Title: Container moving apparatus
Abstract: Container moving apparatus (10) including a frame having two side members (12, 14), which are connected at an upper location by a handle section (16). Each side member has a clamping member (20, 22) secured at a lower position. The clamping members (20, 22) are secured to the side members (12, 14) through roller bearings (24, 26) in order for the clamping members (20, 22) to rotate relative to the side members (12, 14). The clamping members (20, 22) are arranged to clamp a container (32) therebetween in order for the container (32) to be rolled along a surface under the control of the handle section (10). The clamping members (20, 22) can be moved apart in order to release the container (32) and move towards each other in order to claim the container (32).
Patent Number: 6,845,992 Issued on 01/25/2005 to Gee
| Inventors:
|
Gee; Graham (112 Corporation St., Chorley, Lancashire PR6 0DN, GB)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
049354 |
| Filed:
|
May 1, 2002 |
| PCT Filed:
|
August 18, 2000
|
| PCT NO:
|
PCT/GB00/03195
|
| 371 Date:
|
May 1, 2002
|
| 102(e) Date:
|
May 1, 2002
|
| PCT PUB.NO.:
|
WO01/12491 |
| PCT PUB. Date:
|
February 22, 2001 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Current U.S. Class: |
280/47.3; 280/47.32; 280/836 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B62B 001/00 ; 651; 79.4; 78; 836; 834; 835; 837; 838; 839 |
| Field of Search: |
280/47.3,47.29,47.33,47.34,47.26,47.35,47.36,47.371,47.41,42,79.5,79.6,646,641
239/146,147
111/118,123,128
299/29
162/425,422
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 6826 | Oct., 1849 | Furley | 280/836.
|
| 140043 | Jun., 1873 | Howard | 280/836.
|
| 581416 | Apr., 1897 | Dunn | 280/836.
|
| 1016381 | Feb., 1912 | Watson | 280/659.
|
| 2412697 | Dec., 1946 | Sochaczewski.
| |
| 2413280 | Dec., 1946 | Ashenden | 180/20.
|
| 2503314 | Apr., 1950 | Atwood | 280/659.
|
| 2548190 | Apr., 1951 | Arpin, Jr. | 280/836.
|
| 2651973 | Sep., 1953 | Elliott | 280/836.
|
| 2716557 | Aug., 1955 | Gould et al. | 280/659.
|
| 2893746 | Jul., 1959 | Cunningham | 280/836.
|
| 2952468 | Sep., 1960 | Albee | 280/836.
|
| 2967058 | Jan., 1961 | Hoffmann, Jr. | 280/30.
|
| 2974970 | Mar., 1961 | Tuttle et al. | 280/836.
|
| 3054622 | Sep., 1962 | Davis et al. | 280/645.
|
| 3059942 | Oct., 1962 | Kirk et al. | 280/836.
|
| 3102972 | Sep., 1963 | Andresen | 280/836.
|
| 3216735 | Nov., 1965 | Larson et al. | 280/836.
|
| 3264007 | Aug., 1966 | Rill et al. | 280/836.
|
| 3718342 | Feb., 1973 | Freed.
| |
| 4218015 | Aug., 1980 | Dean | 280/836.
|
| 4815761 | Mar., 1989 | Henderson et al. | 280/47.
|
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 4132646 | Apr., 1993 | DE | .
|
| 995 125 | Nov., 1951 | FR.
| |
Primary Examiner: Phan; Hau
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kohn & Associates, PLLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application is a National Phase Concerning a Filing Under 35
U.S.C. 371, claiming the benefit of priority of PCT/GB00/03195, filed Aug.
18, 2000, which claims the benefit of priority of Great Britain
Application Serial No. 9919420.1, filed Aug. 18, 1999, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus (10) for moving a container (32), the apparatus (10)
comprising a frame, the frame comprising:
a handle section (16);
first and second side members connected to said handle section;
a first clamping member (20) and a second clamping member (22) spaced apart
from one another and rotatable connected to said first and second side
members; and
ratcheting means (30) for moving said first and second clamping members
(20, 22), wherein said first clamping member and second clamping member
are adjustable in a transverse direction by said ratcheting means and said
first and second clamping members clamp the container therebetween in a
clamping engagement such that the container (32) can rotate relative to
said frame and the container (32) can be rolled along a surface.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the container (32) is
substantially cylindrical.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which the container (32) is a
fluid filled container.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which the frame is arranged, in
use, to be secured to the container (32) such that the container (32) can
rotate relative to the frame and the container (32) can be rolled along a
surface of the ground.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 in which the container (32) is rolled
along a surface of the ground by manually pulling or pushing said frame by
said handle section.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which the frame is arranged to
clamp the container (32).
