U.S. patent application number 15/155917 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-17 for pump assembly storage box and work platform method and apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Ness. Invention is credited to Daniel Ness.
Application Number | 20160332774 15/155917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53042354 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160332774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ness; Daniel |
November 17, 2016 |
PUMP ASSEMBLY STORAGE BOX AND WORK PLATFORM METHOD AND
APPARATUS
Abstract
A method of transporting fluid containing tanks and of off
loading the fluid contents of the tanks. Providing a frame having a
base with a floor, a front, a rear, and upper and lower end
portions, the frame including a plurality of side walls extending
upwardly from the base and including at least left and right side
walls. Mounting a plurality of gates to the frame, each spanning
between two corner columns, each gate being movable between open
and closed positions, the open position of each gate providing an
open doorway, the gates enabling a fork lift to place a selected
one of the tanks on the floor by moving the selected load module
laterally through a said open doorway. The floor having a plurality
of load holding positions. Placing one or more tanks and a work
platform on said floor, wherein the work platform has a work
surface and a storage area, and a folding staircase that is movable
between upper and lower positions, wherein in the lower position
stairs are provided that enable a user to climb the stairs and
occupy the platform work surface and wherein in the upper position
the stairs are positioned above the work surface. The gates
enabling removal of any one of the tanks or the work platform
laterally when a gate is opened and without removing any other
tank. Transporting the frame from a beginning location to an ending
location, and wherein the work platform remains on the frame.
Inventors: |
Ness; Daniel; (Metairie,
LA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ness; Daniel |
Metairie |
LA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53042354 |
Appl. No.: |
15/155917 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14538250 |
Nov 11, 2014 |
9340321 |
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15155917 |
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61902508 |
Nov 11, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/129 20130101;
B65D 2590/0066 20130101; B65D 2590/0091 20130101; B65D 19/06
20130101; B65D 19/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/02 20060101
B65D019/02; B65D 88/12 20060101 B65D088/12; B65D 19/06 20060101
B65D019/06 |
Claims
1. A method of transporting fluid containing tanks and of off
loading the fluid contents of the tanks, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a frame having a base with a floor, a front, a rear,
and upper and lower end portions, the frame including a plurality
of side walls extending upwardly from the base and including at
least left and right side walls: b) mounting a plurality of gates
to the frame, each spanning between two corner columns, each gate
being movable between open and closed positions, the open position
of each gate providing an open doorway, the gates enabling a fork
lift to place a selected one of the tanks on the floor by moving a
selected load module laterally through a said open doorway; c) the
floor having a plurality of load holding positions; d) placing one
or more tanks and a work platform on said floor, wherein the work
platform has a work surface and a storage area, and a folding
staircase that is movable between upper and lower positions,
wherein in the lower position, stairs are provided that enable a
user to climb the stairs and occupy the platform work surface and
wherein in the upper position the stairs are positioned above the
work surface; e) the gates enabling removal of any one of the tanks
or the work platform laterally when a said gate is opened; f)
transporting the frame from a beginning location to an ending
location; and g) wherein in step "f" the work platform remains on
the frame.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein there are between two and four
load holding positions.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein there are a pair of gates.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the staircase pivots when moving
from the upper and to the lower position.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the floor is at least partially
inclined.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more pumps are contained in
the storage area.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein in the upper position, the
staircase and work surface form a co-planar surface.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising multiple corner columns
on the frame and lift eyes on the corner columns.
9. A cargo rack comprising: a) a frame having a base with a floor,
a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions; b) a plurality of
load modules that are supported within the frame and upon the floor
during use; c) the frame including a plurality of side walls
extending upwardly from the base; including at least left and right
side walls; d) a plurality of gates that are movably mounted on the
frame at a said frame end, each gate being movable between open and
closed positions, the gates enabling the load modules to be loaded
laterally to the floor when a said gate is opened; e) the floor
having a plurality of load holding positions, at least one load
holding position having a fluid holding tank and at least one
holding position having a load module that is a work platform; and
f) wherein the gates enable a selected one of the modules to be
removed laterally when a said gate is opened.
10. The cargo rack of claim 9 wherein the frame includes multiple
corner columns.
11. The cargo rack of claim 10 wherein the frame includes multiple
intermediate columns.
12. The cargo rack of claim 9 wherein the floor is inclined.
13. The cargo rack of claim 11 wherein each intermediate column is
connected to a corner column.
