Priority: This invention claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Number 61/369,973 filed on August 2, 2010, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Inventors: Derrel Thomas

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to lifting frames for use with lifting bags.

Background of the Invention

Transportation of bulk materials in the United States is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation, particularly for transportation of hazardous or radioactive materials. See 49 CFR pt. 173 (incorporated by reference). In particular, containers for transportation of hazardous and radioactive materials are required to meet certain design safety criteria. See generally, 49 CFR 173 subpart I. Certain packaging design guidelines for Industrial Packaging, Types 1, 2, or 3, or Type A package (see 40 CFR 173.403) are specified in 49 CFR 410-411. Transportation of bulk materials is similarly regulated in Europe and elsewhere. Bags designed for large scale storage and transportation are typically adapted to carry loads in excess of 10,000 pounds. Flexible bags can be designed to meet the needed criteria. One possible flexible bag design is shown in U.S. Patent Number 6,142,727 (the '727 patent), attached hereto and made a part hereof, in its entirety. Other bag designs include PCT/US06/06662 (which designated the United States) filed February 24, 2006, and PCT/US06/31369 filed on August 11, 2006) (both hereby incorporated by reference).

The lifting bags are generally box-like flexible structures with a lifting strap system on the outside of the bag. The strap system is a series of straps, each strap extending from one side of the bag to the other opposing side of the bag (extending across the bottom of the bag). The two terminal ends of each strap extend above the top of the bag, and each strap terminates in a loop suitable for grasping or other device suitable for attaching to a lifting device. See for instance, figure 9 of PCT US06/31369 (depicting a lifting strap system), or figure 10 of the '727 patent. In use, the bags are inserted into a loading frame which generally rests on the ground, see for instance, figure 7 and figure 2 of the '727 patent (showing a lifting bag lining a loading frame). A loading frame is needed as the lifting bags are not self- supporting. The top of the lifting straps and the loops or other strap attachments, remain accessible once the bag is placed in the loading frame (see figure 2 and 3 of the '727 patent). Once the bag is positioned in the loading frame, the bag is loaded with debris material to be disposed of, such as by a front loader (see figure 3 of the '727 patent) After the bag is loaded, the bag is closed (see figure 7 of the '727 patent), and next it must be moved from the loading frame to a transport container, such as a rail car (see figure 1A of the '727 patent) (and after transport, it may have to be moved from the transport container). However, as noted, a loaded bag can weigh in excess of 10,000 lbs. To pick up a loaded bag from a loading frame, a lifting frame is used. One lifting frame is depicted in figure 15 patent (top view), and figure 32A and 31A (side views) of the '727 patent.

A lifting frame is positioned over a loaded bag to be moved, such as over a loading frame. The lifting frame may be supported by a crane, fork lift or other lifting deice. Shackles or hooks on the lifting frame are attached to the terminal ends of the lifting straps, and the bag is physically lifted out of the loading frame by raising the lifting frame with the attached lifting bag (see figure 10 of the 727 patent). The loaded bag is then moved to a transport container, and lowered into the transport container. To release the bag from the lifting frame, the lifting frame is lowered until the straps are slack (e.g., the loaded bag is supported by the transport container). At this point, an operator manually removes the lifting straps from the shackles, disconnecting the straps from the shackles or hooks on the loading frame. This usually requires the operator to access the interior of the transport container, which is undesirable and can be a safety hazard.

Brief description of the drawings.

Figure 1 are various views of one embodiment of a lifting frame, including

Figure 1A a top view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure IB one side view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure 1C Another side view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure ID a projective view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure 2 is a side view of one embodiment of a lifting hook in an open configuration.

Figure 3 is a schematic of a pneumatic control circuit.

Figure 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a lifting hook in a closed configuration.

Figure 5 is another embodiment of a lifting frame, including

Figure 5A a top view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure 5B one side view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure 5C Another side view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure 5D a projective view of one embodiment of a lifting frame.

