U.S. patent application number 12/058793 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for materials safety cage and associated methods.
Invention is credited to James Allen Head.
Application Number | 20090241809 12/058793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41115182 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090241809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Head; James Allen |
October 1, 2009 |
MATERIALS SAFETY CAGE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
The technology described herein provides a materials safety cage
and associated methods. A safety cage assembly for storage,
distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods
includes a cage having vertical sides connected rectangularly and a
base configured to receive a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and
upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably
engaged and secured. The safety cage assembly includes a
multiplicity frame rails to support the cage. The safety cage
assembly also includes metal plates having a handle grip and pin
slot and disposed on the cage and connected to the cage with a cage
pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on
the base. The safety cage assembly also includes a loop opening to
receive a hook. The safety cage assembly is configured for
transport by both a crane and a forklift.
Inventors: |
Head; James Allen; (Locust
Grove, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE R. REARDON
3356 STATION COURT
LAWRENCVILLE
GA
30044
US
|
Family ID: |
41115182 |
Appl. No.: |
12/058793 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/55.1 ;
206/386; 220/23.91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00323
20130101; B65D 2519/00621 20130101; B66C 1/10 20130101; B65D
2519/00024 20130101; B65D 2519/00512 20130101; B65D 2519/00199
20130101; B65D 19/08 20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; B65D
2519/00333 20130101; B65D 2519/00786 20130101; B65D 2519/00293
20130101; B65D 2519/00497 20130101; B65D 2519/00164 20130101; B65D
2519/00661 20130101; B65D 2519/00233 20130101; B65D 2519/00059
20130101; B65D 2519/00562 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/55.1 ;
206/386; 220/23.91 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38 |
Claims
1. A safety cage assembly for storage, distribution,
transportation, and handling of various goods, the safety cage
comprising: a cage, the cage having a plurality of vertical sides
connected rectangularly; and a base configured to receive upon a
top surface of the base a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and
upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably
engaged and secured.
2. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of vertical corner rails, each rail connecting two ends
of the plurality of vertical sides, and thereby forming corners of
the cage, each vertical corner rail configured to provide
structural support to the cage and each vertical corner rail having
a leg for connectivity to the base.
3. The safety cage assembly of claim 2, wherein the base further
comprises a plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver
configured to receive one of the vertical corner rail legs.
4. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of vertical side rails, each rail being vertical and
disposed in a center region of each of the plurality of vertical
sides, the plurality vertical side rails configured to provide
structural support to the cage.
5. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of metal plates, each metal plate having a handle grip
and a pin slot and disposed on the cage on one of the vertical
corner rails and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal
plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base.
6. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of top rails, the top rails being horizontal and diagonal
and connecting vertical corner rails opposite one another at a top
of the cage, and the top rails configured to provide structural
support to the safety cage assembly.
7. The safety cage assembly of claim 6, further comprising: a
plurality of gussets, each gusset disposed upon a corner of the
cage and an end of one of the pair of top rails.
8. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
platform disposed on a top of the cage; and a loop opening disposed
upon the platform and extending upwardly and configured to receive
a hook for lifting and transporting the cage.
9. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a wire
mesh disposed around the cage perimeter.
10. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is
further comprised of a plurality of horizontal support rails, a
number of the horizontal rails extending from a left side to a
right side of the base, and a number of the horizontal rails
extending from a front to a back of the base, configured to provide
structural support to the base
11. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is
further comprised of a plurality support rails, the rails being
horizontal and diagonal and configured to provide structural
support to the base.
12. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the safety cage
assembly is configured for transport by both a crane and a
forklift.
13. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the cage further
comprises a plurality of bottom frame rails connected to the
plurality of vertical corner rails and configured to provide
structural support to the cage.
14. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the cage further
comprises a plurality of top frame rails connected to the plurality
of vertical corner rails and configured to provide structural
support to the cage.