14. The cargo rack of claim 10 wherein there are multiple
transversely extending members that span between each corner column
and an intermediate column.
15. The cargo rack of claim 9 wherein the frame has lifting
eyes.
16. The cargo rack of claim 11 further comprising one or more
transverse beams that connect the corner columns and intermediate
columns.
17. The cargo rack of claim 9 further comprising raised pedestals
that extend above the floor for providing indexing for receipt of a
load placed on a load holding position of the frame.
18. A method of transporting fluid containing tanks and of off
loading the fluid contents of the tanks, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a frame having a base with a periphery and a floor, a
front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions, the frame
including a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the
base and including at least left and right side walls: b) mounting
a plurality of gates to the frame, each spanning between two corner
columns, each gate being movable between open and closed positions,
the open position of each gate providing an open doorway, the gates
enabling a fork lift to place a selected one of the tanks on the
floor by moving the selected load module laterally through a said
open doorway; c) the floor having a plurality of load holding
positions; d) placing one or more tanks and a work platform on said
floor, wherein the work platform has a work surface, a storage
area, and a folding staircase that is movable between storage and
operating positions, wherein in the operating position, stairs are
provided that enable a user to climb the stairs and occupy the
platform work surface and wherein in the storage position the
stairs are stored inside said periphery; e) the gates enabling
removal of any one of the tanks or the work platform laterally when
a said gate is opened; and f) transporting the frame from a
beginning location to an ending location; and g) wherein in step
"f" the work platform remains on the frame.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein there are between two and four
load holding positions.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein there are a pair of gates.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the staircase pivots when moving
from the storage and operating position.
22. The method of claim 18 wherein the floor is at least partially
inclined.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein one or more pumps are contained
in the storage area.
24. The method of claim 18 wherein in the storage position, the
staircase and work surface form a co-planar surface.
25. The method of claim 18 further comprising lift eyes on the
frame.
26. A cargo rack comprising: a) a frame having a base with a floor,
a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions; b) a plurality of
load modules that are supported within the frame and upon the floor
during use; c) the frame including a plurality of side walls
extending upwardly from the base; including at least left and right
side walls; d) a plurality of gates that are movably mounted on the
frame at a said frame end, each gate being movable between open and
closed positions, the gates enabling the load modules to be loaded
laterally to the floor when a said gate is opened; e) the floor
having a plurality of load holding positions, at least one load
holding position having a fluid holding tank and at least one
holding position having a load module that is a work platform; and
f) wherein the gates enable a selected one of the modules to be
removed laterally when a said gate is opened.
27. The cargo rack of claim 26 wherein the frame includes multiple
corner columns.
28. The cargo rack of claim 27 wherein the frame includes multiple
intermediate columns.
29. The cargo rack of claim 26 wherein the floor is inclined.
30. The cargo rack of claim 28 wherein each intermediate column is
connected to a corner column.
31. The cargo rack of claim 30 wherein there are multiple
transversely extending members that span between each corner column
and an intermediate column.
32. The cargo rack of claim 26 wherein the frame has lifting
eyes.
33. The cargo rack of claim 28 further comprising one or more
transverse beams that connect the corner columns and intermediate
columns.
34. The cargo rack of claim 26 further comprising raised pedestals
that extend above the floor for providing indexing for receipt of a
load placed on a load holding position of the frame.
35. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/902,508,
filed 11 Nov. 2013, hereby incorporated herein by reference, is
hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a rack and work platform
apparatus for transporting fluid tanks to a selected location such
as an offshore marine location. More particularly, the present
invention relates to an improved combination rack and work platform
apparatus wherein the rack apparatus supports one or more fluid
holding tanks and a specially configured work platform, the work
platform including a tool box portion that houses equipment such as
pumps and/or hoses, the platform having a folding staircase
arrangement that comprises part of the tool box and converts to a
staircase that enables workers to use the work platform to access
the upper end portions of the fluid holding tank or tanks upon
arrival to a selected destination.
[0006] 2. General Background of the Invention
[0007] The offshore oil and gas industry has come into using
various specialized fluids as part of the oil and gas exploration
and drilling process. Specially configured racks have been used to
transport fluid holding tanks from a land-based location to
offshore marine platforms. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,915,815;
6,983,704; 7,520,707; 7,552,687; 7,997,214; 8,079,791; 8,104,501;
8,231,316; 8,336,450; 8,490,552, 8,506,219; disclose rack
arrangements, each hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0008] Many transportable fluid holding tanks have upper end
portions with fittings, manways, covers and the like. Safety
considerations and regulations forbid workers from climbing on
tanks in order to access these covers and fittings. A safe work
platform would be desired in order to enable users or workers to
access the upper end portions of the tanks.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of
transporting fluid containing tanks and a specially configured work
platform as well as offloading the fluid contents of the tanks. As
part of the method, there is provided a frame having abase with a
floor, a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions, the frame
including a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the
base and including at least left and right side walls.
