less wide than the top and bottom flanges. The extrusion may be more wide than the top and bottom flanges.

[0030] The universal beam, the extrusion, and the support webs may be made from steel. The universal beam, the extrusion, and the support webs may also be made from any other suitable material. The extrusion and support webs may be welded onto the universal beam. The extrusion and support webs may be attached to the universal beam using any suitable method. If the extrusion to be used is a cylinder, a hole the outer diameter of the cylinder may be drilled through the central web of the beam, and the cylinder passed through the hole and welded into place. This method ensures the cylinder is a one-piece bearing assembly which results in a strong integrated lifting point which is resistant to bending and fatigue.

[0031] The widths of the top and bottom flanges may be around 102mm. The through hole may be around 38mm in diameter.

[0032] The outer diameter of the cylinder may be around 80mm.

[0033] The integrated lifting point may be for use with a 12 tonne grade 8 bow shackle with a wide mouth, according to industry standards. The wide mouth shackle may be able to straddle the flanges to allow the integrated lifting point to be used.

[0034] The support webs may be around 10mm thick. The support webs may be any suitable thickness to provide strengthening to the extrusion.

[0035] In another embodiment, there is provided a modular container unit, formed from a universal beam structure, comprising at least one universal beam according to any embodiment previously described.

[0036] The modular container unit may be a movable structure which comprises a frame made from universal beams as previously described. The modular container unit may be stackable, i.e. designed such that containers may be stacked on top of one another. The floors and roofs of the containers therefore need to be suitable for stacking.

[0037] The modular container unit may be for housing water treatment devices. Water treatment devices may comprise sensitive components, which require careful handing. The integrated lifting points, which allow for long pins to be used with the bow shackles, prevent any unwanted movement when lifting the modular container unit. The integrated lifting point may provide a connection which resembles a shaft inside a bearing. The shaft is the bow shackle bolt / pin, and the bearing is the through-hole. The through-hole may be the same depth as the top and bottom flanges, which are relatively wide. This means there will be no twisting within the through-hole, rather only rotation. As the shackle pin is free to rotate within the through-hole, this means the integrated lifting point does not transfer any unwanted twisting forces onto the container, when the container is being lifted.

[0038] In another embodiment, there is provided a component for a modular container unit, the component comprising: a universal column, designed to act as a support column for the modular container unit; and a universal beam according to any previously described embodiment; wherein the universal beam is attached to one end of the universal column, and is arranged at a perpendicular angle to the column, wherein the universal beam functions both as a ceiling beam and a lifting point for the modular container unit.

[0039] The component may be a batch-produced product, which may become standardised. The component can then be used across multiple different products or structures, thus providing an integrated lifting point combined with a universal column and universal beam component. The component may then be made in a controlled environment, before being delivered onto site or installed into a building structure before being delivered onto site.

[0040] The modular container unit may be for housing water treatment devices.

[0041] The universal beam may be attached to the universal column via a bolted connection.

[0042] There may also be an associated method of manufacture or method of installation or method of using the apparatus or system as described herein.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: Figure 1 is an example of a lifting eye according to the prior art, shown bolted onto a universal beam;

[0045] Figure 2 is an example of an integrated lifting point according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 shows a more detailed view of the integrated lifting point as is shown in Figure 2;

[0047] Figure 4 is an elevation view and a cross sectional view of the integrated lifting point shown in Figures 2 and 3;

[0048] Figure 5 is an embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 is an embodiment of a modular container unit comprising the component according to the present invention; and

[0050] Figure 7 is an illustrative example of how a modular container unit according to the invention may be lifted.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an integrating lifting point

[0053] Figure 1 is an example of a lifting eye 900 according to the prior art, shown attached onto a universal beam 902 via a bolted connection 904. The lifting eye 900 can clearly be seen to protrude above the universal beam 902, and is a bulky component.

[0054] In this example according to the prior art, the lifting eye 900 is welded onto a base plate, which is bolted to the universal beam. As discussed previously, if this was to be used in a modular container unit according to the description herein, the lifting eye 900 would be required to be unbolted before another modular container unit was stacked on top of the original modular container unit.

[0055] The disadvantages with prior art lifting points are therefore numerous. Figure 2 is an example of an integrated lifting point 100 according to the present invention and Figure 3 shows a more detailed view of the integrated lifting point 100 as is shown in Figure 2.

