Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING SUPPORTING OF AN OBJECT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for facilitating
supporting of an object. For example, some embodiments of the invention relate
to
apparatuses for facilitating the supporting or lifting of a bulk container by
a lifting member
such as a forklift tine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many applications benefit from apparatuses and methods for facilitating the
supporting of an object. For example, bulk containers, often referred to as
flexible
intermediate bulk containers or "FIBCs", are typically used for lifting,
transporting and
storing bulk materials in powder, granular, flake or other particulate forms.
The bulk
containers are typically provided in the form of large bags or sacks made of a
flexible woven
fabric, such as woven polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester or other
synthetic materials, for
example.
Many such bulk containers have the capacity to hold large quantities of
materials, often weighing one tonne or more when filled. Accordingly, in order
to lift the
containers when filled, it is typically necessary to employ a mechanical
supporting or lifting
device, such as a forklift, for example. However, due to the flexibility of
the containers and
the weight of the materials stored therein, if forklift tines were to be
forcibly inserted between
the bottom of the bulk container and the ground or surface on which it is
resting, this may
pose a risk of damaging the bulk container. Even in the absence of damage, the
flexibility of
the container poses a risk that the container may fall off the forklift when
lifted above the
ground.
A number of approaches have been previously proposed or implemented to
attempt to address this difficulty. One such approach involves loops or straps
formed in or
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sewn onto the fabric of the bulk container itself. However, this approach
fails to provide
clearance under the container to allow forklift tines to be inserted
thereunder, or to allow
access to the bottom of the container. Also, the flexibility of the straps may
pose some
difficulties for inserting the forklift tines into the straps, sometimes
requiring manual
guidance. In addition, the straps or loops may be inconvenient to stitch or
otherwise attach to
the bulk containers with sufficient supporting strength, with the result that
retro-fitting of
existing containers may be inconvenient in some cases.
Another existing approach involves the use of wooden reinforcing members.
Each reinforcing member is typically formed as a hollow elongated rectangular
member,
defining an elongated rectangular channel therein for receiving a forklift
tine. The reinforcing
members may be inserted into respective fabric loops extending from opposite
edges of a
bottom panel of the bulk container. Thus, the reinforcing members may support
the bulk
container above the ground, and the forklift tines may be inserted into the
reinforcing
members to lift the container. However, the shape and weight of such
reinforcing members
may be inconvenient for many purposes. For example, shipping costs associated
with
transporting such wooden reinforcing members to users of bulk containers tend
to be high, in
part because of the weight of the wood, but more significantly, due to the
volume occupied by
the reinforcing members and in particular by the hollow channels defined
therein.
Effectively, the shipper must pay to transport significant volumes of air
enclosed within the
hollow channels. Similarly, if the reinforcing members are to be re-used, they
occupy
significant storage space due to the hollow channels defined therein.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved way of facilitating supporting of
an object such as a bulk container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the above need by providing, in accordance
with a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for facilitating supporting
of an object. The
apparatus includes an engagement member attachable to the object and
adjustable from a first
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configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is
configured to
engage a support.
Due to the adjustability of the engagement member from the first configuration
to the second configuration, it is not necessary for the engagement member to
be in the second
configuration when it is shipped or transported. Thus, the engagement member
may be
shipped, transported, or stored in the first configuration, which may include
a configuration
more convenient for such purposes. The engagement member need not be attached
to the
object and adjusted into the second configuration until it is needed, to
engage the support.
Preferably, the engagement member occupies less volume in the first
configuration than in the second configuration. Thus, in such embodiments,
shipping costs
may be significantly reduced, as the engagement members may be shipped in the
smaller-
volume first configuration, and only adjusted into the second configuration
when needed.
Similarly, the required storage volume for such engagement members is also
advantageously
decreased.
The engagement member may be configured to engage a lifting member, when
in the second configuration. For example, the engagement member may be
configured to
engage a forklift tine, when in the second configuration. The engagement
member may be
shaped to define a channel in the engagement member for receiving the lifting
member
therein, when in the second configuration.
The engagement member may be configured to engage a support surface to
support the object above the surface, when in the second configuration.
The engagement member may include an attachment portion for attaching the
engagement member to the object, and may further include an engagement portion
for
engaging the support.
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The engagement portion may include a central portion and at least one side
portion. The at least one side portion may include first and second side
portions disposed on
opposite sides of the central portion.
The engagement member may be substantially planar in the first configuration.
Similarly, the engagement member may be non-planar in the second
configuration. For
example, the engagement member may include a first portion and a second
portion, and the
second portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first portion in the
second
configuration.
Thus, where the engagement member includes a central portion and at least
one side portion, the central portion and the at least one side portion may be
substantially
coplanar in the first configuration and may be non-coplanar in the second
configuration. For
example, the central portion and the at least one side portion may be
substantially
perpendicular in the second configuration.
The at least one side portion may be pivotally connected to the central
portion,
and thus, the apparatus may further include a pivotal connector pivotally
connecting the at
least one side portion to the central portion. For example, the pivotal
connector may include
fabric material attached to the central portion and to the at least one side
portion. The
engagement member may be adjustable between the first configuration and the
second
configuration by pivoting the at least one side portion relative to the
central portion.
The apparatus may further include a retainer for retaining the engagement
member in the second configuration. The retainer may be engageable with the
engagement
member to retain the engagement member in the second configuration. For
example, the
retainer may be engageable with the at least one side portion to achieve this.
Thus, where the
at least one side portion includes first and second side portions pivotally
connected to
opposite sides of the central portion, the retainer may include a retainer
clip engageable with
the first and second side portions. Or, the retainer may include a portion of
the attachment
portion.
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The engagement member may have first and second ends and may extend in a
lengthwise direction therebetween.
The engagement member may be curved in the second configuration. For
example, the engagement portion may be substantially planar in the first
configuration and
may be curved about an axis parallel to the lengthwise direction in the second
configuration.
As a more particular example, the engagement member may be arch-shaped in
the second configuration. Thus, due to the inherent strength of an arch-shaped
configuration,
thinner, more light-weight materials may be used for the engagement member or
portions
thereof, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the engagement member, as
well as its
volume when in the first configuration.
The engagement member may include legs at opposite sides thereof. If so,
then each of the legs may extend from a side of the engagement member in a
direction
substantially perpendicular to a plane of the engagement portion in the first
configuration.
The engagement member may be shaped to define a first engagement channel
extending in the lengthwise direction for receiving a lifting member therein,
when in the
second configuration.
The engagement member may include first and second opposing sides
extending in the lengthwise direction, the sides having respective recesses
defined therein. If
so, the recesses may be shaped to define a second engagement channel extending
substantially
perpendicular to the lengthwise direction for receiving the lifting member
therein, when the
engagement member is in the second configuration. Alternatively, or in
addition, each of the
recesses may be shaped to define a clearance space for receiving a strap
extending from the
obj ect.
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The engagement portion may include first and second opposing surfaces, the
second surface defining a plurality of spaced apart recesses in the engagement
portion, each of
the recesses extending along the engagement portion in the lengthwise
direction.
Each of the recesses defined by the second surface may be V-shaped when in
the first configuration. For example, each of the recesses may be defined by
first and second
intersecting walls formed by the second surface. The first wall may have a
protrusion
extending therefrom, in which case the second wall may have a complementary
recess shaped
to snugly receive the protrusion therein when the engagement portion is in the
second
configuration.
The attachment portion may include a gripping device configured to grip a
strap extending from the object. Far example, the gripping device may include
a plurality of
teeth located to cooperate with a wall of a cavity defined in the engagement
member, to grip
the strap therebetween. If so, the gripping device may include a serrated
tongue extending
into the cavity, the teeth being defined by serrations of the tongue.
The engagement member may be adjustable from the first to the second
configuration by bending the engagement portion about the axis with the second
surface at a
lesser distance from the axis than the first surface, whereby the recesses are
reduced in width.
Alternatively, the engagement member may be adjustable from the first to the
second configuration by bending the engagement porkion about the axis with the
second
surface at a greater distance from the axis than the first surface, whereby
the recesses are
expanded in width.
The attachment portion may include fabric material. For example, the fabric
material may be attached to the :first surface of the engagement portion. Or,
the attachment
portion may include a surface of the engagement portion.
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The attachment portion may include at least one fastener for releasably
fastening to the object. For example, the at least one fastener may include a
hook-and-loop
fastener.
The engagement member may also be adjustable from the second
configuration to the first configuration.
The engagement member may include corrugated cardboard, or polyethylene,
or any suitable plastic material, for example. Thus, light-weight and
relatively inexpensive
materials may be used. Alternatively, the engagement member may include other
materials,
such as wood or metal, for example.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system
including an apparatus as described above, and further including the object.