[0010] One or more gates are mounted to the frame. Each gate can
span between two corner columns. Each gate is movable between open
and closed positions. The open position of each gate provides an
open doorway for enabling a fork lift to place a selected one of
the tanks or modules on the floor by moving the selected tank or
module laterally through an open doorway. The floor has a plurality
of load holding positions that are occupied by a fluid holding tank
or tanks and the specially configured work platform.
[0011] During transport, one or more tanks and the work platform
are placed on the floor. The work platform has a work surface, a
storage area, and a folding staircase that is movable between upper
and lower positions. In the lower position, stairs are provided
that enable a user to climb the stairs and occupy the platform work
surface. In the upper position the stairs are positioned above the
work surface.
[0012] The gates enable removal of any one of the tanks or the work
platform laterally when a gate is opened and without removing any
other tank. The tanks and work platform can remain on the frame
wherein the work platform enables access to the upper surface of
the tanks and their inlet openings, manway(s) and fittings.
[0013] As part of the method, the frame is transported from a
beginning location (e.g. on shore or on land) to an ending location
(e.g. offshore marine platform such as an oil well drilling or
production platform). The work platform typically remains on the
frame wherein the folding staircase section can be rotated to a
lower position which exposes the steps or stairs to a user.
[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention include between
two and four load holding positions.
[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention include at
least a pair of gates.
[0016] In various embodiments of the present invention, the
staircase pivots about hinges when moving from the upper and lower
position.
[0017] In various embodiments of the present invention, the floor
is at least partially inclined.
[0018] In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more
pumps are contained in the storage area of the work platform.
[0019] In various embodiments of the present invention, in the
upper position the staircase and work surface form a support
surface for holding a pallet.
[0020] In various embodiments of the present invention, lift eyes
are provided on columns of the frame.
[0021] Various embodiments of the apparatus of the present
invention provide a cargo rack having a frame having a base with a
floor, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions.
[0022] A plurality of load modules are supported within the frame
and upon the floor during use. These modules can include one or
more fluid holding tanks and a specially configured combination
work platform/tool box.
[0023] The frame includes a plurality of side walls that extend
upwardly from the base including at least left and right side
walls.
[0024] A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame, each
gate placed at a frame end. Each gate is movable between open and
closed positions, the gates enabling the load modules to be loaded
laterally to the floor when a said gate is opened.
[0025] The floor has a plurality of load holding positions, at
least one load holding position having a fluid holding tank and at
least one holding position having a load module that is a work
platform.
[0026] The gates enable any one of the modules to be removed
laterally with a fork lift when a said gate is opened.
[0027] In various embodiments of the present invention, the frame
includes multiple corner columns.
[0028] In various embodiments of the present invention, the frame
includes multiple intermediate columns.
[0029] In various embodiments of the present invention, each
intermediate column is connected to a corner column.
[0030] In various embodiments of the present invention, there are
multiple horizontal members that span between each corner column
and an intermediate column.
[0031] In various embodiments of the present invention, the frame
has lifting eyes.
[0032] In various embodiments of the present invention, there are
one or more transverse beams that connect the corner columns and
intermediate columns.
[0033] In various embodiments of the present invention, there are
raised pedestals that extend above the floor for providing indexing
for receipt of a load or module placed on a load holding position
of the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements and wherein:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a side partial view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a partial end view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.
1;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a partial rear view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG.
1;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a partial top view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the
staircase in the lower position;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the
staircase in a transition between the lower and upper
positions;
[0041] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the
staircase in an upper position;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and
[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention showing the specially
configured work platform stored within a larger frame that also
houses one or more fluid holding tanks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIGS. 1-10 show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. As
illustrated in FIG. 10, transportable rack apparatus 10 provides a
transportable frame 11 that can contain one or more fluid holding
tanks 12 and a specially configured work platform 13. Frame 11 can
have fork lift tine sockets 41 so that it can be transported with a
fork lift.
