Method and apparatus for moving and handling heavy objects
OwnerGeorge V. McIlvaine, Thompson A. Baker +1inventors
InventorsGeorge V. McIlvaine, Thompson A. Baker, Walter U. Uebelacker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for minimizing the work required for moving, handling, and rolling heavy boxes and the like having a center of gravity. The apparatus incorporates a ramp contoured to the locus of points described by the surfaces of the workpiece as that workpiece rotates about its center of gravity, as that center of gravity is horizontally translated while simultaneously maintained at constant vertical elevation.
Claims11
A method for supporting a rolling workpiece having a rigid contour and a center of gravity comprising the steps of:
- contouring a non-planar ramp to correspond to the locus of points described by the contour of the workpiece which instantaneously lie vertically below the center of gravity as the workpiece rolls in a direction orthogonal to an axis through the center of gravity without any change in the elevation of said axis and;
- providing friction means so as to prevent slippage at all points at which the workpiece contacts the ramp whereby the ramp surface provides continuous rolling support for the entire transit of said workpiece.
In a system involving a workpiece having a rigid contour and a center of gravity, the method of designing a non-planar ramp for supporting a rolling and translating workpiece, said method comprising the steps of:
- determining an axis through the center of gravity about which the workpiece is to roll;
- determining the contour of a ramp corresponding to the locus of points described by the contour of the workpiece which instantaneously lie vertically below the center of gravity of the workpiece as the workpiece simultaneously rotates around said axis and horizontally translates orthogonal to said axis without any change in the vertical elevation of said axis whereby the ramp surface provides continuous rolling support for the entire transit of said workpiece.
Apparatus for supporting a rolling workpiece having a rigid contour and a center of gravity, said apparatus comprising:
- non-planar ramp means having a contour corresponding to the locus of points described by the contour of the workpiece which instantaneously lie vertically below the center of gravity of the workpiece as the workpiece rolls without any change in the vertical elevation of an axis through the center of gravity;
- and
- friction means to prevent slippage at all points at which the workpiece contacts the ramp means whereby the ramp surface provides continuous rolling support for the entire transit of said workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.