The object may
include a container, such as a flexible intermediate bulk container, for
example. The system
may further include a second apparatus as described above. In the latter case,
the object may
include an attachment member attachable to the apparatus and to the second
apparatus, for
example.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an
apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object. The apparatus includes
means for attaching
an engagement member to the object, and further includes means for adjusting
the
engagement member from a first configuration to a second configuration in
which the
engagement member is configured to engage a support.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method
of facilitating supporting of an object. The method includes adjusting an
engagement member
attachable to the object from a first configuration to a second configuration
in which the
engagement member is configured to engage a support.
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
specific embodiments of
the invention in conjunction with 'the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of
an
object, according to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in a first
configuration;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, shown in a
second configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;
Figure 3 is a bottom view of a system including an object and a pair of
apparatuses such as that shown in Figure 2, shown in the second configuration;
Figure 4 is a side view of the system shown in Figure 3;
Figure S is a cross-section of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, shown in the
first
configuration;
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the apparatus shown in Figure 2, shown in the
second configuration;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of
an
object, according to a second embodiment of the invention, shown in a first
configuration;
Figure $ is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 7, shown in the first
configuration;
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Figure 9 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 7, shown in a second
configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;
Figure 10 is an end view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an
object,
according to a third embodiment of the invention, shown in a first
configuration;
Figure 11 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 10, shown in a
second
configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;
Figure 12 is an end view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an
object,
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, shown in a first
configuration;
Figw-e 13 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 12, shown in a
second
configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;
Figure 14 is a cross-section of the apparatus along line 14-14 shown in Figure
12;
Figure 15 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 12;
Figure 16 is a top view of an attachment portion of the apparatus shown in
Figure
12;
Figure 17 is a bottom view of the attachment portion shown in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a fragmented perspective view of a serrated tongue of the
attachment
portion shown in Figures 16 and 17;
Figure 19 is an end view of an object to which a pair of apparatuses shown in
Figure 12 are to be attached;
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Figure 20 is a fra~nented end view of the object shown in Figure 19 and the
apparatus shown in Figure 12 attached thereto;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of an attachment member attachable to a pair
of
apparatuses shown in Figure 12; and
Figure 22 is a top view of a pallet formed by a pair of apparatuses shown in
Figure 12 and a plurality of attachment members shown in Figure 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, an apparatus for facilitating
supporting
of an object according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown
generally at (20) in
Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes an engagement
member (22)
attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration shown
generally at (24) in
Figure 1, to a second configuration shown generally at (26) in Figure 2, in
which the
engagement member is configured to engage a support.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a system including the apparatus (20) and
further
including the object is shown generally at (27), and the object is shown
generally at (28). In
the present embodiment, the object (28) includes a container (30), which in
this embodiment
includes a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) for use in lifting,
transporting or
storing bulk materials in powder, granular, flake or other particulate forms.
The container
(30) has a bottom panel (32), in which is defined a discharge spout (34) for
allowing
discharge of the bulk materials stored therein when desired. The container
(30) of the present
embodiment is made from a flexible woven fabric, or more particularly, of
woven
polypropylene. Alternatively, other suitable materials may be substituted.
More generally,
other types of containers may be substituted for the container (30), and
similarly, other types
of objects may be substituted for the object (28).
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Refernng to Figures 2, 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the apparatus (20)
includes both the engagement member (22) and a second engagement member (23)
which in
this embodiment is identical to the engagement member (22). Alternatively,
however, the
engagement members (22) and (23) need not be identical, although at least left-
right
symmetry may be preferred for many applications. In this embodiment, the
engagement
members (22) and (23) are attached to the object (28), or more particularly,
to the bottom
panel (32) of the cantainer (30). More particularly still, in this embodiment
the engagement
members (22) and (23) are attached to the object in the second configuration
(26) shown in
Figure 2, in which the engagement members are configured to engage a support.
Referring to Figure 3, the support may include a lifting member shown
generally at (36). In this embodiment, the lifting member (36) includes first
and second
forklift tines (38) and (40). Thus, in the present embodiment the engagement
members (22)
and (23) are configured to engage a lifting member, namely, the forklift tine,
when in the
second configuration (26). Alternatively, however, the engagement members may
be
configured to engage other types of lifting members when in the second
configuration.
More: generally, referring to Figure 4, the engagement members (22) and (23)
may be configured to engage other types of supports when in the second
configuration (26).
For example, the support may include a support surface such as that shown at
(42) in Figure 4,
which in turn may include a floor or the ground, for example. Thus, in this
embodiment the
engagement members (22) and (23) are also configured to engage the support
surface (42), to
support the object (28) above the surface (42), when in the second
configuration (26).
Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment the engagement member
(22) occupies less volume in the first configuration (24) shown in Figure 1
than in the second
configuration (26) shown in Figure 2. More particularly, in this embodiment
the engagement
member (22) in the first configuration (24) has a f rst configuration
thickness (50) of
approximately 0.75 inches (1.905 cm), a first configuration width (52) of
approximately 17.5
inches (44.45 cm), and a length (54) of approximately 36 inches (91.44 em),
and thus
occupies a volume of approximately 472.5 cubic inches (7,742.86 cm3). In
contrast, in the
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second configuration (26), the engagement member (22) of the present
embodiment has a
second configuration thickness (56) of approximately 4.75 inches (12.065 cm),
a second
configuration width (58) of approximately 8 inches (20.32 cm), and its length
is unchanged at
approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm), and thus occupies a volume of
approximately 1368 cubic
inches (22,417.42 cm3). Alternatively, however, other dimensions may be
substituted.
Thus, in the present embodiment, the engagement member (22) in the first
configuration (24) occupies only about one-third the volume that it occupies
when in the
second configuration (26). Advantageously, therefore, because the engagement
member (22)
is adjustable from the first configuration (24) to the second configuration
(26), it may be
shipped in the first configuration (24), in which it occupies significantly
less volume, thereby
significantly reducing shipping costs. After delivery, the engagement member
(22) may be
economically stored in the first configuration (24) until it is required to be
in the second
configuration (26) for engaging a support such as a forklift tine or other
lifting member, for
example, at which time it may be adjusted into the second configuration.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the engagement member (22) is shown in greater
detail. In this embodiment, the engagement member (22) includes an attachment
portion
shown generally at (60) for attaching the engagement member to the object, and
an
engagement portion shown generally at (62) for engaging the support.
Referring to Figures 3, 5 and 6, in this embodiment the attachment portion
(60)
includes fabric material (64), and also includes at least one fastener for
releasably fastening to
the object (28). More particularly still, in this embodiment the at least one
fastener of the
attachment portion (60) includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, such
as VeIcroT""
fasteners for example, several of which are shown at (66) for illustrative
purposes. In this
embodiment the hook-and-loop fasteners (66) of the attachment portion (60) are
integral with
the fabric material (64), and are attachable to a plurality of complementary
hook-and-loop
fasteners (not shown) provided on the bottom panel (32) of the container (30)
at opposite
sides thereof. Thus, in this embodiment the attachment portion (60) may be
used for attaching
the engagement member (22) to the object (28).
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However, any other suitable types of attachment portions, or alternatively,
any
other suitable ways of attaching the engagement member to the object, may be
substituted.
For example, if a particular embodiment includes the fabric material (64), the
fabric may be
glued or stitched to the bottom panel (32) of the container (30). As a further
example, the
engagement member (22) may be inserted into a sleeve (not shown) of the bottom
panel (32),
in which case the attachment portion (60) may include a surface of the
engagement portion
(62), such as an outer surface (68) of the engagement member (22) in the
second
configuration (26) for example, fur cooperating with such a sleeve.
Alternatively, other ways
of attaching the engagement member to the object will be readily apparent to
one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing this specification.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement portion (62)
includes a central portion (70) and at least one side portion. More
particularly, in this
embodiment the at Yeast one side portion includes first and second side
portions (72) and (74)
disposed on opposite sides of the central partion (70). Alternatively, for
some applications,
one of the side portions may be omitted if desired. Similarly, other types of
engagement
portions may be substituted for the engagement portion (62).
Referring to Figures 1 and 5, in this embodiment the central portion (70) and
the first and second side portions (72) and (74) are composed of corrugated
cardboard. More
particularly, in the present embodiment the central and side portions are
formed by stitching
together three layers of thick corrugated cardboard and cardboard backing
material to form a
thick corrugated cardboard layer having a thickness (76) of approximately 0.75
inches (1.905
cm). The central and side portions may then be cut from this thick layer. In
this embodiment,
the central portion (70) has a width (78) of approximately 8 inches (20.32
cm), and each of
the side portions (72) and (74) has a width (80) of approximately 4 inches
(10.16 em). The
central and side portions all have a length (54) of approximately 36 inches
(91.44 cm), which
is equal to the approximate length of the container (30). Alternatively,
however, any other
suitable dimensions may be substituted. Similarly, any other suitable
materials may be
substituted for the corrugated cardboard. For example, if desired, the
engagement portion
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(62) of the engagement member (22) may include wood, plastic, or metal.