Figure 6 is bottom view of prior art lifting frame that can be used with the invention.

Figure 7 is a prospective view of the frame of figure 6 attached to a lifting bag with the straps slack.

Figure 8 is a prospective view of a lifted bag of figure 7 being moved for transportation.

Figure 9 is a prospective view of the frame in figure 6 showing attached and lifting a loaded lifting bag.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The invention includes a system and method to remotely release a lifting bag from a lifting frame upon a signal. The system includes a lifting frame, such as shown in figure 1. The frame embodiment shown has a rectangular frame structure 1, and attached to the frame structure are top brace members 2, and bottom brace members 3. Top brace members 2 run perpendicular to bottom brace members 3. Top and bottom brace members are rectangular tubes sized for use with a fork lift. Top and bottom brace members are not required. The frame should be constructed of robust material capable of supporting a load in excess of a loaded lifting bag (such as 10,000+ pounds). Quarter inch steel has been used to create the frame box structures in figure 1.

Located near each corner of the top of the rectangular frame structure is a means to attach a hooking device, such as a lifting eyelet, or an opening into which a hooking device may be fixedly attached, such as by a threaded attachment. Located on the bottom (underside) of the frame structure 1 are multiple means for attaching a hooking device, such as a lifting eyelet 6. As shown, this frame embodiment has a total of fourteen means for attaching a hooking device - four each on each long side of the rectangular lifting frame, and three eyelets on each short side of the rectangular frame. These "means for attaching a hooking device" preferably is positioned on the underside of the frame to correspond positionally with the location of the straps on the bag which is to be lifted. It is preferred that the bag's straps be attached to the lifting frame at locations so that, when the bag is lifted and the straps are under tension, the straps are substantially vertical or directed slightly inwardly toward the center of the bag. If the straps, while under tension, are substantially directed outwardly away from the center of the bag, the bag will be subject to forces tending to expand or open the bag, putting additional stresses on the bag sidewalls and top portion. However, the scope of the invention includes lifting frames where a lifted bag's straps are directed outwardly.

As lifting bags can come in different sizes (e.g. 6'χ4'χ2', 6'χ4'χ4', 8'x6'x6', etc.), it is preferred (but not required) that separate lifting frames be utilized (e.g., see figure 5) so that the lifting hooks on the frame align with the lifting straps on the bag to be lifted. However, a large frame may be built to accommodate more than one size bag (e.g., a smaller frame positioned within a larger frame, or sufficient means of lifting (e.g. hooks and eyelets) are positioned on the frame to accommodate multiple bag sizes). Another lifting frame designed for smaller lifting bags is shown in figure 5. Another lifting frame is also shown in figure 6, and this lifting frame is shown without the control circuit to demonstrate that the configuration of the rigid frame can be varied.

Located on the underside of the bottom braces are four standoffs 10. The standoffs 10 support the frame off the ground when not in use. While not necessary, they are preferred. Attached to the "means for attaching a hooking device" (here, eyelets 6) are hooks 20 (see Figure 2). The hook is attached to the means for attaching a hook. In the embodiment shown, the hook 20 is pinned with pin 22 through the means for attaching a hooking device (here an eyelet 6). The hook 20 shown can be pneumatically activated from a hooked state (hook closed) to an open state (hook open). In figure 2, the hook 20 is shown in the open state, while in figure 4, the hook 20 is shown in the open state. The preferred hook has a top body portion 25, a bottom body portion 26, and a hook portion 27, where the bottom body portion 26 can rotate or pivot with respect to the top body portion 25, although this is not required. Positioned in the hook body is a pivotable hook safety latch 35. This latch 35 closes the mouth of the hook when the hook is in a closed configuration (see figure 4). The safety latch 35 can be manually pivoted, for instance, when inserting the connectors on the straps into the mouths of the respective hooks. These features are preferred, but not all are needed. Suitable hooks include models CBL-3, or CBL-3L, from Charles B. Lewis Co. of Wilsonville, Oregon. These hooks have a working load of three metric tons, and these hooks are pneumatically activated, as later described. Attached between the hook portion 27 and the bottom body portion 26 is a biasing member 30. Biasing member 30 urges the hook portion in a fashion to place the hook in an open state, such as shown in figure 2.

