U.S. patent application number 10/126434 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for foldable transport rack and methods of use thereof.
Invention is credited to Jeskey, Marion Michael, Wade, Michael Jeffery.
Application Number | 20030196971 10/126434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29215031 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeskey, Marion Michael ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Foldable transport rack and methods of use thereof
Abstract
A stackable, folding transport rack generally including a base,
a plurality of supports, at least one foldable A-frame hingedly
secured to the base and an optional securing assembly. The base of
the transport rack is supported by a plurality of legs bearing
supports which are adapted to support the lower edges of objects,
such as glass sheets or other sheet materials to be carried by the
transport rack. The supports are configured to be as low as
possible to the resting surface of the transport rack so as to
provide for a minimal lift height for loading and unloading. The
low arrangement of the supports also maximizes the size of glass
sheets that can be carried and maintains the lowest possible center
of gravity. The top of the sheet supports may be cushioned with
appropriate resilient material.
Inventors: |
Jeskey, Marion Michael;
(Northfield, MN) ; Wade, Michael Jeffery;
(Northfield, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
4000 PILLSBURY CENTER
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
29215031 |
Appl. No.: |
10/126434 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/41.14 ;
211/194; 211/195 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 49/062
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/41.14 ;
211/194; 211/195 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A transport rack for storing and transporting objects
comprising: a horizontal base; one or more supports having a
portion extending outwardly from the base; and one or more A-frame
members joined to said base, said A-frame members having hingedly
joined upper and lower portions and wherein one or more A-frame
members is hingedly foldable to a folded orientation substantially
parallel to said base.
2. The transport rack of claim 1, further comprising legs joined to
said frame and wherein said one or more supports are joined to and
extend outwardly from said legs.
3. The transport rack of claim 1, wherein said base and legs define
a corridor into which a dolly jack is receivable.
4. The transport rack of claim 1, wherein said base further
comprises a plurality of fork lift pockets.
5. The transport rack of claim 1, wherein said base further
comprises one or more stacking assemblies enabling the transport
rack and other, identical transport racks, when folded, to be
stacked upon one another.
6. The transport rack of claim 5, wherein the stacking assemblies
include stacking posts and stacking pockets borne by the base, the
posts being receivable in the stacking pockets.
7. The transport rack of claim 1, wherein said one or more supports
have bottom surfaces adapted to support the rack upon a floor, and
wherein said supports are dimensioned to support objects at less
than about twelve inches above the floor.
8. The transport rack of claim 7, wherein one or more supports are
adapted to support objects at a height of about three inches above
the floor.
9. The transport rack of claim 1, where in said rack is constructed
such that folding and unfolding of the one or more A-frames is
accomplished without removal of any part.
10. A transport rack for storing and transporting panel-like
objects such as glass sheets, the rack comprising a generally
horizontal base, at least one support having a portion extending
outwardly from the base, and at least one A-frame member joined to
said base and having a surface against which said panels may rest,
the transport rack further comprising at least one load securing
assembly for securing said objects, said load securing assembly
comprising a strap having a first end and a second end, said first
end being secured to said A-frame member, said second end being
removably, slidably attachable to said support such that when said
strap is tensioned, said second end is slidably biased toward said
A-frame member.
11. The transport rack of claim 10, wherein said support includes a
ramped slot, the load securing assembly including a traveler
slidably retained in said ramped slot and to which the second end
of said strap is attached.
12. The transport rack of claims 11, wherein the ramped slot is
sloped upwardly and inwardly toward said A-frame member.
13. A transport rack for storing and transporting sheet objects,
said objects having a lower edge and a generally planar surface,
the rack comprising: a base having floor-engaging legs; one or more
support members proximate the floor and extending outwardly, away
from said base, for supporting said lower edges; and one or more
A-frame members hingedly attached to said base and having a surface
for supporting said planar surface in a leaning orientation, said
A-frame members being foldable from a generally A-shaped upright
orientation to a generally horizontal orientation while remaining
attached to said base, and further having hingedly adjoined upper
and lower portions enabling said portions to be folded.
14. The transport rack of claim 13, wherein the base and legs
define a corridor adapted for removably receiving a dolly jack.
