Modular sections for temporary turntable applications

Abstract

A turntable in modular pie or other sections, which sections can be added or taken away in concentric rings from a base version of the turntable in order to scale the size and capacity of that turntable to accommodate a wide range of size and loading needs.

Claims

1. A turntable comprising: a hub defining a first rotation axis; a base including a plurality of rolling supports that each rotate about one of a plurality of axes of rotation perpendicular to said first rotation axis, said base including a plurality of base sections; a rotating member secured to said hub such that a center of said rotating member aligns with the first rotation axis, said rotating member including a plurality of sections; a first one of said plurality of base sections disposed radially around said hub and including a first set of the plurality of rolling supports; a first one of said plurality of sections is coupled to the hub that defines a center of said rotating member, said first one of said plurality of sections supported by the first set of the plurality of rolling supports and defining a first radius; a second one of said plurality of base sections removably secured radially outwards of said first base section and including a second set of the plurality of rolling supports; and a second section removably secured around said first section and supported at least in part by said second set of the plurality of rollers to define a second radius greater than the first radius.

2. The turntable of claim 1 wherein the first section includes a plurality of pieces that are removably secured to each other to create the first section.

3. The turntable of claim 1 wherein the second section includes a plurality of pieces that are removably secured to each other to create the second section.

4. The turntable of claim 1 wherein the first one of said plurality of base sections includes a plurality of parts that are removably secured to each other to create the first one of said plurality of base sections.

5. The turntable of claim 1 wherein the second one of said plurality of base sections includes a plurality of parts removably secured to each other to create the second one of said plurality of base sections.

6. A turntable comprising: a hub defining an axis; a first section having an outer edge and a center aligned with the axis, said first section affixed to said hub; and a second section having an inner edge, the inner edge configured to fit around the outer edge of said first section, said second section removably secured to said first section such that said first and second sections are rotatable about said axis; wherein a first set of a plurality of pieces corresponds to said first section and a second set of said plurality of pieces corresponds to said second section and the second set of said plurality of pieces is configured as a concentric ring around said first set of said plurality of pieces when said first and second sets of said plurality of pieces are assembled; wherein said second section is configured to be arranged concentrically around said first section, and further comprising rollers positioned below a bottom surface of said first and second sections, said rollers supporting said first and second sections to enable rotation about said axis.

7. The turntable of claim 6 further comprising a base having said rollers secured thereto.

8. The turntable of claim 7 wherein said base is comprised of a plurality of pieces, each including a plurality of rollers secured thereto.

9. The turntable of claim 6 wherein the first set of said plurality of pieces has a center which aligns with the axis.

10. A kit for a modular turntable comprising: a hub defining an axis of rotation; a plurality of pieces; a first set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a first rotatable section which is configured to have its center aligned with said axis of rotation; a second set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a second rotatable section which is configured to secure to said first rotatable section around an outer edge of said first rotatable section; a third set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a first base section which is configured to have its center aligned with said axis of rotation; a fourth set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a second base section configured to be positioned radially outwards of said first base section; a plurality of rollers configured to be positioned between said first and second base sections and said first and second rotatable sections such that the first and second rotatable sections are supported by said plurality of rollers to enable rotation; wherein the plurality of rollers are coupled to one of the pieces in said third or fourth set of said plurality of pieces.

11. The kit of claim 10 further comprising a motor configured to drive said first and second rotatable sections to rotate about said axis of rotation.

12. The kit of claim 11 wherein said motor is configured to drive said first and second rotatable sections at an outer edge of said second rotatable section.

13. The kit of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of motors.

14. The kit of claim 13 wherein said motors each include a gearbox.

15. A kit for a modular turntable comprising: a hub defining an axis of rotation; a plurality of pieces; a first set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a first rotatable section which is configured to have its center aligned with said axis of rotation; a second set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a second rotatable section which is configured to secure to said first rotatable section around an outer edge of said first rotatable section; a third set of said plurality of pieces corresponding to a first base section which is configured to have its center aligned with said axis of rotation, said first base section having a plurality of rollers secured thereto; wherein when the first and second sets of said plurality of pieces are assembled with the hub to form an assembly, the assembly is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation.

16. The kit of claim 15 wherein the plurality of rollers are configured to be positioned between said first base section and said first and second rotatable sections such that the first and second rotatable sections are supported by said plurality of rollers to enable rotation.

17. The kit of claim 15 further comprising a motor configured to drive said assembly about said axis of rotation.

18. The kit of claim 17 wherein said motor is configured to drive said assembly at an outer edge thereof.

19. The kit of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of motors.

20. The kit of claim 19 wherein said motors each include a gearbox.

21. The kit of claim 18 wherein said motor includes a plurality of separate motors.

22. The kit of claim 21 wherein each said plurality of separate motors includes a gearbox.

23. The kit of claim 15 wherein at least one of said first, second or third sets of said plurality of pieces when assembled is configured with a circular outer edge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective partially exploded view of a modular turntable according to the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a top view of the turntable in FIG. 1

(3) FIG. 3 is a side view of the turntable in FIG. 1

(4) FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively top and side views of the turntable in FIG. 1 with only the center section remaining.

(5) FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively top and side views of the turntable in FIG. 1 with one additional ring around the center section.

(6) FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively top and side views of the turntable in FIG. 1 with two additional rings around the center section.

(7) FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively top and side views of the turntable in FIG. 1 with three additional rings around the center section.

(8) FIG. 12 is a top perspective partially exploded view of the turntable in FIG. 1 with the center section and one additional ring installed.

(9) FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective partially exploded view of the turntable in FIG. 1 with the center section and one additional ring installed.

