Pivoting Casket Loading Frame for Elevated Truck Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for unloading vertically oriented caskets from box trucks are unsafe and prone to damage due to the elevated bed of the truck, posing risks to personnel and the caskets during delivery.
Innovation Solution
A casket loading and unloading apparatus with a pivoting frame and motion generating device, such as a hydraulic piston and cylinder, allows for the secure pivoting of vertically oriented caskets from a vertical to a horizontal position for safe unloading, using a support plate and lubricious material for sliding assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If caskets are loaded vertically in box trucks to increase shipping capacity, then more caskets can be transported, but the elevated bed height creates safety risks and damage risks during unloading
Solution Approach 1:
A pivoting frame acts as an intermediary device between the elevated box truck bed and the ground-level pavement. The frame receives vertically oriented caskets from the truck bed and rotates them to a horizontal position for safe placement on the ground, eliminating the safety and damage risks associated with the height difference while preserving vertical loading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading system uses a dynamically pivoting frame that can rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position. This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt to the height difference between the truck bed and pavement, enabling safe unloading of vertically oriented caskets without requiring manual lifting or creating hazardous conditions
2Device complexity
If caskets are unloaded manually from elevated truck beds, then equipment complexity is reduced, but personnel safety and casket integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting frame serves as a mechanical intermediary that assumes the load-bearing function during unloading. Instead of personnel manually handling heavy caskets from elevated positions, the frame receives, supports, and rotates the caskets to a safe horizontal position for ground-level placement, eliminating personnel exposure to height-related hazards
3Ease of manufacture
If the bed surface is several feet above pavement, then box truck design is simplified, but casket damage risk increases during unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting frame provides a controlled, gradual transition from vertical to horizontal orientation. This dynamic rotation process prevents sudden drops or impacts that could damage caskets, while maintaining the simple elevated bed design of the box truck. The frame acts as a buffer that manages the height difference safely
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safe and damage-free unloading of vertical caskets from transport vehicles with elevated beds, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of casket damage during unloading.
Implementation Method 1
The motion generating device can be a hydraulic piston and cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus can further include lubricious material on the frame to facilitate sliding of the casket on the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A casket loading and/or unloading apparatus comprises a frame having an end adapted to be pivoted adjacent a rear edge of a bed of a transport vehicle for pivoting about a pivot axis generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the transport vehicle, and a motion generating device operable between the frame and the transport vehicle for pivoting the frame from a first generally vertical position to a second at least generally horizontal position. A vertically oriented casket in the transport vehicle can be secured to the frame, and the frame with the casket secured thereto can be pivoted from the first generally vertical position to the second at least generally horizontal position to facilitate unloading the casket from the transport vehicle.