15. The transport rack of claim 13, wherein at least one support
member is adapted to carry said lower panel edge twelve inches or
less from said floor.
16. The transport rack of claim 13, wherein said rack further
comprises stacking assemblies enabling a plurality of such racks to
be stacked upon one another in a space-efficient configuration.
17. The transport rack of claim 13, said rack comprising two spaced
apart end A-frame members each hingedly connected to said base so
as to be foldable inwardly toward the center of said base, and at
least one interior A-frame member hingedly connected to said base
between said end A-frame members and hingedly divided into two or
more portions so foldable with respect to each other that the two
or more portions each, when folded, are generally parallel to said
base.
18. A transport rack for storing and transporting panel-like
objects such as glass sheets, comprising: a generally horizontal
base having floor-engaging legs; at least one support proximate the
floor and extending outwardly from at least one of said legs for
supporting said objects; at least one A-frame member hingedly
joined to and extending upwardly from said base, said A-frame
member having a supporting surface against which said objects may
lean; and a strapping system for securing said objects, said
strapping system comprising one or more straps each having a first
end and a second end, said first end being secured to said A-frame
member, and a traveler adapted for removable coupling to said
second strap end, said traveler being slidably retained in said
support such that tensioning of said strap causes said slider to
travel inwardly toward said A-frame member whereby said objects are
securely held.
19. The transport rack of claim 18, in which one or more of said
A-frame members is divided into two or more portions coupled by
hinges such that said portions may be folded into an orientation
generally parallel to said base.
20. A method for storing and transporting panel-like objects
comprising the steps of: providing a rack, said rack comprising: a
base, at least one support proximate a floor on which the rack may
rest, the support extending outwardly away from said base, and at
one or more A-frame member hingedly attached to said base, said
A-frame members being foldable from a generally upright orientation
to a generally horizontal orientation while remaining attached to
said base; at a first location, loading said panel-like objects one
at a time onto said support, said objects being positioned parallel
to each other to form a stack that leans against said A-frame
members; without removing said panels in stack form from the rack,
transporting said rack containing the stack of panels to one or
more different locations, ending at a final location at which said
panels are unloaded from the rack one at a time.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said panels are glass sheets,
and said first location is adjacent a float glass line to receive
glass panes one at a time from the float glass line.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said final location is adjacent
a glass coating line to deliver glass sheets one at a time to the
coating line.
23. The method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising securing
the panel stack to the rack with a load securing assembly
comprising at least one strap having a first end and a second end,
said first end being secured to said A-frame member, said second
end being removably, slidably attachable to said support member,
and tensioning the strap so as to slidably bias the second end of
the strap toward said A-frame member.
24. The method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising the step,
after unloading the panels one at a time from the rack, of folding
said hinged joints so that said one or more A-frames lie generally
parallel to said base, and stacking said rack with other similar
racks for compact storage and transport.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to A-frame for supporting
objects, such as glass sheets or other sheet materials, during
transport and storage. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a foldable, stackable, transportable, A-frame rack with
a low center of gravity and improved load securing assembly for
storing and transporting materials, such as glass sheets or other
sheet materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A-frame structures have long been used to support sheet
materials standing on edge. Sheet materials may include
construction materials, such as plywood, plaster board or paneling,
as well as sheets of glass.
[0003] Glass panes, in particular, may be stored in this fashion.
Glass is often made in large sheets which are heavy and breakable.
Because of glass's weight and breakability, stability and
protection of the sheet material while in storage and transit are
especially important.
[0004] Various techniques are commonly employed for the storage and
shipping of glass sheets. Harp or slot racks, for example, may be
employed to store individual sheets of material, such as glass. A
slot rack consists of a series of vertical partitions between which
sheets of glass may be placed on edge for convenient storage. A
harp rack is similar to a slot rack except that it employs
tensioned vertical cables or wires to separate the individual
sheets of material, such as glass. Harp or slot racks are
convenient for storing small quantities of glass but require
individual handling of each sheet and are not particularly
appropriate for transporting glass to another location.
Furthermore, these types of racks are not readily adaptable to
automated transport devices for moving sheets of material from one
location to another.
[0005] A further option for the transport and storage of objects,
such as sheet of glass or other sheet materials, is the use of
A-frame racks. An A-frame rack generally includes two or more
A-frames, which take the form of a tall, often truncated, isosceles
triangle. The A-frame rack further includes a support at the base
upon which glass sheets may be stood on edge and then leaned
against the A-frame rack for support. A-frame racks are convenient
for stationary storage purposes because once the sheets of glass
are in place, they are held by gravity and well protected from
falling. Straps or other securing mechanisms are used to hold glass
panes when A-frame racks are transported
[0006] In the float glass manufacturing process, molten glass is
commonly floated in long ribbons, which are cooled and then cut to
size and stored until they are ready for the next step in a
manufacturing process or for shipping. The cut sheets of glass are
commonly loaded one at a time onto one side of an A-frame rack.
When one side of the rack is full, the rack is pivoted through 180
degrees to make available the second side for loading. While the
second side is loading, the glass on the first side is packaged as
desired and moved by means of a crane onto a support for storage
until needed.
[0007] Thereafter, the glass is unloaded from the A-frame support
and loaded onto a truck or other delivery transport, using one of
several transportable glass supports, as, for example, another
A-frame support. At the delivery location (for example, a
manufacturing line for applying a coating to the glass), the glass
is again unloaded and positioned so as to be used. The resulting
glass is then again loaded onto a support and is moved to, for
example, a station where the glass panes are converted into
insulating glass ("IG") units, the glass again being unloaded and
reloaded. Finally, the IG units are transported to a plant where
they are unloaded and converted into framed windows. Thus, the
glass may be repeatedly loaded and unloaded, leading to substantial
expense and risk of damage.
[0008] A variety of A-frame rack designs already exist that are
intended for use in the storage of glass as well as the shipping of
glass sheets. When used for shipping, it is common for A-frame
racks to be fashioned as reusable structures that are shipped
loaded with glass sheets and returned empty. In an effort to
minimize shipping costs on the return trip, certain A-frame
configurations have been proposed that are intended to be
disassembled or collapsed when empty to minimize shipping bulk.
[0009] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,942 issued to Hansen et
al., discloses an A-frame structure that is secured to the floor of
the transport vehicle such as a railroad car or a truck. The Hansen
A-frame must be secured to the floor prior to loading. Once
unloaded, the A-frame may be released from the floor and folded
from side to side to a smaller configuration in an accordion-like
fashion. The Hansen A-frame may not be transported when loaded, as
it is secured to the floor before loading. It is rather complex,
and would require several individuals to accomplish its folding and
unfolding.
[0010] Another A-frame structure is revealed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,085,329 issued to Crowell et al. The A-frame disclosed in Crowell
is intended for the temporary storage of 4 foot by 8 foot sheet
construction materials such as plywood, paneling or particle board
which, of course, are substantially lighter in weight than glass
sheets. In addition, the Crowell A-frame is disassembled for
transportation and is not transportable when loaded.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,360 issued to Hilliker et al., discloses
a collapsible, stackable A-frame rack intended for transporting
large glass sheets. The Hilliker A-frame includes three A-frame
stanchions which may be removed from the A-frame base after the
A-frame is unloaded. The A-frame stanchions may then be nested on
top of the base in a horizontal orientation which allows for the
A-frame assembly to be stacked for return transport. An additional
aspect of the Hilliker A-frame structure is that the structure is
adapted to be transported on a dolly jack which, when positioned
beneath the A-frame rack, may lift the A-frame rack. The A-Frame
rack and dolly may then be transported by towing. The structure of
the Hilliker device causes the lower edges of the glass sheets to
be carried a substantial height above the floor. This requires that
glass sheets be lifted to a relatively great height for loading and
unloading upon the Hilliker A-frame and limits the size of panes
that can be loaded under a given ceiling height. Loading of glass
from the end of a float glass production line accordingly would be
relatively difficult. The collapsed Hilliker A-frame rack includes
a multitude of loose parts that must be kept together for return
transit and which may be prone to loss.
[0012] Another aspect of transporting glass sheets is that of
securing the glass during transport to prevent the glass panes from
shifting with respect to each other with consequent breakage. A
variety of approaches have been taken including the use of wedges,
brackets, and straps to restrain the glass sheets during
transit.
[0013] Strapping is probably the most commonly employed approach to
securing glass sheets during transit. Strapping is typically
stretched over the material to be restrained and then tensioned by
a ratcheting mechanism. A number of currently existing strapping
schemes exist which may allow adjustment of the location of one end
of the strap by sliding it along a channel. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,448,805 (Allen et al.), discloses a strapping mechanism for
use with a roof top carrier. One end of the strapping mechanism may
be slid along a channel to various locations to compensate for the
width of the load.
[0014] Another strapping mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,278,171 (Millhoan). This Patent discloses a sliding strap
retainer and compression block. The compression block includes a
pair of spaced plates that are mountable at the base of an A-frame
rack. The plates each have a pair of holes for selectively
positioning the block on the base by aligning the holes of each
plate with a hole in each base of the frame while biasing the block
against the sheets of glass. Thereafter, a strap is secured at one
end to the block and at the other end to the top of the A-frame.
The strap is tightened drawing the block toward the sheets of
glass. The Millhoan device requires the manual positioning of the
compression block on the A-frame in order to secure the sheets of
glass. Further, the Millhoan device does not allow the straps
retaining the glass sheets to lie flat against the surface of the
sheet of glass increasing stress at the edges of the glass
sheet.
[0015] It would be preferable to have an A-frame rack for storing
and transporting glass sheets which has the lowest possible center
of gravity and a low lift height for loading and unloading. In
addition, it would be preferable that such an A-frame structure be
readily transportable with a low dolly jack apparatus. Further, it
would be desirable for an A-frame structure to be reduceable to a
compact empty shipping size by one worker, preferably without the
need for tools. Further, it would be helpful if the compacted
A-frames were stackable for return shipping. Moreover, it would be
a benefit if the A-frame structure would have a self-tightening,
self-adjusting restraining mechanism for securing the glass sheets
in place for shipping. Finally, it would be desirable to provide an
A-frame rack useful in transporting glass sheets from a glass float
line to a subsequent manufacturing line with requiring an
intermediate unloading step.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention in large part solves the problems
referred to above by providing a unitized, foldable transport rack
for retaining and securing panels, such as sheets of glass. The
transport rack of the present invention in its preferred embodiment
has no loose parts and is foldable and unfoldable by a single
individual. The foldable transport rack has a low center of gravity
and a low lift height to ease loading and unloading and to maximize
the size of glass sheets that can be transported. In addition, the
foldable transport rack of the present invention is transportable
by a low dolly jack and includes self-adjusting securing straps
which urge the bottom of the carried objects against the A-frame
assembly to provide for secure transportation of large objects,
such as glass sheets.
[0017] The transport rack generally includes a base, a plurality of
supports for supporting panel edges, at least one foldable A-frame,
and optionally a securing assembly. In one embodiment, the base of
the transport rack is supported by a plurality of legs including
the supports, the latter being adapted to handle and retain the
lower edges of glass sheets or other objects to be carried by the
transport assembly. The legs engage a horizontal surface, commonly
a concrete floor, upon which the transporting rack rests. The
supports are configured to be as low as possible to the ground so
as to provide for a minimal lift height for loading and unloading.
More specifically, the low arrangement of the supports provides for
the loading of the transport rack directly from an automated
manufacturing assembly. Furthermore, this arrangement also
maximizes the size of objects that can be carried and maintains the
lowest possible center of gravity. It is noted that the upper
surface of the supports may be optionally cushioned with
appropriate resilient material to provide additional protection to
and retention of the materials loaded upon the transport racks.
[0018] The base of the transport rack may also define a corridor
into which a low dolly jack may be received. The low dolly includes
a plurality of lifting jacks by which the transport rack may be
lifted from the ground, supported on the dolly and towed by an
appropriate vehicle such as a forklift or tractor. The base also
supports at least one and preferably three foldable A-frames. The
A-frames are configured to be foldable parallel to the base for
compact storage when it is desired to transport the empty transport
rack back to its point of origin for reuse.