15. A method for storing, distributing, transporting, and handling
goods with a safety cage assembly, the method comprising: utilizing
a safety cage assembly comprising: a cage, the cage having a
plurality of vertical sides connected rectangularly; and a base
configured to receive upon a top surface of the base a load-bearing
pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to
which the cage is attachably engaged and secured; loading the
load-bearing pallet upon the top surface of the base; lowering the
cage upon the base; and engaging and securing the cage to the
base.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: utilizing a safety
cage assembly further comprising: a platform disposed on a top of
the cage; and a loop opening disposed upon the platform and
extending upwardly and configured to receive a hook for lifting and
transporting the cage; and hooking the loop opening with a crane
hook, or the like, to lift and move the cage.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: utilizing a safety
cage assembly further comprising: a plurality of vertical corner
rails, each rail connecting two ends of the plurality of vertical
sides, and thereby forming corners of the cage, each vertical
corner rail configured to provide structural support to the cage
and each vertical corner rail having a leg for connectivity to the
base; and a plurality of metal plates, each metal plate having a
handle grip and a pin slot and disposed on the cage on one of the
vertical corner rails and connected to the cage with a cage pin,
each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the
base; and attaching each metal plate of the cage to one base pin on
the base, thereby securely connecting the cage to the base.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: unattaching each
metal plate of the cage from each base pin on the base, thereby
disconnecting the cage from the base when the safety cage assembly
is ready for unloading.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the base further comprises a
plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to
receive one of the vertical corner rail legs, and the method
further comprising: lowering the cage into the base such that the
vertical corner rail legs are placed into the corner receivers of
the base.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: utilizing a safety
cage assembly further comprising: a wire mesh disposed around the
cage perimeter; and securing a load upon a pallet on the base with
the cage and preventing the load from exiting the cage through the
wire mesh.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The technology described herein relates generally to
enclosures for materials-carrying pallets, or pallet cages. More
specifically, the technology described herein relates to a
materials safety cage and associated methods. Furthermore, the
technology described herein relates to a masonry materials safety
cage for lifting with a crane, forklift, or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pallets, or skids, of many varied embodiments are utilized
in warehouses, and elsewhere, for the secure and safe storage,
distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods. A
pallet provides for the support of its load up from an underneath
side. Typically, pallets are lifted and/or maneuvered by a
forklift, pallet jack, or the like. Goods stored on a pallet can be
secured, for example, with straps and/or stretch-wrapped plastic
film, or configured as a minicontainer or unit load device. Pallet
cages can provide additional security and safety to a pallet in the
storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various
goods. Related patents known in the art include the following.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,723, issued to Sukeva on Jan. 13, 2004,
discloses a pallet cage. The pallet cage comprises a pallet and
four walls mounted on its edges, together forming a cage open above
and having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, in which the
four walls of the cage are separate castings pressed from plastic
and detached from each other, two of the walls are opposite and
identical side walls while the other two are opposite and identical
end walls, the end wall consists of a straight, elongated and
plate-like part having a joining element at each end of it, the
side wall consists of a straight, elongated and plate-like part
having a 90-degree corner part at each end of it, the outer edges
of the side walls being provided with counterparts of the joining
elements, the walls being connectable to each other by the joining
elements and their counterparts to form the walls of a cage having
the form of a right-angled parallelogram.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,136, issued to Parker on May 20, 2003,
discloses a lifting device for a pallet comprising a rigid lower
L-shaped lifting frame having a pair of lower rigid legs for
inserting within openings in a pallet having a load thereon. The
L-shaped lifting frame includes upwardly extending back frame
members extending upwardly from the lower lifting legs. A pair of
cables is connected to the back frame members and another pair of
cables is connected to the free ends of the lower lifting legs. For
connecting the lifting device onto the pallet, the front cables
connected to the free ends of the legs are disconnected so that the
legs may be inserted within openings in the pallet with free ends
of the legs extending from the pallet. Then, the front cables are
reconnected to the lifting legs for lifting of the pallet and load
thereon.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,975, issued to Perez et al. on Apr. 4,
1998, discloses a method and apparatus for loading and unloading
palletized loads. A sling for loading and unloading several
palletized loads simultaneously comprises two pairs of spreader
bars each having a plurality of teeth extending perpendicularly
with respect to an elongate dimension of the respective spreader
bar. The spreader bars are suspended by pairs of cables from a
rectangular frame in turn supported by a plurality of support
cables. The spreader bars are carried by the suspension cables so
that the teeth project upwardly and inwardly from the respective
spreader bar towards the associated bar of the respective pair.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,079, issued to Karpisek on Oct. 11,
1977, discloses pallet cages to couple to a pallet and enclose
goods stacked on the pallet, each cage comprising four panels, two
locking and two hinged. The locking panels having clips which by
manipulation of the locking panel are engageable under battens of
the pallet to prevent removal of the locking panel unless said
manipulation is reenacted. Each locking panel is hingedly connected
to a hinged panel and adjacent portions of the hinged and locking
panels of an assembled cage having inter-engageable catch means to
retain the pallet cage unified as a four sided enclosure.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,379, issued to Folberth on Jun. 10,
1975, discloses a cage-like structure which is intended to be
removably mounted on a storage pallet, skid, dolly or other
supporting base, to constitute a container for goods on the base.
