Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system for managing and securing cargo tubs in stacks in a cargo hold of a vessel, such as a fishing vessel. The functional components of the apparatus and system comprise means such as rails or transport lanes, wagons and pushing structures as transport means for securely managing stacks of tubs in the cargo hold both during sailing and off-loading.
Claims
1. An apparatus for securing stacks of cargo tubs 1 in a cargo hold 2 of a vessel 3 during transfer and storing, the apparatus comprising: one or more cargo lanes 4 for storing stacks of tubs 5 in a cargo hold 2 and for moving stacks of tubs 5 along a first direction of the cargo hold 2, one or more pushing device(s) 6 for pushing one or more stacks of tubs along the cargo lane 4, upper 9 and lower 10 longitudinal rails positioned in the cargo hold 2 along each side of the one or more cargo lanes 4, and wherein the upper 9 and lower 10 longitudinal rails secure the stacks of tubs from moving in a second direction of the cargo hold.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each tub in stack of the tubs have an open upper surface and the bottom portion comprises structures to fit into the open upper surface for allowing stacking of two or more tubs in a stable stack, and wherein the bottom portion further comprises openings or other structural features for allowing pulling or lifting devices to engage into.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movable transfer lock 7 near one end of each cargo lane 4, said movable transfer lock 7 transfers said stack of tubs 5 along the first direction of the cargo hold 2 to the end of or out of the cargo lane 4.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fixed lock 8 adjacent to the movable transfer lock 7 in each cargo lane 4, said fixed lock 8 securing the next stack of tubs 5 to be transferred to the end of or out of the cargo lane 4.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of upper locks 11 arranged between the upper longitudinal rails 9,10.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the upper locks 11 are positioned at the in-feed end and the out-feed end of the cargo lane 4 as well as in the wagon 14.
7. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movable transfer locks 7 and the fixed locks 8 attach to a bottom structure of the lowest tub 1 in a stack of tubs 5 in a cargo lane, the upper locks 11 lock into the opening of the uppermost tubs in the stacks of tubs at the in-feed and the out-feed end of the cargo lane 4 to secure movement of a row of stack of tubs 5 in a cargo lane 4 in the first direction of the cargo hold 2.
8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movable transfer lock 7 and the fixed lock 8 comprise lock-bars 13, which eject outwardly and perpendicularly from the transport direction of the cargo lane into openings or recesses in the bottom tub of the stack of tubs.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the upper locks 11 comprise one or more locking or latch members 15 for locking into the opening of the uppermost tub in the stack of tubs.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one or more wagons 14 for transporting one stack of tubs along a second direction of the cargo hold.
11. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the wagon comprises physical barriers 24 for preventing tilting or sliding of the stack of tubs in the wagon 14 in either the first or the second direction of the cargo hold.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more cargo lane comprises a row of rollers 12.
13. A system for securing stacks of cargo tubs in a cargo hold of a vessel during transfer and storing, the system comprising: one or more cargo lanes 4 for storing stacks of tubs 5 in a cargo hold 2 and for moving stacks of tubs 5 along a first direction of the cargo hold 2, one or more pushing device(s) 6 for pushing one or more stacks of tubs along each cargo lane 4, upper 9 and lower 10 longitudinal rails positioned in the cargo hold 2 along each side of the one or more cargo lanes 4, and wherein the upper 9 and lower 10 longitudinal rails secure the stacks of tubs from moving in a second direction of the cargo hold.
14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising: a movable transfer lock 7 near one end of each cargo lane 4, said movable transfer lock transfers said stack of tubs along the first direction of the cargo hold out of the cargo lane, a fixed lock 8 adjacent to the movable transfer lock 7 in each cargo lane 4, said fixed lock 8 securing the next stack of tubs 5 to be transferred out of the cargo lane 4, and a plurality of upper locks 11 arranged within the upper longitudinal rails, wherein in each cargo lane the movable transfer locks 7 and the fixed locks 8 attach to a bottom structure of the lowest tub in a stack of tubs in a storing lane, the upper locks 11 lock into the opening of the uppermost tubs in the stacks of tubs at the in-feed and the out-feed end of the cargo lane to secure movement of a row of stack of tubs in a cargo lane in the first direction of the cargo hold.