[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer two
A-frames may be configured to be hinged near the base so that the
outer two A-frames fold toward the center of the transport rack and
lay one on top of the other. If a third or further A-frame is
employed, it may be configured to fold at multiple locations, such
as two locations, one near the base and the other in the
mid-section of the A-frame. This allows the interior A-frame or
A-frames to fold such that the outer A-frames may fold on top of
the interior A-frames without interfering with one another and
still allow all A-frame components to remain within and proximate
to the base.
[0020] Also in an embodiment of the invention, the A-frames, when
standing upright, are secured by a series of locking blocks which
are on the opposite side of the frame from an associated hinge. The
locking blocks each define a bore through which a pin may be passed
to lock the A-frame in an upright position. The locking pins in
such an embodiment may be secured to the transport rack by a
lanyard or may be integrally attached to one of the locking blocks
such that the pin is spring biased and may be latched in an open
position or biased by the spring to a position passing through the
bores to lock the hinged joint in an upright position.
[0021] Embodiments of the transport rack further comprise a
securing mechanism that includes straps, which pass from the top of
each A-frame down over the load to be secured and are then secured
at the support. The support includes a traveler to which the straps
may be secured. The traveler slides in a slot. The slot is ramped
upwardly and inwardly toward each A-frame so that applying tension
to the strap tends to urge the strap inwardly toward the objects to
be secured. The tensioning of the strap can be accomplished with a
conventional ratcheting buckle or other appropriate means.
[0022] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method
for storing and transporting panel-like objects such as glass
sheets while avoiding the problems encountered in repeatedly
loading and unloading stacks of panels from a rack. A rack is
provided, comprising a base, at least one support proximate a floor
on which the rack rests, the support extending outwardly away from
the base, and at least one A-frame member hingedly attached to the
base, the A-frame member being foldable from a generally upright
orientation to a generally horizontal orientation while remaining
attached to the base. At a first location, panel-like objects are
loaded one at a time onto the support, the objects being positioned
parallel to each other to form a stack that leans against said
A-frame member. Without removing the panels in stack form from the
rack, the rack is transported to one or more different locations
ending at a final location, and at that location, the panels are
unloaded one at a time from the rack. In the case of glass sheets,
the first location may be adjacent a float glass manufacturing line
to receive glass sheets one at a time from the float glass line.
The final location may be at a glass sheet coating line, where the
glass sheets are unloaded one at a time to undergo a coating
process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding transport rack in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the transport rack;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the transport rack;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the transport
rack;
[0027] FIG. 5a depicts details of fastener block as used in
accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5b depicts an alternative embodiment of the fastener
block;
[0029] FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the transport rack of
the present invention with a load in place; and
[0030] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of four transport racks
of the present invention in a folded configuration stacked for
empty shipping.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In accordance with the present invention, various
embodiments of a folding transport rack 10 generally comprise a
base 12, at least one object support 14, at least one folding
A-frame 16, and an optional load securing assembly 18.
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of the transport rack of
the present invention, which comprises a base 12, multiple supports
14, multiple folding A-frames 16, and a load securing assembly
18.
[0033] The base 12 includes platform 20 and ground engaging legs
22. Generally the platform 20 is a horizontal frame that, along
with the rest of the glass transport rack 10, is constructed of
welded, rectangular steel tubing, although other materials may be
used. The materials are of appropriate strength to accommodate the
size and weight of the objects to be loaded. Platform 20 and legs
22 that extend downwardly from the platform, define between them a
corridor 24 beneath the platform.
[0034] The transport rack may also optionally include stacking
assemblies 25 that in one embodiment is positioned on the base 12.
The stacking assemblies 25 may take the form of platform 20 and
legs 22 being configured in the manner of stackable trays wherein
legs 22 settle into indentations (not shown) in platform 20. Other
nesting approaches will be apparent to those skilled in the
art.
[0035] In the present embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the base 12
includes stacking posts 26, crowned by stacking caps 28. As best
seen in FIG. 3, stacking pockets 30 may be defined in the bottom
side of platform 20 and are configured to receive the stacking
posts 26. Base 12 may further include a plurality of forklift
pockets 32 below and A-frame rests 34 on top secured thereto.
