Apparatus for unloading containers
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorErwin T. Gunn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A frame (22) is pivotably mounted to a fixed support (14) below the frame (22). The frame (22) has a horizontal base (24) and a vertical restraining wall (28). A roller table (36) is mounted on and parallel to the base (24). A baggage container (2) is positioned on the table (36) with a side opening (4) adjacent to and covered by the restraining wall (28). The frame (22), table (36), and container (2) are pivoted into an inclined position in which the opening (4) faces generally downwardly. Two scissor links (42) disposed between the base (24) and the table (36) are operated to raise the table (36) and container (2) relative to the frame (22). This progressively uncovers the opening (4) to allow pieces of luggage (8) to move out of the container (2) and onto a chute (94).
Claims19
Apparatus for unloading articles from a container having a side opening, comprising;
- a frame including a base and a restraining wall substantially perpendicular to the base;
- said wall being dimensioned to cover said opening;
- a table mounted on and essentially parallel to the base and dimensioned to receive said container thereon with said opening adjacent to said wall;
- pivot means for pivoting the frame and the table, with said container positioned thereon, from an initial position in which the base is substantially horizontal to an inclined position in which said opening faces generally downwardly;
- raising means disposed between the base and the table for raising the table and said container relative to the frame, following pivoting of the frame and the table to said inclined position, to progressively uncover said opening and allow gravity to cause articles in the container to move out through said opening;
- and
- conveyor means positioned to receive said articles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.