US 5,209,538 AGranted

Automatically actuated, automatically-adjustable cargo and personnel scooping and releasing apparatus

OwnerEdwin Z. Gabruelinventor

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Abstract

This apparatus is a tongs-like device for automatically loading and unloading containerized cargo, comprising two elongated member pivoted at a selected distance from the device's top with a pivot pin. Its lower portions are vertical to enable it to hold a containerized load in place. Its weight distribution between its upper and lower portions is such that its lower portions will separate automatically at touchdown. The inside surfaces of its lower portions may have teeth for securely grabbing onto the load. Extension springs may be added between upper and lower portions to aid in helping the device to automatically disengage the load. Horizontal hammerheads provided near its top receive all or most of the horizontal stresses imposed on the apparatus, reducing the amount of pressure against the sides of the containerized load. The apparatus is then modified using inflated pillows to include the rescue of personnel as well as for loads of various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, electromagnets and/or crossbars can provide positive, secure load retention. By using partioned double pillows on each of the lower portions' inside wall, an individual is safely embraced within the apparatus, even if a compartment of a partioned pillow should be accidentally pierced.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An automatically-actuated lifting apparatus, capable of scooping up and unloading various sizes and shapes of containerized cargo and personnel from a supporting platform automatically, comprising a structure having two elongated lightweight members with upper and lower portions having inside surfaces, said portions pivoted at a selected distance from the top end of said apparatus with a pivot pin, for use with hoist cables, being adapted for attachment to said upper portions having weights on top and having less width than said lower portions, said lower portions being vertical and curved on their insides for engaging said cargo;

each of said upper portions having a bar inwardly-extending from its inside surface, each bar having a hammerhead at one end, and each said hammerhead extending inward toward each other, said hammerheads, when abutting, receiving the major structural compressive stresses imposed by the horizontal components of said hoist cables, when supporting said cargo, said hammerheads being adjustable in length to permit variations in the separation between said lower portions when engaging various size loads, therby said cargo being spared possible damaging compressive forces;
said lower portions being of sufficient large size in width and height to scoop up cargo within specified limits in their dimensions;
wherein the improvements to said lower portions including having extended protrusions with selectively sharp ends at their bottoms extending a selected distance toward the apparatus' horizontal center;
for automatic space adaptability to said various sizes and shapes of cargo, said lower portions having inflatable, air-tight, lightweight pillows attached firmly to said inside surfaces, said pillows having no air supplies external to said apparatus, said pillows to engage said cargo when said lower portions come together on lift-off of said apparatus, said pillows shaping themselves to securely embrace said cargo's shape and size, thus firmly holding said cargo within said curved inner walls of said lower portions while suspended in air, said protrusions capable of supporting the weight of said cargo, said ends assisting in snatching and lifting up said cargo.

1 more element

An automatically-actuated lifting apparatus, capable of automatically scooping up various shapes and sizes of loads, including a person, from a supporting platform, said apparatus comprising a structure having two, light-weight, elongated members with upper portions and lower portions, each of said lower portions having inside surfaces, said elongated members having a pivot means at a selected distance from the top of said apparatus, each of said upper portions being adapted for attachment to hoist cables, said upper portions having a biasing means for urging said lower portions to automatically separate upon touchdown of said apparatus into said supporting platform, said lower portions being substantially vertical when engaging said load, each of said lower portions having a bottom end with a projection extending toward the horizontal center of said apparatus;

each of said upper portions also having an inwardly-extending bar from its inside surface, each bar having a hammerhead at one end, and each said hammerhead extending a selected distance toward an opposing hammerhead, said hammerheads adapted for abutting and receiving almost the entire structural compressive stresses imposed, as and when said hoist cables are supporting said load, said cables being fastened at the top of each of said upper portions, thereby said load being spared any possible damaging compressive forces;
said lower portions having a light-weight inflatable mattress attached along each lower portion's inside wall surface, an inflatable air-tight pillow being firmly attached to the entire length of each of said mattress, said pillow being shaped on its exposed exterior surface to securely retain said load in place within said apparatus when pressurized by air, said mattress having elastic bands and lightweight plastic springs to retain its shape, said pillow's exterior surface to be wavy with at least one crest and one trough, to better assist in holding a load in place.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.