As indicated, one preferred hook is pneumatically activated. Shown in figure 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of a control circuit for pneumatic operation of the hooks. The circuit's environmentally sensitive components are preferably contained in a closable case 50 positioned on the lifting frame (see figure 1). The circuit shown is powered by a twelve volt battery 100. The battery may be recharged via solar cells positioned on the lifting frame and a charge controller 1000. There are also charging terminals that appear on the exterior of the case 50 to allow for external charging of the battery. The "signal" used to activate the circuit is a radio signal received by radio receiver 101 from a radio transmitter held by an operator (not shown). A suitable receiver and transmitter is Model Air Eagle SR 2000 with SR 1300 transmitter (2.4 Ghz), from BWI Eagle company of Butler, PA.

The pneumatic portion of the circuit includes a twelve volt compressor 107, a small reservoir bottle 108 (here holding a compressed air reserve volume at 140 psi), an air regulator 109 (to regulate the pressure to the hooks 20 to a desired pressure (here 40 psi), the air solenoids 110, and a solid state pressure switch 104.

The control circuit, as shown, is powered at all times by the battery. The pressure switch 104 monitors the pressure in the air reservoir, and if it falls below a designated level (here 70 psi), the switch 104 activates the compressor 107 allowing the reservoir pressure to rise. Once the reservoir pressure exceeds a threshold (here, 140 psi), the switch 104 shuts off the compressor 107. Due to the power drain of the compressor 107, the solid state switch 104 operates a solid state relay 1 10 to power the compressor. Air tubing connects the air regulator 109 to air solenoids 1 10, and the solenoids to the hooks. The control circuit shown (e.g., radio transmitter and controller, which in the embodiment shown, the receiver is the controller) can be configured to trigger four different devices (based upon the receipt of four different activation signals). Hence, the circuit can be configured to control different groups of solenoids independently. For instance, on a lifting frame designed to accommodate two different sized bags (e.g., Bag 1 and Bag 2), a first activation signal could be used to control a first solenoid that is tied to the set of hooks corresponding to Bag 1, and a second activation signal could be used to control a second solenoid that is tied to the hooks that correspond to Bag 2. For a frame designed to accommodate a single bag, a single solenoid can be used to unlatch or open all hooks. In the preferred embodiment, two solenoids are used, with each solenoid being coupled to one half of the hooks and the receiver is configured to activate both solenoids simultaneously, thereby sending signals to open all hooks 20 simultaneously.

Upon receipt of an activation signal from the remote transmitter, the controller (here, receiver 101, note that in some embodiments, the controller may be distinct from the receiver) sends a signal to open the hooks - as shown, the signal is sent from the controller to the air solenoid(s) as programmed for the signal, allowing 40 psi compressed air to be sent to the hooks that are coupled to the activated solenoids, and the hooks respond to the solenoids. As described, the hooks respond to the release signal from the controller indirectly through the solenoids. In other embodiments, the hooks may directly respond to a release signal from the controller. In other embodiments, the controller may comprise a series of controllers, with each hook (or a series of hooks) having a separate controller, and each controller responding to a suitable release signal from a transmitter.

The transmitter may also be electrically coupled to the controller through a wire harness back to the lifting device (e.g., crane, fork lift, etc.), hence, the transmitter may send a wireless or wired signal to the receiver to "release." As described, a single controller, here a receiver, is employed. Multiple receivers could be employed, for instance each hook having a separate receiver. In the event of a wired signal, the receiver may be integrated into the controller, as opposed to a separate component. As used herein, the controller receives the signal (either directly or indirectly) from the transmitter, and sends a release signal to the hooks, as programmed, either by hardware, firmware or software. Also, the control system can be configured to require two control signals in order to open the hooks, for instance, a first signal from a crane operator, and a second signal from a spotter or other assistant to the crane operator.