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which in the first position said
clamping members (20, 22) are spaced apart by a distance greater than the
length of the container (32).
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which in the second position said
clamping members (20, 22) are spaced apart by a distance substantially the
same as the length of the container (32).
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which the length of the frame is
adjustable.
10. The apparatus according to 1 in which the width of the frame is
adjustable.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said first and second side
members (12, 14) are connected by a reinforcement member (18).
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 in which the length of the
reinforcement member (18) is adjustable.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 in which the first and second
clamping members (20, 22) are secured to the first and second side members
(12, 14) through a bearing (24, 26).
14. A method of moving a container (32), the method comprising the steps of
removably clamping a frame to a container (32) via a clamping mechanism
and a ratcheting mechanism (30), wherein the clamping mechanism includes a
first clamping member (20) and a second clamping member (22) spaced apart
from one another and rotatably connected to the frame and the ratcheting
mechanism (30) moves and adjusts the first and second clamping members
(20, 22) in a transverse direction and the first and second clamping
members clamp the container therebetween in a clamping engagement such
that the container (32) can rotate relative to the frame as the container
rolls along a surface.
15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the method comprises pushing
the frame.
16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the method comprises pulling
the frame.
17. The method according to claim 14 in which the method is a manual method
of moving the container (32).
18. The method according to claim 14 in which the method comprises clamping
the container (32) in the frame.
19. The method according to claim 18 in which the method comprises clamping
the container (32) between first and second clamping members (20, 22).
20. The method according to claim 19 in which the method comprises clamping
the ends of the container (10) between the clamping members (20, 22).
21. The method according to claim 20 in which the method comprises moving
first and second clamping members (20, 22) between first and second
positions to clamp the container (32).
22. A method according to claim 19 in which the method comprises operating
a clamping mechanism to move first and second clamping members (20, 22).
23. The method according to claim 14 in which the method comprises
operating a ratchet mechanism (30) to move first and second clamping
members (20, 22).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to container moving apparatus and especially, but not
limited to, apparatus for moving containers containing fluids, for example
beer barrels or gas cylinders.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Containers containing fluids, for example beer barrels, gas cylinders,
chemical drums, oil drums and fluid filled plastic containers are heavy
and difficult to move. This is especially apparent for containers having a
volume of 5 gallons and upwards. The barrels can simply be pushed and
rolled along the ground. However, with these methods the barrels are
generally out of control if being pushed down a decline and are therefore
dangerous. In addition, the barrels are difficult to push up an incline
and are also at risk of rolling back down the incline. Furthermore, if the
barrels are manually manoeuvred then this requires the person to bend over
in order to push the barrels. This puts the person at risk from injury and
puts a high strain on the back of the individual. Any resultant back pain
can result in time off work for the individual, and, therefore, puts a
burden on the employer.
A prior art method comprises a trolley having a support section located
between two wheels and a handle. The barrel is placed on the support
section and the support section is tilted using the handle and the barrel
an then be manoeuvred. One problem with such trolleys is that the wheels
are generally small which makes the trolley difficult to manoeuvre
upstairs or downstairs. In addition, the barrel is at risk of falling off
the support section when manoeuvring down a decline or downstairs. With
such trolleys the barrel travels in front of the individual. At sharp
corners there is a risk of a collision since the individual cannot see
around the corner prior to the barrel being pushed in front of the corner.
The only solution is for the individual to stop pushing the trolley and
firstly check for hazards around the corner.
It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem
associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided
apparatus for moving a container, the apparatus comprising a frame, the
frame comprising a handle section, the frame being arrangeable, in use, to
be secured to the container such that the container can rotate relative to
the frame and the container can be rolled along a surface, movement of the
container being controlled by the handle section.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an
assembly comprising apparatus for moving a container in accordance with
the first aspect of the present invention secured to a container.
