U.S. patent application number 14/848447 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for cradle for proppant container having tapered box guides.
The applicant listed for this patent is Oren Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to John Oren, Joshua Oren.
Application Number | 20150375930 14/848447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54929703 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20150375930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oren; John ; et al. |
December 31, 2015 |
CRADLE FOR PROPPANT CONTAINER HAVING TAPERED BOX GUIDES
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus to
support a proppant container including a frame to receive and
support the proppant container, the frame having a top surface that
receives and positions the proppant container above a conveyor to
carry proppant disposed thereon away from the proppant container.
The apparatus also includes a box guide assembly positioned on the
top surface including a corner assembly having two wall segments,
and a guide member extending upwardly and positioned adjacent the
corner assembly, the guide member including tapered portion of the
guide member, the taper having a first width at a top portion of
the guide member smaller than a second width at a bottom portion of
the guide member. The tapered portion contacts and directs the
proppant container to a desired location.
Inventors: |
Oren; John; (Houston,
TX) ; Oren; Joshua; (Houston, TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oren Technologies, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
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Family ID: |
54929703 |
Appl. No.: |
14/848447 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14676039 |
Apr 1, 2015 |
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14848447 |
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62050493 |
Sep 15, 2014 |
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62114614 |
Feb 11, 2015 |
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62014479 |
Jun 19, 2014 |
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62012160 |
Jun 13, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/808 ;
206/386; 248/146; 414/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/30 20130101;
B65D 88/32 20130101; B65G 63/004 20130101; B65D 90/125 20130101;
B65D 2590/0091 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/32 20060101
B65D088/32; B65G 65/30 20060101 B65G065/30; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 19/06 20060101 B65D019/06; B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65G 63/00 20060101
B65G063/00; F16M 11/04 20060101 F16M011/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to support a proppant container, the apparatus
comprising: a frame to receive and support the proppant container,
the frame having a top surface that receives and positions the
proppant container above a conveyor to carry proppant disposed
thereon away from the proppant container; and a box guide assembly
positioned on the top surface, the box guide assembly comprising: a
corner assembly having two wall segments positioned substantially
perpendicular to one another and to the top surface, the corner
assembly positioned on a peripheral edge of the frame to at least
partially define a desired location for positioning the proppant
container; and a guide member extending upwardly and positioned
substantially perpendicular to the top surface, the guide member
positioned adjacent the corner assembly, the guide member including
a tapered portion extending distally from the top surface such that
a first width of the tapered portion at a top portion of the guide
member is less than a second width of the tapered portion at a
bottom portion of the guide member, the tapered portion contacting
and directing the proppant container to the desired location when
the proppant container is being positioned thereon.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an inclined edge of the
tapered portion, wherein the inclined edge extends between a
proximal side of the guide member and a distal side of the guide
member, the inclined edge being downwardly sloped.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inclined edge extends from
the top portion of the guide member to a first end of the bottom
portion of the guide member, the inclined edge extending laterally
away from the proximal side.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least two box guide
assemblies positioned at corners of the desired location, the guide
members of the box guide assemblies arranged such that alignment of
the container relative to the desired location is adjusted in at
least two axial directions via the box guide assemblies.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is
integrally formed with at least one wall segment of the corner
assembly.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the box guide assembly
comprises a second tapered portion arranged substantially
perpendicularly to the tapered portion, the tapered portion
positioned along one wall segment of the corner assembly and the
second tapered portion positioned the other wall segment of the
corner assembly.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, where a first width of the guide
member is less than a wall width of the wall segments of the corner
assembly.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first thickness of the guide
member is less than a wall width of the wall segments of the corner
assembly and less than a support member thickness of the frame.
10. A system to store and support proppant containers, the system
comprising: a plurality of proppant containers, each of the
proppant containers of the plurality of proppant containers
comprising: walls forming a periphery of the proppant container; an
upper side; and a bottom side forming a compartment to store the
proppant therein, the bottom side having an outlet formed therein
to facilitate removal of the proppant from the proppant container;
a cradle for receiving and supporting the plurality of proppant
containers, the cradle having a plurality of cradle sections
defining a desired location on the cradle associated with
respective proppant containers of the plurality of proppant
containers, each proppant container being positioned on a top
surface of the cradle; and a plurality of box guide assemblies
positioned on the top surface of the cradle at respective edges of
the plurality of cradle sections to at least partially define the
desired location of each cradle section, the box guide assemblies
each having a tapered portioned to direct each proppant container
of the plurality of proppant containers into the respective cradle
section.
11. The system of claim 10, comprising box guide assemblies
positioned at each corner of the cradle sections, the respective
tapered portions of the box guide assemblies arranged in at least
two different axial directions to align the proppant container
within the cradle section.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein each box guide assembly of the
plurality of box guide assemblies comprises a corner assembly, the
respective corner assemblies comprising a pair of walls segments
positioned substantially perpendicularly to one another, wherein
the respective tapered portions of each box guide assembly are
arranged proximate to the respective wall segments.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the wall segments of the
respective corner assemblies are utilized by adjacent corner
assemblies.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of containers are
arranged in a side-by-side configuration along the cradle, the
cradle sections arranged in a spaced relationship such that each
container of the plurality of proppant containers readily is
removeable from the cradle without disturbing adjacent proppant
containers such that the proppant stored in the respective
containers on the cradle dispenses while one or more other
containers of the plurality of containers are removed from the
cradle.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the box guide assemblies
comprises a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion, the
first tapered portion positioned substantially perpendicular to the
second tapered portion, such that the proppant containers readily
are directed in at least two different axial directions.
16. A method for moving and supporting proppant containers, the
method comprising: lifting a proppant container to a position above
a top surface of a support structure, the position being vertically
higher relative to a ground plane than a top portion of a box guide
assembly; aligning the proppant container over a section of the
support structure which receives and supports the proppant
container, the section defining a desired location for the proppant
location; lowering the proppant container toward the support
structure such that a bottom surface of the proppant container is
at a position vertically lower than the top portion of the box
guide assembly; and positioning the proppant container within an
area of the section at least partially defined by the box guide
assembly via at least one tapered surface of the box guide
assembly, the at least one tapered surface positioned on a top
surface of the support structure to guide the proppant container
toward the desired location.
17. The method of claim 16, comprising moving the proppant
container toward the section via an inclined edge of the tapered
surface, the inclined edge being downwardly sloped from a lateral
periphery of the section.
