U.S. patent application number 15/161714 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-24 for rack construction.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tom Gurtner. Invention is credited to Daniel NESS.
Application Number | 20160340078 15/161714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50484241 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160340078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NESS; Daniel |
November 24, 2016 |
RACK CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A cargo rack includes a frame having a front, a rear, and upper
and lower end portions. The lower end portion of the frame has a
base with a floor providing a load holding position. A tank, vessel
or tank module that is supported with the frame during use, the
lower end portion of the tank, vessel or tank module resting upon
the load holding position of the base. The frame includes a
plurality of side walls or side panels or side trusses that attach
to and extend upwardly from the base frame. Each side wall, side
panel or side truss has a pair of corner columns. The frame can
include at least one horizontally extending beam connecting between
each pair of corner columns. Each side wall, side panel or side
truss can include the pair of columns, a central plate, and a
plurality of diagonal members, each diagonal member connected to a
corner column and a central plate. The diagonal members include an
upper pair that can form an obtuse angle and a lower pair that can
form an acute angle. Specially configured fittings are fitted to
each corner of the tank, each fitting held in position with a pair
of tensioning members that can be in the form of bolted connections
that interface each fitting with two of the side walls, panels or
trusses.
Inventors: |
NESS; Daniel; (New Orleans,
LA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gurtner; Tom |
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|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50484241 |
Appl. No.: |
15/161714 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14061392 |
Oct 23, 2013 |
9346583 |
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15161714 |
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61717489 |
Oct 23, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 19/06 20130101;
B65D 19/44 20130101; B60P 3/2205 20130101; B65D 2519/00268
20130101; B60P 3/2215 20130101; Y10T 137/7039 20150401; B65D
2519/00975 20130101; B65D 2519/00532 20130101; B65D 19/02 20130101;
B65D 2519/0082 20130101; B65D 2519/00965 20130101; B60P 3/22
20130101; B65D 88/54 20130101; B65D 2519/00786 20130101; B65D 19/08
20130101; B65D 19/385 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/06 20060101
B65D019/06; B65D 19/38 20060101 B65D019/38 |
Claims
1. A cargo rack and fluid holding tank apparatus, comprising: a) a
frame having and upper and lower end portions; b) the lower end
portion of the frame having a base with a floor providing a load
holding position; c) a tank module that is supported with the frame
during use; d) the frame including a plurality of side walls that
attach to and extend upwardly from the base, the frame having four
corners with a corner column at each corner; e) at least one
horizontally extending beam connecting between each pair of corner
columns; each side wall comprising a pair of said columns, a
central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each connected
to a corner column and a central plate; and g) wherein the diagonal
members include an upper pair and a lower pair, the upper pair
forming a first angle and the lower pair forming a second angle
that is not equal to the first angle.
2. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the
said angles is an obtuse angle.
3. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the
said angles is an acute angle.
4. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first
angle is an obtuse angle.
5. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second
angle is an acute angle.
6. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
a plurality of fittings that each fit a corner of the tank next to
the tank upper surface, each fitting being compressed against the
tank with a tensioning member that connects the fitting to the said
frame.
7. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 6 wherein there are a
pair of said tensioning members.
8. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 7 wherein each
tensioning member attaches to a said diagonal member.
9. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 7 wherein each
tensioning member attaches to a different diagonal member.
10. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 6 the tensioning
members form an angle that is less than 180 degrees.
11. The cargo rack and tank apparatus of claim 1 wherein each
corner column has an upper end portion with a lifting eye that
enables a lifting device such as a crane to lift the frame.
12. A rack for shipping a contained fluid, comprising: a) a frame
having a plurality of sides and upper and lower end portions; b)
the lower end portion of the frame having a base with a floor
providing a load holding position; c) a tank module that is
supported with the frame during use; d) the frame including a
plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the
base, the frame having four corners with a corner column at each
corner; e) each side wall comprising a pair of said columns, a
central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each connected
to a corner column and a central plate; and f) wherein the diagonal
members include an upper pair and a lower pair, the upper pair
forming a first angle and the lower pair forming a second angle
that is not equal to the first angle; and g) a plurality of
fittings that each fit a corner of the tank next to the tank upper
surface, each fitting being compressed against the tank with a
tensioning member that connects the fitting to the said frame.
13. The rack of claim 12 wherein one of the said angles is an
obtuse angle.
14. The rack of claim 12 wherein one of the said angles is an acute
angle.
15. The rack of claim 12 wherein the first angle is an obtuse
angle.
16. The rack of claim 12 wherein the second angle is an acute
angle.
17. The rack of claim 12 wherein each fitting is compressed against
the tank with a tensioning member that connects the fitting to the
said frame next to the central plate.
18. The rack of claim 17 wherein a pair of said tensioning members
extends downwardly from a said fitting.
