Bulk Material Handling Device

Abstract

A bulk material handling device can comprise a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base. The frame can have a first bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can also comprise a carriage slidably coupled to the frame. The carriage can have a second bin engagement feature. In addition, the bulk material handling device can comprise an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/807,585, filed Apr. 2, 2013 and entitled “Bulk Material Handling Device” which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Bulk material typically refers to dry materials such as ores, coal, cereals, wood chips, sand, gravel, and stone in loose bulk form. Bulk material can also refer to mixed wastes. Bulk material handling systems are often utilized at storage facilities, such as stockyards, storage silos, and stockpiles. The purpose of a bulk material handling facility may be to transport material from one of several locations to an ultimate destination or to process material, such as ore for concentrating and smelting, or handle materials for manufacturing, such as logs, wood chips and sawdust at sawmills and paper mills. Other industries using bulk materials handling include waste disposal, flour mills and coal fired utility boilers.

Bulk material handling systems often include stationary machinery such as conveyor belts, screw conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, bucket elevators, truck dumpers, railcar dumpers, shiploaders, hoppers, or diverters as well as various mobile equipment such as loaders and shuttles.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an improved bulk material handling device and associated systems and methods are provided. Such a device can comprise a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can further comprise a carriage which is slidably coupled to the frame and has a second bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can also comprise an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to also cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

In one aspect, a bulk material handling system in accordance with the principles herein can comprise a bulk material bin and a handling device operable with the bin. The handling device can include a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first bin engagement feature. The handling device can also include a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and having a second bin engagement feature. In addition, the handling device can include an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. More specifically, the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

Furthermore, a corresponding method for facilitating handling of bulk material in accordance with the principles herein can comprise providing a bulk material handling device including a base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The method can also comprise facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagement feature of the frame. In addition, the method can comprise facilitating engagement of the bin with a second engagement feature of the carriage. In this respect, the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin. Thus, there has been outlined in general terms several features of the improved bulk material handling device, system and method. The following detailed description and accompanying drawings illustrate additional aspect and features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bulk material handling system, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a bulk material handling device of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the bulk material handling device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bulk material bin, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1 illustrating an unsecured bin disposed on the bulk material handling device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1 illustrating the bulk material handling device securing the bin disposed thereon, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1 illustrating the bulk material handling device rotating the bin at an inclined angle, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1 illustrating the bulk material handling device further rotating the bin to dump contents of the bin, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate a locking mechanism of a bulk material handling device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bin and a bulk material handling device of a bulk material handling system being lifted by a forklift, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling device of FIG. 5A being moved by a forklift to a dumping receptacle, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling device of FIG. 5A at the dumping receptacle, wherein the bulk material handling device is rotating the bin, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling device of FIG. 5A, wherein the bulk material handling device is dumping the contents of the bin into the dumping receptacle, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

These figures are provided merely for convenience in describing specific embodiments of the invention. Alteration in dimension, materials, and the like, including substitution, elimination, or addition of components can also be made consistent with the following description and associated claims. Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to certain examples, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. Examples discussed herein set forth a bulk material handling device and associated systems and methods that can provide for increased dumping angles, engageability with standard forklift systems, and secure retention of a bin during dumping.

With the general embodiments set forth above, it is noted that when describing a bulk material handling device, or the related system or method, each of these descriptions are considered applicable to the other, whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context of that embodiment. For example, in discussing the bulk material handling device per se, the system and/or method embodiments are also included in such discussions, and vice versa.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a wheel” includes one or more of such wheels and reference to “an actuator” includes one or more of such actuators.

Also, it is noted that various modifications and combinations can be derived from the present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, the following figures should not be considered limiting.