18. The method of claim 16, comprising positioning at least two box
guide assemblies having tapered surfaces on the top surface, the
respective tapered surfaces of the at least two box guide
assemblies positioned substantially perpendicularly to one another
such that the tapered surfaces guide the proppant container toward
the desired location in at least two axial directions.
19. The method of claim 16, comprising arranging a plurality of
proppant containers in a side-by-side configuration along a cradle
comprising a plurality of sections, the plurality of proppant
containers being spaced apart such that removal of one proppant
container of the plurality of proppant containers does not disturb
adjacent proppant containers.
20. The method of claim 16, comprising positioning the support
structure over a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt receiving
proppant from the proppant container and carrying the proppant to a
location away from the proppant container.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to, and
the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,493, filed
Sep. 15, 2014, titled "Cradle for Proppant Container Having Tapered
Box Guides." This application is also a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/676,039, filed Apr. 1,
2015, titled "Methods and Systems to Transfer Proppant for Fracking
with Reduced Risk of Production and Release of Silica Dust at a
Well Site," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/012,160, filed Jun. 13, 2014, titled "Process and Apparatus
for Reducing Silica Exposure During the Delivery of Proppants to a
Mine," U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/014,479, filed on Jun.
19, 2014, titled "System and Methods for Reducing Silica Exposure
at a Well Site," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/114,614,
filed Feb. 11, 2015, titled "Methods and Systems to Transfer
Proppant for Fracking with Reduced Risk of Production and Release
of Silica Dust at a Well Site," each of which are incorporated
herein in their entireties by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to positioning and aligning
proppant containers at a well site. More particularly, the present
invention relates to systems and methods to position and align
proppant containers onto stands and/or conveyors at the well
site.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" has been used for decades
to stimulate production from conventional oil and gas wells. In
recent years, the use of fracking has increased due to the
development of new drilling technology such as horizontal drilling
and multi-stage fracking. Such techniques reach
previously-unavailable deposits of natural gas and oil. Fracking
generally includes pumping fluid into a wellbore at high pressure.
Inside the wellbore, the fluid is forced into the formation being
produced. When the fluid enters the formation, it fractures, or
creates fissures, in the formation. Water, as well as other fluids,
and some solid proppants, are then pumped into the fissures to
stimulate the release of oil and gas from the formation.
[0006] By far the dominant proppant is silica sand, made up of
ancient weathered quartz, the most common mineral in the Earth's
continental crust. Unlike common sand, which often feels gritty
when rubbed between your fingers, sand used as a proppant tends to
roll to the touch as a result of its round, spherical shape and
tightly-graded particle distribution. Sand quality is a function of
both deposit and processing. Grain size is critical, as any given
proppant should reliably fall within certain mesh ranges, subject
to downhole conditions and completion design. Generally, coarser
proppant allows a higher capacity due to the larger pore spaces
between grains. This type of proppant, however, may break down or
crush more readily under stress due to the relatively fewer
grain-to-grain contact points to bear the stress often incurred in
deep oil- and gas-bearing formations.
[0007] During fracking operations, workers may transport containers
holding the proppant between rail cars, trucks, staging areas, or
the like and stands or container holders. For example, work
vehicles (e.g., cranes, fork lifts, etc.) may be used to transport
the containers between different locations at the work site. Often,
renting and/or purchasing the equipment for transporting and moving
the containers is expensive, therefore, efficiency with
transportation and movement is desirable to decrease costs for
owners and operators. Typically, the stands or container holders
include protruding features (e.g., fasteners, protrusions, etc.)
that align with corresponding recessed features of the containers
to secure and align the containers on the stands or holders.
However, aligning the respective features may be time consuming and
difficult for workers using large equipment, where visibility of
the features on the stands or containers may be decreased. It is
now recognized that improvements for positioning containers onto
the stands or holders is desirable.
SUMMARY
[0008] Applicants recognized the problems noted above herein and
conceived and developed embodiments of systems and methods,
according to the present invention, to position proppant containers
onto racks, holders, conveyors, or the like.
[0009] In an embodiment an apparatus to support a proppant
container includes a frame o receive and support the proppant
container, the frame having a top surface that receives and
positions the proppant container above a conveyor to carry proppant
disposed thereon away from the proppant container. The apparatus
also includes a box guide assembly positioned on the top surface.
The box guide assembly includes a corner assembly having two wall
segments positioned substantially perpendicular to one another and
to the top surface, the corner assembly positioned on a peripheral
edge of the frame to at least partially define a desired location
for positioning the proppant container. The box guide assembly also
includes a guide member extending upwardly and positioned
substantially perpendicular to the top surface, the guide member
positioned adjacent the corner assembly. The box guide assembly
also includes a tapered portion of the guide member extending
distally from the top surface, such that a first width of the
tapered portion at a top portion of the guide member is less than a
second width of the tapered portion at a bottom portion of the
guide member, the tapered portion contacting and directing the
proppant container to the desired location when the proppant
container is being positioned thereon.
[0010] In another embodiment a system to store and support proppant
containers includes a plurality of proppant containers. Each of the
proppant containers of the plurality of proppant containers
includes walls forming a periphery of the proppant container, an
upper side, and a bottom side forming a compartment to store the
proppant therein. The bottom side having an outlet formed therein
to facilitate removal of the proppant from the proppant container.
The system also includes a cradle for receiving and supporting the
plurality of proppant containers, the cradle having a plurality of
cradle sections defining a desired location on the cradle
associated with respective proppant containers of the plurality of
proppant containers. Each proppant container is positioned on a top
surface of the cradle. Moreover, the system includes a plurality of
box guide assemblies positioned on the top surface of the cradle at
respective edges of the plurality of cradle sections to at least
partially define the desired location of each cradle section. The
box guide assemblies each have a tapered portioned to direct each
proppant container of the plurality of proppant containers into the
respective cradle section.