The structure includes a gripping foot bracket assembly at each of
its lower corners. The gripping foot bracket is composed of a pair
of interconnected sections, one of the sections being slidably
mounted to the adjacent side of the structure, so as to be drawn
into a tight gripping relationship with the edge of the pallet when
the sides are moved down toward the plane of the load supporting
surface of the base. The structure also includes a hinged end panel
and movable locking clamps of a unique construction for holding the
panel in a closed condition. The sides of the structure are also
intercoupled by the locking clamps which permit each panel to be
rigidly coupled to the adjacent panels, and yet to be easily
separated from the adjacent panels when the structure is removed
from the base.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,554, issued to Legg et al. on Jan. 21,
1975, discloses a cage-like structure is provided which is intended
to be removably mounted on a storage pallet to constitute a
container for goods on the pallet. The structure includes a
gripping foot bracket assembly at each of its lower corners. The
gripping foot bracket comprises a pair of interrelated sections,
one of the sections being slidably mounted to the adjacent side of
the structure, so as to be drawn into a tight gripping relationship
with the edge of the pallet when the sides are moved down toward
the plane of the load supporting surface of the pallet. The
structure also includes a hinged end panel and a movable locking
strip of a unique construction for holding the panel in a closed
condition. The sides of the structure are intercoupled by unique
locking brackets which permit each panel to be rigidly coupled to
the adjacent panels, and yet to be easily separated from the
adjacent panels when the structure is removed from the pallet.
[0009] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state
of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a
view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor
in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the
patentability of the technology described herein. It is
respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and
other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when
considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a materials safety cage and associated methods.
Additionally, the technology described herein provides a masonry
materials safety cage for lifting with a crane, forklift, or the
like.
[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein
provides a safety cage assembly for storage, distribution,
transportation, and handling of various goods. The safety cage
includes: a cage, the cage having a plurality of vertical sides
connected rectangularly; and a base configured to receive upon a
top surface of the base a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and
upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably
engaged and secured. The safety cage assembly is configured for
transport by both a crane and a forklift.
[0012] The safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of
vertical corner rails, each rail connecting two ends of the
plurality of vertical sides, and thereby forming corners of the
cage, each vertical corner rail configured to provide structural
support to the cage and each vertical corner rail having a leg for
connectivity to the base. The safety cage also includes a plurality
of vertical side rails, each rail being vertical and disposed in a
center region of each of the plurality of vertical sides, the
plurality vertical side rails configured to provide structural
support to the cage.
[0013] The safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of metal
plates, each metal plate having a handle grip and a pin slot and
disposed on the cage on one of the vertical corner rails and
connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured
for attachability to a base pin on the base.
[0014] The safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of top
rails, the top rails being horizontal and diagonal and connecting
vertical corner rails opposite one another at a top of the cage,
and the top rails configured to provide structural support to the
safety cage assembly. The safety cage further includes a plurality
of gussets, each gusset disposed upon a corner of the cage and an
end of one of the pair of top rails. The safety cage also includes
a platform disposed on a top of the cage and a loop opening
disposed upon the platform and extending upwardly and configured to
receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage.
[0015] The cage also comprises a plurality of bottom frame rails
connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails and configured
to provide structural support to the cage. The cage further
comprises a plurality of top frame rails connected to the plurality
of vertical corner rails and configured to provide structural
support to the cage. The safety cage also includes a wire mesh
disposed around the cage perimeter.