Preferred materials
for the engagement portion (62) typically have low manufacturing cost, light
weight to reduce
shipping costs, and sufficient rigidity or strength to engage a support such
as a forklift tine for
example, to facilitate supporting of the object.
In this embodiment, the central portion (70) and the first and second side
portions (72) and (74) are attached to the fabric material (64). More
particularly, in this
embodiment the fabric material (64) includes a sheet of fabric approximately
17.5 inches
(44.45 cm) in width by 36 inches (91.44 crn) in length. The first and second
side portions,
which in this embodiment are each 4 inches (10.16 cm) in width by 36 inches
(91.44 cm) in
length, are attached at opposite sides of the fabric material (64), and the
central portion (70) is
attached to the fabric material centered between the side portions, leaving a
gap (82) of
approximately 0.75 inches (1.905 cm) between the central portion (70) and the
first side
portion (72), and leaving a similar 0.75 inch (1.905 cm) gap (84) between the
central portion
(70) and the second side portion (74). In this embodiment, the central and
side portions are
stitched to the fabric material (64). Alternatively, other ways of attaching
these portions to
the fabric may be substituted.
Refernng to Figures 1, 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the apparatus (20)
includes a pivotal connector pivotally connecting the at least one side
portion to the central
portion (70). More particularly, the apparatus of the present embodiment
includes first and
second pivotal connectors (86) and (88) pivotally connecting the first and
second side portions
(72) and (74) to the central portion (70). More particularly still, in this
embodiment the
pivotal connector (86) includes the fabric material (64) attached to the
central portion and to
the first side portion (72) in the vicinity of the gap (82), and similarly,
the pivotal connector
(88) includes the fabric material (64) attached to the central portion and to
the second side
portion (74) in the vicinity of the gap (84). Ln this regard, it will be
appreciated that the
flexibility of the fabric material (64) across the gaps (82) and (84) allows
the first and second
side portions to pivot about respective axes (90) and (92), the axes being
coincident with
respective lines at which respective outer sides (94) and (96) of the central
portion (70)
intersect with the fabric material (64). Alternatively, other types of pivotal
connectors, such
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
as hinges for example, may be substituted for the fabric material (64;) to act
as the pivotal
connectors (86) and (88).
Thus, referring to Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement member
(22) is adjustable between the first configuration (24) shown in Figure 5 and
the second
configuration (26) shown in Figure 6, by pivoting the at least one side
portion relative to the
central portion (70). More particularly, in this embodiment, to adjust the
engagement portion
(22) from the first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26), the
first side portion
(72) may be rotated 90° counter-clockwise about the axis (90), so that
an inner side (98) of the
first side portion (72) snugly contacts an outer portion (100) of an
engagement surface (102)
of the central portion (70). In this regard, in the present embodiment the
width of the fabric
pivotal connector (86) across the gap (82) is approximately equal to the
thickness (76) of the
central portion (70)., which assists in providing the snug contact between the
inner side (98) of
the first side portion (72) and the outer portion (100) of the engagement
surface (102) of the
central portion (70).
Similarly, to complete the adjustment of the engagement member (22) from the
first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26) in the present
embodiment, the
second side portion (74) is rotated 90° clockwise about the axis (92),
so that an inner side
(104) of the second side portion (74) snugly contacts an outer portion (106)
of the engagement
surface (102) of the central portion (70). Thus, in the present embodiment the
pivotal
connectors (86) and (88) may be used for adjusting the engagement member (22)
from the
first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26) in which the
engagement member is
configured to engage the support. Alternatively, however, any other suitable
way of adjusting
the engagement member from the first configuration to the second configuration
may be
substituted.
As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement member is
substantially planar in the first configuration (24), and is non-planar in the
second
configuration (26). More particularly, in the present embodiment the central
portion (70) and
the at least one side portion (namely, the side portions (72) and (74) ) are
substantially
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. CA 02385185 2002-05-07
coplanar in the first configuration (24) shown in Figure 5, and are non-
coplanar in the second
configuration (26) shown in Figure 6. More particularly still, in this
embodiment the central
portion and the at least one side portion are substantially perpendicular in
the second
configuration (26). In this regard, although deviations from perpendicularity
may be
permissible for some embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that
such deviations
may tend to increase lateral forces acting upon the at least one side portion,
thereby
potentially decreasing the ability of the at least one side portion to engage
the support or to
support the object above a support surface. 'Thus, in this embodiment the
engagement
member (22) includes a first portion (in this case the central portion (70) )
and a second
portion (the at least one side portion), and the second portion is
substantially perpendicular to
the first portion in the second configuration (;26).
Referring to Figures 3 and 6, in this embodiment the apparatus (20) further
includes a retainer shown generally at (110), engageable with the at least one
side portion to
retain the engagement member (22) in the second configuration (26). More
particularly, in
this embodiment the retainer (11(7) includes a retainer clip (112) engageable
with the first and
second side portions (72) and (74). In this embodiment, the retainer clip
(112) includes a
sheet metal clip with edges (114) and (116) sufficiently sharp to be
insertable into respective
ends (118) and (120) of the first and second side portions (72) and (74),
which in this
embodiment are composed of corrugated cardboard. Although a single retainer
clip (112)
may suffice for Borne purposes, preferably, a plurality of retainer clips
(112) are provided.
For example, in the illustrative e:~ample shown in Figure 3, a retainer clip
is provided in the
center and at each end of the engagement member (22), although for other
applications more
or fewer retainer clips may be desirable.
Alternatively, however, instead of retainer clips, the retainer (110) may
include
virtually any suitable structure, substance or method for retaining the
engagement member
(22) in the second configuration. For example, referring to Figure 5, if
desired, the fabric
material (64) may include fabric extensions (not shown) extending outward well
beyond
either or both of the ends (118) and (120) of the first and second side
portions (72) and (74),
each of the fabric extensions being more than half the width (78) of the
central portion (70)
-- 16 -
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
and having hook-and-loop fasteners for engaging with complementary hook-and-
loop
fasteners on the other one of the fabric extensions, so that the fabric
extensions may be
connected to one another in substantially the same location as the retainer
clip (112) shown in
Figure 6. Alternatively, only one such fabric extension wider than the width
(78) may be
provided, or fabric strips may be substituted for a similar purpose.
As a further illustrative example, the retainer (110) may include an adhesive
such as glue applied between the surfaces of the inner side (98) and the outer
portion (100),
and between the surfaces the inner side ( 104) and the outer portion ( 106),
to prevent the first
and second side portions from pivoting back out of the second configuration
(26). These and
other types of suitable retainers will be readily apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon
reviewing this specification.
Referring to Figures 3 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement member (22)
is shaped to define a channel in the engagement member for receiving the
lifting member (36)
therein, when in the second configuration (26). More particularly, in this
embodiment the
engagement member (22) in the second configuration (26) effectively defines an
engagement
channel (130), in a volume defined between the engagement surface (102) of the
central
portion (70), engagement surfaces (132) and (134) of the first and second side
portions (72)
and (74), and a plane in which the retainer clips (112) of the present
embodiment are located.
In this embodiment, the engagement channel (130) has a width (136) of
approximately 6.5
inches (16.51 cm), a height (138) of approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm), and a
length of
approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm). Therefore, in the present embodiment the
engagement
channel (130) is sufficiently large to receive the lifting member (36), which
in this
embodiment includes a forklift tine, therein. Thus, when the engagement
members (22) and
(23) are attached to the bottom panel (32) of the container (30) in the second
configuration
(26), the forklift tines (38) and (40) may be inserted into respective
engagement channels
(130) and (131) of the engagement members (22) and (23), to lift the container
(30). For
example, in the case of the engagement member (22), an upper surface of the
forklift tine (38)
engages against the engagement surface (102) of the central portion (70) and
applies an
upward lifting force thereto, while at the same time the engagement surfaces
(132) and (134)
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
of the side portions (72) and (74) engage against respective sides of the
forklift tine if
necessary, to prevent the forklift tine from sliding laterally (i.e., in the
direction of the width
(136) ) out of the engagement channel (130), and the retainer (110) retains
the side portions
(72) and (74) perpendicular to the central portion (70), preventing the side
portions from
splaying outward under any lateral forces that may be encountered during the
lifting.
Alternatively, however, referring back to Figures 3 and 4, for some
applications the engagement member (22) need not define an engagement channel
therein.
For example, if a particular application involves use of the engagement
members (22) and
(23) only to engage. a support surface such as the support surface (42) shown
in Figure 4 to
support the object (28) above the surface, an engagement channel need not be
defined by the
engagement member.