[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, legs 22 may include a
non-scratching sheet 35 on their outer surface that comes into
contact with the glass sheets or other panels. Sheet 35 may be made
of nylon or other non-scratching material, that is, material that
will not scratch the glass or other panels as they are loaded,
carried, and unloaded from the rack.
[0037] In a first embodiment, supports 14 are rigidly attached to
legs 22 such as by welding bolts, rivets, clamps, or any other
attachment means. The supports 14 are positioned as low as possible
on legs 22 extending horizontally outward from base 12. It is noted
that the legs 22, with joined supports 14, may be fixed, but could
also be adjustable for movement along the platform 20 to
accommodate different sized and shaped objects.
[0038] In another embodiment, the supports 14 may be attached
directly to the platform. It is also noted that the supports,
whether joined to legs or the platform, may be permanently secured
to the transport rack or may be adjustable. Adjustable supports may
be moved along the sides of the base and subsequently secured in a
position of optimum support to the objects loaded in accordance
with the size and shape of the object.
[0039] The tops of supports 14 (normally less than 12 inches from
the ground) are preferably six inches or less from the ground.
However, the most preferable position is approximately three inches
from the ground. Sheet supports 14 are oriented generally parallel
to the ground; that is, generally horizontally. However, other
embodiments of the invention may include supports 14 that are
turned upward at an angle. The angling of the supports 14 may
contribute to the retention of the materials to the A-frame of the
transport rack. Furthermore, the material supports may also include
a support cushioning 36 on the top surface thereof. Cushioning 36
is of a resilient material such as 85 durometer Neoprene.TM. or
Santoprene.TM., or other similar cushioning material may be
utilized.
[0040] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, folding
A-frames 16 extend upwardly from platform 20 in a generally
vertical orientation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that any number of folding A-frames 16 may be employed
depending upon size and load requirements. Folding A-frames 16 are
sectioned at joints 38. Joints 38 are connected by hinges 40 and
opposed latch or fastener block assembly 42 defining bores 43
therethrough.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5a, in a first embodiment, fastener block
assembly 42 is secured by a conventional spring pin 44 which may be
retained against loss by a lanyard 46. Spring pin 44 passes through
bore 45.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5b, in another embodiment, a spring biased
pin 48 may be sidably carried in a sleeve 50 secured to fastener
block assembly 42. Spring biased pin 48 further includes retractor
handle 54 which travels in slot 56. Spring biased pin 48 is biased
toward bore 43 by a spring (not shown). It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that a variety of types spring biased pin
assemblies 48 would be equally effective and would not depart from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0043] Folding A-frames 16 may each include one or more sets of
joints 38. Joints 38 may be staggered in location such that folded
A-frames 16 achieve an orientation generally parallel to platform
20 when folded. It is preferable that folding A-frames 16 located
at the ends of base 12 fold inwardly (that is, toward each other)
for stacking. A third or additional interior folding A-frame 16
includes more than one set of joints 38. Such an A-frame includes
two or more, e.g., upper and lower hinged-together portions, the
lower portion also being hinged at or near the base so that after
the upper and lower portions are folded together, the folded
portions themselves can be folded generally parallel to the base
12.
[0044] Folding A-frames 16 also support resilient cushioning 36 on
the outside edges 57 thereof. Cushioning 36 utilized on the
supports may also be joined to the A-frame's 16 outer edges. Again,
examples of cushioning materials which may be utilized on the
A-frame 16 include, but are not limited to, Neoprene.TM.,
Santoprene.TM., other similar cushioning materials.
[0045] Load securing assemblies 18 includes strap 58, upper
securing device 60, and lower securing device 62. The upper end 64
of strap 58 is secured to upper securing device 60. The lower end
66 of strap 58 is removably secured by a fastener 67 to lower
securing device 62. The fastener 67 may include, but is not limited
to, a hook, clamp, or other similar fastening devices.