[0011] In a further embodiment, a method for moving and supporting
proppant containers includes lifting a proppant container to a
position above a top surface of a support structure, the position
being vertically higher relative to a ground plane than a top
portion of a box guide assembly. The method also includes aligning
the proppant container over a section of the support structure
which receives and supports the proppant container, the section
defining a desired location for the proppant location. The method
further includes lowering the proppant container toward the support
structure such that a bottom surface of the proppant container is
at a position vertically lower than the top portion of the box
guide assembly. The method also includes positioning the proppant
container within an area of the section at least partially defined
by the box guide assembly via at least one tapered surface of the
box guide assembly, the at least one tapered surface positioned on
a top surface of the support structure to guide the proppant
container toward the desired location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be further appreciated when considered with
reference to the following description of embodiments and
accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments of the
invention illustrated in the appended drawings, specific
terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used,
and it is to be understood that each specific term includes
equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an embodiment
of a well site for fracking using an embodiment of the system and
method, according to the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
container, according to the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 2
positioned on forks of a forklift, according to the present
disclosure:
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
conveyor system having containers positioned thereof, according to
the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a forklift
preparing to position a container having proppant for fracking onto
a conveyor, according the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container
positioned on a cradle, according to the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an
embodiment of guide member of a box guide assembly, according to
the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an
embodiment of a guide member of a box guide assembly, according to
the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an
embodiment of a guide member of a box guide assembly, according to
the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an
embodiment of box guide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a
cradle, according to the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an
embodiment of box guide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a
cradle, according to the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an embodiment of box guide
assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to
the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an embodiment of box guide
assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to
the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for
positioning a container onto a cradle, according to the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for
positioning a container onto a cradle, according to the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container positioned over a desired location of a cradle, according
to the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of
a cradle, according to the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of
a cradle, according to the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present
disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container
misaligned with a desired location of a cradle, according to the
present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container
aligned over a top surface of a cradle, according to the present
disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container
in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle,
according to the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container
on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present
disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container positioned over a desired location of a cradle via a
forklift, according to the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of
a cradle via a forklift, according to the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of
a cradle via a forklift, according to the present disclosure;
and
[0039] FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a
container on a top surface of a cradle via a forklift, according to
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be further appreciated when considered with
reference to the following description of embodiments and
accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments of the
invention illustrated in the appended drawings, specific
terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used,
and it is to be understood that each specific term includes
equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose.
[0041] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the
present invention, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or
environmental conditions are not exclusive of other
parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally,
it should be understood that references to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "certain embodiments," or "other embodiments" of the
present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding
the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the
recited features. Furthermore, reference to terms such as "above,"
"below," "upper", "lower", "side", "front," "back," or other terms
regarding orientation are made with reference to the illustrated
embodiments and are not intended to be limiting or exclude other
orientations.
[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure include box guide
assemblies for adjusting the alignment of a container being
positioned onto a surface. For example, the box guide assemblies
may be positioned on a top surface of a cradle. The box guide
assemblies include guide members having a tapered portion that
contacts the container when the container is not aligned with the
surface. For example, as the container is lowered toward the top
surface, the container may contact the tapered portion of the guide
members. The tapered portions may include incline edges that
receive the container and direct the container toward a desired
location on the top surface. As a result, even when the container
is misaligned, the container may be directed toward the top surface
by the box guide assemblies without manual realignment of the
containers.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 1, is an environmental perspective view of a
well site 10 for fracking using certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the well site 10
includes a removable floor 12 (e.g., made of wood, metal, polymers,
or the like) to facilitate the use of heavy machinery, including
one or more forklifts 14, for loading and unloading railroad cars
16 or trucks 18 carrying one or more containers 20 (e.g. proppant
containers), containing proppant. However, in other embodiments,
cranes, jacks, or other prime movers, may be used at the well site
10 for loading, unloading, and/or positioning (e.g., staging) the
containers 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers 20 are
positioned in a side-by-side configuration on the railroad cars 16.
As shown, four containers 20 are arranged on each railroad car 16.
However, in other embodiments, different configurations of the
containers 20 on the railroad car 16 may be utilized to account for
engineering design conditions (e.g., the weight of the containers,
the size of the containers, the staging area at the well site,
etc.)
[0044] The containers 20 are stackable at the well site 10, thereby
potentially decreasing the foot print occupied by the containers
20. For example, containers 20a may be stacked on top of other
containers 20b. As such, the containers 20 may be filled with
proppant and stacked at the well site 10, thereby reducing
logistical problems related to delivering and unloading loose
proppant at well sites 10. The well site 10 may also include
blenders 22 for combining proppant 24, which may consist of mined
silica sand, but potentially also coated or treated sand, ceramic,
or bauxite, with fracking fluids. The well site also can include
fracking machinery 26 to pump the proppant 24 and other fracking
fluids into a wellbore 28 at high pressure. In the illustrated
embodiment, a conveyor system 30 receives the containers 20
proximate the blenders 22. In certain embodiments, the conveyor
system 30 includes a conveyor belt that receives the proppant 24
from the containers 20 and transports the proppant 24 to the
blenders 22 for further use in the wellbore 28.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container 20 for storing, shipping, and distributing the proppant
24. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 20 includes a
frame 42 having substantially vertical cross members 44 and
substantially horizontal cross members 46. However, in other
embodiments, the frame 42 may include only vertical cross members
44, only horizontal cross members 46, or cross members positioned
at an incline. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiments
includes the cross members 44, 46 on an outer surface of the
container 20, in other embodiments the cross members 44, 46 may be
located on the interior surface of the container 20. As will be
appreciated, the cross members 44, 46 provide support to the
container 20 when the container 20 is filled with proppant 24. An
end wall 48 is shown on one end of the container 10, which is
adjacent and perpendicular to a sidewall 50. An upper side 52 of
the container 10 projects perpendicularly to and between end wall
48 and the side wall 50. The end wall 48, sidewall 50, a second end
wall (not pictured), and a second sidewall (not pictured) define a
lateral periphery of an interior volume of the container 20 in
which to store the proppant 24. Moreover, the upper side 52
includes a hatch 54, in the illustrated embodiment, to permit
access to the interior volume of the container 20. For example, the
container 20 may be filled with proppant 24 via the hatch 54.
[0046] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the container 20
includes several support features to permit operators access to the
container. For example, a ladder 56 is positioned on the sidewall
50 to permit access to the upper side 52. Moreover, attachment
hooks 58 enable cables or tie down supports to be attached to the
container 20 during loading, unloading, or transportation
operations. For example, operators may attach tie downs (e.g.,
ropes, straps, etc.) to the attachment hooks 58 to secure the
container 20 to the truck 18. Furthermore, the container 20
includes compartment supports 60 projecting radially inward from an
open space below the end wall 48 and the sidewall 50. The
compartment supports 60 are coupled to a lower girder 62 of the
frame 42. Additionally, the container 20 includes slots 64
extending through the lower girders 62. The slots 64 may enable
forks of the forklifts 14 to engage the frame 42 and transport the
container 20 between different locations.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the container
20 being lifted by the forklift 14. As shown, the forks 66 of the
forklift 14 extend through the slots 64, thereby supporting the
container 20 and securing the container 20 to the forks 66 for
movement between different locations at the well site 10. As will
be described in detail below, in certain embodiments, the forklift
14 may transport the containers 20 from a stacked orientation to
the conveyor system 30. The illustrated slots 64 extend through the
lower girder 62, isolated from an inclined section 68 (e.g., ramped
section, ramped portion) of the container 20. In certain
embodiments, the inclined section 68 includes a plurality of ramped
sections that direct the proppant 24 toward an outlet. As a result,
the likelihood of damage to the inclined section 68 during
transportation is decreased, because the forks 66 do not contact
the inclined section 68, or the gap 70 around the inclined section
68. As shown, the gaps 70 permit visual inspection of the area
surrounding the inclined section 68. For example, during
international shipment, visual inspection may be desirable.
