U.S. patent application number 11/716797 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-29 for multi-purpose foldable m-frame transport and storage apparatus for slabs, panels and other flat sheet products.
Invention is credited to Chris Dozier, Richard C. Gardner.
Application Number | 20070272633 11/716797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38748570 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070272633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gardner; Richard C. ; et
al. |
November 29, 2007 |
Multi-purpose foldable M-frame transport and storage apparatus for
slabs, panels and other flat sheet products
Abstract
An improved apparatus and method for the transport of multiply
slabs of panels including slabs of marble, granite, stone, glass,
and heavy objects. At least one set of foldable A-frames hinged and
secured to the base and an optional securing assembly. The base is
an elongated frame comprising of at least two tunnels to provide
means for fork lifting and U bars for over head lifting, cross
members for support, pad plates covered by rubber wedge to
stabilize cargo. The top supports, A-frames, are cushioned with
appropriate resilient material.
Inventors: |
Gardner; Richard C.;
(Knoxville, TN) ; Dozier; Chris; (Knoxville,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
American Business Centers, Inc.;c/o Jonnie Odom
# 273
257 N. Calderwood Street
Alcoa
TN
37701
US
|
Family ID: |
38748570 |
Appl. No.: |
11/716797 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60782035 |
Mar 14, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/41.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/48 20130101;
B65G 49/062 20130101; B65D 88/129 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/041.15 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/08 20060101
A47G019/08 |
Claims
1. A multi-purpose foldable transport and storage apparatus for
slabs, panels, and other flat sheet products, comprising: A
horizontal base; One or more supports, One or more A-frame members
joined to said base, said A-frame members having hinged joined
upper and lower portions and wherein one or more A-frame member is
hinged allowing folding and stack ability, an elongate receiving
guide way for receiving the lower edge of a flat sheet; said frame
with a base containing side and end fork openings, overhead crane
and tie down U-bars, said invention is constructed of substantial
material of sufficient size and strength to accommodate cargo.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/782,035, filed Mar. 14, 2006 the present
inventors.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to machines and processes used to
transport and store flat sheet products, specifically to an
improved method and apparatus for transport of heavy stone marble
and granite panels or slabs.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] Heavy flat sheets or slabs pose safety issues in additions
to excessive storage and transport expenses. An average individual
truckload of rock or marble slabs can weigh between 20,000 to
40,000 pounds.
[0008] Cranes have been used for years in the transport of rock and
marble. Presently rock and marble slabs are transported vertically
on storage racks strapped to the bed of trucks or placed in wood
crates sometimes nailed together for support and stability. Often
A-frame structures are used in the slab and panel transport
industry by strapping the slabs to the A-frame.
[0009] The heavy weight and size of granite and marble slabs create
safety hazards, storage and space limitations, and excessive
transport and delivery expenses. Additional expenses are incurred
in returning the transport devices back to the supplier after cargo
has completed its destination.
[0010] Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act; stating,
"employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from
recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm,"
necessities new development. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration issued several bulletins alerting employers to the
hazards associated with handling and transporting heavy slabs and
challenged the industry to design adequate means and methods for
storage and transfer of rock slabs (shib Sep. 8, 2005).
[0011] Storage problems occur during and after transport. During
transport shifting occurs on the A-frames, wooden crates and
storage racks. The racks and frames become deformed and fail, as a
result, the slabs may shift or fall while they are being unloaded.
The present A-frames have not been designed to take into account
the weight of the slabs. The A-frames also have not been designed
to prevent shifting of other slabs if one of the slabs either
shifts or is removed. The slabs can also shift or fail due to
failure, or to improper placement of the restraining devices.
[0012] The A-frame appears to be the most popular means for
transporting slabs, and after delivery the A-frame is returned to
the supplier empty taking up just about as much space on the return
trip as it did during delivery. Problems with the wooden crate
after delivery evolve around having to hand saw them out one at a
time and separate with a forklift. Due to the size and weight of
the crates the probability of tipping over during lifting and
forklift use is probable. There is very little space for the
forklift positioning pickup from the bottom location of the slabs.
Tausheck, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,765,550 (1971) presents a dolly for
lifting and transporting large flat sheet products, which is
limited to one flat sheet product.
[0013] Several examples of transport dollies used for panels exist,
but very few exist for the support of heavy slabs. In U.S. Pat. No.
2,006,197,298 to Shore (2006) Dock Plates are used at loading docks
to provide a path for loading and unloading goods between a truck
bed and a loading dock. Normally dock plates are made of heavy
metal; therefore, requiring frequent replacement of the wheels used
to transport and store the dock plate dolly.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,329 to Crowell and Kellerman (1992), a
sheeting or panel support invention using an A-frame at each end
with a base to create a support system that stores and holds panels
in place. Such a sheeting support system is difficult to transport,
but the system can maintain heavy weighted objects. U.S. Pat. No.