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims unless otherwise stated. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a bulk material handling system 100. In accordance with one example of the present disclosure, the bulk material handling system 100 can comprise a bulk material bin 101 and a bulk material handling device 102 operable and engageable with the bin. The bulk material bin can be adapted to contain any suitable type of material, such as solid materials and/or liquid materials. Typical solid materials include, but are not limited to, mixed wastes, ores, coal, cereals, wood chips, sand, gravel, or stone in loose bulk form. Liquid materials can include, but are not limited to, slurries, mud, wastewater, industrial effluent, and the like. Thus, the bulk material bin can be of any suitable configuration, such as a box configuration as shown in the figure. The bin configuration can therefore be of any suitable length 151, width 152, or height 153. In one embodiment, the bin can include an uncovered top and/or at least one openable side to facilitate placement of bulk materials in the bin. Alternatively, one or more sides can include an access door which extends a portion of the side or an entire side. In such cases, the side can include hinges and a locking mechanism which secures the side panel in place once closed.

In one aspect, the bulk material bin 101 can be configured to be moved by a forklift and placed on the bulk material handling device 102. Thus, a length 151 of the bin can be configured to facilitate use with a forklift. In addition, a bottom of the bin can be configured to directly interface with and/or facilitate an interface with the forklift, such as by having feet or other structures to facilitate access to a bottom portion of the bin by forks of the forklift. Thus, when on the ground or other support surface, the bin can rest on feet or other riser members that raise the bottom portion of the bin above the ground to facilitate lifting of the bin by the forklift.

In another aspect, discussed further hereinafter, the bulk material handling device 102 can also be configured to interface with and be moved by the forklift. Thus, after placing the bulk material bin 101 on the handling device, the forklift can interface with the handling device to move the bin to a desired location and support the handling device as the handling device operates to dump or empty bulk material from the bin.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, and continued reference to FIG. 1, the bulk material handling device 102 can, in general, include a base 110, a frame 120 rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage 130 slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator 140 coupled to the base and the carriage. In one aspect, the carriage can be configured to interface with and support the bin 101 when the bin is disposed on the handling device. As discussed in further detail hereinafter, operation of the actuator can cause features of both the carriage and the frame to secure the bin to the handling device and rotate the frame to dump or empty contents from the bin.

Accordingly, the carriage 130 can include a bin support structure 133 configured to interface with and support the bin 101 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, the bin support structure can comprise a planar surface or platform to provide a stable support for the bin when the bin is disposed on the handling device 102. The bin support structure can be located such that a gap 134 exists between the bin and the base 110 to facilitate access for a forklift or other suitable device to engage an underside of the bin in order to place the bin on and/or remove the bin from the handling device. Thus, as will be recognized, several of the structures of the handling device disclosed herein can combine to elevate the bin above the base to provide access for forklift forks to a bottom portion of the bin for placing the bin on and/or removing the bin from the handling device.

In addition, the base 110 can be configured to receive and interface with forks of a forklift to facilitate use of the handling device with the forklift. For example, the base can include openings 111a, 111b in skids 112a, 112b, respectively, to receive and interface with the forklift forks. Thus, after the forklift has been used to place or dispose the bin on the handling device, the forklift can then engage the handling device via the openings in the base in order to move the bin and the handling device to a desired location for dumping the bin.

To facilitate coupling or securing the bin 101 to the handling device 102, the frame 120 can have a first bin engagement feature 121a, 121b and the carriage can have a second bin engagement feature 131a, 131b. As shown in FIG. 1, the bin can include interface features 150a, 150b to interface with the first and second engagement features. In one aspect, the interface features of the bin can comprise protrusions, such as flanges, extending from a bottom of the bin. The first bin engagement feature and/or the second bin engagement feature can comprise a hook 122, 132 to interface with a protrusions or flanges of the bin. The hooks can have a space or opening to receive the protrusions or flanges of the bin. In one aspect, a flange can run the entire width 152 of the bin or a flange can be configured to interface with the handling device at a specific location, such as a flange with a short width located or spaced to interface with the engagement features of the handling device.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a bulk material bin 201, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the bin can include structures, such as feet 254, to elevate a bottom portion of the bin above the ground or a support surface in order to facilitate access to the bottom portion of the bin by forks of a forklift. Thus, when on the ground or other support surface, the bin can rest on feet that raise the bottom portion of the bin above the ground to facilitate lifting of the bin by the forklift. Also shown in the figure are interface features 250a, 250b to interface with engagement features of a handling device. In one aspect, the interface features of the bin can comprise openings 255a, 255b on the bottom of the bin to receive and interface with protruding engagement features of the handling device, such as hooks. In this embodiment, the bin can be configured to interface with the handling device at the specific locations of the interface features 250a, 250b on the bottom of the bin.