Preferably the cross section of the container is substantially circular.
The container may be substantially cylindrical. The container may be a
fluid filled container. The container may be a barrel and may be a beer
barrel. The container may be a cylinder and may be a gas cylinder. The
container may be a chemical drum or an oil drum. The container may be a
plastics container. The container may be arranged to contain greater than
3 gallons and preferably greater than 5 gallons of a fluid. The container
may be arranged to contain substantially 9 or 10 or 11 or 18 or 22 gallons
of a fluid.
The frame may be arranged, in use, to be secured to the container such that
the container can rotate relative to the frame and the container can be
rolled along a surface or the ground preferably by manually pulling or
pushing the frame.
Preferably the frame is arranged to clamp the container.
Preferably the frame has a first clamping member and a second clamping
member. Preferably the first and second clamping members can be moved
towards each other between at least a first and second position.
Preferably the clamping members are locked in the first position.
Preferably the clamping members are locked in the second position. In the
first position the clamping members may be spaced apart by a distance
greater than the length of the container. In the second position the
clamping embers may be spaced apart by a distance substantially the same
as the length of the container. Preferably the container is clamped in the
second position.
The first and second clamping members may be plates. The clamping members
may have projections located thereon. Each clamping member may have a
plurality of projections located thereon and preferably four or five
projections located thereon. The projections on the first clamping member
may project towards the projections on the second clamping member. The
projections on at least one of the clamping members may be radially spaced
to enable a spear of a beer barrel to be located therebetween. The
projections on one clamping member may be longer than the projections on
the other clamping member. The projections may be radially located on each
clamping member. The projections may comprise a point at the end. The
projections may be rounded or flat at the end. The projections may
comprise a metal and may comprise hardened steel.
One or each clamping member may have a reinforcement plate spaced from the
clamping member. Preferably the or each reinforcement plate reinforces the
projections.
The clamping member may comprise conical members. The conical members may
comprise a plastics material.
The clamping members may comprise material for improving the grip of the
container. The material may comprise rubber. The clamping member may
comprise rubber discs or rubber annular members.
The frame may comprise a metal and preferably is substantially aluminium.
The length of the frame may be adjustable. The width of the frame may be
adjustable.
The frame may comprise first and second side members. The handle may be
connected between the first and second side members. The first and second
side members may be connected by a reinforcement member. The length of the
reinforcement member may be adjustable. The distance between the first and
second side members may be adjustable. The first and second side members
may support the first and second clamping members respectively. Preferably
the first and second clamping members are rotatably connected to the first
and second side members. Preferably the first and second clamping members
are secured to the first and second side members through a bearing and
preferably through a rolling bearing which may be a three dimensional
bearing.
Preferably the plates of the first and second clamping members can pivot
relative to the side members.
Preferably adjustment means are located between the first and second side
members. Preferably the means adjusts the distance between the first and
second side members. The means may comprise a flexible member which is
secured between the first and second side members. Preferably the length
of the flexible member may be adjusted. The flexible member may comprise a
length of webbing. The means may comprise a ratchet mechanism or a
clamping mechanism.
The adjustment means may comprise a clamping mechanism.
The apparatus may have a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism may inhibit
or prevent rotation of the container relative to the frame.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of moving a container, the method comprising the steps of fixing a
frame to a container such that the container can rotate relative to the
frame and moving the frame such that the container rotates relative to the
frame and the container rolls along a surface.
The method may comprise pushing the frame. Preferably the method comprises
pulling the frame. Preferably the method is a manual method of moving the
container.
Preferably the method comprises clamping the container in the frame.
Preferably the method comprises clamping the container between first and
second clamping members. Preferably the method comprises clamping the
container between projections on the first and second clamping members.
Preferably the method comprises clamping the ends of the container between
the clamping members.
The method may comprise moving first and second clamping members between a
first and second position to clamp the container. The method may comprise
operating a ratchet mechanism to move first and second clamping members.
The method may comprise operating a clamp to move first and second
clamping members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the drawings that follow, in which;
FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of beer barrel moving apparatus
according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the beer barrel moving apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the beer barrel moving apparatus attached to a
beer barrel;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the beer barrel moving apparatus affixed to a beer
barrel;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a clamping plate;
FIG. 6 is a front view of an annular reinforcement plate;
FIG. 7 is a side view of a clamping member;
FIG. 8 is a side view of a clamp;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a further embodiment of beer barrel moving
apparatus; and
FIG. 10 is a front view of a further embodiment of a clamping mechanism for
use with beer barrel moving apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, beer barrel moving apparatus 10 has a frame
comprising two side members 12, 14 which are connected at an upper
location by a handle section 16. The side members 12, 14 are connected at
a lower position by a reinforcement member 18.
The side members 12 and 14, handle section 16 and reinforcement member 18
all comprise tubular or box sections of aluminium. The handle section 16
and the reinforcement member 18 are both telescopic. The handle section 16
has two outer tube sections 11, 13 each being connected to one side member
12, 14 respectively. An inner tube section 15 having a smaller cross
section is located inside the two outer sections 11, 13. Similarly, the
reinforcement member 18 has two outer tube sections 17, 19 each being
connected to one side member 12, 14 respectively. An inner tube section 21
having a smaller cross section is located inside the two outer sections
17, 19. This arrangement enables the length of the handle section 16 and
the length of reinforcement member 18 to be adjusted by sliding the outer
sections over the inner sections.
Each side member has a clamping member 20, 22 secured at a lower position.
The clamping members 20, 22 are secured to the side members 12, 14 through
roller bearings 24, 26. The bearings 24, 26 enable the clamping members
20, 22 to rotate relative to the side members 12, 14.
The side members 12, 14 are also connected by a flexible member 28. The
flexible member 28 may be a section of webbing. The webbing 28 has a
ratchet mechanism 30 located thereon.
The ratchet mechanism 30 enables the length of the webbing to be adjusted.
By using the ratchet mechanism 30 to decrease the length of the webbing
28, the side members 12, 14 and the clamping members 20, 22 are moved
towards each other and the lengths of the handle section 16 and the
reinforcement member 18 are shortened.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 a beer barrel 32 can be clamped between the two
clamping members 20, 22. Once the beer barrel 32 is clamped by the
clamping members 20, 22, the beer barrel 32 is able to rotate relative to
the frame 10 as a result of the roller bearings 24, 26.
The barrel 32 is secured to the frame 10 by firstly spacing the clamping
members 20, 22 by a distance greater than the length of the barrel 32. The
clamping members are then positioned within the end annular flanges 34 of
the barrel. The ratchet mechanism 30 is operated to reduce the length of
the webbing 28. The axes of the clamping members 20, 22 are aligned with
the central axis of the barrel 32. This subsequently results in a smooth
rolling action of the barrel relative to the frame 10.
The reduction of the length of the webbing 28 urges the side members 12, 14
towards each other. This causes the handle section 16 and reinforcement
member 18 to subsequently shorten. In addition, the clamping members 20,
22 are urged towards each other until they abut the ends of the barrel 32.
The ratchet mechanism 30 is operated further to attempt to shorten the
webbing 28 which causes an increase in the pressure of the clamping
members 20, 22 on the ends of the barrel. Once the clamping force of the
clamping members 20, 22 on the ends of the barrel 32 holds the barrel 32
firmly the operation of the ratchet mechanism can be ceased.
A person can grasp the handle section 16 and move the frame to be at an
angle to the ground and the barrel 32. Once at an angle the person can
push or pull the frame which thereby causes the barrel 32 to roll along
the ground and can then be easily manoeuvred in a controlled manner. The
person can move the barrel 32 whilst in an upright stance which thereby
reduces any strain placed on their back.
The diameter of a beer barrel 32 is greater that the height of conventional
steps. In addition, the diameter of a beer barrel 32 may be greater than
twice the height of a step. Therefore, if the barrel 32 needs to be moved
up some stairs then the person simply pulls the frame and the barrel to
the bottom of the first step. Once at the bottom of the first step the
person can pull on the frame 10 to move the barrel 32 up the steps. This
is not possible with prior art methods using a trolley with small wheels.
In addition, the barrel 32 is always under control and cannot become
separated from the frame 10.