19. The rack of claim 18 wherein each tensioning member attaches to
a said diagonal member.
20. The rack of claim 18 wherein each tensioning member attaches to
a different diagonal member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a nonprovisional Patent Application of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/717,489, filed 23 Oct.
2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/717,489, filed 23 Oct. 2012, incorporated herein by reference,
is hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0004] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to cargo racks for
transferring goods between marine vessels and offshore platforms
such as oil and gas well drilling and production platforms. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an improved cargo
rack that enables a user to load the rack with multiple palletized
loads (or other loads) and to then transport the entire rack using
a lifting device such as a crane or a forklift from the marine
vessel to the platform. Additionally, the entire rack can be moved
on land or on the platform with a crane or forklift.
[0007] 2. General Background
[0008] In the exploration of oil and gas in a marine environment,
fixed, semi submersible, jack up, and other offshore marine
platforms are used during drilling operations. Fixed platforms are
typically used for production of oil and gas from wells after they
have been drilled. Drilling and production require that an enormous
amount of supplies be transported from land based storage
facilities. Supplies are typically transferred to offshore
platforms using very large marine vessels called work boats. These
work boats can be in excess of one hundred feet (30.48 meters) in
length and have expansive deck areas for carrying cargo that is
destined for an offshore platform. Supplies arc typically
transferred from a land based dock area to the marine vessel using
a lifting device such as a crane or a mobile lifting and transport
device such as a forklift.
[0009] Once a work boat arrives at a selected offshore platform,
supplies or products are typically transferred from the deck of the
work boat to the platform using a lifting device such as a
crane.
[0010] Once on the deck of a drilling platform or production
platform, space is at a premium. The storage of supplies on an
offshore oil well drilling or production platform is a huge
problem.
[0011] Many cargo transport and lifting devices have been patented.
The table below lists some patents that relate generally to
pallets, palletized racks, and other cargo racks.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 ISSUE DATE PAT. NO. TITLE MM/DD/YYYY
2,579,655 Collapsible Container 12-25-1951 2,683,010 Pallet and
Spacer 07-06-1954 3,776,435 Pallet 12-04-1973 3,916,803 Loading
Platform 11-14-1975 4,165,806 Palletizing System for Produce
Cartons and 08-28-1979 the Like 4,403,556 Drum Retainer 09-13-1983
4,828,311 Metal Form Pallet 05-09-1989 5,078,415 Mobile Carrier for
Gas Cylinders 01-07-1992 5,156,233 Safety Anchor for Use with
Slotted Beams 10-20-1992 5,292,012 Tank Handling and Protection
Structure 03-08-1994 5,507,237 Lifting Apparatus for Use with Bulk
Bags 04-16-1996 5,906,165 Stackable Tray for Plants 05-25-1999
6,058,852 Equipment Skid 05-09-2000 6,357,365 Intermediate Bulk
Container Lifting Rack 03-19-2002 6,371,299 Crate Assembly and
Improved Method 04-16-2002 6,422,405 Adjustable Dunnage Rack
07-23-2002 6,668,735 Pallet with a Plastic Platform 12-30-2003
6,725,783 Pallet for Stacking Planographic Printing 04-27-2004
Plates Thereon
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides an improved cargo rack
apparatus that includes a frame having a front, a rear, and upper
and lower end portions.
[0013] The lower end portion of the frame provides a structural
beam that can preferably include a plurality of beams that are
welded end to end to form a generally square or rectangular
base.
[0014] The base can provide a pair of open-ended parallel forklift
tine tubes or sockets.
[0015] The frame preferably includes a plurality of tubular corner
members or columns, a plurality of diagonally extending members,
horizontal upper beams or members and plates, each centrally
positioned at a side wall plane. The diagonal members connect to
the plate at each side or side wall plane.
[0016] One embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
includes a cargo rack and fluid holding tank apparatus, comprising:
a) a frame having and upper and lower end portions; b) the lower
end portion of the frame having a base with a floor providing a
load holding position; c) a tank module that is supported with the
frame during use; d) the frame including a plurality of side walls
that attach to and extend upwardly from the base, the frame having
four corners with a corner column at each corner; e) at least one
horizontally extending beam connecting between each pair of corner
columns; f)each side wall comprising a pair of said columns, a
central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each connected
to a corner column and a central plate; and g) wherein the diagonal
members include an upper pair and a lower pair, the upper pair
forming a first angle and the lower pair forming a second angle
that is not equal to the first angle.
[0017] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, one of the angles is an obtuse angle.
[0018] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention one of the angles is an acute angle.
[0019] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, the first angle is an obtuse angle.
[0020] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, the second angle is an acute angle.
[0021] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of fittings
that each fit a corner of the tank next to the tank upper surface,
each fitting being compressed against the tank with a tensioning
member that connects the fitting to the said frame.
[0022] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, there are a pair of tensioning members.
[0023] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, there are a pair of tensioning members and each
tensioning member attaches to a said diagonal member.
[0024] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, there are a pair of said tensioning members and each
tensioning member attaches to a different diagonal member.
[0025] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, the tensioning members form an angle that is less than
180 degrees.
[0026] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention, each corner column has an upper end portion with a
lifting eye that enables a lifting device such as a crane to lift
the frame.
[0027] Another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
includes a rack for shipping a contained fluid, comprising: a) a
frame having a plurality of sides and upper and lower end portions;
b) the lower end portion of the frame having a base with a floor
providing a load holding position; c) a tank module that is
supported with the frame during use; d) the frame including a
plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the
base, the frame having four corners with a corner column at each
corner; e) each side wall comprising a pair of said columns, a
central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each connected
to a corner column and a central plate; and 1) wherein the diagonal
members include an upper pair and a lower pair, the upper pair
forming a first angle and the lower pair forming a second angle
that is not equal to the first angle; and g) a plurality of
fittings that each fit a corner of the tank next to the tank upper
surface, each fitting being compressed against the tank with a
tensioning member that connects the fitting to the said frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] 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:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG.
1;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating
the tank portion;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG.
6;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention illustrating a stacking of one
apparatus upon another;
[0038] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention illustrating a stacking of
one apparatus upon another; and
[0039] FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention illustrating a stacking of
one apparatus upon another.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] FIGS. 1-11 show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10 in
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 11. The rack and fluid holding tank
apparatus 10 of the present invention provides a frame 11 that
holds a tank or vessel 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 6-11). The tank or
vessel 12 can be a tote tank having an interior for containing a
liquid product that is to be transported, such as to or from a
marine oil/gas well drilling or production platform. The tank 12
can be a commercially available tote tank. The tank 12 can provide
a plurality of sides or side walls 40, tank top panel 41, tank
bottom panel 42, a plurality of tank corners 23 and a tank cover 19
that is used to close an opening or manway in top panel 41. Tank 12
can provide a manway, opening and fittings that enable entry into
the tank for cleaning purposes. Tank 12 can be equipped with other
fittings that enable fluid to be added to or discharged from the
tank 12.
[0041] Frame 11 has a base 13 that can be provided with spaced
apart fork lift sockets 14. Frame 11 provides four corner posts 15
and a plurality of diagonal members 16, 45. Each upper diagonal
member 16, is welded to a corner post 15 at weld 43 and to plate 17
at weld or welds 48. Each lower diagonal member 45 is welded to
post 15 at weld 44 and to plate 17 at weld 46 (see FIG. 1).
[0042] Diagonal members 16 are upper diagonal members. Diagonal
members 45 are lower diagonal members. Each diagonal member 16, 45
is welded (e.g., mitre weld at 43 or 44) to a corner post 15 and to
plate 17 at weld or welds 46 or 48.
[0043] The frame 11 can provide a plurality of upper horizontal
beams 18 above upper diagonal members 16. Each horizontal beam 18
is welded to a pair of corner posts 15 at weld 53. Thus, each upper
horizontal beam 18 is welded at one end portion to a corner post 15
and at its opposite end portion to another corner post 15 (see FIG.
1).
[0044] A plurality of vertical plates 20 (or other projections or
fittings) are provided at or near the periphery of base 13 (e.g.,
welded to base 13) (see FIG. 2). The vertical plates 20 (or other
projections or fittings) prevent lateral movement of the tank 12
relative to the frame 11 and base 13. A recess or slot 21 can be
provided at the bottom of each side of base 13. Base 13 can be
configured to stack upon another frame 11 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0045] Base 13 provides a horizontally extending plate or section
36 at the bottom of a post 15 (see FIG. 2). When stacking one
apparatus 10 upon another apparatus 10, the top of a post 15
engages the bottom of horizontal section 36 (see FIGS. 9-11). One
or more inclined or diagonal plates, fittings or surfaces 37 can be
provided to help guide the top of frame 11 and the top of each post
15 into engagement with the underside of horizontal plate or
section 36 (see FIGS. 1-2, 6, and 9-11).
[0046] An L-shaped bracket 32 is welded to plate 17 and to an upper
diagonal member 16. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the brackets 32 can be welded
to a diagonal member 16 at weld 47 and to plate 17 at weld 48.
There can be two such L-shaped brackets 32 attached to each plate
17 and to the pair of upper diagonal members 16 that are closest to
the upper end portion of frame 11 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. A
specially configured fitting 24 (FIGS. 5-8) can be used to help
secure tank 12 to frame 11. The fitting 24 is placed upon a corner
23 of tank 12 at the intersection of the tank upper panel or top
panel 41 and a tank sidewall 40 as shown in FIGS. 5-8. Bolts 25 are
used to form an attachment of fitting 24 to a pair of the L-shaped
brackets 32 as seen in FIGS. 5-8.
[0047] Fitting 24 has a pair of S-shaped plates 26. Fitting 24 can
be constructed of three curved plates 27, 28 and 29 that are welded
together in a shape that corresponds to the shape of a corner 23 at
the intersection of sidewalls 40 with top panel 41 (see FIG. 5).
The fitting 24 thus closely conforms to the uppermost portion of
tank 12 at corner 23 as seen in FIGS. 6 (see arrow 52), 7, and 8.
Each fitting 24 has an opening 31 that is receptive of bolt 25.
Bolt 25 has a bolt head 49 and externally threaded shaft 50 (see
FIG. 5).
[0048] Bracket 32 provides flanges 34, 35. The flange 34 has an
opening 51 that is receptive of the externally threaded shaft 50 of
bolt 25 (see arrow 54, FIG. 6). Bracket nut 33 completes a
connection of bolt 25 to L-shaped bracket 32 as seen in FIGS.
5-8.
[0049] Bolt 25 that can be tightened to apply tension to fitting
24. A fitting 24 is placed at each upper tank corner 23 as shown in
FIGS. 5-8. Each fitting 24 that covers a particular tank corner 23
is tightened by a pair of bolts 25, each bolt 25 pulling diagonally
along the line that can be generally parallel to an upper diagonal
member 16 (see FIGS. 5-8). The plurality of diagonal members 16, 45
can be provided on each side of frame 11. Each side can be defined
by a plane that is co-planer with a plate 17. There are, for
example, four sides and four plates 17 of the frame 11 (see FIGS.
1-2, 6-7, 11).
[0050] Bolt 25 attaches to fitting 24 at S-shaped plate 26. Plate
26 provides an opening 31 that is receptive of bolt 25. The bolt 25
provides a head 49 that will not pass through the opening 31 (see
FIG. 5). The diameter of the opening 31 can be about equal to or
slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft 50 of bolt
25.
[0051] Fitting 24 can be of welded curved plates 27, 28 and 29
welded together as best seen in FIG. 5. Fitting 24 can be a stamped
or cast part. There are a pair of S-shaped plates 26 attached
(e.g., welded at welded connection or weld 30) to each fitting 24.
FIG. 5 shows the curved plates 27 and 28 which are connected to
fitting 24 (e.g. welded) and that extend somewhat perpendicularly
to each other. The plate 29 wraps around the tank corner 23 as
shown in FIGS. 5, 7-8. Plate 29 is attached (e.g. welded) to each
of the plates 27, 28 as shown.
[0052] An opposing end portion of each bolt 25 attaches to bracket
32 with one or more internally threaded nuts 33 (see FIG. 5). Each
bracket 32 is attached (for example, welded) to plate 17 and to an
upper diagonally extending member 16. The bracket 32 includes
flanges 34, 35 that can intersect at about 90 degrees with respect
to each other as shown in FIGS. 6, 8. Brackets 32 can be of a
different shape as seen in FIG. 2. There is an opening provided in
flange 34 that is receptive of bolt 25. Nuts 33 can be fastened to
bolt 25 on opposing sides of flange 34 as shown in FIG. 6.
[0053] Frame 11 with contained tank or vessel 12 can be lifted
using a plurality of slings 39 rigged to frame 11 with shackles 22
(see FIG. 8). Each corner post 15 has a shackle opening 38 that
enables connection of a shackle 22 to post 15 at opening 38. Slings
39 are then rigged to the shackles 22. A crane or other lifting
implement can then be rigged to the slings using a crown block,
hook, or other lifting rigging for enabling a lift of frame 11 and
a contained tank 12.
Parts List
TABLE-US-00002 [0054] PART NO. DESCRIPTION 10 rack and tank
apparatus 11 frame 12 tank or vessel 13 base 14 fork lift socket 15
corner 16 upper diagonal member 17 plate 18 upper horizontal beam
19 tank cover 20 vertical plate 21 recess/slot 22 shackle 23 tank
corner 24 fitting 25 bolt 26 S-shaped plate 27 curved plate 28
curved plate 29 curved plate 30 weld/welded connection 31 opening
32 bracket 33 bracket nut 34 flange 35 flange 36 horizontal section
37 inclined surface 38 shackle opening 39 sling 40 tank side wall
41 tank top panel 42 tank bottom panel 43 weld 44 weld 45 lower
diagonal member 46 weld 47 weld 48 weld 49 bolt head 50 externally
threaded shaft 51 flange opening 52 arrow 53 weld 54 arrow
[0055] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise.
[0056] 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.
* * * * *