The bin 201 shown in FIG. 3 illustrates a plate construction having rivets and/or fasteners to couple adjoining wall sections. It should be recognized that a bin in accordance with the present disclosure can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a metal, composite, polymer, etc., that can provide sufficient strength and hardness characteristics to withstand the loads and impacts to which it may be subjected in service. Various components or features of the bin can be welded, bolted, riveted, bonded, glued, or otherwise connected in any other suitable form of fastening or coupling bin components or features to one another.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the bin engagement features 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b of the frame and carriage shown in FIG. 2B are offset 104a, 104b laterally from one another, although the other configurations are possible, including an in-line configuration without a lateral offset. In addition, FIG. 2B illustrates four total engagement features, with the carriage having two and the frame having two. It should be recognized that the carriage and frame can have any number or combination of engagement features. For example, three engagement features can be utilized, with the carriage having one (or two) and the frame having two (or one). In another example, the carriage and/or the frame can have a single engagement feature. In this case, the single engagement feature can be relatively wide to provide a stable interface for securing the bin 101 to the handling device 102.

In order to secure the bin 101 to the handling device 102, the carriage 130 can be slidably coupled to the frame 120. Thus, movement of the carriage relative to the frame can move the bin engagement features 131a, 131b of the carriage relative to the bin engagement features 121a, 121b of the frame, which can secure the bin to the handling device. In one aspect, the carriage can include a wheel 134a, 134b and a track 124 to facilitate sliding or relative displacement of the carriage and the frame. In one embodiment, the frame can comprise lateral frame members 123a, 123b that can support tracks on either side of the carriage. The carriage can therefore ride between the lateral frame members and provide a movable platform for the bin support structure 133. In some embodiments, a wheel can be associated with a carriage and a track can be associated with a frame, although other configurations are possible. In one aspect, the carriage can be coupled to the frame in a manner to prevent unwanted separation of the carriage and frame, such as when dumping a bin. For example, the wheel and the track configuration can also facilitate coupling of the carriage and the frame by capturing the wheels within the track. In addition, the wheels can have flanges to guide the carriage along the track and maintain alignment of the wheels with the track. As an alternative to wheels, any suitable feature or structure can be used to facilitate sliding or relative displacement of the carriage and the frame, such as a sliding interface, ball bearings, roller bearings, bushings, etc.

In order to dump the contents of the bin 101, the frame 120 can be rotatably coupled about the base 110, such as with a pivot joint 105a, 105b. Any suitable rotatable coupling can be employed and can include a bushing, bearings, or the like to facilitate relative rotation of the frame and the base. In one aspect, the pivot joint can be located low on the base, as shown in the figures. In this case, the frame can include offset supports 113a, 113b extending from the pivot joint to elevate the frame above the base and provide for movement of the carriage along the frame that is unobstructed by the base. The offset supports can also function to provide the gap 134 to facilitate forklift access to the bottom or underside of the bin. In addition, the frame and the base can be configured to interface with one another at an end 106 opposite the pivot joint to provide a stable interface with one another in order to stably support the bin when disposed on the carriage. Thus, in one aspect, the offset supports at the pivot joint end and the interfacing structures of the frame and the base at the opposite end can be configured to provide a level bin support structure for the carriage. As a result, as shown in the figures, the bin support structure can be substantially parallel to the base.