15. The system according to claim 13, further comprising one or more wagons for transporting the stack of tubs along a second direction of the cargo hold.
16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the locking of the upper locks and the fixed and the movable transfer locks is synchronized with the movement of the pushing devices and the movable transfer lock as: i) the pushing device pushes a stack of tubs along the cargo lane from the in-feed end towards the out-feed end during filling the cargo hold of stacks of tubs, and ii) the movable transfer lock transports the stack of tubs at the out-feed end into the wagon for transport in the second direction during emptying of a cargo lane or transfer of stack of tubs between parallel cargo lanes.
17. The system according to claim 14, wherein the movable lock and fixed lock push lock-members perpendicularly from the transport direction of the cargo lane into openings in the bottom structure of the lowest tub in the stack of tub.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0067] The present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings using reference numbers in the drawings to identify the individual components of the invention.
[0068] FIG. 1 shows the individual components of the in-feeding device of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 2 shows a side view (A) of the grading apparatus and thein-feeding device. A top view (B) of the same equipment.
[0070] FIG. 3 shows a perspective drawing of the in-feed device of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the in-feed device of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows the upper locks of the invention.
[0073] FIG. 6 outlines the transfer of stacks of tubs one by one into a wagon until the transport/storing lane is empty.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0074] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described, referring to the figures. These examples are provided to provide further understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.
[0075] In the following description, a series of steps are described. The skilled person will appreciate that unless required by the context, the order of steps is not critical for the resulting configuration and its effect. Further, it will be apparent to the skilled person that irrespective of the order of steps, the presence or absence of time delay between steps, can be present between some or all of the described steps.
[0076] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus and system of the present invention seen from the side and above. The system has for transport and storing lanes for tubs in stacks and lifts to transport tubs to and from a processing deck or in and out of the cargo hold. The setup shown in FIG. 1 has four transport and storage lanes with lifts where one top one lane is connected to a lift for transporting tubs in and out of the cargo hold and the other three lifts transport tubs to and from a processing deck. In such a set up one lane is used to transport empty tubs through an opening above the lift into the cargo hold, such as the middle lane for example. When a stack of tub is transported from any of the other lanes into the middle lane, a stack is pushed into the wagon and the wagon transports the stack of tubs in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport and storing lanes to the middle lane for advancement towards the lift and the opening into the processing deck. When tubs are loaded into a stack on each of the lifts from the processing deck, the full stack is then transported along the transport and storing lane. When the tubs are transported out of the cargo hold, pushing means (donkey) for each of the lanes not connected to the lift for transporting tubs in and out of the cargo hold pushes one stack at the time into the wagon and the wagon transports each stack to the lane connected to the lift for transporting tubs in and out of the cargo hold for off-loading. FIG. 1 shows a cargo hold 2 of a vessel 3 four lifts 16 for delivering tubs into the cargo hold 2. The figure shows the cargo lanes 4 for storing stacks of tubs in a cargo hold 2 and for transporting stacks of tubs along a first direction (x) of the cargo hold 2 and a wagon 14 for transporting the stack of tubs along a second direction (y) of the cargo hold 2 on a transport lane 25 arranged in the second direction in the cargo hold 2. The transport and storage lanes have means of allowing stacks of tubs to travel or advance along the lanes, such as rollers 12. As most of the lifts transport full tubs into the cargo hold the end of the storing and cargo lane 4 adjacent to the lifts is referred to as the in-feed end and the end of the cargo lane 4 adjacent to the wagon 14 is