[0016] The base of the safety cage assembly also includes a
plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to
receive one of the vertical corner rail legs. The base is further
comprised of a plurality of horizontal support rails, a number of
the horizontal rails extending from a left side to a right side of
the base, and a number of the horizontal rails extending from a
front to a back of the base, configured to provide structural
support to the base. Alternatively, the base is further comprised
of a plurality support rails, the rails being horizontal and
diagonal and configured to provide structural support to the
base.
[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described
herein provides a method for storing, distributing, transporting,
and handling goods with a safety cage assembly. The method
includes: utilizing a safety cage assembly having a cage, the cage
having a plurality of vertical sides connected rectangularly and a
base configured to receive upon a top surface of the base a
load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is
lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured;
loading the load-bearing pallet upon the top surface of the base;
lowering the cage upon the base; and engaging and securing the cage
to the base.
[0018] The method also includes utilizing a safety cage assembly
further having a platform disposed on a top of the cage and a loop
opening disposed upon the platform and extending upwardly and
configured to receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage;
and hooking the loop opening with a crane hook, or the like, to
lift and move the cage.
[0019] The method also includes utilizing a safety cage assembly
further having a plurality of vertical corner rails, each rail
connecting two ends of the plurality of vertical sides, and thereby
forming corners of the cage, each vertical corner rail configured
to provide structural support to the cage and each vertical corner
rail having a leg for connectivity to the base; and a plurality of
metal plates, each metal plate having a handle grip and a pin slot
and disposed on the cage on one of the vertical corner rails and
connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured
for attachability to a base pin on the base; and attaching each
metal plate of the cage to one base pin on the base, thereby
securely connecting the cage to the base.
[0020] The method also includes unattaching each metal plate of the
cage from each base pin on the base, thereby disconnecting the cage
from the base when the safety cage assembly is ready for
unloading.
[0021] The method also includes that the base further includes a
plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to
receive one of the vertical corner rail legs; and lowering the cage
into the base such that the vertical corner rail legs are placed
into the corner receivers of the base.
[0022] The method further includes utilizing a safety cage assembly
further having a wire mesh disposed around the cage perimeter; and
securing a load upon a pallet on the base with the cage and
preventing the load from exiting the cage through the wire
mesh.
[0023] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the technology in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0024] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described
herein.
[0025] Further objects and advantages of the technology described
herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of
a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The technology described herein is illustrated with
reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers
denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively,
and in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a safety cage,
according to an embodiment of the technology;
[0028] FIG. 2 is both a front and back view of the safety cage
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of the safety cage depicted in FIG.
1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a top view of the safety cage depicted in FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a both a front and back view of the safety cage
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the lowering, by a
crane, or the like, of the safety cage over the safety cage base, a
pallet, and a load of blocks on the pallet, according to an
embodiment of the technology;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a close-up view safety cage depicted in FIG. 1,
illustrating, in particular, the metal plate, cage pin, and base
pin, with the cage engaged to the base, according to an embodiment
of the technology;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a close-up view safety cage depicted in FIG. 1,
illustrating, in particular, the metal plate, cage pin, and base
pin, with the cage disengaged from the base, according to an
embodiment of the technology;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1,
shown in use with a forklift, according to an embodiment of the
technology;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1,
shown in use with a crane, according to an embodiment of the
technology;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this
technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of
other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0037] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a materials safety cage and associated methods. The
safety cage assembly is configured for transport by both a crane
and a forklift. Additionally, the technology described herein
provides a masonry materials safety cage for lifting with a crane,
forklift, or the like.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, a safety cage assembly
100 is shown. FIGS. 1 through 4 represent the same safety cage
assembly 100 in front perspective, front and back, side, and top
views, respectively. The safety cage assembly 100 includes a cage
102 and a base 104. The safety cage assembly 100 is configured for
storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various
goods in a pallet area 200 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) secured by the
safety cage assembly 100. By way of example, the safety cage
assembly 100 is utilized for moving masonry materials. The cage 102
has four vertical sides generally connected in a generally
rectangular shape. The base 104 is configured to receive upon a top
surface of the base 104 a load-bearing pallet, or the like, wherein
the pallet is loaded with goods. The cage 102 is lowered upon the
base 104, to attach, engage, and secure, the cage 102 to the base
104 for safe transportation of the pallet of goods.
[0039] The same safety cage assembly 100 includes a plurality of
vertical corner rails 106. Each vertical corner rail 106 connects
two ends of the vertical sides of the cage 102. Each vertical
corner rail 106 is configured to provide structural support to the
cage 102. Each vertical corner rail 106 has a leg for connectivity
to the base 104. The same safety cage assembly 100 also includes a
plurality of vertical side rails 108. Each vertical side rail 108
is vertically disposed in a center region of each of the vertical
sides of the cage 102, thus configured to provide structural
support to the cage 102.
[0040] The safety cage assembly 100 also includes a plurality of
bottom frame rails 134. The bottom frame rails 134 are connected to
the plurality of vertical corner rails 106 near the bottom of the
cage 102 and configured to provide structural support to the cage
102. The bottom frame rails 134 are connected together in a
generally rectangular shape and integrally formed with the cage
102. The safety cage assembly 100 further includes a plurality of
top frame rails 132. The top frame rails 132 are connected to the
plurality of vertical corner rails 106 near the bottom of the cage
102. The top frame rails 132 are connected together in a generally
rectangular shape and integrally formed with the cage 102.
[0041] The safety cage assembly 100 also includes a plurality of
top diagonal rails 118. The top diagonal rails 118 are horizontal
and diagonal and connect the vertical corner rails 106 opposite one
another at a top of the cage 102. The top diagonal rails 118 are
configured to provide structural support to the safety cage
assembly. Disposed upon each cage top corner, each corner formed at
the joint of a vertical corner rail 106 top, pair of top frame
rails 132, and top diagonal rail 118, is a gusset 120. The gusset
120 provides additional structure to the cage 102 and various frame
members intersecting at each top corner of the cage (i.e., 106,
132, and 118).
[0042] Disposed on the top of the cage 102, at the
cross-intersection of two top diagonal rails 118, is a platform
124. The platform 124 provides additional structural integrity to
the cage 102 and provides support for the lifting of the cage 102.
Located upon the platform 124 is a loop opening 122. The loop
opening extends upwardly and is configured to receive a hook for
lifting and transporting the cage 102.
[0043] The safety cage assembly 100 includes a plurality of metal
plates 110. Each metal plate 110 is secured to one of the vertical
corner rails 106, near the bottom of the rail, with a cage pin 116.
Each metal plate 110 includes a handle grip 114 to grip and swing
the metal plate 110 as needed for proper alignment with the base
104 and attachment to a base pin 112. A pin slot 202 (FIG. 2) is
provided in which the base pin 112 enters and latches downwardly in
a secure position.
[0044] The safety cage assembly 100 includes a wire mesh 126
disposed around the perimeter of the cage 102. The wire mesh 126
further secures the various rails and frames together and contains
a pallet load with the cage 102. Thus, no contents loaded on a
pallet contained within the safety cage assembly 100 are allowed to
exit. This provides added safety to the safety cage assembly
100.
[0045] The base 104 of the safety cage assembly 100 includes a
plurality of horizontal support rails 128, 130. The horizontal
support rails 128, 130 include a number 130 of the horizontal rails
extending from a left side to a right side of the base 104 and a
number 128 of the horizontal rails extending from a front to a back
of the base 104. The horizontal support rails 128, 130 are
configured to provide structural support to the base 104.
Alternatively, the horizontal support rails are configured
diagonally between the corners of the base 104 to provide
structural support to the base 104.
