Automated tire loading/unloading and compression system and tire transport frame
US6527499B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/12
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for automatically loading tires into a tire transport frame is disclosed. The system stacks a plurality of tires in a herringbone pattern within a tire transport frame. The tire transport frame provides a structure that maintains the stacked tires in a stable, compressed state. Further, the tire transport frame may be adapted to withstand external loads so that multiple tire transport frames may be stacked atop one another for long term storage of tires. Further, the loaded tire transport frames may be easily loaded by forklift into a vessel for storage and/or transportation without requiring significant expenditures of manual labor, time, space, or cost. As a result, the instant invention enables significant improvements in reliability, cost, and capacity in the storage and/or transportation of tires. The system of the instant invention comprises a conveyor to maintain a flow of tires; a tire transport frame for receiving and retaining a plurality of tires stacked in a herringbone pattern; and a plurality of pick-and-place loaders for seizing a plurality of tires from the conveyor, rotating the plurality of tires into alignment with one another as well as in co…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.