6,866,463 Riordan, Liggins, Colberg, A dolly known as the E-Frame
system is used in manufacturing operations. Each E-frame dolly is
removable and the wheels are used for mobility. E-frame has ease of
mobility but limited to objects that do not have excessive
weight.
[0015] Transporting apparatuses using lifting platforms, such as in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,360 to Hilliker and Malley (1995) create
complexity in the use of inflated airbags to lift and transport
slabs. The A-frames must be disassembled and the racks stacked in
relationship for return shipment and storage. Disassembly takes
time and man power.
[0016] Clamps and pins are used in U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,560 to
Collins (1999) to prevent the slab cart frame assembly from
spreading apart when the clamps are engaged. The slab cart is built
strong enough to carry marble, granite, stone, glass and other
heavy objects, but it is limited to one slab placed between a pair
of elongated frame members and wheels mounted hereto. A clamp for
shock absorption is also used in U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,067 to Willey
(1987), which is a wheeled article carrier for transporting
elongated articles.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,892 to Scarborough (2003) discloses the
use of two channels connected by a cable. Lifting of the cable
lifts the channels and the slab for moving and relocation. Moving
and transporting heavy slabs of marble and rock panels by crane in
U.S. Pat. No. 1,272,359 to Bell (1918) challenges the same problems
of today. Transport and storage of heavy marble and stone slabs
suffer from a number of disadvantages: [0018] (a) The use of
A-frames strapped to the bed of a truck creates safety hazards due
to unbalance loads in transit and deliver. [0019] (b) Wood crates
nailed together can shift in transit and must be hand sawed out one
at a time and separated with a forklift. [0020] (c) Extra tools are
needed to assemble and disassemble wood crates. [0021] (d)
Transport means lack accountability for heavy weighted slabs.
[0022] (e) Restraining devices are not strong enough to withstand
weight and shifting of slabs. [0023] (f) After delivery, the
A-frames are returned to the supplier empty, thus taking up as much
space on the return trip as they did during delivery of cargo.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0024] Several objects and advantages of said invention are: [0025]
(a) to provide safe mobilization and transport balanced loads and
multiply means of maneuvering loads of slabs; [0026] (b) to provide
a means to carry multiple slabs per load; [0027] (c) to provide
pick-up from either end or either side with a forklift; [0028] (d)
to provide lifting from an overhead crane; [0029] (e) to provide a
method to fold, nest and stack after use to conserve space; [0030]
(f) to provide a storage device for slabs during and after
transporting; [0031] (g) to provide a means to erect and fold
A-frames without external hardware; [0032] (h) to provide strength
through design to support heavy loads; [0033] (i) to provide pad
plates to eliminate fasteners; [0034] (j) to provide a secure
strapping mechanism; [0035] (k) to provide a system with no legs or
wheels; [0036] (l) to provide a smooth surface material to prevent
marble from damage and scratches.
[0037] Further objects and advantages are to provide an invention
of durability with an improved transport and storage means. Still
further objects and advantages will become apparent from a
consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARY
[0038] In accordance with the present invention, named M-Frame, an
improved multi-purpose transport and storage apparatus designed to
adhere to safety concerns for use in heavy slabs, panels and sheets
of stone, marble or other flat sheets. Said M-Frame represents a
substantial improvement in the means of transport, delivery,
pick-up, stacking, storage, and to everyone's surprise the M-Frame
accomplishes all of the above with no need for extra hardware and
the need for fasteners (which damage forklifts and cargo) is
eliminated.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0039] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the M-Frame with stanchions
(A-frames) in folded position.
[0041] FIG. 1A is an end elevational view, partially in sections,
of the assembled tunnel base portion of said M-frame.
[0042] FIG. 1B is an end front elevational view of the assembled
base portion and transport members of said M-frame.
[0043] FIG. 2 depicts details of a rubber fastener block as used in
accordance with said M-frame.
[0044] FIG. 3 depicts pivoting A-frame stanchions in upright
position
[0045] FIG. 3A depicts mounted A-frame stanchions in upright
position
[0046] FIG. 3B depicts A-frames in up-right transport position
anchored to base
[0047] FIG. 3C depicts one set of A-frames folded down in storage
position and the other A-frame set in transport position.
[0048] FIG. 3D depicts both sets of A-frames in folded storage
position.
[0049] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially exploded view
illustrating the manner in which the A-frame stanchions pivot.
[0050] FIG. 5 is an end view of said M-frame base, depicting the
A-frame folded down with top exposed expressing hinged system.
