Article handling apparatus

Abstract

An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

1 . An article handling apparatus, including: 
 a base frame, movable over a substrate surface; and,    a handling frame supported on said base frame, having means for gripping and moving an article.    
   
   
       2 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base frame includes a pair of movable arm members extending from a central body portion.  
   
   
       3 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein each of said base frame arms is articulated.  
   
   
       4 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base frame includes wheels, for movement over said substrate surface.  
   
   
       5 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said base frame includes at least three wheels, one on the extremity of each arm, and one on said central body portion.  
   
   
       6 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein movement of said arm members is effected by one or any combination of hydraulic cylinder, by electric motor or other activation means.  
   
   
       7 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said handling frame includes a pair of arm members extending from a central body portion.  
   
   
       8 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said central body portion of said handling frame is either separate from or formed integrally with said central body portion of said base frame,  
   
   
       9 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said handling frame is attached to said central body portion with a sliding mechanism.  
   
   
       10 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein each of said handling frame arms is articulated.  
   
   
       11 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the extremity of each arm includes gripping means for gripping said article.  
   
   
       12 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said gripping means include a pair of plates whereby said article is gripped by being pressed between said plates.  
   
   
       13 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said plates are movable about a universal joint to allow orientation of said plates depending upon the shape of said article, in any direction.  
   
   
       14 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  wherein movement of said gripping means is effected by one or any combination of hydraulic cylinder, electric motor or other activation means.  
   
   
       15 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 10  wherein movement of said arms is effected by one or any combination of hydraulic cylinder, electric motor or other actuation means.  
   
   
       16 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said central body portion of said handling frame is substantially vertically extendable to which said arms are attached to the upper end thereof.  
   
   
       17 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 16  wherein extension/contraction of said central body portion is effected by one or any combination of hydraulic cylinder, electric motor or other actuation means.  
   
   
       18 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 16  wherein said arms of said handling frame are pivotally attached to said body portion, pivotal movement being effected by one or any combination of hydraulic cylinder electric motor or other actuation means.  
   
   
       19 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 16  wherein said handling frame is pivotally connected to said base frame, pivotal movement being effected by one or any combination of hydraulic cylinder, electric motor or other actuation means.  
   
   
       20 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further including a control means to control movement of said base frame over said substrate surface and said gripping and moving of said article.  
   
   
       21 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 20  wherein said control means is located proximal to or formed integrally with said central body portion of said apparatus and/or on at least one of said arms of said base frame,  
   
   
       22 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is capable of being compactly stored.  
   
   
       23 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said article is a tire or other component of a vehicle earthmoving or mining equipment.  
   
   
       24 . An article handling apparatus as claimed in  claim 9  wherein each of said handling frame arms is articulated.