[0046] In one embodiment, lower securing device 62 comprises a
housing 68 that includes ramped slots 70. A traveler 72 is slidably
retained in ramped slots 70. The traveler 72 may be a fastener such
as a bolt, rivet or pin. The strap 58 further includes a tensioner
74. Tensioner 74 may include any device for selectively applying
tension to strap 58. Tensioner 74 may include a ratchet winding
device, an over center device or the like. The strap 58 may be
constructed of any material that is of suitable strength and
resiliency of sufficient dimensions to secure a load. Examples of
such materials include nylon, polyester and Kevlar.RTM..
[0047] In operation, the folding transport rack 10 may be placed
near the end of a float glass production line. Glass sheets, upon
leaving the end of the production line, are turned on edge, stacked
on top of the material supports 14 and leaned against folding
A-frames 16 as depicted in FIG. 6. When one side of the folding
glass transport rack 10 is full, the folding glass sheet rack 10
may be turned 180.degree. in order to load the other side.
[0048] The folding glass sheet rack 10 may be transported by a
forklift (not shown) or by a towed low dolly jack (not shown).
Forklift pockets 32 facilitate transport by a forklift. A low dolly
jack (not shown) may be inserted into corridor 24 where its jacks
may be activated to lift the folding glass transport rack 10. Any
suitable motorized unit, such as a forklift, may tow the low dolly
jack, or the dolly jack may contain its own motive power.
[0049] Load securing assemblies 18 may be applied to secure glass
panels in place on the folding glass transport rack 10 for
transport. In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, straps 58 are
applied by stretching them downward from upper securing device 60
over the objects 11 to be loaded and securing lower end 66 of strap
58 to traveler 72 with fastener 67. Tensioner 74 is then tightened.
As strap 58 is tightened, traveler 72 moves upwardly and inwardly
in ramped slot 70 urging objects 11 toward A-frames 16. When
released, traveler 72 moves downward and outward by gravity to be
in its most accessible position for future use.
[0050] A loaded and secured folding glass transport rack 10 may be
transported by truck or in a railroad car or by other suitable
means. The low lift height afforded by supports 14 allows for "free
fall" unloading directly from the folding glass transport rack 10
if desired. In "free fall" unloading individual glass sheets are
tipped from a vertical position to a horizontal position and
cushioned from damage by air trapped beneath them as they fall.
[0051] Once the end customer has removed the load, the foldable
transport rack 10 may be folded for compact storage and return
shipping. Folding may be accomplished by a single worker by first
releasing pin assembly 43 from the bore assembly 44 of the inner
A-frames 16. It is preferred to start at the highest of joints 38
and work downward. Inner A-frames 16 may then be folded to lie
generally parallel to platform 20. The end folding A-frames 16 may
then be released by removing pin assembly 43 from bore assembly 44
and then folding end A-frames 16 inwardly. It is noted that all
folded A-frames 16 remain secured to the platform of the foldable
transport rack, and it should also be appreciated that each rack
can easily be folded and unfolded by a single individual.
[0052] As depicted in FIG. 7, once the folding operation has been
completed, foldable transport racks 10 may be stacked, by an
ordinary forklift, for compact storage and economical return
shipping. As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the
stacking posts 26 fit securely within the stacking pockets. Such
interaction between the individual foldable transport racks 10 aids
in the optimizing of transport space and also retention and
securing of the stacked racks 10.
[0053] For ease of loading and unloading, and to obtain good
stability and maximum capacity, it is preferable that the glass
sheets be carried as low as possible, and this feature is afforded
by the Rack of the invention. A lower loading height allows the
transport of larger sheets of glass under a given ceiling height.
Furthermore, the lower loading height assists in the prevention of
breakage. By utilizing the rack of the invention, it becomes
possible to collect the glass at the end of the float glass line
directly onto the A-frame rack which, with its load of glass, is
then transported to storage and thence from storage is transported
to customers or to other locations for further manufacturing steps,
such as coating. Such an alternative would provide for removal from
the rack only upon arrival to the customer or location for further
manufacturing, thereby minimizing handling and consequent risk of
breakage. The empty A-frame rack is then returned to the float
glass plant for reuse.
[0054] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof.
Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made
to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to
indicate the scope of the invention.
* * * * *