If the barrel 32 has not been properly clamped in the frame 10 then the
barrel 32 may work loose. Beer barrels have annular flanges 34 located at
each end of the barrel. The annular flanges 34 project outwardly from the
periphery of the barrel from each end. Therefore, if the clamping members
20, 22 work loose from the surface of the ends of the barrel 32 then they
will abut an inner part of the annular flanges 34. Accordingly, the beer
barrel 32 does not become separated from the frame 10. This enables the
barrel 32 to be re-clamped and the barrel 32 will not have been out of
control.
Once at the destination, the barrel 32 is removed from the frame 10. In
order to release the barrel 32 from the frame 10 the ratchet mechanism 30
is operated to release its grip on the webbing 28. This enables the
clamping members 20, 22 to be moved away from each other until the
clamping members 20, 22 are spaced apart by a distance greater than the
length of the barrel 32. The frame 10 can then be removed from the barrel
32 and the barrel can be manually handled to an upright position if
required.
The clamping members are shown in more detail in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Each
clamping member has a base plate 40. The base plate 40 is circular shape
although a different shape can be used. Each clamping member has a shaft
(not shown) affixed centrally on one side of the base plate. Each shaft
projects from the base plate 40 and through a roller bearing located on
the side members. This enables the base plate 40 and hence the clamping
members 20, 22 to rotate relative to the side member 12, 14.
On the other side of the base plate 40 there are projections 42 secured
thereto. There may be four or five such projections 42 which are radially
positioned on the base plate 40. The projections 42 are lengths of
hardened steel and may be welded to the base plate 40. Alternatively, the
projections 42 may project through the base plate 40 and be secured by a
bolt. However, the welded attachment is preferable since the other side of
the base plate will not have any projecting portions and this may reduce
the overall width of the frame. It is preferable to keep the overall width
of the frame as short as possible in order for the frame to be able to
manoeuvre beer barrels through narrow gaps.
The projections have a point at their outermost end. The point may provide
a small dimple in the surface of the ends of the barrel 32 when clamped.
The small dimple will give an improved grip of the barrel by the frame.
However, the projections may be rounded or flat at the end. The shape of
the ends of the projections may depend upon the container and/or the
material of the container.
Each clamping member has a reinforcement plate 44 that is an annular plate.
The annular plate 44 strengthens the arrangement of the projections 42.
The annular plate 44 has five apertures 45 located radially to enable the
projections 42 to pass therethrough. The annular plate 44 has a central
aperture. This central aperture and the radial arrangement of the
projection 42 enables a spear of a beer barrel to be located therein.
The projections on one of the clamping members may be longer that the
projections on the other clamping member. This provides a greater distance
from the base plate to the surface of the barrel 32 and, enables the
clamping member to easily accommodate the spear of a beer barrel.
In order to improve the grip on the beer barrel 32 a layer of a material
may be located between the projections and the surface of the beer barrel
32. This may be a layer of a plastics material and may be a rubber
material. The shapes of the ends of the projections may be rounded or flat
to improve the grip on the container.
A clamp mechanism 50 may be used as an alternative to the ratchet mechanism
30, as shown in FIG. 8. The clamp 50 has an extending member 52 which is
secured to the webbing extending from both side members. The extending
member is able to move about a pivot 54 which causes a decrease in the
overall length of the webbing. The section of webbing 56 attached to the
first side member moves towards the section of webbing 58 attached to the
second side member. This causes the first and second clamping members to
move towards each other to clamp the container. The clamp can be released
to increase the length of the webbing for the container to be removed.
A further embodiment of beer barrel moving apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 9
and FIG. 10. The apparatus 10 comprises side members 12 and 14, a handle
section 16 and a reinforcement member 18. The reinforcement member 16 is
adjustable in length in order to move the side members 12 and, 14 towards
and away from each other in order to clamp and release the beer barrel.
The reinforcement member 16 comprises a shaft 70 having two open ends at
the longitudinal ends thereof. A first extending member 74 projects from
the first side member 12 and is slidably engaged within the shaft 70.