[0046] By way of example, a safety cage assembly 100 is
manufactured by utilizing two-inch tubular steel. Other durable
materials can be utilized so long as very heavy loads are
supported. A square perimeter is constructed of the two-inch
tubular steel, forming top frame rails 132. A square perimeter is
constructed of the two-inch tubular steel, forming bottom frame
rails 134. The rails 132 are integrally formed to each other, such
as by welding. The rails 134 are integrally formed to each other,
such as by welding. The square perimeters can, for example, measure
fifty four inches measured from the outside of the frame and fifty
two inches from the inside. The square perimeters can be
strengthened by utilization of gussets 120 at the corners. The
gusset 120 is, for example, a quarter-inch steel plate gusset. The
top diagonal rails 118 can also be constructed from two-inch
tubular steel connecting. The top diagonal rails 118 form an "X"
shape across the integrally formed top frame rails 132. At the
cross-section of the top diagonal rails 118, where the top diagonal
rails 118 intersect in the "X," a platform 124 is welded, or
otherwise integrally formed, to maintain the top of the cage 102
and to support a loop opening 122. The loop opening 122 can be
formed, for example, by utilizing a one-inch eye bolt having a
six-inch opening to receive a crane hook, or the like. The eye bolt
can be welded to the platform 124. The vertical corner rails 106
opposite one another can also be constructed of two-inch tubular
steel, connecting, and integrally formed with, the top and bottom
square perimeters. The vertical corner rails 106 are, for example,
sixty inches in length. At approximately four inches above a base
of each vertical corner rails 106 the bottom square perimeter is
welded, or otherwise integrally formed, to the vertical corner
rails 106. The remaining four inches below the weld creates "legs"
for placement in the base 104. Within the bottom square perimeter
constructed of the bottom frame rails 134, one-inch holes, for
example, are drilled at each corner, configured to receive one-inch
bolts, or pins, on which a half-inch, oval-shaped metal plate 110
is placed. The metal plate 110 is configured with two holes, one
hole configured with a pin slot 202, so that another one-inch bolt,
or pin, can pass through and slide down into the pin slot 202 to
latch securely. The pallet base 104 similarly is constructed of
two-inch tubular steel. The pallet base 104 is also fitted with
corner receivers to accommodate the legs of the cage 102 as the
cage 102 is lowered upon the base 104. The pallet base 104 is, for
example, fitted with five inch by five inch angled steel feet,
integrally formed with the base 104. In operation the cage 102 can
be removed entirely from the base 104 in a vertical position,
eliminating the need for additional work space.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, the safety cage assembly 100 is
depicted in use with a crane 500 and crane hook 502. Utilizing a
crane 500 and crane hook 502 enables the cage 102 of the safety
cage assembly 100 to be lifted above the base 104. By way of
example, pallet area 200 is shown with a load of masonry blocks
504. A pallet of blocks 504 has been placed upon the base 104, by a
forklift of the like. The crane 500 lowers the crane hook 502
holding the cage 102 over the loaded pallet and received at the
base 104 by the corner receivers 506. A corner receiver 506 is
located at each corner of the base and is configured to receive a
leg from the vertical corner rails 106 of the cage 102. The cage
102 is secured to the base 104 with the metal plates 110, pin slots
202, and base pins 112. Once secured, the pallet of blocks 504 can
be transported safely and securely. Once transported, the metal
plates 110 and base pins 112 are released, allowing the cage 102 to
be removed from the base 104 and pallet of blocks 504.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, close up views of the metal
plate 110, cage pin 116, and base pin 112, with the cage 102
engaged to the base 104 (FIG. 6) and with the cage 102 disengaged
from the base 104 (FIG. 7), all of the safety cage assembly 100,
are shown. Each metal plate 110 includes a handle grip 114 to
assist with alignment of the cage 102 to the base 104.
Additionally, each metal plate 110 includes a pin slot 202 to
receive the base pin 112. When disengaged from the base 104, the
metal plate 110 swings to provide alignment capabilities when
attempting to engage the cage 102 to the base 104.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 8, the safety cage assembly 100 is
depicted in use with a forklift 800. The cage 102 is secured to
base 104 and a pallet load can be contained within. The safety cage
assembly 100 is configured such that a pallet within is still
accessible by a forklift 800.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9, the safety cage assembly 100 is
depicted in use with a crane 500 and crane hook 502, similar to the
depiction in FIG. 5, yet illustrated with the cage 102 engaged to
the base 104 and shown in use with a pallet load. The crane hook
502 connects through and hooks the loop opening 122 disposed on top
of the cage 102. The safety cage assembly 100 is configured such
that a pallet within is lifted by a crane 500 and transported.
[0051] Although this technology has been illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
invention and are intended to be covered by the following
claims.
* * * * *