In operation, the lifting frame is used to lift a loaded lifting bag (such as out of a loading frame) and move the lifted bag to a desired location (such as a railcar for later transportation and disposal). An operator would move a lifting frame in position above a loaded lifting bag, such as contained in a loading frame. A lifting device is used, for instance, a crane, fork lift, front end loader, or other suitable lifting device. See figure 8. The operator positions the lifting frame near the top of the bag so that the hooks on the lifting frame are located near the bag's corresponding lifting straps. Each lifting strap used for lifting ends in a connector (or one is employed) that can be used to couple to a respective hook. For instance, a strap connector may be a terminal loop sewn or formed at the end of a strap.

The operator (or a second person) would manually position or "load" each lifting strap connector into the mouth of an closed hook, for instance by slipping the strap connector past the hook safety latch 35 (which, as described, is manually pivotable). For this operation, the frame must be sufficiently close to the bag so the straps can be properly positioned. If a hook is open, the operator may manually close the hook (e.g., in one embodiment, the hooks are not closable by operation of the controller, however, controller closable hooks may be used). When all (or those desired) of the lifting straps are positioned on the proper hooks, the operator raises the lifting frame until the lifting straps are taunt, and upon further lifting, raises the loaded bag from the loading frame. After clearing the loading frame, the operator can transport the lifting frame with the coupled and loaded bag as desired, such as to a transport container, (see figure 8)

At the release location, such as a transport container, the operator positions the lifting frame above the transport container, and lowers the lifting frame until the loaded bag is properly positioned within the transport container. The operator lowers the lifting frame until the bag is supported within the transport container, and the operator continues to lower the lifting frame until the lifting straps are preferably slack, or at least until the lifting bag is substantially free of support by the rigid frame (i.e., where the support is less than the predetermined load on each hook so that the hook can move to a hook open condition) (see figure 7). At this point, the operator will signal the control circuit (via the transmitter) to activate or to "release" - generally the operator will push button on the radio transmitter, which activates the transmitter to generate a release signal. Upon receipt of the "release" signal, the control circuit sends power to the respective air solenoids, and air is sent to the pneumatically operated hooks, causing the hooks to open. As the hooks open, the biasing member (here spring 30) on the hook ensures that the hook mouth fully opens to allow the strap positioned on that hook to slide off and detach from the hook. Thus, the loaded bag has been released from the lifting frame remotely, with no operator required to manually remove the straps from the lifting frame.

To prevent accidental opening of the hooks, the hooks themselves have a preferred safety feature - the hooks are in a locked closed position, and if the tension on the hook exceeds a preset amount (for the preferred hooks, 25 pounds) the hooks will not unlock and open after a "release" signal is provided. Hence, if an operator inadvertently activates the circuit when the lifting straps are not slack, the hooks remain locked in a closed condition and will not open, and the bag will not inadvertently release from the lifting frame. The pneumatically operated hooks and associated circuit can be used on any lifting frame sized for the bag intended to be lifted, it is not restricted to the particular frame disclosed herein. For instance, the prior art frame shown in Figure 6 and 9 may be used as the structural frame for a remote controlled lifting frame. Further, the remote controlled hooks may be hydraulically or electrically or electronically operated (not preferred), as opposed to pneumatically operated. Additionally, the lifting frame may be electrically powered from the crane, fork lift, or other lifting device, thereby eliminating the need for a battery. However, remotely powering the lifting frame places additional restrictions on the lifting devices that may be used, and is not preferred.

The invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice. Therefore, the foregoing description is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the invention to the particular embodiments presented herein.