The actuator 140 can be operable to cause the carriage 130 to move relative to the frame 120 to secure the bin 101 with the first and second bin engagement features 121a 121b, 131a, 131b and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base 110 to dump material disposed in the bin. The actuator can comprise any suitable actuator, such as a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the actuator is operable by hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, or combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the actuator comprises a hydraulic ram or cylinder having a hydraulic coupler 141, which is coupleable to a hydraulic system of a forklift. Thus, in this embodiment, the actuator can receive power from the forklift and can therefore be operable by a forklift operator. It should also be recognized that any suitable number of actuators may be utilized.

In the case of a linear actuator, as shown in the figures, the actuator 140 can be coupled to the base 110 and frame 120 via mounting brackets 115, 125, respectively. Coupling locations for the actuator with the base and frame can be configured to facilitate rotation of the frame sufficient to dump material from the bin. Thus, the coupling locations can be selected to allow the linear actuator to be sufficiently long to provide a desired rotational range of motion for the frame relative to the base. A telescoping linear actuator may be utilized to achieve a desired rotational range of motion with the coupling locations for the actuator.

In one aspect, the skids 112a, 112b can be configured to rest on the ground or support surface. In a further aspect, a bottom portion 114b of the offset support 113b can be configured to rest on the ground, as shown in FIG. 2A. In another aspect, the base 110, such as the skids, and/or the geometry of the offset supports 113a, 113b can function to maintain the offset supports off the ground when the handling device 102 is placed on the ground. In yet another aspect, the location and/or size of the pivot joint 105a, 105b can function to maintain the offset supports off the ground when the handling device is placed on the ground.

In some embodiments, one or more components of the handling device 102 can be configured to enhance stiffness and provide structural integrity for the handling device in both static and dynamic loading conditions. For example, the base 110 can be configured to support the weight of the handling device and the bin 101 both when the handling device is on the ground and when elevated above the ground by the forklift. In addition, the base can be configured to support the bin, carriage 130, and frame 120 when the handling device is subjected to dynamic loading, such as when the bin is being dumped. The base can therefore include structural support members to enable the base to withstand various static and dynamic loading conditions. For example, the base can include a cross member 116 connecting the skids 112a, 112b at the end 106 opposite the pivot joint 105a, 105b. The cross member can be configured to support the mounting bracket 115 for the actuator 140. In one aspect, the cross member can be configured to facilitate a range of motion for the actuator during operation, such as by including a recess 117 or opening to accommodate the actuator when the frame is parallel to the base. In another aspect, a cross support 126 can be associated with the pivot joint to effectively couple the skids at the joint end of the base and provide stiffness for the pivot joint between the offset supports 113a, 113b. For example, the cross support 126 can comprise a tubular member extending between the offset supports of the frame to provide structural integrity for the base and frame pivot joint coupling during use of the handling device with the bin. Similarly, the frame and/or carriage can include cross supports extending between and coupling with lateral supports to provide structural integrity. In one aspect, a cross support of the frame can be configured to support the mounting bracket for the actuator. Accordingly, the handling device can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a metal, composite, polymer, etc., that can provide sufficient strength and hardness characteristics to withstand the loads and impacts to which it may be subjected in service. Various components or features of the handling device can be welded, bolted, riveted, bonded, glued, or otherwise connected in any other suitable form of fastening or coupling handling device components or features to one another.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate basic operation of the bulk material handling system 100. For example, the bin 101 can be placed or disposed on the handling device 102, as shown in FIG. 4A. In particular, the bin can be disposed on the carriage 130 with the flanges 150a, 150b of the bin corresponding to hooks 132, 122 of the carriage and frame 120, respectively. At this point, the actuator 140 can cause the carriage to move in direction 107 relative to the frame such that the hooks capture the flanges to secure the bin to the handling device, as shown in FIG. 4B. The hook of the carriage may contact the bin prior to the hook of the frame, such that the movement of the carriage pushes the bin into engagement with the hook of the frame. With the carriage forced against the bin, which in turn is forced against the frame, continued actuation of the actuator in direction 108 can cause the frame to rotate in direction 109 relative to the base, as shown in FIG. 4C. The actuator can continue to rotate the frame until the bin has been sufficiently tipped or inverted to dump or empty the contents from the bin, as shown in FIG. 4D. The configuration of the base, frame, and actuator can therefore be designed to rotate the frame relative to the base sufficient to dump or empty the contents of the bin. Thus, for example, the frame can have a rotational range of motion 103 relative to the base of at least about 91 degrees and up to about 179 degrees. Moving to about 91 degrees can at least slightly invert the bin such that material can empty from the wall of the bin. With the linear actuator configuration shown in the figures, limiting the range of motion to less than 180 degrees can facilitate reverse rotation of the frame relative to the base by operation of the actuator. It should be recognized, however, that even greater ranges of motion can be achieved by utilizing a rotary actuator or a linear actuator with a linkage mechanism that can facilitate ranges of motion greater than 180 degrees.

In one aspect, movement of the frame 110 beyond vertical, or 90 degrees rotation in the illustrated embodiment, can introduce an ever increasing component of force from the actuator 140 that would tend to push the carriage 130 away from engagement with the bin 101, with the potential to release the bin while in the process of dumping the contents from the bin. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4D, the handling device 102 can also include a locking mechanism 160 to prevent unintended release of the bin when dumping the material. For example, the locking mechanism can be configured to maintain a position of the second bin engagement feature 131a, 131b relative to the first engagement feature 121a, 121b when the frame is rotated beyond a predetermined angle 161 relative to the base. In one aspect, the locking mechanism can be actuated by gravity and can be configured such that the locking mechanism engages at, or prior to reaching, the predetermined angle, such as 90 degrees of frame rotation relative to the base. For example, the locking mechanism can include a pawl pivotally mounted to engage a tooth. The pawl can be weighted in order to pivot the pawl against the tooth before the frame rotates beyond 90 degrees relative to the base. This can lock the carriage prior to a rotational position where the actuator can exert a force tending, or sufficient, to release the bin.

In one aspect, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4E and 4F, a locking mechanism 160 can include a gas-charged ram 162, which can be coupled to the base 110 and the carriage 130 in a similar manner as the actuator 140, as discussed above. The gas-charged ram can be configured to develop gas pressure, such as by extending (FIG. 4F), as the actuator is extended and/or as the frame rotates relative to the base to dump material. The gas-charged ram can be fluidly coupled to a secondary ram 163, such that the gas pressure developed in the gas-charged ram can cause the secondary ram to actuate a brake pad 164, a locking pawl, or other such retaining mechanism to maintain a relative position of the carriage 130 and the frame 120. For example, as the gas-charged ram is extended, displaced gas is forced into compression therefore acting on the secondary ram to cause the brake pad 164 to engage with a portion of the carriage. In this way, the first and second engagement features can be maintained in a relative position with one another to prevent unintended release of the bin 101 when dumping material. Upon retraction of the actuator and/or rotation of the frame relative to the base toward an initial configuration, the gas pressure can be reduced in the gas-charged ram, thus releasing the brake or other retaining mechanism and allowing the carriage to move relative to the frame to facilitate removal of the bin from the handling device.

It should be recognized that any suitable number of gas-charged rams, secondary rams, and/or brake pads or other retaining mechanisms can be employed. For example, a single gas-charged ram can be fluidly coupled to secondary rams on opposite sides of the frame to actuate brake pads on both sides of the unit. It should also be recognized that, although the figures illustrate the secondary ram associated with the frame and the brake pad configured to engage the carriage, the secondary ram can be associated with the carriage and the brake pad can be configured to engage the frame.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a bulk material handling system 300 in use, in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, as disclosed hereinabove, once a bin 301 has been disposed on a handling device 302, an actuator can cause a carriage to move relative to a frame to secure the bin to the handling device in preparation for moving the bin and the handling device to a location for dumping contents from the bin. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5A, the bin 301 and handling device 302 can be lifted by a forklift 370 with the bin being secured to the handling device to prevent the bin from falling off the device while in transit to a dumping location, such as a receptacle 380. FIG. 5B illustrates the forklift safely lifting the bin and handling device and moving to the receptacle at a dumping location. Once at the dumping location, the forklift operator can cause the actuator to rotate the frame relative to the base in direction 309 in order to dump the contents of the bin into the receptacle, as shown in FIG. 5C. The actuator can continue to rotate the frame relative to the base until the contents have been dumped from the bin, as shown in FIG. 5D. At this point, the reverse process can return the empty bin for further use. As shown in the figures, the forklift can engage the handling device such that a pivot end 305 of the handling device is at a front end of the forklift. This configuration can allow rotation of the frame that will enable dumping of the bin contents in front of the forks of the forklift. It should also be recognized from the figures that a width of the bin can exceed a width of the handling device. Thus, a handling device in accordance with the present disclosure can be operable with a wide variety of bin shapes and sizes.

In a related example, a method for facilitating handling of bulk material is presented in accordance with the principles herein. The method can comprise providing a bulk material handling device including a base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The method can also comprise facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagement feature of the frame. Additionally, the method can comprise facilitating engagement of the bin with a second engagement feature of the carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin. It is noted that no specific order is required in this method, though generally in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out sequentially.

In one aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating interfacing of the base and forks of a forklift. In another aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating operation of the actuator by a hydraulic system of the forklift. As such, multiple bins can be dumped using a common handling device which can be readily engaged with each successive bin.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced embodiments are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A bulk material handling device, comprising:

a base;

a frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first bin engagement feature;

a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and having a second bin engagement feature; and

an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage,

wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

2. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to receive and interface with forks of a forklift.

3. The bulk material handling device of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic ram having a hydraulic coupler which is coupleable to a hydraulic system of the forklift.

4. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or combinations thereof.

5. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operable by hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, or combinations thereof.

6. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second bin engagement features comprises a hook to interface with a protrusion of the bin.

7. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to prevent unintended release of the bin when dumping the material.

8. The bulk material handling device of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to maintain a position of the second bin engagement feature relative to the first engagement feature when the frame is rotated beyond a predetermined angle relative to the base.

9. The bulk material handling device of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:

a gas-charged ram configured to develop gas pressure as the frame rotates relative to the base to dump material;

a secondary cylinder fluidly coupled to the gas-charged ram; and

a retaining mechanism coupled to the secondary cylinder and configured to maintain a position of the second bin engagement feature relative to the first engagement feature,

wherein the gas pressure developed by the gas-charged ram is operable to cause the secondary cylinder to actuate the retaining mechanism.

10. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the frame has a rotational range of motion relative to the base of at least about 91 degrees and up to about 179 degrees.

11. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the carriage is slidably coupled to the frame via a wheel and a track.

12. The bulk material handling device of claim 11, wherein the wheel is associated with the carriage and the track is associated with the frame.

13. A bulk material handling system, comprising:

a bulk material bin; and

a handling device operable with the bin, the handling device including a base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first bin engagement feature, a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and having a second bin engagement feature, and an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage,

wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

14. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, wherein the bin includes interface features to interface with the first and second engagement features.

15. The bulk material handling system of claim 14, wherein the interface features of the bin comprise flanges extending from a bottom of the bin and the first and second interfaces comprise hooks to interface with the flanges.

16. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, further comprising a forklift, wherein the base is configured to receive and interface with forks of the forklift.

17. The bulk material handling system of claim 16, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic ram having a hydraulic coupler which is coupleable to a hydraulic system of the forklift.

18. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, wherein the carriage includes a bin support structure configured to interface with and support the bin.

19. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, wherein a width of the bin exceeds a width of the handling device.

20. A method for facilitating handling of bulk material, comprising:

providing a bulk material handling device including a base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage;

facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagement feature of the frame; and

facilitating engagement of the bin with a second engagement feature of the carriage,

wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising facilitating interfacing of the base and forks of a forklift.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising facilitating operation of the actuator by a hydraulic system of the forklift.