[0051] FIG. 5A depicts details of hinged system with attached
A-frames
[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of said M-frame with A-frame
stanchions in the folded, storage position.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the M-frame with the A-frame
stanchions partially upright; and
[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of said M-frame with complete
assembly of the A-frames lower end and front end of A-frames in
folded position.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of said M-frame with lower
A-frames in up-right position and upper A-frames rising.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a front view of said M-frame, to include base,
and A-frame stanchions in upright position ready to receive slabs
that slide directly in front of A-frame stanchions.
DRAWINGS
Reference Numerals
[0057] 4 flat strip of steel used to form tunnel [0058] 8 steel
channel positioned next to steel strip to form tunnel [0059] 12 end
cross member (metal bar) [0060] 16 cross member near U bars [0061]
20 cross member near pivot points of A-frames [0062] 26 short piece
of c-channel--helps support cross member 16 [0063] 30 corner
gusset--(all 4 corners) quadrilateral [0064] 35 rectangular
gusset--helps support base [0065] 40 pad plates--thin steel plates
[0066] 49 U-bars--horseshoe shaped bars [0067] 53 A
receivers--steel pockets to receive floating A-frames when in
raised position [0068] 57 locator angles--narrow strips of angle,
helps center frame [0069] 61 rubber wedge shaped blocks--slips over
steel pad plates (40) [0070] 70 bolts [0071] 74 square steel tubing
(A-frames) [0072] 78 extruded rubber strip inserted along 74 steel
tubing [0073] 82 flat steel brace [0074] 86 steel brace at cross
member 16 [0075] 90 pivoted sleeve for A-frame anchor A [0076] 94
welded bar belonging to Floating A assembly welded to tunnels
[0077] 96 flat washers [0078] 99 hinged barrels [0079] 100 nuts
that affix the rubber blocks to steel pad plates [0080] 104 long
bolt--joining halves of hinge [0081] 108 nut installed [0082] 112
short pieces of square tubing [0083] 118 mounting plate [0084] 122
solid round bar
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D
[0085] In accordance with said M-frame, various embodiments of a
folding, transport and storage apparatus generally comprises a
base. With reference now to drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1,
there is illustrated a base 4 and 8 with at least two object
supports 12.
[0086] Generally the base is a horizontal frame that, and along
with the rest of the apparatus is constructed of welded, steel
tubing connected by welding. Although other materials may be used
with appropriate strength and durability to accommodate the size
ands weight of the objects to be loaded, we substantially desire
the use of steel and welding.
[0087] Base 4, 8 and 12 supports at least one folding A-frame
stanchion set 74. Attached to the base are members 49, 40, 30, 57,
35, 53, 122, 16, 20, 26,
[0088] FIG. 1A depicts single piece of flat strip steel 4 welded
between two equally long pieces of C-channel 8.
[0089] FIG. 1B depicts the base comprising of at least two sets of
tunnels formed by at least one piece of flat steel 4 welded to two
equally long pieces of steel channel 8 supported by at least two
support members 12 preferably attached by welding. Attached to base
is 49 horse-shoe shaped steel bars.
[0090] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D,
A-frames 74 extend upward from the base in a generally vertical
orientation in working mode and folded down in storage mode.
OPERATION--FIGS 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
[0091] The manner of using said M-frame, with reference to the
drawings begins with FIG. 1. Operation starts with the tunnels
formed by 4 and 8 and said tunnels allow a forklift to pick up
loads. Cross members span the tunnels perpendicular to the length.
Said end members 12 support the ends. Cross members 16 aid in
support of U-bars 49 and cross members 20 aid in support of pivot
sections of A-frames. Members 26, short pieces of channel are
welded to face cross members for additional support. Corner steel
gussets 30 applied over each end (all four corners) to reinforce
the corner for strength and safety.
[0092] Said U-bars 49 provide pick up locations to attach chains or
ropes for lifting points with a crane or can be used in conjunction
with strapping support to maintain cargo. Rectangular gusset 35
welds on across the face of 4 to prevent all of the lifting force
from being concentrated at the end welds inside the tunnel.
[0093] Pad plates 40 are thin rectangular steel plates, each having
two threaded studs protruding from the top surface. A-shaped frames
74 with base points 122, 112,94, 118, and top hinge points 82.
A-shaped frame consisting primarily of square section tubing with
an extruded rubber strip 78 to protect cargo from scratching and
damage.
[0094] FIG. 2--Rubber wedge shaped block 61 is not shown on FIG. 1,
as said rubber wedge shaped block 61 goes over thin steel plates 40
shown on FIG. 1. Rubber wedge shaped block 61, goes over 40,
attached with bolts 70, nut 96 and washers 100. Cargo placed on top
of 61.
[0095] FIG. 4--Pivot Assembly consists of mounting plate 118; solid
round bar 122, and hollow square tube 90. The solid round bar 122
lives inside the square tube 90, providing the pivot points at the
base of each fixed A-frame assemblies.
[0096] The pivot assembly is built as a unit and dropped into the
tunnel valley FIG. 1 located in the center of said M-Frame, after
which mounting plates are welded to inner walls of tunnel
[0097] The hinged assembly for A-fame structures FIG.
5--Considering said end view of M-frame, with said A-frame
structures in folded position, hinged barrel 99 is attached by long
bolt. FIG. 5A depicts hinged system comprised of hinged barrel 99
attached by bolt 104 and nut 108.
[0098] Said M-Frame FIG. 6 depicts apparatus with A-frames 74 in
resting position with visible tunnels 4 and 8 cross members 12, 20.
U-bars 49, rubber-stripping 78 on 74 A-frame tubing. Anchored
A-frame pivoting sleeve 90 and floating A-frame 94 assembly
visible. A-frame hinged barrels 99 with flat steel braces 82 near
cross member 12.
[0099] Method for depicting A-frame into working position FIG. 7
demonstrating flat steel brace 86 and depicting brace 82 at the top
of A-frame exposing hinged barrel 99 with long bolt 104. Said pivot
assembly 118 in resting position. U-bars 49 resting on tunnels 8
and 4 with cross member 12 supporting end structures near fork lift
entry.
[0100] Unlike a stepladder, The A-frame 74 assembly is not
portable. In FIG. 8, the lower, corner stanchion fits into the
receiver 53, said steel pockets made up of pieces of cut angle. The
floating A-frame stanchion rests in the receiver 53 when in the
raised/working position. Visible is said hinged barrels 99 with
steel brace 82 allowing movement to materialize. Support Brace 86
aids the support of weight placed on A-frames.
[0101] The act of raising a pair of A-frames consistent with FIG.
9, method is grasp said pair of A-frames 74 at or near the hinge
barrels 99 and braces 82 joining them and lifting. Initially they
rotate in an arc. Once the pair of A-frames 74 becomes vertical,
the floating A assembly can fold away from the fixed one and the
base of the floating A can be guided into the receivers 53. The
process is then repeated with the other pair of A assemblies. Once
both assemblies are in the upright position the said M-frame is
ready to be loaded.
[0102] Said M-Frame in working position FIG. 10 depicts A-frame 74
stanchions in up-right working position with the rubber tubing
strip 78 over 74. Said brace 82 and hinged barrel 99 at top of
A-frame structure. Support member 86 used to maintain balance and
weight. Said floating A assembly stanchion is shown fitting into
receiver 94 as A assembly stanchion in center of M-Frame is shown
mounted to pivoting sleeve 90.
[0103] M-frame weight capacity is approximately 9,000 pounds. Cargo
panels or marble slabs are placed on both sides of the M-frame
structure. Strapping mechanism is optional and can be attached to
or around frames, over frames, used in conjunction with U-bars or
tunnels. Loaded M-Frame can be lifted by overhead crane or
Forklift.
Advantages
[0104] From the description above, a number of advantages of said
M-Frame become evident: [0105] (a) Safety hazards are minimized by
the structural design. [0106] (b) Minimal storage space is used
upon return trip to supplier after cargo has been delivered, as
M-frame in the resting position can be stacked as high as
necessary. [0107] (c) Substantially no shifting occurs on the
M-Frames during storage and transport. [0108] (d) Forklift has
ample space for insertion from both ends, center, and overhead
lifting is simplified by use of U-bars [0109] (e) No parts are
removed for folding or in working position, no tools need [0110]
(f) Substantially no damage to cargo due to rubber tubing over
frames and rubber block situated on the base of said M-frame
Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope
[0111] Accordingly, the reader will see that said M-frame is
different in the respect that commercial success has been obtained
in an art long felt, but with unsolved need and failure of others.
At the request of the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. said M-Frame substantially meets the challenge in
reducing hazards to human life, thus the most important aspect of
said apparatus. Challenged by the prior art that was not working,
namely the A-frame, crates nailed together, and racks, we developed
a new combination of the old features and the M-Frame was born. The
re-arranged A-frames, no nails, no disassembly; is an unexpected
surprise to those in the field.
[0112] Furthermore, said M-Frame has additional advantages in that:
[0113] It eliminates the need for disposable A-frames or wood
crates [0114] folds down to 10'' in height, no tools required
[0115] stackable, saves space in plant and truck [0116] side and
end fork openings, overhead crane and tie down lugs [0117] 9,000
lb. Capacity Although the descriptions above contain many
specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope
of said M-Frame.
* * * * *