Similarly a second extending member 76 projects from the, second side
member 14 and is slidably engaged in the other end of the shaft 70. The
second extending member 76 comprises a flange 78 about its periphery. A
spring 80 locates between the flange 78 and the periphery of the shaft 70
in order to urge the shaft 70 away from the second side member 16.
A second flange member 82 locates around the periphery of the first
extending member 74. The second flange member 82 is mounted on a carriage
83 which is connected to the shaft 70. The second flange member 82 acts as
a retaining means to retain the first extending member 74 at a fixed
position relative to the shaft 70. In order to extend or retract the first
extending member 74 relative to the shaft 70 a release level 85 can be
moved along its longitudinal axis and held in position in order for the
first extending member 74 to slidably move relative to the shaft 70. The
second flange member 82 is not integral with the first extending member 74
and can be slidably moved along the longitudinal length of the first
extending member 74. This retaining means comprises a plate 84 having an
aperture defined therein. The first extending member 74 is able to slide
through this aperture when the plate is substantially perpendicular to the
first extending member 74. However, the first extending member 74 is
retained in position relative to the plate 84 and hence the shaft 70 when
the plate is at an angle. A spring 87 coupled with an abutment member 89
urge the plate 84 in to an angled configuration when the release lever is
at rest. However, when the release lever is pulled along its longitudinal
axis towards the second side member 16 the plate 84 can be positioned to
be substantially perpendicular relative to the first extending member 74
and the first extending member can be extended from or retracted into the
shaft 70. This arrangement enables barrels of different lengths to be
secured with the beer barrel moving apparatus 10.
In order to clamp a beer barrel in the beer barrel moving apparatus 10
firstly the second flange member 82 is moved along the first extending
member 74 in order for the clamping members 90, 92 to lightly grip the
ends of the beer barrel. A lever handle 86 which is pivotally connected to
the second extending member through a pivot 88 is rotated around the pivot
from an open to a closed position. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the level
handle in a closed position. The lever handle may comprise a grip portion
87 to aid the user. As the lever handle 86 is pivoted a lever mechanism
comprising a lever member 90 moves the shaft 70 along the second extending
member 76 towards the second side member 14. As the shaft 70 moves towards
the second side member the first extending member 74 and also the first
side member 12 are also moved towards the second side member 12, 14.
Therefore, the first and second side members 12, 14 and, hence the first
and second clamping members 90, 92 are moved relative towards each other.
In order to release the beer barrel, the lever handle 86 is rotated in the
opposite direction in order for the side members 12, 14 to move away from
each other as encouraged by the spring 80.
The clamp members 90, 92 mounted on the side members 12, 14 may comprise
resilient members. The resilient members may provide a good grip of the
ends of the barrel. The clamp members 90, 92 may comprise rubber discs or
rubber annulars which are mounted on cones and preferably plastic cones.
In addition, the clamp members 90, 92 may be able to pivot relative to the
side members in order for the plane of the clamp members to be in a
different plane, for example the plane of the clamp members may not be
exactly vertical. For example, the clamp members may be mounted to the
side members by 3 dimensional bearings.
Finally, the beer barrel moving apparatus 10 may comprise a brake
mechanism. Each clamp member 90,92 may have a brake shoe 94,96 associated
therewith. Each brake shoe 94,96 is operated independently by a brake
lever 98,100 mounted on the handle 16. On pulling the brake levers 98, 100
towards the handle 16 the brake shoes 94, 96 are caused to move towards
the outer periphery of the clamp members 90, 92 and, eventually, abut the
clamp members 90, 92 to inhibit further rotation. The brake mechanism
operates using conventional cables. Alternatively, the beer barrel moving
apparatus may comprise a single lever operating two brake shoes or a
single lever operating a single brake shoe associates with only one clamp
member.
The apparatus 10 may be adapted to move other containers especially fluid
filled containers, for example gas cylinders, oil drums, chemical drums or
plastics containers. The containers may be arranged to contain a volume of
a fluid greater than 5 gallons and may be arranged to contain a volume of
substantially 9 or 10 or 11 or 18 or 22 gallons of a fluid.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are
filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection
with this application and which are open to public inspection with this
specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are
incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of
any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,
except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are
mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying
claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features
serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated
otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed
is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing
embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel
combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including
any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
*