(10) FIG. 14 is a detail view of an exemplary drive system for the turntable of FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 15 is a detail view of the rollers of the turntable in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views. The following examples are presented to further illustrate and explain the present invention and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.

(13) In FIGS. 1-3, turntable 1 is shown partially assembled with four concentric rings having a number of modular sections. The first ring has sections that correspond to modular section 8, the second ring to modular section 10, the third ring to modular section 14 and the fourth ring to modular section 16. These rings surround center ring that is made up of modular sections that correspond to modular section 6. A hub 2 that defines the axis of rotation of the turntable (extending out of the page at the center in FIG. 2). The center ring is attached to this hub 2 so that the turntable can rotate. The modular sections (i.e. 6, 8, 10, 14, 16) all include rolling supports 18 that are sandwiched between parts of the modular sections. FIG. 15 shows one way in which the rolling supports 18 can be affixed to its respective base section. The modular sections that make up the rings include a section 20 and a base section 12 and may be generally formed in the shape of part of a pie section (two angled edges and two curved circular sections as the other edges). The base section 12 includes the rolling supports and the section 20 rolls along the rolling supports when driven by the motors 4.

(14) The base sections 12 (or parts) are preferably coupled together, for example using bolts 140/150 as shown in FIG. 12 or other securing mechanisms. In some cases the base sections are secured to the platform, foundation or flat surface that supports the turntable. For example, a ship deck. This creates the base 24 of the turntable. The sections or pieces (i.e. 20) are also coupled together to create a rotating member such that rotational forces generated by the motors 4 cause the outer sections as well as each concentric ring to rotate around the hub 2 together. It is understood that the motors 4 may be direct drive electric or hydraulic motors as but one example. It is further understood that the motors 4 may include gearboxes.

(15) The outer edge 30 of one section cooperatively fits with the inner edge 32 of another outer section such that the rings are arranged concentrically and can attach to one another or attach to the center section, depending on the application and size of turntable required.

(16) As can be seen in FIG. 2, motor 4 contacts the outer edge 22 to impart a rotational force on the turntable. As the diameter and load capacity grows, additional motors may be added. The contact between the motor 4 and the outer edge 22 may be friction contact or there may be a gear tooth interface in the outer edge that avoids slip between the motor and outer edge. These are just some examples of how the motor drives the turntable and it is understood that other configurations and drive mechanisms may be used.

(17) FIGS. 4 and 5 show the turntable where all outer rings have been removed and only the center modular sections are used. In this embodiment, three motors are used and the diameter of the turntable is 30 feet.

(18) FIGS. 6 and 7 show the turntable where one outer ring is added in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment, four motors are used and the diameter of the turntable is 40 feet.

(19) FIGS. 8 and 9 show the turntable where two outer rings are used. In this embodiment, five motors drive the turntable and the diameter of the turntable is 50 feet.

(20) FIGS. 10 and 11 show the turntable where three outer rings are installed. In this embodiment, six motors are used and the diameter of the turntable is 60 feet.

(21) The example turntable in FIGS. 1-3 is 70 feet in diameter.

(22) Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the motor 4 may include a gear 401 that engages with teeth 402 or catches that are disposed around the outer edge of the rotating section. The motor 4 may further mount to the outer edge of the base and be releasably secured such that additional or fewer motors may be used to provide for additional power to rotate the turntable.

(23) FIG. 15 shows an example how rollers 18 are affixed to the base section. Supports 180 may be welded to the associated base section and include a female bearing area that receives male bearing area 181. In one example male bearing area 181 includes a ball bearing that interfaces with the support 180 to enable smoother rolling of the rollers 18 during operation of the turntable. Although support 180 is shown as having an open top, it is understood that additional parts could be placed above bearing area 181 to keep the roller 18 positioned within the supports 180.

(24) The rollers rotate about respective radial axes 102 which are perpendicular to the turntable's axis of rotation 100. The radial axis 102 intersects the axis of rotation 100.

(25) The modular sections allow for a turntable that can be re-sized depending on the diameter required for the particular job. The 70 foot embodiment can be used on a large ship and then if a smaller ship is needed for another job, the 30 foot turntable can be assembled on that ship using the center parts of the 70 foot embodiment. This allows for one turntable (and its modular parts) that can be assembled and dis-assembled in many different configurations that are appropriate for the particular job. In addition, replacement parts can be easily made because only the modular section in need of repairs would be out of commission and spare parts modular sections can be interchanged while others are brought in for service.

(26) The modular sections can also be cross compatible with different center sections. For example, two ships may each have the center assembly with hub installed thereon and depending on the job requirements, the 30 foot turntable may work for one ship whereas the other can take on additional rings to size the turntable for the given job.

(27) As can be seen, many of the parts that make up the turntable are made of flat plates. This allows the parts to be cut on a two dimensional cutting machine, for example a waterjet, plasma, laser or other two dimensional cutter. As can also be seen, parts of the turntable include holes therein. These holes reduce the overall weight of the individual parts. In some applications, the holes would not be used to provide for additional rigidity. As can also be seen in FIG. 12, there are numerous rolling supports 18 positioned between the bases and rotating sections of the turntable. In one aspect, the load capacity of the turntable may be increased by providing additional rolling supports.

(28) Also contemplated herein is a method of assembling the disclosed turntable. This method includes the steps of assembling the turntable base from a plurality of pieces by securing the pieces to a base structure such as a foundation, a ship deck or by placing the pieces on a flat surface. The pieces are assembled around a center such that rollers are positioned on the pieces. The rotating section is assembled on top of the assembled base, preferably with the center being connected so that it rotates around the hub and next pieces of the rotating section are connected to the center in concentric rings such that the pieces of the rotating section contact.

(29) Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.