defined as the out-feed end, although this is in fact opposite for the lane feeding empty tubs up to the processing deck and for the lane feeding tubs out of the cargo hold by lift 16. A pushing device 6 (donkey) is arranged by each of the lifts 16 for pushing the stacks of tubs along the cargo lane 4. A set of locks are arranged near the outfeed end of each cargo lane 4 for managing the transport of the stacks of tubs (one at a time) into the wagon 14 for transport of a stack of tubs into another cargo lane 4. The locks are divided into a fixed lock 8 and a movable transporting lock or pulling device 7 for pulling the stack of tubs along the one or more cargo lane 4 into the wagon 14. The system has a plurality of actuators 17 for moving the lifts 16, the wagon 14, the pushing devices 6 and the pulling devices 7 in the cargo hold. The actuators 17 can be motors or jacks, such as hydraulic jacks. The drawing also a set of upper locks 11 at the in-feed end and the outfeed end. The in-feed end upper locks 11 hold the stack of tubs as a new stack of tubs is being lowered by a lift 16 into the cargo hold 2. The outfeed end upper locks 11 hold the second last stack of tubs at the outfeed end as the last stack of tubs at the outfeed end is being loaded into the wagon 14. As shown in the drawing the lifts have carrying means such as forks 18 for loading or unloading a stack of tubs into or out of the cargo hold. The drawing further shows upper 9 and lower 10 longitudinal rails positioned along the storing lane for securing the stack of tubs from moving in a second direction of the cargo hold.
[0077] FIG. 2 shows a side-view of the in-feed end of a storing/transport lane 4 for stacks of tubs 5. The drawing shows an opening 19 into the cargo-hold 2 for loading a stack of tubs 5 into the cargo-hold 2. The pushing device 6 is arranged below the opening 19 for pushing the stacks of tubs 5 along the cargo lane 4. In this drawing the pushing device 6 has pushed the stack of tubs 5 away from the stacking position underneath the lift shaft 20 below the opening 19. The drawing shows an actuator 17 for giving power to the pushing device 6. An upper lock 11 at the in-feed end is also shown for holding a stack of tubs in place as the pushing means backs up to fetch a new stack of tubs. The drawing also shows upper longitudinal rails 9 positioned in the upper part of the cargo hold 2 and lower longitudinal rails 10 positioned in the lower part of the cargo hold 2 along the storing lane for securing the stack of tubs from moving in a second direction of the cargo hold.
[0078] FIG. 3 shows a side-view of the out-feed end of a cargo lane 4 for stacks of tubs 5. The drawing shows the wagon 14 for transferring a stack of tubs 5 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the transport direction of the cargo lanes 4. A set of locks are arranged on the cargo lane 4 for holding one stack of tubs in a fixed position and transporting another stack of tubs into the wagon 14, said locks are a fixed lock 8, and a movable lock 7. The movable lock can lock into a bottom structure of a stack of tubs and pull that stack into the wagon 14. A pair of upper locks 11 at the outfeed end also assist with stabilizing the stacks of tubs as the last stack of tubs 5 is being transferred into the wagon 14. The drawing also shows an upper lock in the wagon for stabilizing or securing a stack of tubs in the first direction in the wagon and physical barriers for securing the stack of tubs in the second direction during transport in the wagon 14. The drawing shows the upper 9 and lower 10 longitudinal rails positioned along the cargo lane towards the wagon, for securing the stack of tubs from moving in a second direction of the cargo hold. The drawing further shows an upper lock 11 in the wagon 14 for stabilizing the stack of tubs as the wagon transports said stack of tubs along the second direction of transportation.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows the movable lock 7 and the fixed lock 8 in an adjacent position. FIG. 4A is a side view showing the fixed lock being fixed 21 to the floor whereas the movable lock is on wheel/rollers 22. FIGS. 4B and C are a top view of the fixed lock 8 and the movable lock 7 in the same adjacent position. The drawing shows how the fixed lock is engaged in FIG. 4B as the lock-bars 13 are ejected out whereas the moving lock is not. In FIG. 4C the fixed lock is not disengaged, but now the moving lock is engaged. As the locks 7,8 are positioned underneath the tubs and the tubs have recesses or openings in their bottom structure, the locks engage into the bottom structure by “shooting out” lock bars 13 or panels which engage into the apertures or openings in the bottom structure of the bottom tub in a stack of tubs.