[0056] Figures 2 and 3 show a universal beam 102, comprising a top flange 104 and a bottom flange 106 which are arranged parallel to one another. The flanges are connected together via a web 108 which is arranged perpendicular to the flanges. Typically on a universal beam 102, the flanges and web 108 are made from a single piece of steel, and are therefore of unitary construction.

[0057] Figure 2 shows the universal beam 102 orientated in the horizontal plane, where it is used as a ceiling member. The universal beam 102 may be oriented in the vertical plane, and may then be referred to as a universal column.

[0058] When in the horizontal plane, the top flange 104 and bottom flange 106 are oriented in the horizontal plane, and the web 108 is in the vertical plane.

[0059] An extrusion 110 is shown to extend through the web of the universal beam 102. In this particular embodiment the extrusion 110 is a cylinder. The extrusion 110 comprises a through-hole 112 which is a hole extending through the whole length of the extrusion 110. The through-hole 112 is arranged to be parallel to the top flange 104 and the bottom flange 106.

[0060] The universal beam 102 also comprises a plurality of support webs 114. The support webs 114 are located between the extrusion 110 and the flanges of the universal beam 102. As the web 108 is typically in the middle of the universal beam 102, there are usually four support webs 114, two on each side of the web 108. The support webs 114 function to strengthen and bolster the extrusion 110.

[0061] The extrusion 110 is used as a lifting point, and therefore it needs to be strong. The support webs 114 achieve this in a simple but effective way.

[0062] In this particular embodiment, the arrangement was made by boring a hole through the web 108 which was the same diameter as the outer diameter of the cylinder extrusion 110. The extrusion 110 was then passed through the web 108 half-way, and then welded into place. This formed a solid through-hole for a bow shackle to be attached to. To strengthen the welded connection, and to provide further strengthening, support webs 114 are used in conjunction.

[0063] This particular design is advantageous because it is well documented that the middle portion of a universal beam 102 is not withstanding large bending forces. Therefore boring a hole in the middle of the universal beam 102 does not significantly affect the amount of bending the universal bean 102 can withstand. The design of the integrated lifting point therefore adds on functionality to the universal beam, without any detrimental effect to the performance of the beam.

[0064] In this particular embodiment, the width of the extrusion 110 is the same as the widths of the top flange 104 and the bottom flange 106. This is to provide easy access for the bow shackle which is to be used with the universal beam. Having the extrusion 110 the same width as the flanges prevents any snagging when the bow shackle is used.

[0065] In use, a 12 tonne grade 8 bow shackle with a wide mouth may be used. This shackle would be offered down to the integrated lifting point 100, where the shackle would straddle either side of the universal beam 102. A bolt would then be passed through the bow shackle and through-hole 112, and secured with a nut on the opposite side. This provides a highly secure and safe lifting point, which does not protrude above the top surface of the universal beam, and does not significantly affect the strength of the universal beam.

[0066] The universal beam 102 and associated components may be made from steel. The widths of the top flange 104 and the bottom flange 106 may be around 102mm. The through-hole 112 may be around 38mm in diameter.

[0067] The outer diameter of the extrusion 110 cylinder may be around 80mm. The support webs may be around 10mm thick.

[0068] Figure 4 is an elevation view and a cross sectional view of the integrated lifting point 100 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The sectional drawing of B-B in Figure 4 clearly shows what the cross section of the integrated lifting point 100 looks like. The extrusion 110 can clearly be seen to extent straight through the web 108 of the universal beam 102. The section B-B also cuts through the middle of the support webs 114. These can be seen to support either side of the extrusion 110.

[0069] Figure 5 is an embodiment of a component 200 according to the present invention. The component 200 is designed to be used as a standardised part, which can be batch produced. This can then be used in conjunction with other structural components to make a modular container unit (see Figure 6).

[0070] The component 200 comprises a universal column 202, which is designed to act as a support column for a modular container unit. The component 200 also comprises a universal beam as previously described, i.e. a universal beam with an integrated lifting point 100.

[0071] The universal beam shown is used as a ceiling beam, and in use would be longer than currently shown. Alternatively, the universal beam may be as short as currently shown, but have a bolted connection on the end, which is used to attach a standard universal beam to, which can lengthen the ceiling beam.

[0072] This standardised component 200 can therefore be mass produced and used across various structural assemblies which need an integrated lifting point 100. The component 200 functions as an integrated lifting point 100, a ceiling beam, and a structural column.