As a further example, refernng to Figure 3, even if the engagement member
(22) is to be used to engage the lifting member (36), an engagement channel
(130) may be
omitted in some circumstances. For example, it will be appreciated that due to
the left-right
symmetry that will typically be encountered with forklift lifting of a
symmetrical object, for
some applications, one of the side portions (72) or (74) of the engagement
member (22) may
be omitted. For example, depending on the particular application, the
engagement members
(22) and (23) shown in Figure 3 may include side portions only on their
outside edges, or
conversely, only on their inside edges. However, it will be appreciated that
depending on the
particular application, valuable lateral strength may be lost by the omission
of one of the side
portions. If desired, this loss of lateral strength may be countered in part
by providing a
stronger retainer (110), such as a larger surface area of adhesive securing a
thicker side
portion to the end portion of the engagement surface (102), for example,
although this may
result in larger volume of the engagement member in the first configuration
(24) for shipping
purposes. As a further variation, the engagement members (22) and (23) may
include solid
blocks, either integrally formed or formed by folding a central portion and at
least one side
portion together, for engaging the sides of the forklift tines, although this
may
disadvantageously result in direct contact of the forklift tines with the
object (28), and
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
increased volume of the engagement member (22) in the first configuration (24)
for shipping
purposes.
Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of
an
object according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown generally at
(200) in
Figure 7. The apparatus (200) includes an engagement member (202) attachable
to the object
and adjustable from a first configuration shown generally at (204) in Figures
7 and 8 to a
second configuration shown generally at (206) in Figure 9 in which the
engagement member
(202) is configured to engage a support.
Referring back to Figure 3, in this embodiment the object and the support
respectively include the container (30) and the forklift tine (38) shown in
Figure 3.
Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, in the present embodiment the engagement
member (202) includes an attachment portion (208) for attaching the engagement
member to
the object, and an engagement portion (210) For engaging the support.
The engagement member (20'?) of the present embodiment has first and second
ends (214) and (216), and extends in a lengthwise direction (218)
therebetween.
In this embodiment, the engagement member (202) is curved in the second
configuration (206). More particularly, in this embodiment the engagement
portion (210) is
substantially planar in the first configuration (204) shown in Figure 8, and
is curved about an
axis (220) parallel to the lengthwise direction (218) in the second
configuration (206) shown
in Figure 9. Thus, as shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment the engagement
member (202) is
arch-shaped in the second configuration (206).
In this embodiment, the engagement portion (210) includes first and second
opposing surfaces (222) and (224). The second opposing surface (224) defines,
in the
engagement portion. (210), a plurality of spaced apart recesses, one of which
is shown
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
generally at (226) for illustrative purposes. Each of the recesses extends
along the
engagement portion (210) in the lengthwise direction (218).
In this embodiment, the engagement portion (210) is made from plastic,
although alternatively, other materials may be substituted, such as metal or
wood for example.
Preferably, the material is compact and light-weight to reduce shipping costs,
and is
sufficiently flexible to be adjusted between the first and second
configurations (204) and
(206) as discussed below, but is sufficiently strong when in the arch-shaped
second
configuration (206) so as to be able to support the object. Although the
engagement member
(202) of the present embodiment is composed of plastic, which is typically
more expensive
that corrugated cardboard, due to the inherent strength of the arch-shaped
second
configuration (206), a thinner engagement member may be provided, requiring a
relatively
small amount of plastic for its production, thereby reducing production cost
as well as
shipping weight and volume.
In the present embodiment, the recess (226) and the other spaced apart
recesses
defined in the engagement portion (210) are V-shaped when in the first
configuration (204).
More particularly, in this embodiment the recesses are formed by cutting
respective V-shaped
slots or grooves into the engagement portion (210) when it is in the first
configuration (204),
each V-shaped slot or groove extending along the entire length of the
engagement portion
(210) in the lengthwise direction (218). Alternatively, however, other shapes
or types of
recesses may be substituted.
In this embodiment, the engagement member (202) is adjustable from the first
configuration (204) shown in Figure 8 to the second configuration (206) shown
in Figure 9 by
bending the engagement portion (210) about the axis (220) with the second
surface (224) at a
lesser distance from the axis than the first surface (222), whereby the
recesses are reduced in
width. For example, in the second configuration (206) shown in Figure 9, the
recess (226)
and the other spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion (210) have
closed together,
effectively reducing them to approximately zero width.
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Refernng to Figures 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the attachment portion (208)
includes fabric material attached to the first surface (222) of the engagement
portion (210). In
this regard, the fabric material may be glued to the first surface, or may be
attached in any
other suitable way. In this embodiment the fabric material of the attachment
portion (208)
includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners (230) for engaging with a
plurality of
complementary hook-and-loop fasteners on the bottom panel of the object, for
attaching the
engagement member (202) to the object. Alternatively, however, the attachment
portion
(208) may be glued to the object, o:r may be attached in any other suitable
way. Similarly, in
other embodiments the attachment portion (208) might not include fabric
material. For
example, in one variation of this embodiment the attachment portion (208) may
simply
include the first opposing surface (222) of the engagement portion (210).
In this embodiment, the apparatus (200) further includes a retainer shown
generally at (240) in Figures 8 and 9, engageable with the engagement member
(202) to retain
the engagement member in the second configuration (206). In the present
embodiment, the
retainer (240) includes a portion of the attachment portion (208). More
particularly, in this
embodiment the retainer (240) includes a first plurality (242) of hook-and-
loop fasteners and a
second plurality (244) of complementary hook-and-loop fasteners engageable
with the first
plurality (242) of hook-and-loop fasteners. The first plurality (242) of
fasteners is disposed
on a lower surface (246) of a first side (248) of the attachment portion
(208), while the second
plurality (244) of fasteners is disposed on an upper surface (250) of a
second, opposing side
(252) of the attachment portion (208). When the engagement member (202) is
adjusted from
the first configuration (204) to the second configuration (206) by bending it
about the axis
(220), the first and second sides (248) and (252) of the attachment portion
(208) may be
folded radially inward and may be pressed together to engage the first and
second pluralities
(242) and (244) of :fasteners together, to retain the engagement member (202)
in the second
configuration (206). Alternatively, however, the retainer (240) may include
other types of
retainers. For example, one or more retainer straps or retainer clips may be
substituted.
In this embodiment the engagement member (202) in the second configuration
(206) effectively defines an engagement channel (260), in a volume defined
between the
-21 -
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
10
second surface (224) of the engagement portion (210), and a plane in which the
retainer (240)
of the present embodiment is disposed. In this embodiment, the engagement
channel (260) is
sufficiently large to receive the support, which in this embodiment includes a
forklift tine,
therein.
Referring to Figures 8 and 9, it will be appreciated that in the present
embodiment, as with the previously discussed embodiment, the engagement member
(202) in
the first configuration (204) occupies significantly less volume than it
occupies when in the
second configuration (206). Advantageously, therefore, the engagement member
(202) may
be shipped in the first configuration (204), in which it occupies
significantly less volume,
thereby significantly reducing shipping casts, and later, when required, the
engagement
member (202) may be adjusted to the second configuration (206) for engaging a
support such
as a forklift tine.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an
object according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown generally at
(300) in Figure
10. The apparatus (300) includes an engagement member (302) attachable to the
object and
adjustable from a lust configuration shown generally at (304) in Figure 10 to
a second
configuration shown generally at (306) in Figure 11 in which the engagement
member (302)
is configured to engage a support.
Referring back to Figure 3, in this embodiment the object and the support
respectively include the container (30) and the forklift tine (38) shown in
Figure 3.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in the present embodiment the engagement
member (302) includes an attachment portion (308) for attaching the engagement
member to
the object, and an engagement portion (310) for engaging the support. In this
embodiment,
the engagement portion (310) includes a contacting portion (312) for
contacting the support,
and further includes a separation member (314) for maintaining a desired
separation between
the support and the object.
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Refernng to Figures 7, 10 and 1 l, the engagement member (302) of the present
embodiment bears some similarity to the engagement member (202) shown in
Figure 7,
insofar as it has first and second ends and extends in a lengthwise direction
therebetween, the
lengthwise direction being normal to the planes of Figures 10 and 11. The
engagement
S portion (310) is substantially planar in the first configuration (304) shown
in Figure 10, and is
curved about an axis (320) parallel to the lengthwise direction in the second
configuration
(306) shown in Figure 11.
In this embodiment, the engagement portion (310), or more particularly, the
separation member (314) thereof, includes first and second opposing surfaces
(322) and (324).
The second opposing surface (324) defines a plurality of spaced apart recesses
in the
engagement portion (310), including a recess shown generally at (326) for
illustrative
purposes. Each of the recesses extends along the engagement portion (310) in
the lengthwise
direction parallel to the axis (320).
In this embodiment, the separation member (314) of the engagement portion
(310) is made from plastic, although alternatively, other materials may be
substituted, such as
metal or wood for example. Preferably, the material is compact and light-
weight to reduce
shipping costs, and is sufficiently flexible to be adjusted between the first
and second
configurations (304) and (306) as discussed below, but is sufficiently strong
when in the arch-
shaped second configuration (306) so as to be able to support the object.