[0080] FIG. 5 shows the upper locks 11 of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a side view of an upper lock 11, which is positioned between the upper longitudinal rails 9 of each cargo lane. The limited view of the upper lock in FIG. 5A shows an actuator (a jack) 17 for engaging or disengaging the locking member of the upper lock. In FIG. 5B a front view of an upper lock is shown between the upper longitudinal rails 9. The limited view of the upper lock in FIG. 5B shows the front end of the upper longitudinal rails 9 and the latch member 15 of the upper lock being the locking member of this device. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an upper lock seen from above. The drawing shows the actuator 17 secured on bars between the upper longitudinal rails 9 and extending over a pivoting mechanism 23 to the latch member 15 to engage or disengage the locking function of the upper lock 11.
[0081] FIG. 6 shows how pushing devices, locks and longitudinal rails are used together to securely transport stacks of tubs along the cargo lanes in the cargo hold. The figure shows how stacks of tubs are transferred one by one into the wagon until the cargo lane is empty providing support to the stack in every step. The pushing device, the fixed lock and the movable lock are synchronised together with the upper locks to move stacks of tubs into the wagon. FIG. 6A shows an empty wagon 14 and two adjacent stacks of tubs 5 next to the wagon. Each bottom tub in a stack has two openings on each side in the bottom surface of the tub for the locks to lock into. The movable lock 7 is locked into the aft opening (further away from the wagon) of the tub next to the wagon and the fixed lock 8 is locked into the front opening of the tub adjacent to the tub next to the wagon. In FIG. 6B the stack of tubs has been pulled into the wagon 14 and two adjacent stacks of tubs are shown waiting in line to be transported into the wagon. The figure also shows that the movable lock 7 is still locked into the bottom portion of the bottom tub showing that the bottom lock can pull a stack of tubs all the way into the wagon. FIGS. 6C-H show how the remaining two stacks of tubs are transported out of the cargo lane. The donkey (pushing device) 6 pushes the last two stacks of tubs onwards such that the last stack of tubs is half-way into the wagon and provides support from behind in the x-direction whereas the upper and lower longitudinal rails provide support in the Y-direction (FIG. 6C). The movable lock is locked into the aft opening of the tub half-way into the wagon and pulls this stack of tubs into the wagon, whereas the fixed lock is locked into the front opening of the tub adjacent to the tub being transferred into the wagon and that same stack of tubs is secured by an upper lock 11 as well (FIG. 6D). In FIG. 6E the wagon has been emptied and is ready for the last stack of tubs in the cargo lane, which is secured by the donkey, the fixed and movable lock as well as the upper locks. The movable lock has returned to pick up the last stack of tubs and the donkey has reached the end position in front of the fixed lock. The movable lock locks into the front opening of the bottom tub and pulls the last stack of tubs in a position next/adjacent to the wagon. In FIG. 6F the moveable lock moves to lock into the aft opening of the bottom tub of the last stack of tubs in order to pull the stack into the wagon. FIG. 6G shows and empty wagon with an upper lock 11 and physical barriers 24 to secure a stack of tubs during transport in the wagon. In FIG. 6H the movable lock has pulled the stack into the wagon 14.
[0082] As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise.
[0083] Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0084] Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise”, “including”, “having”, and “contain” and their variations should be understood as meaning “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to exclude other components.
[0085] The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).
[0086] The term “at least one” should be understood as meaning “one or more”, and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as “the” and “the at least one”.
[0087] It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within scope of the invention. Features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0088] Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance”, “such as”, “for example” and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless so claimed. Any steps described in the specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0089] All of the features and/or steps disclosed in the specification can be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination.