However, in certain embodiments, the compartment supports 60 may
include openings 72 which receive the forks 66. It will be
appreciated that the location of the slots 64 and/or openings 72
may be particularly selected based on the forklifts 14 in use at
the well site 10, as well as for other manufacturing, assembly, or
production concerns. In this manner, the forks 66 may engage the
lower girder 62, compartment supports 60, or other features of the
frame 42 to transport the container 20 between different
locations.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view of an embodiment
of the containers 20 positioned on a cradle 80 of the conveyor
system 30. For example, the conveyor system 30 may be part of a
moveable rig for transporting the positioning the containers near
the well bore 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle 80
includes a conveyor 82 for receiving and distributing proppant 24
from within the containers 10. The conveyor 82 includes a moving
belt 84 that transports the proppant 24 to a ramp 86, that in turn
delivers the proper 24 to a chute system 88. From the chute system
88 the proppant 24 makes its way to the wellbore 28 after passing
through the blender 22 and fracking machinery 26.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle 80 includes a
structural frame 90 (e.g., frame) having cage-like support
structure including horizontal support members 92, vertical support
members 94, and inclined support members 96. Moreover, the
horizontal support members 92 include an upper support member 98
and a lower support member 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the
upper support member 98 has a top surface 102 which receives and
supports the containers 20. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the containers 20 are arranged in a side-by-side
configuration such that individual containers 20 may be removed
from the cradle 80 without disturbing adjacent containers. In
certain embodiments, the containers 20 are not in contact with
adjacent containers 20. However, in other embodiments, the
containers 20 may be in contact with adjacent containers.
Furthermore, box guide assemblies 104 are mounted on the top
surface 102 at intervals along a length of the cradle 80. For
example, the illustrated embodiment includes eight box guide
assemblies 104 positioned in a spaced relationship relative to one
another. For example, the box guide assemblies 104 may be separated
by approximately one container 20 width. Also, the box guide
assemblies 104 may be closely spaced (e.g., less than one container
20 width) or in contact with one another. As will be appreciated,
the location of the box guide assemblies 104 may be particularly
selected to accommodate design and/or manufacturing considerations.
However, in other embodiments, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
10, 20, 30, 40, or any suitable number of box guide assemblies 104.
For example, as will be described below, each section (e.g.,
segment, partition) of the cradle 80 may include four box guide
assemblies 104 to direct and guide the containers 20 into the
sections. In certain embodiments, the box guide assemblies 104
include inserts which contact the containers 20 during installation
to guide the containers 20 into the sections and/or to desired
locations along the cradle 80. However, in other embodiments, the
box guide assemblies 104 have guide members and/or tapered sections
integrally formed to the box guide assemblies 104 to guide the
containers 20 into the sections.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container 20 being moved to the cradle 80 via the forklift 14. As
shown, the forks 66 engage the slots 64 of the frame 42 to lift the
container 20 toward the cradle 80. In the illustrated embodiment,
two containers 20a, 20b are already positioned on the cradle 80
while the third container 20 is moved by the forklift 14 to
position the containers 20 in a side-by-side configuration along
the length of the cradle 80. Each container 20 is aligned with a
respective cradle section 120 defined at least partially by the
respective box guide assemblies 104. For example, the first
container 20a is positioned within the first cradle section 120a,
the second container 20b is positioned within the second cradle
section 120b, the third container 20c is moved toward the third
cradle section 120c via the forklift 14, and a fourth cradle
section 120d is proximate the third cradle section 120c. In this
manner, the containers 20 may be positioned on and/or removed from
the cradle 80 without disturbing adjacent containers. For example,
the proppant 24 may be flowing out of the containers 20a, 20b while
the container 20c is being positioned onto the cradle 80.
[0051] As described above, the box guide assemblies 104 are
positioned on the top surface 102 of the upper support member 98,
thereby at least partially defining the cradle sections 120. In the
illustrated embodiment, the box guide assemblies 104 are positioned
at corners of the cradle sections 120, and, as a result, each
cradle section 120 is at least partially defined by four box guide
assemblies 104. However in certain embodiments, each cradle section
120 may include more or fewer box guide assemblies 104. For
example, the box guide assemblies 104 may be positioned at opposite
corners of the cradle sections 120, along one side of the cradle
sections 120, at particularly selected corners of the cradle
sections 120, or any combination thereof.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the box guide assemblies 104 include
guide members 122 to direct the container 20 into the cradle
sections 120 when the container 20 is not aligned with the cradle
section 120 during installation. That is, the guide members 122
move the container 20 from an improper or undesirable alignment to
a proper or desirable alignment that allows the container 20 to
rest on the top surface 102. The guide member 122 is positioned
adjacent a corner assembly 124 having a pair of walls 126, 128 that
form a portion of the box guide assembly 104. As shown, the walls
126, 128 are substantially perpendicular to one another, and
substantially perpendicular to the top surface 102. In other words,
the walls 126, 128 form a substantially 90-degree angle relative to
one another and relative to the top surface 102. As used herein
with respect to angles, substantially is equal to plus or minus IS
degrees. Moreover, in certain embodiments, adjacent box guide
assemblies 104 may share one or more walls 126, 128. For example,
the wall 126 may extend along the top surface and accommodate
adjacent cradles sections 120e, 120f. Moreover, the wall 128 may be
utilized by both cradle sections 120c, 120d. In other words, the
cradle section 120c may be associated with a first side of the wall
128, while the cradle section 120d is associated with a second,
opposite side of the wall 128.
[0053] The guide members 122 are positioned adjacent the walls 126,
128 and direct the container 20 into the cradle section 120 if the
container 20 is not aligned with the cradle section 120 during
installation. In other words, the guide members 122 guide the
container 20 to a desired location 130 on the cradle 80. In certain
embodiments, the desired location 130 is the associated cradle
section 120. However, in other embodiments, the desired location
130 may be a slot, recess, opening, or the like in the cradle 80
that receives the container 20, a corresponding feature to lock the
container 20 to the cradle 80, or the like. For example, the
desired location 130 may be a recessed section in the top surface
102 which substantially blocks axial movement of the container 20
while the container 20 is in the desired location 130. As will be
described in detail below, the guide members 122 include a tapered
portion which contacts the container 20 when the container 20 is
not aligned with the cradle section 120 to drive the container 20
toward the desired location 130.
[0054] During installation, the forklift 14 raises the container 20
above the corner assemblies 124, thereby allowing the lower girder
62 to clear a height of the walls 126, 128. In other words, the
container 20 is moved to a vertical position (e.g., elevation)
higher than the walls 126, 128, relative to a ground plane.
Moreover, the forklift 14 may position the container 20 over the
cradle 80, for example, by extending the forks 66 away from the
forklift 14. However, as shown, the size of the container 20 may
reduce visibility of the cradle 80 and/or the cradle sections 120.
In certain embodiments, additional operators may guide the forklift
operator as the container 20 is positioned on the cradle 80.
However, by utilizing the disclosed guide members 122, the
container 20 may be misaligned with the cradle sections 120, but
the guide members 122 may guide the container 20 into the proper
position (e.g., toward the desired location 130) on the cradle 80.
As a result, the efficiency of positioning the containers 20 onto
the cradles 80 may be improved because operators will be able to
load containers 20 faster due to the guide members 122 providing
alignment of the containers 20 onto the cradle sections 120 instead
of utilizing manual alignment.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container 20d being positioned over the respective cradle section
120d. Certain features have been removed for clarity. As shown, the
container 20d is misaligned with the cradle section 120d such that
the end wall 48 is longitudinally displaced from the box guide
assemblies 104 along a longitudinal axis 140. That is, as the
container 20d is lowered toward the cradle section 120d, the
container 20d will contact the box guide assemblies 104 to drive
the container 20d toward the desired location 130. For example, the
lower girder 62 of the container 20d may contact (e.g., engage,
strike, etc.) the guide member 122 of the box guide assembly 104.
Specifically, the container 20d may contact a tapered portion 142
of the guide member 122, the tapered portion guiding the container
20d toward the cradle section 120d. That is, the lower girder 62
may slide down an inclined edge 144 of the tapered portion 142
toward the desired location 130. As shown, the inclined edge 144 is
downwardly sloped such that the container 20d is encouraged to move
toward the desired location 130.
[0056] In certain embodiments, the guide members 122 may be
arranged such that the containers 20 are driven toward the desired
location 130 along two different axes. For example, the inclined
edge 144 of the guide members 122 may be arranged to direct the
containers 20 toward the desired location 130 along the
longitudinal axis 140 and along a lateral axis 146. That is, the
guide members 122 may include multiple inclined edges 144 aligned
with multiple axes. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to
cradle section 120b, the guide members 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d are
positioned at each corner assembly 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d to direct
the container 20 in one direction along either the longitudinal
axis 140 or the lateral axis 146. For example, the inclined portion
144a of the guide member 122a is aligned with the lateral axis 146,
thereby being positioned to drive the container along the lateral
axis 146. Similarly, the inclined portion 144c of the guide member
122c is aligned with the lateral axis 146, thereby being positioned
to drive the container along the lateral axis 146. In this manner,
the guide members 122a, 122c may cooperate to laterally align the
container 20 within the cradle section 120b, thereby positioning
the container at the desired location 130.
[0057] Continuing with the discussion of cradle section 120b, the
inclined portion 144b of the guide member 122b is aligned with the
longitudinal axis 140, thereby being positioned to drive the
container along the longitudinal axis 140. Similarly, the inclined
portion 144d of the guide member 122d is aligned with the
longitudinal axis 140, thereby being positioned to drive the
container along the longitudinal axis 140. In this manner, the
guide members 122b, 122d may cooperate to longitudinally align the
container 20 within the cradle section 120b. It is appreciated that
the guide members 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d may all work in unison to
align the container 20 over the cradle section 120b to place the
container 20 in the desired location 130. Moreover, while the
illustrated embodiment depicts the guide members 122a, 122c aligned
with the lateral axis 146 and guide members 122b, 122d aligned with
the longitudinal axis 140, in other embodiments, the guide members
122a, 122c may be aligned with the longitudinal axis 140, the guide
members 122b, 122d may be aligned with the lateral axis 146, or any
combination thereof to facilitate alignment and placement of the
container 20 at the desired location 130. Moreover, in certain
embodiments, all of the guide members 122 may be aligned along the
same axis. For example, with reference to cradle section 120c, each
guide member 122 is aligned along the lateral axis 146. In certain
embodiments, the container 20 may be substantially square (e.g.,
the length of the end walls 48 may equal the length of the side
walls 50), therefore alignment in one axial direction may be
sufficient to position the container 20 in the desired location
130.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to cradle
section 120a, the guide members 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h are
positioned proximate the corner assemblies 124e, 124f, 124g, 124h.
As shown, each guide member 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h includes a first
inclined edge 148 and a second inclined edge 150 extending along
legs 152 of the guide members 122. The first and second inclined
edges 148, 150 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 140 and the
lateral axis 146, respectively. As a result, the guide members
122e, 122f, 122g, 122h adjust the positioning of the container 20
in at least two axial directions. For example, the guide member
122e may adjust the alignment of the container 20 along both the
longitudinal axis 140 (e.g., via the first inclined edge 148)
and/or the lateral axis 146 (e.g., via the second inclined edge
150). While the illustrated embodiment includes four guide members
122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, in other embodiments more or fewer guide
members 122 may be utilized. Moreover, guide members 122 that
adjust the container 20 position along two axial directions may be
mixed with guide members 122 that adjust the container 20 position
along a single axial direction.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of
the guide member 122. As described above, the guide member 122
includes the inclined edge 144 that downwardly slopes from a
proximal side 160 to a distal side 162. In operation, the proximal
side 160 is positioned proximate at least one wall (e.g., wall 126,
wall 128) of the corner assembly 124 and the distal side 162 is
positioned proximate the desired location 130. In the illustrated
embodiment, the guide member 122 includes a bottom portion 164, a
middle portion 166 and a top portion 168. As shown, the bottom
portion 164 has a substantially constant first width 170. However,
the inclined edge 144 extends from the top portion 168, through the
middle portion 166, and terminates at a first end 172 of the bottom
portion 164. In other words, the inclined edge 144 extends from the
top portion 168 to the first end 172 of the bottom portion 164. As
a result, a width of the inclined edge 144 is variable over a
length 174 of the inclined edge 144. Yet, in the illustrated
embodiment, a second width 176 of the top portion 168 is smaller
than the first width 170 of the bottom portion 164. Moreover, at
least a portion of a third width 178 of the middle portion 166 is
smaller than the first width 170 of the bottom portion 164.
[0060] As mentioned above, the inclined edge 144 slopes downwardly
from the top portion 168 to the bottom portion 164 (e.g., laterally
away from the proximal side 160). A first angle 180 and a second
angle 182 define the inclined edge 144. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first angle 180 is approximately 50 degrees,
relative to the end 172. However, in other embodiments, the first
angle 180 may be approximately 10 degrees, approximately 20
degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 40 degrees,
approximately 60 degrees, or any other reasonably value. As used
herein, approximately refers to plus or minus 5 degrees. Moreover,
in other embodiments, the first angle 180 may be between a range of
approximately 10 degrees and 40 degrees, approximately 20 degrees
and 50 degrees, approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees, or any
other suitable range. It will be appreciated that the first angle
180 may be particularly selected to accommodate anticipated design
conditions and/or manufacturing conditions. Furthermore, in the
illustrated embodiment, the second angle is approximately 40
degrees, relative to the proximal side 160. However, in other
embodiments, the second angle 182 may be approximately 10 degrees,
approximately 20 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately
50 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or any other reasonably
value. Moreover, in other embodiments, the second angle 182 may be
between a range of approximately 10 degrees and 40 degrees,
approximately 20 degrees and 50 degrees, approximately 30 degrees
and 60 degrees, or any other suitable range. It will be appreciated
that the second angle 182 may be particularly selected to
accommodate anticipated design conditions and/or manufacturing
conditions.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal side 160 extends
for a first height 184 and the distal side 162 extends for a second
height 186 from a second end 188 of the bottom portion 164. As
shown, the first height 184 is larger than the second height 186
due to the downwardly sloping inclined edge 144 extending from the
proximal side 160 to the distal side 162. Accordingly, as the
container 20 contacts the inclined edge 144, the container 20 will
slide down the inclined edge 144 in a direction 190 represented by
the arrow due to gravity. In other words, the weight of the
container 20 will drive movement of the container 20 down the
inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130. While the
illustrated embodiment includes the inclined edge 144 extending
from the top portion 168 to the first end 172 of the bottom portion
164, in other embodiments the inclined edge 144 may extend from the
top portion 168 to the second end 188 of the bottom portion 164. In
other words, the guide member 122 may have a cross-sectional shape
that is substantially a right triangle. As a result, in certain
embodiments, the second height 186 may be substantially zero when
the inclined edge 144 extends to the second end 188 of the bottom
portion 164.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of
the guide member 122. As described above, the guide member 122
includes the inclined edge 144 extending between the proximal side
160 and the distal side 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the top
portion 168 includes a curved edge 200 between the inclined edge
144 and the proximal side 160. In other words, the top portion 168
includes a substantially rounded edge. It is appreciated that the
curved edge 200 may decrease the likelihood of marring or other
cosmetic and/or structural defects to the frame 42 of the container
20 as the container 20 is placed on the cradle 80. Moreover, the
curved edge 200 may distribute stresses over the guide member 122
more efficiently than the substantially straight edge illustrated
in FIG. 7. As a result, the structural integrity of the guide
member 122 may be improved.
[0063] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of
the guide member 122 having the legs 152 including the first
inclined edge 148 and the second inclined edge 150. As described
above, the guide member 122 having the first and second inclined
edges 148, 150 may adjust the position of the container 20 in at
least two directions as the container 20 is installed onto the
cradle 80. Similarly to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7, the
first inclined edge 148 extends from the proximal side 160 (e.g.,
the side adjacent the wall 126, 128) to the distal side 162 (e.g.,
the side adjacent the desired location 130). Moreover, the second
inclined edge 150 also extends from the proximal side 160 to the
distal side 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inclined
edge 148 is approximately perpendicular to the second inclined edge
150. Accordingly, the illustrated guide member 122 may correspond
to the walls 126, 128 when installed in the box guide assembly
104.
[0064] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of
the cradle section 120 of the cradle 80, in which the guide members
122 are arranged such that the alignment of the container 20 is
adjusted in a single direction (e.g., the lateral axis 146).
Features of the cradle 80, such as portions of the structural frame
90, have been removed for clarity. As shown, the guide member 122
is positioned adjacent to the corner assembly 124. That is, the
proximal side 160 of the guide members 122 is positioned adjacent
to the wall 128. In certain embodiments, the guide member 122 and
the corner assembly 124 may be a single, integrally formed piece.
However, in other embodiments, the guide member 122 may be a
separately formed piece. For example, the guide member 122 may be
an insert that is coupled to the cradle 80 and/or the corner
assembly 124 (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, or the like). In the
illustrated embodiment, the guide members 122 include the inclined
edges 144 aligned substantially with the lateral axis 146.
Accordingly, the guide members 122 will direct the container 20
toward the desired location 130 along the lateral axis 146.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the first height 184 of the
guide members 122 is substantially equal to a wall height 210 of
the corner assemblies 124. However, in other embodiments, the first
height 184 may be smaller than the wall height 210 or larger than
the wall height 210. Moreover, each guide member 122 need not be
the same height. Furthermore, the first width 170 is less than a
wall width 212. That is, the guide members 122 do not extend the
full length of the walls 126, 128. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the first width 170 is approximately one-half of the
wall width 212. However, in other embodiments, the first width 170
may be approximately one-eighth of the wall width 212,
approximately one-fourth of the wall width 212, approximately
three-fourths of the wall width 212, or any other suitable ratio of
the wall width 212. Moreover, the first width 170 is less than a
support member width 214. Accordingly, by positioning the guide
members 122 proximate the corner assembly 124 and the desired
location 130, the container 20 may be directed toward the desired
location 130 if an operator improperly aligns the container 20
during installation.
[0066] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
cradle section 120 of the cradle, in which the guide members 122
are arranged such that the alignment of the container 20 is
adjusted in at least two directions (e.g., the longitudinal axis
140, the lateral axis 146). As described above, in certain
embodiments, the guide members 122 include the first inclined edge
148 and the second inclined edge 150, each edge being aligned with
a different axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral
axis 146). Because the edges are aligned with different axes, the
container 20 may be aligned and/or positioned along both the
longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first inclined edge 148 is aligned with the lateral
axis 146 (e.g., extending across the plane of the page) and the
second inclined edge 150 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 140
(e.g., extending into the plane of the page). As a result,
alignment of the container 20 may be adjusted in at least two
directions. As shown, the first inclined edge 148 and the second
inclined edge 150 form the guide member 122 positioned adjacent to
the corner assembly 124. While the illustrated embodiment depicts
the guide member 122 as a separate piece, in other embodiments the
guide member 122 may be integrally formed into the corner assembly
124. For example, the guide member 122 may be cast, machined, or
otherwise coupled to the corner assembly 124 to form an integral
part.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the first inclined edge 148
and the second inclined edge 150 do not interfere with one another
to align and place the container 20 into the desired location 130.
For example, a first thickness 220 of the second inclined edge 148
may be particularly selected so that the first thickness 220 is
less than the first width 170 and less than the second width 176.
As a result, the container 20 would necessarily contact the first
inclined edge 148 as the container 20 moved toward the desired
location 130 because the first and second widths 170, 176 would
extend laterally away from the wall 128 a greater distance than the
first thickness 220. In this manner, the guide member 22 may be
utilized to align the container 20 on the desired location 130
along both the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146.
Moreover, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first width
170 and the first thickness 220 are less than the support member
width 214, thereby enabling the guide member 122 to be positioned
on the top surface 102 without blocking the container 20 from being
positioned on the top surface 102.
[0068] FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of the cradle section
120 having four guide members 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d positioned at
each corner of the cradle section 120. As shown, the guide members
122a, 122c are arranged such that the inclined edges 144a, 144c are
substantially aligned with the lateral axis 146 and the guide
members 122b, 122d are arranged such that the inclined edges 144b,
144d are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 140. As a
result, while each guide member 122 adjusts the position of the
container 20 in one direction, the combination of guide members
122a, 122b, 122c, 122d may adjust the orientation of the container
20 in at least two directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the
first thickness 220 of the guide members 122 is smaller than the
wall width 212. As a result, the guide members 122 may be arranged
on the upper support member 98 of the cradle 98 and not extend
toward the desired location 130. In other words, the support member
width 214 is larger than the first thickness 220. Therefore, the
guide members 122 do not interfere with placing the container 20 on
the top surface 102 of the upper support member 98.
[0069] FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of the cradle section
120 having four guide members 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h positioned at
each corner of the cradle section 120. In the illustrated
embodiment, each guide member 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h includes first
and second inclined edges 148, 150 on the legs 152. As a result,
each guide member 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h may adjust the orientation
of the container 20 along the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral
axis 146. As described above, the first thickness 220 may be
smaller than the support member width 214. As a result, the guide
members 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h do not interfere with the placement
of the container 20 on the top surface 102 of the upper support
member 98.
[0070] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method 250 of positioning the
container 20 onto the cradle 80. The proppant container 20 is
lifted to a first position above the top surface 102 of the support
structure (block 252). For example, the first position is
vertically higher (e.g., at a higher elevation), relative to the
ground plane, than the top portion 168 of the box guide assembly
104. In other words, the proppant container 20 is lifted over the
box guide assemblies 104. Moreover, the container 20 is aligned
with the cradle section 120 (block 254). For example, the container
20 may be substantially aligned over the desired location 130.
Then, the container 20 may be lowered toward the top surface 102
(block 256). For example, the container 20 may be lowered such that
the lower girder 62 of the container 20 is at a vertical position
lower than the top portion 168 of the box guide assembly 104.
Additionally, the container 20 may be positioned over the desired
location 130 via the guide members 122 (block 258). For example,
the tapered portion 142 may include an inclined edge 144 which
guides the container 20 toward the desired location 130.
Accordingly, the container 20 may be misaligned (e.g., not aligned
with the desired location 130) during installation and be moved
toward the desired location 130 via the guide members 122, thereby
improving loading efficiency because the containers 20 may be
automatically aligned via the guide members 122 instead of having
operators conduct the alignment manually.
[0071] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of positioning the
container 20 over the desired location 130 via the guide members
122 (block 258) from FIG. 14. A side of the container 20 is moved
toward the tapered portion 142 of the guide members 122 (block
260). For example, the forklift 14 may move the container 20 toward
the tapered portion 142 such that the container 20 engages the
guide member 122. Moreover, the side of the container 20 is
positioned onto the inclined edge 144 of the tapered portion 142
(block 262). For example, the side may be placed into contact with
the inclined edge 144. In certain embodiments, the forklift 14 may
tilt or lean the container 20 toward the inclined edge 144 such
that the side in contact with the inclined edge 144 has a lower
elevation (e.g., relative to the ground plane) than the opposite
side of the container 20. As a result, the container 20 may move or
travel off of the forks 66 of the forklift 14. Then, the container
20 slides down the inclined edge 144 and toward the desired
location 130 (block 264). For example, the weight of the container
20 may drive the container 20 to slide down along the length 174 of
the inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130.
Accordingly, by positioning the container 20 into contact with the
tapered portion 142, the container 20 may be aligned to move toward
the desired location 130 without additional adjustments made by
operators.
[0072] FIGS. 16-19 are cross-sectional side views of the container
20 being moved toward the desired location 130 via the box guide
assembly 104. For example, with reference to FIG. 16, the container
20 is misaligned with the desired location 130 such that the
container 20 contacts the box guide assembly 104 as the container
20 is lowered toward the top surface 102. As shown, a corner
portion 270 is positioned above the box guide assembly 104, thereby
blocking the container 20 from being lowered to the top surface
102. FIG. 17 depicts the container 20 contacting the box guide
assembly 104 as the container 20 is lowered toward the top surface
102. As shown, the corner portion 270 engages the tapered portion
142 of the box guide assembly 104. For example, the corner portion
270 slides down the inclined edge 144 (e.g., due to gravity because
of the weight of the container 20) and toward the desired location
130. Continuing to FIG. 18, in the illustrated embodiment, a second
corner portion 272 contacts the guide member 122 positioned on the
opposite side of the cradle section 120. As shown, the corner
portion 270 is positioned vertically below the inclined edge 144 of
the guide member 122, but the second corner portion 272 is on the
inclined edge 144. However, due to the weight of the container 20,
the second corner portion 272 is directed downward and toward the
desired location 130. FIG. 19 illustrates the container 20 within
the desired location 130. As shown, the box guide assemblies 104
have moved and aligned the container 20 such that the container is
positioned on the desired location 130. Accordingly, the
installation process may continue without manually repositioning
the container 20 in the event the container is misaligned while the
container 20 is installed on the cradle 80 via the forklift 14.