In the present embodiment, the recess (326) and the other spaced apart
recesses
defined in the engagement portion (310) are formed by cutting respective thin
slots or grooves
into the separation member (314) of the engagement portion (310), each slot or
groove
extending along the entire length of the engagement portion (310) in the
lengthwise direction,
parallel to the axis (:320).
In this embodiment, the engagement member (302) is adjustable from the first
configuration (304) shown in Figure 10 to the second configuration (306) shown
in Figure 11
by bending the engagement portion (310) about the axis (320) with the second
surface (324)
- 23 -
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
at a greater distance from the axis (320) than the first surface (322),
whereby the recesses are
expanded in width. For example, in the first configuration (304) shown in
Figure 10, the
recess (326) is a thin cut or slot extending along the length of the
engagement member (302)
parallel to the axis (320). In contrast, in the second configuration (306)
shown in Figure 11,
the recess (326) and the other spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion
(310) have
expanded into V-shaped grooves extending in the second surface (324).
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the attachment portion
(308) includes a surface of the engagement portion (310), or more
particularly, an upper
surface of the separation member (314). The attachment portion (308) may be
glued to the
object, or may be attached in any other suitable way. For example, the
attachment portion
(308) may include a plurality o f hook-and-loop fasteners for engaging with a
plurality of
complementary hook-and-loop fasteners on the bottom panel of the object, for
attaching the
engagement member (302) to the object.
In this embodiment, the apparatus (300) further includes a retainer shown
generally at (340) in Figures 10 and 11, for retaining the engagement member
(302) in the
second configuration (306). In the present embodiment, the retainer includes a
portion of the
contacting portion (312). More particularly, the retainer (340) includes a
first plurality (342)
of hook-and-loop fasteners and a second plurality (344) of complementary hook-
and-loop
fasteners, engageable with each other in a manner similar to that discussed
above in
connection with the retainer (240) shown in Figures 8 and 9. For instance, the
first plurality
(342) of fasteners may be disposed on a lower surface of a first side of the
contacting portion
(312), while the second plurality (344) of fasteners may be disposed on an
upper surface of a
second, opposing side of the contacting portion (312). When the engagement
member (302)
is adjusted from the first configuration (304) to the second configuration
(306) by bending it
about the axis (320), the first and second sides of the contacting portion
(312) may be folded
radially inward and may be pressed together to engage the first and second
pluralities (342)
and (344) of fasteners together, to retain the engagement member (302) in the
second
configuration (306). Alternatively, however, the retainer (340) may include
other types of
retainers. For example, one or more retainer straps or retainer clips may be
substituted.
-24-
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Thus, in this embodiment the engagement member (302) in the second
configuration (306) effectively defines an engagement channel (360), in a
volume enclosed by
the contacting portion (312) of the engagement portion 310. In this
embodiment, the
engagement channel (360) is sufficiently large to receive the support, which
in this
embodiment includes a forklift tine. therein.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in the present embodiment, as with the
previously discussed embodiments, the engagement member (302) in the first
configuration
(304) occupies significantly less volume than it occupies when in the second
configuration
(306). Advantageously, therefore, the engagement member (302) may be shipped
in the first
configuration (304), and may later be adjusted to the second configuration
(306) when
needed.
Referring to Figures 12 through 21, an apparatus for facilitating supporting
of
an object according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown generally
at (400) in
Figure 7. The apparatus (400) includes an engagement member (402) attachable
to the object.
In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is adjustable from a first
configuration
shown generally at (404) in Figure 12 to a second configuration shown
generally at (406) in
Figure 13 in which t:he engagement member (402) is configured to engage a
support.
Referring back to Figure 3, in this embodiment the object and the support
respectively include the container (30) and the forklift tine (38) shown in
Figure 3.
Referring to Figures 12 and 14, in the present embodiment the engagement
member (402) includes an attachment portion such as that shown at (408) in
Figure 14 for
attaching the engagement member to the object, and further includes an
engagement portion
shown at (410) in Figure 12 for engaging the support.
Referring to Figures 12, 13 and 15, the engagement member (402) of the
present embodiment has first and second ends (414) and (416), and extends in a
lengthwise
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
direction (418) therebetween. In this embodiment, the engagement member (402)
has a
length in the lengthwise direction of approximately 1220 mm.
In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is curved in the second
configuration (406). More particularly, in this embodiment the engagement
portion (410) is
substantially planar in the first configuration (404) shown in Figure 12, and
is curved about an
axis (420) parallel t:o the lengthv,Tise direction (418) in the second
configuration (406) shown
in Figure 13. Thus, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) is arch-
shaped in the
second configuration (406).
In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is made from high-density
polyethylene. Alternatively, however, other materials may be substituted for
polyethylene,
such as plastic, metal or wood for example. As with previously discussed
embodiments, the
material is preferably compact and light-weight to reduce shipping costs, and
is preferably
sufficiently flexible to be adjusted between the first and second
configurations (404) and
(406) as discussed below, but is sufficiently strong when in the arch-shaped
second
configuration (406) so as to be able to support the object. Although the
engagement member
(402) of the present embodiment is composed of high-density polyethylene,
which is typically
more expensive that corrugated cardboard, due to the inherent strength of the
arch-shaped
second configuration (406), a thinner engagement member may be provided,
requiring a
relatively small amount of plastic for its production, thereby reducing
production cost as well
as shipping weight and volume. In addition, the engagement member (402) of the
present
embodiment has a number of holes defined therethrough (discussed in greater
detail below),
which further reduce its production cost and shipping weight. As with the
previously
discussed embodiments, the engagement member (402) in the first configuration
(404)
occupies significantly less volume than it occupies when in the second
configuration (406).
Advantageously, therefore, the engagement member (402) may be shipped in the
first
configuration (404), in which it occupies significantly less volume, thereby
significantly
reducing shipping costs, and later, when required, the engagement member (402)
may be
adjusted to the second configuration (406) for engaging a support such as a
forklift tine.
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
In the present embodiment, when the polyethylene engagement member (402)
is first formed and is still wane from the initial manufacturing process, the
engagement
member is repeatedly bent back and forth between the first configuration (404)
and the second
configuration (406) while it cools to room temperature. This procedure results
in a permanent
flexibility, sometimes referred to as a "living hinge" effect, which allows
the engagement
member (402) to be adjusted between the first and second configurations at any
time
thereafter. Alternatively, if desired, the engagement member (402) may be
simply bent into
and held in the second configuration (406) until it has fully cooled to room
temperature, in
which case the engagement member (402) will tend to permanently remain in the
second
configuration (406), although this latter approach would lack many of the
advantages
disclosed herein.
Referring to Figures 12, 13 and 15, in this embodiment, the engagement
portion (410) includes first and second opposing surfaces (422) and (424). The
second
opposing surface (424) defines, in the engagement portion (410), a plurality
of spaced apart
recesses, one of which is shown generally at (426) for illustrative purposes.
Each of the
recesses extends along the engagement portion (410) in the lengthwise
direction (418).
In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is adjustable from the first
configuration (404) shown in Figure 12 to the second configuration (406) shown
in Figure 13
by bending the engagement portion (410) about the axis (420) with the second
surface (424)
at a lesser distance from the axis than the first surface (422), whereby the
recesses are reduced
in width. For example, in the second configuration (406) shown in Figure 13,
the recess (426)
and the other spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion (410) have
closed together,
effectively reducing them to approximately zero width.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in the present embodiment, the recesses
defined by the second surface (424) are generally V-shaped when in the first
configuration
(404). More particularly, in this embodiment the exemplary recess (426) has an
irregular V
shape. More particularly still, in the present embodiment the recess (426) is
defined by first
and second intersecting walls (428) and (430) formed by the second surface
(424). The first
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
wall (428) has a protrusion (432) extending therefrom, and the second wall
(430) has a
complementary recess (434) shaped to snugly receive the protrusion (432)
therein when the
engagement portion is in the second configuration (406) shown in Figure 13.
Referring to Figure 12, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) has
a transverse thickness (436), which in this embodiment is approximately 6 mm,
except in the
immediate vicinities of each of the recesses and the ends (414) and (416) of
the engagement
member (402). At the location of the recess (426), the first and second
intersecting walls
(428) and (430) of the present embodiment intersect at a point within the
thickness (436) of
the engagement member, the point of intersection being located approximately 2
mm below
the first surface (422). In this embodiment, the first and second intersecting
walls (428) and
(430) intersect at an angle of approximately 30° when the engagement
member (402) is in the
first configuration (404). The first and second intersecting walls (428) and
(430) extend away
from the engagement member (402) to a perpendicular distance of approximately
13 mm
below the first surface (422). In this embodiment, the protrusion (432) and
complementary
recess (434) extend from approximately 4 rr~m below to 11 mm below the first
surface (422)
as shown in Figure 12.
Refernng to Figures 12 and 13, it has been found that the irregularity of the
V-
shape of the recess (426), which results from the shapes of the protrusion
(432) and of the
complementary recess (434) in which the protrusion is snugly received,
increases the shear
strength of the mating between the first and second intersecting walls (428)
and (430) when
the engagement member (402) is in the second configuration (406).
Referring to Figures 12, 13 and 14, in this embodiment the engagement
member (402) includes legs at opposite sides thereof, each of the legs
extending from a side
of the engagement member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane
of the
engagement portion (410) in the first configuration (404). In this embodiment,
the legs
include first and second legs (440) and (442) shown in Figures 12 and 13. When
in the first
configuration (404) shown in Figure 12, each of the legs extends to a
perpendicular distance
of approximately 19 mm from the first surface (422). The first and second legs
(440) and
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
(442) have respective outside surfaces (444) and (446), each of which
intersects the first
surface (422) at a right angle thereto. When the engagement member (402) is
adjusted from
the first configuration (404) shown in Figure 12 to the second configuration
(406) shown in
Figure 13, the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442)
are effectively
rotated 90°, from a vertical orientation as shown in Figure 12 to a
horizontal orientation
shown in Figure 13, pointing radially inward toward the axis (420). Thus, if
the engagement
member (402) in the second configuration (406) is placed on a surface such as
the ground for
example, the engagement member is supported by the outside surfaces (444) and
(446) of the
legs (440) and (442), which rest upon the ground. Refernng to Figure 14, in
this embodiment
the engagement member (402) has similar additional legs (not shown), having
respective
outside surfaces (448), (450), (452) and (454).
Referring to Figure 12, in this embodiment the recesses such as the recess
(426) are spaced apart along the engagement member (402) at a center-to-center
distance of
52 mm from one another, and the centers of the outside recesses are located a
distance of 50
mm from the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442)
respectively. Thus,
in the present embodiment the engagement member (402) has a total width (460)
of 360 mm
when in the first configuration (4(>4;1.
Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in this embodiment the engagement member
(402) includes a plurality of holes defined through the transverse thickness
(436) of the
engagement member (402), one such hole being shown at (462), for example. In
this
embodiment, each of the holes is cylindrical, having a diameter of 32 mm. The
holes serve to
reduce the manufacturing cost and shipping weight of the engagement member
(402). In
addition, some of the holes may be used to allow the insertion of one or more
attachment
straps therethrough to assist in attaching the engagement member (402) to the
container or
other object, as discussed in greater detail below in connection with Figures
16 through 20.
For this purpose, the engagement member (402) of the present embodiment
includes the
attachment portion (408), and includes a plurality of identical attachment
portions (464),
(466), (468), (470), (472), (476), (478) and (480).
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Also in this embodiment, the engagement member (402) includes a plurality of
connectors shown generally at (482). In this embodiment the connectors (482)
include a
plurality of receptacles (484) linearly arranged along the engagement member
(402) in the
lengthwise direction (418), for receiving a plurality of corresponding
connection inserts
S therein. More particularly, in this embodiment each receptacle includes a
pair of holes
extending through the transverse thickness (436) of the engagement member
(402). Each pair
of holes effectively includes two fragments of an otherwise cylindrical 32 mm
diameter hole
that has been axially bisected by a 6 mm long solid rectangular portion of the
engagement
member. For example, an exemplary receptacle (484) includes first and second
parallel,
planar surfaces (486) and (488), spaced apart by a distance of 6 mm. The
planar surface (486)
intersects at opposite sides thereof with an arch-shaped surface (490) having
a radius of 16
mm from an axis (riot shown) interposed equidistantly between the planar
surfaces (486) and
(488). Likewise, the planar surface (488) intersects at opposite sides thereof
with a similar
arch-shaped surface (492). The receptacles may be used to connect the
engagement member
to an object such as an attachment member for forming a pallet, as discussed
in greater detail
below in connection with Figures 21 and 22.
Referring to Figures 12, 14 and 15, in this embodiment the attachment
portions, the holes and the connectors, such as those shown at (408), (462)
and (482) for
example, are linearly arranged in seven parallel rows extending along the
engagement
member (402) in the lengthwise direction (418). More particularly, in this
embodiment, each
of these seven parallel rows is disposed mid-way between adjacent recesses
such as the recess
(426), or in the case of the outside recesses, mid-way between the outside
recess and the
respective leg (440) or (442). 'thus, for illustrative purposes, the hole
(462) is shown in
broken outline in Figure 12.
Referring to Figures 12, 14 and 16 to 20, in this embodiment each of the
attachment portions, such as the attachment portion (408) for example,
includes a gripping
device shown generally at (500) in Figure 16, configured to grip a strap
extending from the
object. In the present embodiment, each gripping device (S00) includes a
plurality of teeth
(502) located to cooperate with a wall (504) of a cavity (506) defined in the
engagement
-~ 30 -
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
member (402), to grip the strap therebetween. More particularly, in this
embodiment the
gripping device (500) includes a serrated tongue (508) extending into the
cavity (506), the
teeth (502) being defined by serrations of the tongue (508). In this
embodiment, the serrated
tongue (508) is generally trapezoidal in cross-section, having a planar top
surface (510) and a
planar bottom surface (512) parallel to the top surface. In this embodiment,
the top surface
(510) of the serrated tongue has a leading linear edge (514) and two serrated
edges (516) and
(518), the serrations of these edges defining the teeth (502). The bottom
surface (512) is
rectangular in shape, and has a width (in the direction of the width (460)) of
approximately 3
mm. In this embodiment, when the engagement member (402) is in the first
configuration
(404), the top surface (510) of the serrated tongue (508) is coplanar with the
surface (422) of
the engagement member, and the bottom surface (512) lies in a plane elevated 1
mm above
the plane of the surface (424) of the engagement member (402). Thus, the
serrated tongue
(508) has a thickness defined between its top and bottom surfaces of 5 mm. The
serrated
tongue (508) further includes serrated sides (520) and (522) extending upward
from the
1 S rectangular bottom surface (512) to the serrated top surface (510). In
this embodiment, the
cavity (506) has a total length of approximately 54 mm in the lengthwise
direction (418), and
the serrated tongue (508) extends approximately 38 mm into the length of the
cavity (506).
The cavity (506) has a total width (in the direction of the width (460)) of
approximately 17
mm, and extends completely through the transverse thickness (436) of the
engagement
member.
Referring to Figures 14, 19 amd 20, in the present embodiment the container
(30) is provided with a plurality of straps shown generally at (530),
including a long strap
(532) and a short strap (534), for example, for attaching the engagement
member (402) to the
container (30). In this embodiment, the straps (530) are formed of a high
strength webbing
material, such as polyolefin webbing or polypropylene webbing, for example.
The straps may
be stitched or fastened to the container (30), or attached in any other
suitable way.
Alternative examples of suitable strap materials and attachment methods are
disclosed in U.S.
Patent 5,993,062 to Shackleton. Alternatively, however, any other suitable
materials or
attachment methods may be substituted. In this embodiment, the straps (532)
and (534) have
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
respective transverse discontinuities, which in this embodiment include
respective bulges
(536) and (538) in the material oi' each strap.
Referring to Figures 14, 16, 17, 19 and 20, to attach the engagement member
(402) to the container (30), the engagement member (402) is bent into the
second
configuration (406) and is then placed beneath the container (30), with the
row of connectors
(482) positioned immediately beneath the location at which the straps (532)
and (534) are
connected to the container (30). The long strap (532) is pulled tightly around
the top left
surface of the engagement member (402) as shown in Figure 20, and is then
pulled over the
leg (440), across the axis (420) and over the opposite leg (442), and across a
portion of the top
right surface of the engagement member as shown in Figure 20. The long strap
(532) is then
forced downward through a cylindrical hole (540), and is then pulled back up
through the
attachment portion (408). More particularly, the long strap (532) is pulled up
through a gap
(542) defined between the side (522 ) of the serrated tongue (508) and a wall
(544) of the
cavity (506) of the attachment portion (408). In this embodiment, in the plane
of the top
surface (510) of the serrated tongue (508), the gap (542) ranges in width from
a minimum of 2
mm at the point of each serration of the top edge (518) nearest the wall
(544), to a maximum
of 4 mm at the point of each serration of the top edge (518) furthest from the
wall (544).
Below the top surface (510), the gap (542) becomes progressively wider
approaching the
bottom surface (512) of the serrated tongue 1;508), reaching a maximum width
of 7 mm at the
plane of the bottom surface (512;). The strap (532) is pulled through this gap
(542) until the
transverse discontinuity or bulge (536) has fully passed through the gap
(542). The narrowest
portions of the gap (542), which occur between the wall (544) of the cavity
(506) and the
points of the serrated edge (518) of the top surface (510) closest to the wall
(544), are slightly
narrower than the width of the compressible bulge (536), so that the bulge is
compressed as it
passes through the gap (542). Once the bulge (536) has fully passed through
the gap (542), it
re-expands to a greater width than the narrowest portions of the gap (542), so
that the serrated
edge (518) of the tongue (508) prevents the bulge (536) from travelling back
down into the
gap (542), thereby effectively locking the strap (532) in place.
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
If it is later decided to unlock the long strap (532), the strap may be pulled
sideways in the lengthwise direction (418) past the leading linear edge (514)
of the serrated
tongue (508) into a distal portion of the cavity (506) into which the serrated
tongue (508) does
not extend, so that the strap (532) is located entirely in this distal portion
of the cavity (506)
and is no longer wedged in the gap (542) between the serrated edge (518) and
the wall (544)
of the cavity. Thus., the long strap (532), including its transverse
discontinuity or bulge (536),
may then be pulled back down through this distal portion of the cavity (506),
without having
to pass through the gap (542).
Similarly, to attach the short strap (534) to the engagement member (402) in
the present embodiment, the short strap (534) is pulled tightly around the top
right surface of
the engagement member (402) as shown in Figure 20, and is then forced downward
through a
cylindrical hole (546) defined in the engagement member (402). The short strap
(534) is then
pulled back up through the attachment portion (408), or more particularly,
through a gap
(548) defined between the side (520) of the serrated tongue (508) and the wall
(504) of the
cavity (506). The strap (534) is pulled through the gap (548) until the
transverse discontinuity
or bulge (538) has fully passed through the gap. Thus, in a manner similar to
that discussed
above in connection with the strap (532), the serrated edge (516) of the
tongue (508) prevents
the bulge (538) from travelling back down into the gap (548), effectively
locking the strap
(534) in place. Effectively, in the present embodiment the straps (532) and
(534) act as a
retainer engageable with the engagement member (402) to retain the engagement
member in
the second configuration (406).
It will be appreciated that for some applications, only a single pair of
straps
and a single attachment portion (408) will be sufficient to attach the
engagement member
(402) to the container (30) and retain the engagement member in the second
configuration
(406) in the above manner. For other applications, it may be desirable to
attach a plurality of
pairs of straps to a plurality of respective attachment portions of the
engagement member.
Accordingly, as shown in Figure 14, to provide greater flexibility, the
engagement member
(402) of the present embodiment includes ten attachment portions at various
locations of the
33 -
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
engagement member. Alternatively, however, other ways of retaining the
engagement
member in the second configuration (406) may be substituted.
Referring to Figures 12, 14, 1 S and 20, advantageously, in the present
S embodiment the sides of the engagement: member (402) that extend in the
lengthwise
direction (418) have respective recesses defined therein, each of the recesses
being shaped to
define a clearance space for receiving a strap extending from the object. More
particularly, in
this embodiment the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and
(442) are provided
with respective strap recesses (SSO) and (SS2) for accommodating the long
strap (S32) therein
when the engagement member (402) is in the second configuration (406). The
strap recesses
(SSO) and (SS2) extend into the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs
(440) and (442) to
a depth slightly greater than the thickness of the long strap (S32). In this
embodiment, the
depth of each of the strap recesses (SSO) and (SS2) is approximately 2 mm. In
the present
embodiment, the strap recesses (SSO) and (SS2) extend along the outside
surfaces (444) and
1 S (446) of the legs for a length of S2 mm in the lengthwise direction (418),
which is sufficient to
accommodate the entire width of the long strap (S32) therein. Accordingly,
when the long
strap (S32) is wrapped around the legs (440) and (442) as shown in Figure 20,
the long strap is
accommodated within the strap recesses (SSO) and (SS2), so that the outside
surface of the
long strap (S32) is either flush with the outside surfaces (444) and (446), or
slightly recessed
within the legs (440) and (442). Thus, if the engagement member (402) is being
used to
support the container (30) above a surface such as the ground, the long strap
(S32) is not
crushed between the legs (440) and (442) and the ground, and is not worn due
to friction
between itself and the ground. Similarly, the strap (S32) does not protrude
below the outside
surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442) in the second
configuration (406), and
2S therefore does not adversely affect the balance of the engagement member
(402). In this
embodiment, similar strap recesses are provided elsewhere along the engagement
member
(402), or more particularly, extending into the outside surfaces (448), (4S0),
(4S2) and (4S4)
of the remaining legs of the engagement member, to accommodate straps that may
be used
with any of the other attachment portions of the engagement member.
Alternatively, such
strap recesses may be omitted if desired.
-~ 34 -
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Refernng to Figures 13, 15 and 20, in this embodiment the engagement
member (402) in the second configuration (406) is effectively shaped to define
a first
engagement channel (560) extending in the lengthwise direction (418) for
receiving a lifting
member such as a forklift tine therein, when the engagement member is in the
second
configuration (406). In this embodiment, the first engagement channel (560) is
defined in a
volume enclosed by the second surface (424) of the engagement portion (410),
and a plane in
which the long strap (532) of the present embodiment is disposed. In this
embodiment, the
first engagement channel (560) is sufficiently large to receive the forklift
tine (or other lifting
member or support) therein.
Referring to Figures 12, 14 and 15, however, advantageously, in the present
embodiment the engagement member (402;) in the second configuration (406) also
defines
additional engagement channels that extend perpendicularly to the first
engagement channel
(560). To achieve this, in the present embodiment the engagement member (402)
includes
first and second opposing sides extending in the lengthwise direction (418),
the sides having
respective recesses defined therein. More particularly, in this embodiment the
recesses
include engagement channel recesses (570), (572), (S?4) and (576) shown in
Figure 14,
defined in opposite sides of the engagement member (402). By way of example,
the
engagement channel recess (574), when in the first configuration (404),
extends inward from
the side of the engagement member in the direction of the width (460), and
thus the
engagement channel recess (574) has a depth (578), which in this embodiment is
38 mm,
relative to the side of the engagement member (402). The engagement channel
recess (574)
has an inner wall (580) disposed at a distance of 230 mm from a center of
length of the
engagement member (402) or 380 mm from the second end (416), and has an
outside wall
disposed 430 mm from the center of length of the engagement member or 180 mm
from the
second end (416). 'Thus, the engagement channel recess (574) extends along the
side of the
engagement member for a length of 200 mm in the lengthwise direction (418).
Similarly, the
engagement channel recess (570) has an inner wall (586) disposed 230 mm from
the center of
length and 380 mm from the first end (414) of the engagement member, and has
an outer wall
(588) disposed at a distance of 430 mm from the center of length and 180 mm
from the first
end (414) of the engagement member. Thus, the engagement channel recess (570)
also
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CA 02385185 2002-05-07
extends for a length of 200 mm along the side of the engagement member, and
similarly, has a
depth of 38 mm relative to the side of the engagement member. Likewise, the
engagement
channel recesses (S'72) and (576) are defined so as to have dimensions
symmetrical to those of
the recesses (570) and (574), relative to the central row of connectors (482).
In this
embodiment the legs (440) and {442), and the remaining similar legs (i.e., the
further legs
having outside surfaces (448), (450), (452) and (454)), do not extend
lengthwise into the
engagement channel defined between the engagement channel recesses (570) and
(572), nor
do they extend into the engagement channel defined by the engagement channel
recesses
(574) and (576).
Accordingly, referring to Figures 12 to 15 and 20, in the present embodiment,
when the engagement member (402) is adjusted into the arch-shaped second
configuration
(406), the engagement channel recesses (S70) and (572) are shaped to define a
second
engagement channel extending substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise
direction (418)
(or in other words, in the direction of the width (460) of the engagement
member), for
receiving a lifting rr~ember such as a forklift tine therein, when the
engagement member (402)
is in the second configuration (406). The second engagement channel has a
height of slightly
less than 38 mm (due to the arch shape of the second configuration) above the
plane occupied
by the outside surfaces (444), (446), (448), (450), (452) and (454) of the
legs of the
engagement member, and has a length of 200 mm in the lengthwise direction.
Similarly, the
engagement channel recesses (574) and (576) cooperate to define a third
engagement channel
having dimensions identical to those of the second engagement channel. The
second and third
engagement channels are parallel to one another, and are perpendicular to the
first
engagement channel (560). The spacing between the second and third engagement
channels
in the lengthwise direction (418) corresponds to the spacing between forklift
tines of a typical
forklift.
Accordingly, when a pair of engagement members such as the engagement
member (402) are attached to the container (30), a forklift operator may
choose to insert the
forklift tines through the engagement members either in the lengthwise
direction (418) (with
each forklift tine exl:ending through the first engagement channel (560) of a
respective one of
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~ CA 02385185 2002-05-07
the engagement members), or alternatively, in the direction of the width (460)
of the
engagement members (with one forklift tine extending through the second
engagement
channel of both engagement members, and the other forklift tine extending
through the third
engagement channel of both engagement members). Advantageously, therefore, a
forklift
operator may insert the forklift tines into the engagement members from any of
the four sides
of the container (30), rather than having to approach the container fiom one
of only two
permissible sides.
Refezring to Figures 12, 21 and 22, an attachment member attachable to a pair
of apparatuses (400) is shown generally at (600) in Figure 21. In this
embodiment, the
attachment member (600) has first and second opposite ends (602) and (604),
and is elongated
in a direction extending between the first and second ends. In this embodiment
the
attachment member (600) is made of wood, however, any other suitable materials
may be
substituted for a given application.
In this embodiment, the attachment member (600) includes first and second
connectors (606) and (608), protruding from a surface (610) of the attachment
member in the
vicinity of the first and second ends, respectively. In the present
embodiment, the connectors
(606) and (608) are complementary to the connectors (482) of the engagement
member (402)
shown in Figure 12, More particularly, in this embodiment each of the
connectors (606) and
(608) includes a connection insert, insertable into any one of the receptacles
(484) of the
engagement member (402). Thus, the connector (606), for example, includes two
fragments
(612) and (614) of an otherwise cylindrical protrusion having a diameter of
slightly less than
32 mm, extending with its axis normal to the surface (610), that is axially
bisected by a
rectangular gap (616) between the fragments (612) and (614). Due to the
rectangular gap
(616), which is centered about a diameter of the cylindrical protrusion and
extends parallel to
the lengthwise direction of the attachment member, the two fragments (612) and
(614) have
planar inner surfaces (one of which is shown at (618)) that are spaced apart
by a uniform
distance, which in this embodiment is slightly more than 6 mm. Thus, the
fragments (612)
and (614) of the connector (606) are insertable into the pair of holes of any
one of the
receptacles (484) of the engagement member (402).
_3~_
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
Refernng to Figures 12, 21 and 22, a system shown generally at (620) in
Figure 22 includes first and second apparatuses for facilitating supporting of
an object, and
further includes at least one attachment member attachable to the first and
second apparatuses.
More particularly, in this embodiment the system (620) includes the engagement
member
(402) in its second configuration (406), and further includes a second
engagement member
(702), which is identical to the engagement member (402) and is also in its
second
configuration. The engagement member (402) includes the row of connectors
(482), and
likewise the second engagement member (7(12) includes an identical row of
connectors (782).
In this embodiment, the system (620) also includes the attachment member
(600), and further includes second, third and fourth attachment members (632),
(634) and
636), each of which is identical to the attachment member (600). To form the
system (620) in
the present embodiment, the engagement members (402) and (702) in their arch-
shaped
second configurations are placed upright (i.e., having their rows of
connectors at the top of
each arch, and their respective legs having their outside surfaces on the
ground) in spaced
apart parallel relation, with their respective rows of connectors (482) and
(782) separated by a
distance equal to the distance between the first and second connectors (606)
and (608) of the
attachment member (600). The attachment member (600), with the connectors
(606) and
(608) pointing downward, is then attached to the engagement members by
lowering it onto the
engagement members (402) and (702), so that the connector (606) of the
attachment member
(600) is fully inserted into one of the connectors {482) of the engagement
member (402) near
a first end thereof, and likewise, the connector (608) of the attachment
member (600) is fully
inserted into one of the connectors (782) of the engagement member {702) near
a first end
thereof. The attachment members (632), (634) and (636) are similarly attached
to the
engagement members (402) and (702) at various spaced apart locations along the
lengthwise
directions of the engagement members.
It will be appreciated that when the engagement membex (402) is in the arch-
shaped second configuration (406), the holes of the connectors (482) and (782)
in the vicinity
of the surface (424) are slightly compressed due to the curvature of the
surface (424). Thus,
-38-
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
this natural compression of the holes of the connectors (482) and (782) tends
to provide a
snug fit for the connectors (606) and (608), which may provide a sufficiently
strong
connection between the engagement members and the attachment members for some
applications. Alternatively, however, if desired, the attachment member, or
the engagement
member, or both, may include a separate locking mechanism. For example, the
connectors
(606) and (608) of the attachment member (600) may protrude a sufficient
distance (such as
mm, for example) from the surface (610) of the attachment portion, to enable
them to more
than fully protrude through the connectors of the engagement members, and may
include
respective compressible bulges (not shown) at their distal ends relative to
the attachment
10 member, so that the bulges re-expend when the distal ends of the connectors
(606) and (608)
have fully protruded through the holes of the connectors (482) and (782),
thereby providing a
resistance against forces that would otherwise tend to separate the attachment
members from
the engagement members. Alternatively, any other suitable way of locking or
binding the
attachment members to the engagement members may be substituted.
Thus, refernng to Figures 14, 20 and 22, the system (620) shown in Figure 22
effectively provides a skid or pallet, suitable for supporting one or more
heavy objects
thereon. As noted, due to fact that the first engagement channel (560) of the
engagement
member (402) and the corresponding first engagement channel of the engagement
member
(702) are perpendicular to the second and third engagement channels formed by
the
engagement channel recesses (570), (572), (574) and (576) of the engagement
member (402)
and by the corresponding engagement chamael recesses of the engagement member
(702), a
forklift operator may insert forklift tines into the engagement members from
any one of the
four sides of the system (620).
Although the foregoing illustrative embodiments of the invention have been
discussed in the context of facilitating supporting of a container,
alternatively, embodiments
of the invention may be employed to facilitate supporting of other types of
objects.
For example, referring back to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 22, two or more engagement
members, such as that shown at (22) in Figure 2 for example, may be attached
to a rigid
-39-
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
planar object such as a sheet of plywood fox example, to effectively form a
pallet. Various
other items may then be placed on top of the pallet so formed, and the
forklift tines (38) and
(40) shown in Figure 3 or other lifting members may be inserted into or
otherwise engaged
with the engagement members, to lift the pallet. Alternatively, or in
addition, the engagement
members may be used to engage the support surface (42) shown in Figure 4, to
support the
pallet above the surface. Alternatively, rather than using a rigid planar
object, attachment
members such as those shown in Figure 22 for example, may be attached to the
engagement
members to form the skid or pallet.
Conversely, refen~ing to Figures 21 and 22, numerous variations of the
attachment members (600), (632), (646) and (636) may be substituted. For
example, if
desired, a rigid planar object such as a sheet of plywood may be provided with
respective
rows of connectors similar to the connectors (606) and (608), for engaging
with the
corresponding connectors (482) and (782) of the engagement members (402) and
(702).
1 S Similarly, it will be appreciated that the precise nature of the
attachment member connectors
(606) and (608) and corresponding engagement member connectors (482) and (782)
may be
varied, by substituting any suitable device or structure for attaching the
attachment members)
to the engagement members.
As a further alternative, although the various specific embodiments described
above involved elongated engagement members having lengths comparable to the
lengths of
the objects to which, they were attachable, alternatively, other lengths,
sizes or dimensions of
engagement members may be substituted, as appropriate for a particular
application. For
example, a plurality of shorter engagement members may be substituted for a
longer
engagement member.
As yet another alternative, the orientations of the engagement members when
attached to the object may be varied for some applications. For example, for
some
applications it may be possible to invert the engagement members relative to
their orientations
as shown in the aforementioned Figures. Similarly, for other applications it
may be possible
-40-
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
to attach the engagement members to portions other than a bottom of an upright
object, such
as the sides or the top, for example.
Although the engagement members described above have been shown to be
adjustable from their first configurations to their second configurations for
engaging a
support, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the engagement
member will also
be adjustable from the second configuration back to the first configuration.
For example, referring back to Figures 5 and 6, the engagement member (22)
may be adjusted from the second configuration (26) shown in Figure 6 back to
the first
configuration (24) shown in Figure 5, by removing the retainer (110) shown in
Figure 6, and
by pivoting the first and second side portions (72) and (74) by 90°
clockwise and
counterclockwise respectively from their orientations shown in Figure 6, to
return the
engagement member to the first configuration (24). Similarly, refernng back to
Figures 8, 9,
10 and 11, the engagement members (202) and (302) may be restored from their
respective
second configurations (206) and (306) to their respective first configurations
(204) and (304),
by disengaging their respective retainers (240) and (340), and bending the
engagement
members or allowing them to bend back into their respective first
configurations. The other
specific embodiments disclosed herein may also be adjusted from their second
configurations
back to their first configurations.
Such embodiments may be particularly useful for so-called "multiple trip"
embodiments, in which re-usable objects such as re-usable bulk containers, and
re-usable
engagement members, are employed. In such embodiments, it may be preferable
for the
engagement members to include a durable material, such as durable plastic for
example.
Alternatively, however, for many other applications, such as "single trip"
embodiments in
which a disposable object such as a disposable bulk container and a disposable
engagement
member are to be used, it is typically unnecessary for the engagement member
to be re-
adjustable back into its original first configuration.
-41-
CA 02385185 2002-05-07
More generally, while specific embodiments of the invention have been
described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative
of the invention
only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the
accompanying
claims.
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