[0073] This component 200, in comparison with the prior art systems is much more efficient in use and manufacture than components according to the art. There is no prior art system which combines the functionality of a ceiling beam and a lifting point into one component.

[0074] Figure 6 is an embodiment of a modular container unit 300 comprising the component 200 according to the present invention. A modular container unit 300 may comprise eight components 200, which act as eight structural columns and form the sides of four ceiling beams. There may be any number of components 200 used in a modular container unit 300. The sizes and arrangements of the components 200 should also be considered to be examples only, and should not be construed to be limiting.

[0075] Figure 7 is an illustrative example of how a modular container unit 300 according to the invention may be lifted. The modular container unit 300 is similar to the unit 300 shown in Figure 6, comprising eight components 200.

[0076] A spreader assembly 400 may be used to lift the container unit 300. This may comprise various lifting points, which can be used to connect lifting lines or chains onto. These lifting lines or chains may be used with bow shackles to quickly and securely connect the spreader assembly 400 to the container unit 300. The spreader assembly 400 is then attached to crane lifting lines 402, which can then lift the whole structure from A to B.

[0077] The spreader frame 400 may take the bending forces, resulting in the slings below just lifting, with no bending forces applied to them. The spreader assembly may reduce the requirement for structural strength within the module, as there are only vertical loads in the from no compression. The structure is notionally pinned with only some bays being braced for stability.

[0078] The other use of a spreader frame 400 is that the overall height can be reduced, as a traditional spreader would need 8 slings to go from module all the way to hook. This is hard to balance the sling tensions as well as requiring the outer most slings to be very long. A rule of thumb is not to exceed inclusive angle between slings of 90 degrees. When heavy equipment is lifted inside workshops, the lifting hook needs to be as low as possible to stack containers on top of one another.

[0079] Once the modular container unit 300 has been positioned into place, another similar sized container unit 300 can be immediately placed on top of the original container unit 300, due to the novel design of the integrated lifting point.

[0080] Furthermore, the integrated lifting point is lower down on the container unit 300 than solutions according to the art which protrude atop of the container units 300. This means the hook on the crane required to lift the container units 300 does not need to be as high, and thus a smaller crane can be used. Although the modular container unit 300 has been described in reference to using component 200 only, the modular container unit 300 may also be formed from the universal beam 100 which has been previously described (and may not contain the component 200). In this embodiment, the inventive features of the integrating lifting point sill remain, however there is no column used.

[0081] Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A universal beam comprising: a top flange and a bottom flange arranged parallel to one another, wherein the flanges are connected via a web arranged perpendicular to the flanges; an extrusion which extends through the web of the universal beam, wherein the extrusion comprises a through-hole which is parallel to the top and bottom flanges; and a plurality of support webs, which are located between the extrusion and the top and bottom flanges to provide strengthening to the extrusion; wherein the extrusion and through-hole provide an integrated lifting point for use with a bow shackle.

2. A universal beam according to claim 1 , wherein the through hole is located equidistant from the top flange and the bottom flange.

3. A universal beam according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extrusion is a cylinder.

4. A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the extrusion is welded onto the universal beam.

5. A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the top flange and the bottom flange are the same width, and the extrusion extends to the same width as the widths of the top and bottom flanges.

6. A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the universal beam, the extrusion, and the support webs are made from steel.

7. A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the extrusion and support webs are welded onto the universal beam.

8. A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the widths of the top and bottom flanges is around 102mm and wherein the through hole is around 38mm in diameter.

9. A universal beam according to claim 3, wherein the outer diameter of the cylinder is around 80mm.

10. A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the integrated lifting point is for use with a 12 tonne grade 8 bow shackle with a wide mouth, according to industry standards.11 . A universal beam according to any preceding claim, wherein the support webs are around 10mm thick.

12. A modular container unit, formed from a universal beam structure, comprising at least one universal beam according to any of claims 1-11.

13. A modular container unit according to claim 12, wherein the modular container unit is for housing water treatment devices.

14. A component for a modular container unit, the component comprising: a universal column, designed to act as a support column for the modular container unit; and a universal beam according to any of claims 1-11 ; wherein the universal beam is attached to one end of the universal column, and is arranged at a perpendicular angle to the column, wherein the universal beam functions both as a ceiling beam and a lifting point for the modular container unit.

15. A component according to claim 14, wherein the modular container unit is for housing water treatment devices.

16. A component according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the universal beam is attached to the universal column via a bolted connection.

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