[0073] FIGS. 20-23 are perspective views of an embodiment of the
container 20 being positioned on the cradle section 120. As
described above, with respect to FIGS. 15-19, in certain
embodiments the container 20 is lifted and aligned over the cradle
section 120 to position the container 20 onto the top surface 102.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 20 is
moved toward the cradle section 120. As shown, the corner portions
270a, 270b, 270c, 270d are not aligned with the desired location
130 (e.g., are not aligned with the box guide assemblies 104a,
104b, 104c, 104d). As a result, if the operator tried to lower the
container 20 onto the top surface 102, the container 20 may not be
properly positioned at the desired location 130. Turning to FIG.
21, the container 20 is positioned over the cradle section 120,
however, the corner portions 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d are misaligned
with the desired location 130. That is, the corner portions 270a,
270b, 270c, 270d are positioned above the box guide assemblies 104
such that if the container 20 were moved downward toward the top
surface 102, the corner portions 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d would
contact the respective box guide assemblies 104.
[0074] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container 20 engaging the box guide assemblies 104 because the
container 20 is misaligned with the desired location 130 and cannot
be positioned on the top surface 102 of the cradle section 120 due
to the misalignment. As shown, the corner portions 270a, 270b,
270c, 270d contact the box guide assemblies 104, which in turn
drive the container 20 toward the desired location due to the
respective inclined edges 144 of the respective tapered portions
142. For example, the inclined edges 144 of the respective box
guide assemblies 104 may be arranged such that movement of the
container 20 is controlled in at least two directions (e.g., the
longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146). Accordingly, the
weight of the container 20 may encourage the container 20 to move
toward the desired location 130 (e.g., via gravity because the
container 20 is on an inclined surface) such that manual adjustment
by an operator is substantially reduced or eliminated. For example,
as shown in FIG. 23, the container 20 is positioned at the desired
location 130 on the top surface 102 due to the adjustment of the
box guide assemblies 104.
[0075] FIGS. 24-27 are side elevation views of an embodiment of the
container 20 being placed onto the structural frame 90 via the
forklift 14. Turning to FIG. 24, the forklift 14 moves the
container 20 toward the structural frame 90 to position the
container 20 onto the top surface 102 of the upper support member
98. As described in detail above, the frame 90 includes the box
guide assemblies 104 to align the container 20 with the desired
location 130. As shown, the container 20 is lifted to a vertical
position having a higher elevation than a top portion of the corner
assemblies 124. In other words, the lower girder 62 of the
container 20 has a higher elevation than the highest elevation of
the frame 90, thereby enabling the container 20 to be positioned
over the frame 90. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the
container 20 is positioned over the frame 90. That is, the
container 20 is substantially aligned with the desired location 130
and/or with the corner assemblies 124. In the illustrated
embodiment, the container 20 is positioned over the corner assembly
124 such that if the container 20 were lowered toward the frame 90,
the container 20 would contact the corner assembly 124. Turning to
FIG. 26, the container 20 is tilted and/or slanted toward the
corner assembly 124 such that a front edge 274 of the container 20
has a lower elevation, relative to the ground plane, than a back
edge 276. Tilting the container 20 via the forklift 14 positions of
the front edge 274 onto the inclined edge 144 of the guide member
122, thereby enabling the guide member 122 to substantially align
the container 20 with the desired location 130 without additional
alignment being done by the operators. For example, the container
20 may slide along the length 174 of the inclined edge 144 via the
contact between the front edge 274 and the inclined edge 144. As
the container 20 slides down the inclined edge 144, the back edge
276, in certain embodiments, may engage the opposite box guide
assembly 104, thereby driving the container 20 toward the desired
location 130. Moreover, tilting the container 20 may facilitate
removal of the container 20 from the forks 66 of the forklift 14.
For example, the container 20 may move away from the forklift 14
via gravity due to the inclined position of the container 20 on the
forks 66. As shown in FIG. 27, the container 20 is positioned on
the desired location 130. For example, as described above, the
container 20 may slide down the inclined edge 144 of the guide
member 122 such that the container 20 is positioned onto the
desired location 130. In other words, the guide member 122 of the
box guide assembly 104 substantially aligns the container 20 with
the desired location 130 without utilizing additional or extraneous
alignment techniques, such as additional rigging. In this manner,
the container 20 may be positioned on the frame 90 quickly and
efficiently because the box guide assemblies 104 align the
container 20 with the desired location 130.
[0076] As described in detail above, embodiments of the present
disclosure are directed toward one or more box guide assemblies 104
that guide the containers 20 toward desired locations 130 on the
top surface 102 of the cradle 80. In certain embodiments, the box
guide assemblies 104 include guide members 122 having the tapered
portion 142 at the top portion 168. The tapered portion 142
includes a narrowing width and is sloped downwardly. As the
container 20 contacts the inclined edge 144 of the tapered portion
142, the weight of the container 20 causes the container 20 to
slide down the inclined edge 144. Accordingly, the container 20
slides away from the box guide assemblies 104 and toward the
desired location 130. As described above, the box guide assemblies
104 may be oriented such that the position of the container 20 is
adjusted in one or more directions. For example, the tapered edges
144 may be oriented along the longitudinal and/or lateral axes 140,
146 to encourage movement of the container 20 in multiple
directions. In this manner, misalignment of the container 20 over
the cradle section 120 may be managed without manual adjustments
due to the automatic adjustments to the position of the container
20 made by the box guide assemblies 104.
[0077] This application is related to and claims priority to, and
the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,493, filed
Sep. 15, 2014, titled "Cradle for Proppant Container Having Tapered
Box Guides." This application is also a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/676,039, filed Apr. 1,
2015, titled "Methods and Systems to Transfer Proppant for Fracking
with Reduced Risk of Production and Release of Silica Dust at a
Well Site," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/012,160, filed Jun. 13, 2014, titled "Process and Apparatus
for Reducing Silica Exposure During the Delivery of Proppants to a
Mine," U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/014,479, filed on Jun.
19, 2014, titled "System and Methods for Reducing Silica Exposure
at a Well Site," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/114,614,
filed Feb. 11, 2015, titled "Methods and Systems to Transfer
Proppant for Fracking with Reduced Risk of Production and Release
of Silica Dust at a Well Site," each of which are incorporated
herein in their entireties by reference.
[0078] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory of the embodiments of the invention.
Various changes in the details of the illustrated embodiments can
be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing
from the true spirit of the invention. The embodiments of the
present invention should only be limited by the following claims
and their legal equivalents.
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