[0046] The present invention also provides a specially configured
work platform 13 that can double as a storage or tool box. The work
platform 13 includes folding section 19 (see FIG. 6) that is
movable between a lowered position 31 and a upper or raised
position 32 (see FIGS. 5-7). Transportable rack or frame 11
provides one or more doors 14. The doors 14 can be opened so that a
forklift can be used to load a selected tank 12 or work platform 13
onto the floor 15 of the transportable frame or rack 11 (see FIG.
10). Floor 15 can provide multiple load holding positions such as
three positions for tanks 12 and one position for work platform
13.
[0047] Work platform 13 can be used to contain a pump 16 and/or
pumping equipment 17 and a pallet 18 that can carry other tools or
equipment such as hose 20 (see FIGS. 7-8). A plastic film or wrap
24 can encapsulate pallet 18 and hose 20. The work platform 13 has
a folding section 19 or folding staircase 19 that is movable
between upper (FIG. 7) and lower (FIG. 8) positions. The folding
sections or staircase 19 is preferably pivotally attached to work
platform 13 at hinge or hinges or pivots 21 (see FIG. 2).
[0048] When the folding section 19 is moved to the upper position
32 of FIG. 7 (see arrow 39 of FIG. 6), it exposes a cavity 22 that
can contain tools, pumps 16 or pumping related equipment 17, such
as seen in FIG. 7. Cavity 22 is bounded by floor 23, side wall
panels 26, rear wall 38 and platform surface 27 (sec FIGS. 1-2). In
the lower position of FIG. 5, the platform 13 provides a bottom
step 25, upper step 33, and middle step 34. In FIG. 5, platform
surface 27 is a work platform surface that can be occupied by a
worker or technician who is attempting to access the upper end
portion of a selected fluid holding tank 12. The worker or
technician would thus travel upwardly to the platform surface 27
using the steps 25, 34, 33, in that order. Work platform surface 27
can be provided with handrails or railing 28 and a kick panel 29
that extends around surface 27. Work platform 13 can provide
sidewalls 26 that surround the cavity 22. Floor 23 of cavity 22 is
receptive of tools, pumps 16, pumping equipment 17, or other items
to be transported with the work platform 13. The work platform 13
can be provided with a plurality of feet 30 (see FIGS. 1-3). In the
drawings, the numeral 31 designates a lowered positioned of the
folding section 19. In the drawings, the numeral 32 illustrates the
upper or raised position of folding section 19.
[0049] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate movement of the folding section 19
about its pivot or pivots or hinges 21 (see arrows 39). In the
raised position of FIG. 7, the folding section 19 rests upon work
surface/platform surface 27. In the lowered position of FIGS. 1-5
and 8-10, pallet 18 containing hose 20 (and/or other equipment) can
be supported upon the combination of work surface/platform surface
27 and upper beams 35, 36 of folding section 19 (see FIG. 9).
Folding section 19 can also include side wall panels 37 and rear
wall 38 (see FIGS. 6-7). Forklift tine sockets 41 can be provided
on work platform/tool box 13 for lifting the work platform 13 and
transporting it to or from frame/transportable rack 11 (see FIG.
10).
[0050] The folding section 19 can be moved between the lowered
position 31 and the raised position 32 while the work platform 13
remains in frame 11 and without regard to whether the doors 14 are
opened or closed. FIG. 10 shows the folding section 19 in the
lowered position 31 while the doors 14 of frame 11 are closed. In
FIG. 10, the door 14 could be opened or closed when the folding
section 19 is in the upper or raised position 32. Work platform 13
can have spaced apart fork lift sockets 40 (see FIG. 2) which
enable placement on or removal from frame 11 when doors 14 are
opened. When doors 14 are open, platform 13 can be removed by a
forklift.
[0051] The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for
use in the present invention:
TABLE-US-00001 PARTS LIST: PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 10 transportable
rack apparatus 11 frame 12 tank 13 work platform/tool box 14 door
15 floor 16 pump 17 pump equipment 18 pallet 19 folding
section/staircase 20 hose 21 hinge/pivot 22 cavity 23 floor 24
plastic film/wrap 25 bottom step 26 side wall panel 27
platform/work surface 28 railing 29 kick panel 30 foot 31 lowered
position 32 upper/raised position 33 upper step 34 middle step 35
upper beam 36 upper beam 37 side wall panel 38 rear wall 39 arrow
40 fork lift sockets 41 fork lift tine sockets
[0052] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
[0053] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example
only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *