Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: TRANSPORTABLE RACK
Background of the invention
In the glass hauling industry, there are many different types of
glass racks and glass transportation methods. For example, the most
common method of transporting large lites (sheets) of glass (96" tall by 130"
long or larger) over the road has been on a flat bed trailers, in various
glass
racks that are removable or fixed to the trailer.
There are, however, several disadvantages associated with
transporting glass sheets on a flat bed trailer. For example, the glass sheets
must be Loaded on the trailer by an overhead crane, which requires a large
capital investment by the shipper and consignee. Another disadvantage is the
manual load preparation process. Once loaded in place, the glass sheets
must be padded, secured, and tarped to protect them from the elements. The
loading process is also dangerous and difficult for the person performing the
work. An additional disadvantage is that both the loading and unloading
process are very time consuming, often causing disruption in the production
flow of many glass manufactures.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a transportable rack
and methods of using the transportable rack that overcome the disadvantages
of known systems and methods while offering features not present in known
systems and methods.
Summary of the invention
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a
transportable rack is disclosed. The transportable rack comprises a base
having a first end portion and a second end portion, an upright frame mounted
on the base, a rolling device affixed to the first end portion, and a stowable
beam member affixed to the base. The stowable beam member has a lift
receiving portion.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a
transportable rack is disclosed comprising a base having a first end portion
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and a second end portion, an upright frame mounted on the base, a rolling
device affixed to the first end portion, and a stowable beam member affixed to
the second end portion of the base. The stowable beam member has a lift
receiving portion and is adjustable between a storage position and a lift
position.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
transportable rack, comprising a base having a first end portion and a second
end portion, an upright frame attached to the base, a rolling device attached
to the first end portion, and a stowable beam member having a lift receiving
portion attached to the second end portion, is disclosed.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
transportable rack is disclosed. The transportable rack comprises a first
upright attached to a first base member, a rolling device attached to the
first
base member, a second upright attached to a second base member, and a
central support member having a first end portion and a second end portion.
The first end portion of the central support member is attached to the first
base member, the second end portion attached to the second base member.
A retractable beam member is slidably disposed within the central support
member, the retractable beam member having a lift receiving portion.
Brief descriation of the drawings
The present invention can be more fully understood by reading
the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments
together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators
are used to designate like elements, and in which:
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the base portion of the
transportable rack of Fig. 1 in further detail in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
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Fig. 3 is an underside view of the first base member of Fig. 2 in
further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the base portion of Fig. 2 in further
detail with the retractable beam member shown in an extended position in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the sheet stop assembly of Fig. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the transportable rack of Fig. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is an illustrative forklift lift adapter device in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8 is a side view of an illustrative transportable rack raised by
a conventional forklift in combination with an illustrative forklift lift
adapter
device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of hauling sheet
materials in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of shipping empty
transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 11 is a planar view of an-illustrative shipping arrangement of
a plurality of empty transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention;
Fig. 12 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the base of the transportable rack
of Fig. 12 in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 14 is an isometric view of an illustrative base for a
transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
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Fig. 15 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 16 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Detailed descriation of the invention
Further details of the systems and methods of the invention will
hereinafter be described. As used herein, items referred to in the singular
may also be in the plural, and items referred to in the plural may also be in
the
singular.
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the method and system of the invention.
Referring to Fig. 1, a transportable rack 10 is provided. For illustrative
purposes, the transportable rack 10 is best described in two portions, i.e., a
base portion 12 and an A-frame structure portion 14.
Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the base portion of the
transportable rack of Fig. 1 in further detail in accordance with one
embodiment of the system and method of the invention. As shown in Fig. 2,
base portion 12 is formed by first base member 20, second base member 40,
and central support member 60. Central support member 60 connects first
base member 20 and second base member 40 such that when viewed from
above, in planar view, base portion 12 appears I-shaped.
Central support member 60 has a first end portion 61 and
second end portion 62, wherein the first end portion 61 is attached to first
base member 20 and second end portion 62 is attached to second base
member 40. Accordingly, central support member 60 is attached to and
supported by first base member 20 and second base member 40.
A pair of setting blocks 22 are attached to the top of first base
member 20 for resting sheet materials on when the transportable rack 10 is
ready for use. Each setting block 22 includes a protective layer 24 on its top
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surface, such that when sheet materials are rested on the protective layer 24
covering setting block 22, the sheet material is not damaged, either during
racking or transport. The protective layer 24 also helps hold the sheet
materials in place and reduces sliding during transport or rolling movement of
the transportable rack 10. On each outer end portion of the first base member
20, ratcheting buckles 26 are attached for receiving the straps that hold
sheet
materials on the transportable rack 10 during transport. A tie-off bar 28 is
also
mounted in each outer end portion of first base member 20 for securing the
transportable rack 10 to the floor of van, or alternatively, a flatbed
trailer.
First base member 20 also includes a center mount 30 and
center mount plates 32 attached to the center mount 30. The center mount
30 and center mount plates 32 provide a base around which First A-frame
upright 100 is positioned, and attached to the fiirst base member 20.
First base member 20 also has a plurality of wheels 34 rotatably
attached. Fig. 3 is an underside view of the first base member of Fig. 2 in
accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention.
As shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of wheels 34 are mounted in wheel wells 36
and secured by wheel pin assemblies 38. The wheels 34 provide a means for
rolling movement of the transportable rack 10, i.e.; a rolling device.
As shown in Fig. 3, the wheels 34 include five 4000 Ib. capacity
forged steel wheels. The wheels 34 may also have grease zerks and grease
seals to provide for easy maintenance. Other types of wheels, or additional
wheels may be added or substituted to adapt far varying load capacities in
further embodiments. Moreover, it should be appreciated that other suitable
devices may be installed within or attached to first base member 20 to allow
for rolling movement of transportable rack 10, such as a single elongated
wheel, tracks, skid pads or hydraulic-powered wheels that extend downwardly
and raise the first base member from the ground surface, for example. These
devices may be substituted in further embodiments, and may also be attached
to the first base member 20 in any suitable manner, i.e. embedded within the
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base member, attached to its underside, hingedly attached to the outer
surface of the base member, for example.
Returning to Fig. 2, second base member 40 is similar to first
base member 20, except that in this embodiment, second base member 40
does not include a plurality of wheels. It should be noted, however, that
further embodiments may utilize a rolling device on second base member 40
as well. Second base member 40 includes a pair of setting blocks 42
attached to the top of second base member 40 for resting sheet materials on
when the transportable rack 10 is ready for use. Each setting block 42
includes a protective layer 44 on its top surface, such that when sheet
materials are rested on the protective layer 44 covering setting block 42, the
sheet material is not damaged, either during racking or transport. The
protective layer 44 also helps hold the sheet materials in place and reduces
sliding during transport or rolling movement of the transportable rack 10.
In the present embodiment, the settings blocks 22 and 42 are
made of wood, making them easily replaceable when needed for wear and
tear. However, setting blocks 22 and 42 can be made of any suitable material
that is capable of supporting the sheet material load, such as steel. The
setting blocks 22 and 42 are also made with a small degree of taper such that
the sheet materials rested thereon lean on the A-frame structure portion 14.
A five degree taper provides a suitable angle of lean in the fragile sheet
materials, such as glass, granite, stone product sheets, and other types of
materials with low bending strengths, to prevent damage and fracturing of the
sheet materials. The five degree taper corresponds with the five degree taper
of a conventional A-frame upright to form a right-angled seat for the sheet
materials. Additionally, the protective layers 24 and 44, which are glued onto
the top of each setting block 22 and 42 are made of rubber, or any form of
cushioning material or poly extrusion, to provide cushioning for the sheet
materials rested on the setting blocks, as well as preventing sliding movement
of the sheet materials. In another embodiment, the protective layers may be
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made of rubber inserts that slide into place, such as T-rubber described
below.
On each outer end portion of the second base member 40,
ratcheting buckles 46 are attached for receiving the straps that hold sheet
materials on the transportable rack 10 during transport. A tie-off bar 48 is
also
attached on each outer end portion of second base member 40 for securing
the transportable rack 10 to the floor of van, or alternatively, a flatbed
trailer.
Second base member 40 may also include legs that contact a floor surface on
which the transportable rack 10 sits to rest the rack upon and grip the fiber
surface preventing movement when the rack is in a non-rolling position.
Second base member 40 also includes a center mount 50 and
center mount plates 52 attached to the center mount 50. The center mount
50 and center mount plates 52 provide a base around which the second A-
frame upright 120 is positioned, and attached to the second base member 40.
It should be appreciated that first base member 20 and second base member
40 are formed steel channels in one embodiment of the invention. In yet
another embodiment of the invention, the first base member 20 and second
base member 40 may be formed steel tubes, in which the first base member
20 has a plurality of wheel welt cavities for attaching a plurality of wheels.
As stated above, central support member 60 joins the first base
member 20 and second base member 40. Of the central support member 60,
first end 61 is attached to the center mount 30 of first base member 20, and
second end 62 is attached to the center mount 50 of second base member
40, such that central support member 60 is attached to and supported by the
two base members. When viewed from above, the base portion 12 appears (-
shaped. In the present embodiment, central support member 60 is a elongate
hollow beam, i.e. a formed steel tube, which acts as the outer housing for
retractable beam member 66. In a non-operational {stowed) position,
retractable beam member 66, which is also a formed steel tube, is stored
within the central support member 60.
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However, as shown in Fig. 4, the retractable beam member 66
slidably extends outwardly from the second end 62 of the central support
member 60. Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the base portion of Fig. 2 with the
retractable beam member shown in an extended (lift) position in accordance
with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. A tongue
locking pin 64 secures the retractable beam member 66 in either an extended
(lift) or retracted (i.e., stowed) position. In the retracted position, as
shown in
Fig. 2, the retractable beam member 66 is held in place by the tongue locking
pin 64 engaging the locking pin hole 70 in retractable beam member 66. A
second locking pin hole in the inner portion 67 of retractable beam member 66
secures it in the extended position.
Retractable beam member 66 has an inner end portion 67
(within the central support member 60), and an outer end portion 68 which
includes a lift receiving device 72. In the present embodiment, the lift
receiving device 72 is a vertically arranged tube and welded into the
retractable beam member 66, adapted to receive a standard ball-type hitch
connection. Although in this embodiment of the invention the lift receiving
device 72 is a spuare tube, in further embodiments of the invention, the tube
may be different shapes, including cylindrical, for example.
Accordingly, a standard ball-type hitch engages the lift receiving
device 72 allowing the raising of the outer end portion 68 of the retractable
beam member 66, which is attached to the central support member 60 and
second base member 40, and providing for the rolling movement of the
transportable rack 10 on the wheels 34. it should be appreciated that in
further embodiments of the invention, several different types of lift
receiving
devices may be utilized to allow a moving lift device to raise the retractable
beam member and second base member, and roll the transportable rack. For
example, a ball hitch could be attached to the retractable beam member, and
a forklift adapter device could contain a socket connection for receiving the
ball hitch. Additionally, the connection between the lift receiving device
could
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employ a lock and pin connection, a latch connection, a coupling device, for
example.
Additionally, transportable rack 10 further includes a device for
preventing the endwise (longitudinal) movement of sheet materials placed on
the transportable rack. As shown in Fig. 1, sheet stop assembly 80 is
mounted on telescoping tube mounts 86 which are attached to central support
member 60.
Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the sheet stop assembly of Fig. 1
in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the system
and method of the invention. As shown in Fig. 5, sheet stop assembly 80
includes an outer telescoping tube 82, inner telescoping tube 88, telescoping
locking pin 84, sheet stops 92, sheet stop locking pin 94, and front rack
bumper 96. The outer telescoping tube 82 is a hollow elongate beam, i.e. a
formed steel tube, mounted on telescoping tube mounts 86, which are
attached to central support member 60. Inner telescoping tube 88 is also a
hollow elongate beam, i.e. a formed steel tube, slidably housed in the outer
telescoping tube 82. The inner telescoping tube 88 has a plurality of
telescoping holes 90, integrally aligned, such that the telescoping locking
pin
84, secured in locking pin hole 85 of outer telescoping tube 82, can lock the
inner telescoping tube 88 in either an extended or retracted position with
respect to the outer telescoping tube 82. The plurality of telescoping holes
90
is provided so that the sheet stop assembly 80 can account for sheet
materials of varying sizes and lengths.
A pair of sheet stops 92 fold outwardly from the end of the inner
telescoping tube 88 to prevent endwise movement of sheet materials placed
on the transportable rack 10. The sheet stops 92 are secured to the end of
the inner telescoping tube 88 by sheet stop locking pin 94, which allows the
sheet stops 92 to pivot to and be secured in an extended position. Front rack
bumper 96 is also attached to the end of inner telescoping tube 88 to protect
the transportable rack 10 and any sheet materials that may be transported
thereon, i.e. for when the transportable rack 10 is moved into a van or
trailer
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for transport. A sheet stop cradle 98 is also provided, as shown in Fig. 1,
for
storing the sheet stops 92 in a stored position when the inner telescoping
tube
88 is retracted within the outer telescoping tube 82 for moving the
transportable rack 10 without carrying materials.
The transportable rack 10, as shown in Fig. 1, further includes
an A-frame structure portion 14. In one embodiment, the A-frame structure
portion 14 utilizes three A-frame uprights, first A-frame upright 100, middle
A-
frame upright 110, and second A-frame upright 120. First A-frame upright 100
has two vertically arranged legs 102, a plurality of lateral supports 104
secured to the legs 102, a plurality of corner braces 106, and a plurality of
strap pegs 108 for securing transport straps thereto in combination with
ratcheting buckles 26 on either end of first base member 20. First A-frame
upright 100 is mounted on and attached to first base member 20. The base of
each ieg 102 is secured to center mount plates 32. In addition, second A-
frame upright 120 also has two vertically arranged legs 122, a plurality of
lateral supports 124 secured to the legs 122, a plurality of corner braces
126,
and a plurality of strap pegs 128 for securing transport straps thereto in
combination with ratcheting buckles 46 on either end of second base member
40. Second A-frame upright 120 is also mounted on and attached to second
base member 40. The base of each leg 122 is secured to center mount
plates 52.
It should be appreciated that the strap pegs 108 and 128
provide a point around which transport straps can be wrapped and thereafter
ratcheted in the ratcheting buckles 24 and 46 for securing glass sheets on the
transportation rack. In the present embodiment, sixteen strap pegs are
utilized. Accordingly, a strap may be permanently secured to the second
strap peg from the top of the first A-frame upright 100 and second A-frame
upright 120 such that, depending on the sheet material size, the strap will be
routed up over the top peg or down under one of the lower pegs. The straps
are then secured over the sheets and tensioned and locked in the ratcheting
buckles.
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Middle A-frame upright 110 also has two vertically arranged legs
112, a plurality of lateral supports 114 secured to the legs 112 by a
plurality of
corner braces 116, and a pair of central support member braces 119. The pair
of central support member braces 119 are attached to the base of each leg
112 such that the central support member braces 119 partially wrap around
the central support member 40. Accordingly, the central support member
braces 119 anchor on the central support member 40 to provide support for
Middle A-frame upright 110.
As shown in Fig. 1, upper cross supports 130 act as the main
longitudinal cross support for the A-frame structure portion 14. Although, in
this embodiment, the upper cross supports 130 include two steel beams
connecting the tops of the A-frame uprights, a single upper cross support may
be utilized. A plurality of cross supports 134 connect first A-frame upright
100
to middle A-frame upright 110, and second A-frame upright 120 to middle A-
frame upright 110. Cross supports 134 are also steel members. It should be
appreciated that each part of the A-frame structure portion 14, including A-
frame uprights and cross supports, may have a formed poly extrusion channel
secured to their surfaces for attaching a padding or cushioning material to
the
exterior of the A-frame structure portion 14 that may contact the sheet
materials. A suitable padding or cushioning material capable of attaching to
the formed poly extrusion channel is called T-rubber, which has a large flange
on its exterior side for contacting the sheet materials, and a small flange on
the other side for attaching to the formed poly extrusion channel.
To provide a better understanding of the A-frame structure
portion 14, a side perspective of the transportable rack 10 is illustrated in
Fig.
6. Fig. 6 is a side view of the transportable rack of Fig. 1 in accordance
with
one embodiment of the method and system of the invention. As illustrated in
Fig. 6, the A-frame structure portion 14 further includes a Lift cradle 138,
comprising two inverted steel channels, for receiving the forks of a
conventional fork lift. The lift cradle 138 is attached to the underside of
one
parallel group of cross supports 134. Accordingly, when the transportable
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rack 10 is to be placed in a stored position, a fork lift can lift the
transportable
rack 10 by the lift cradle 138 for fast movement. A set of angled braces 136
provide additional vertical support to the transportable rack 10, such that
the
angled braces 136 secure the cross supports 134, which have the lift cradle
138 attached thereto, to middle A-frame upright 110.
It should be appreciated that although the foregoing has
described in detail an embodiment of the transportable rack, other
embodiments are provided below that illustrate variations in the base, upright
frame and beam member used for lifting the transportable rack. In each
embodiment of the transportable rack, the beam member is configurable to
adjust between a lift position that allows one end of the transportable rack
to
be raised and the transportable rack rolled in a wheel-barrel type fashion,
and
a non-operational, or stowed, position that allows the beam member having
the lift receiving portion to be stowed, for example, during transit (i.e.,
shipping) when hauling supplies, or simply for storage when not is use.
Fig. 12 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig. 12,
transportable rack 510 includes base portion 512, upright frame portion 514,
and beam member 566. Base portion 512 is formed by first base member
520, second base member 540, and central support member 560. Central
support member 560 connects first base member 520 and second base
member 540 such that when viewed from above, base portion 512 appears I-
shaped. Central support member 560 has a first end portion 561 and second
end portion 562, wherein the first end portion 561 is attached to first base
member 520 and second end portion 562 is attached to second base member
540. Accordingly, central support member 560 is attached to and supported
by first base member 520 and second base member 540.
Transportable rack 510, as shown in Fig. 12, further includes an
upright frame portion 514, similar to the A-frame structure portion 14
represented in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, upright frame portion 514 includes
three uprights, first upright 516, middle upright 517, and second upright 518.
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As shown in Fig. 12, each upright 516, 517 and 518 is in the form of an A-
Frame, however, it should be appreciated that the uprights may be shaped
differently; such as the L-Frame uprights described with reference to Fig. 16
below. Uprights 516, 517 and 518 have two vertically arranged legs, a
plurality of lateral supports secured to the legs, a plurality of corner
braces,
and a plurality of strap pegs for securing transport straps thereto in
combination with ratcheting buckles on either end of first base member 520.
First upright 516 is mounted on and attached to first base member 520.
Second upright 518 is mounted on and attached to second base member 540.
Central support member braces anchor on the central support member 540 to
provide support for middle upright 517.
Beam member 566 is attached to central support member 560
at the second end portion 562. As shown in Fig. 12, beam member 566 is
attached to second end portion 562 by hinge 565, which allows beam member
566 to pivot between the lift position (shown in Fig. 12) and a stowed
position
(shown in Figs. 13 and 14, for example). Although beam member 566 may be
pivoted upwardly as shown in Fig. 13, any suitable hinged connection may be
employed, such as that illustrated in Fig. 14 wherein the beam member 766
pivots outwardly and into parallel with the second base member 740. In the
lift position, any suitable locking or securing mechanism may be employed to
maintain beam member 566 in a rigid arrangement relative to a lift device.
Returning to Fig. 12, beam member 566 includes lift receiving
portion 572, which in this embodiment is a vertically arranged tube, welded
into beam member 566, and adapted to receive a standard ball-type hitch
connection. Although lift receiving portion 572 is a cylindrical tube, in
other
embodiments of the invention, the lift receiving portion may take different
shapes, including square, for example.
Transportable rack 510 further includes a device for preventing
the endwise (longitudinal) movement of sheet materials placed on the
transportable rack 510. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 12, sheet stop
assembly 80 is mounted on telescoping tube mounts which are attached to
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central support member 560. It should be appreciated that although not
referenced, transportable rack 510, and the components therein described,
may include additional features, such as those described in detail above with
reference to Fig. 1 and transportable rack 10, i.e., plurality of wheels 34,
for
example.
Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the base of the transportable rack
of Fig. 12 in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. As shown in Fig. 13, beam member 566 is in the stowed position,
exposing lift receiving device opening 573 of lift receiving portion 572. In
this
embodiment, beam member 566 has been pivoted upwardly on hinge 565 to
put beam member 566 in the stowed position.
Fig. 14 is an isometric view of an illustrative base for a
transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As
shown in Fig. 14, base portion 712 includes several similar components to
those of base 512 as described above with reference to Figs. 12 and 13.
However, in Fig. 14, beam member 766 is attached to second end portion 762
of central support member 760 by hinge 765. This allows beam member 766
to pivot outwardly from the longitudinal axis of base portion 712, into
parallel
with second base member 740.
Fig. 15 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig. 15,
transportable rack 810 includes base portion 812, upright frame 814; and
beam member 866 (sheet stop assembly not illustrated). It should be
appreciated that although not referenced, transportable rack 810, and the
components therein described, may include additional features, such as those
described in detail above with reference to Figs. 1 and 12, and transportable
racks 10 and 510, respectively. However, transportable rack 810 is provided
with an alternative base portion 812, which is in the form of a truss
structure.
Base portion 812 includes first base member 820, second base member 840,
central support member 860, and middle base member 830. Base portion
812 further includes a pair of side support members 834, and a plurality of
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lateral base supports 832. Upright frame 814 includes three uprights, first
upright 816, middle upright 817, and second upright 818. Beam member 866
is attached to second base member 840 by hinge 865, which allows beam
member 866 to pivot between the lift position and a stowed position.
Fig. 16 is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in Fig. 16,
transportable rack 910 includes base portion 912, upright frame 914, and
beam member 966 having lift receiving portion 972. It should be appreciated
that although not referenced, transportable rack 910, and the components
therein described, may include additional features, such as those described in
detail above with reference to figs. 1, 12, and 15, and transportable racks
10,
510 and 710, respectively. However, as described above, upright frame 914
is comprised of uprights 916, 917 and 918, each in the form of an L-Frame. It
should be appreciated that the L-Frame is essentially one half of an A-Frame.
Base portion 912 includes first base member 920, second base
member 940 and central support member 940. A setting block 924 is placed
on support 923, which is attached to a pair of blocks 921 mounted on first
base member 920. Similarly, setting block 944 is placed on support 943,
which is attached to a pair of blocks 941 mounted on first base member 940.
Setting blocks 924 and 944 provide a resting place for sheet materials hauled
on transportable rack 910.
As seen in Figs. 1-6, 8, 10, and 12-16, various embodiments of
the transportable rack are constructed to allow for the raising of the outer
end
portion of the beam member, which in turn causes the raising of the second
base member, and allows for the rolling movement of the transportable rack.
As illustrated in Figs. 1-6 and 12-16, the beam member includes a lift
receiving device or portion on its outer end. It should also be appreciated
that
in the lift position, any suitable locking or securing mechanism may be
employed to keep the beam member rigid with the base portion for raising the
second base member and allowing rolling movement. Accordingly, a
conventional forklift in combination with a forklift lift adapter device can
be
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used to move the transportable racks. It shauld be appreciated that although
many components of the disclosed transportable racks are made of steel, i.e.
formed channels, tubes or beams, these members can be constructed of any
suitable material capable of handling heavy load capacities. For example, if
the present transportable rack is utilized to transport glass lites or sheet,
it
may carry more than 1fi,000 Ibs. of glass on a single loading. This includes
glass lites or sheets that may be 96" x 144", or larger depending on the needs
of the skilled artisan. Accordingly, other metal types, composites, or
plastics
suitable to handle such a load capacity may be substituted in place of the
disclosed steel components.
Fig. 7 is an illustrative forklift lift adapter device in accordance
with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. Forklift lift
adapter device 200 includes a base portion 202 having at least two channels
206 for receiving the forks of a conventional forklift. A hitch connection 204
is
mounted on the base portion 202. The hitch connection 204 is a standard
ball-type hitch that slips into the lift receiving device 72. Accordingly, the
forklift adapter device 200 in combination with a conventional fiorklift
allows for
the raising and wheelbarrow-like movement of the transportable rack 10. This
type of movement is also beneficial in that it allows for single articulation
when
backing the transportable rack 10 into a van or trailer.
It should be appreciated that the lift receiving device of the
present invention allows for the rolling movement of the transportable rack
with the use of a conventional forklift. As such, each delivery point for the
transportable rack can move the transportable rack and the sheet materials
with the use of a forklift lift adapter device on a forklift. It should be
noted that
most delivery points for glass sheets utilize a conventional forklift as a
part of
regular business, therefore, making the use of the present transportable rack
efficient in that further capital investment is not necessary.
Fig. 8 is a side view of an illustrative transportable rack raised by
a conventional forklift in combination with an illustrative forklift lift
adapter
device in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the
CA 02456686 2004-02-03
18
invention. As shown in Fig. 8, the forks 302 of conventional forklift 300 are
inserted into channels 206 of forklift lift adapter device 200, and hitch
connection 204 is engaging lift receiving device 72. Simply, the ball-type
hitch
is inserted in the hitch connection in the retractable beam member. The
transportable rack of the present invention also provides additional methods
of hauling sheet materials. It should be appreciated that although throughout
the description of the various embodiments of the invention, the transportable
rack may be used to transport sheet materials, such as glass lites, other
types
of materials may also be transported on the rack. These materials may
include granite sheets, stone products; wood, plasterboard, pre-cast concrete,
steel plates, and other sheet materials, especially those fragile materials
with
low bending strengths. Additionally, various commercial products with
elongate shapes may also be transported on the transportable rack, including
van trailer doors, building products, including building frames, for example.
Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of hauling sheet
materials in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of
the invention. The process being in step S10, and then passes to step S20.
Then, in step S20, sheet materials are loaded onto the
transportable rack. The sheet materials are loaded onto the rack such that
the sides of the sheet materials rest on the setting blocks of the disclosed
transportable racks, and transport straps are used to secure the sheet
materials on the transportable rack.
It should be appreciated that the moveable nature of the
transportable rack of the present invention allows for the loading of the
sheet
materials on the rack at any suitable location, at any suitable time.
Accordingly, glass lites can be loaded onto transportable racks at various
locations at the glass manufacturer, including the area where the glass lite
is
cut and prepared for delivery, obviating the need to move the racks and store
them until they are ready for loading. In addition, the ability to move the
racks
allows the glass manufacturer to pre-load the racks even before the transport
vehicle arrives at the manufacturing plant to carry the racks and sheet
CA 02456686 2004-02-03
19
materials to a delivery point. These advantages also translate to the facility
accepting delivery of the racks, because that facility does not have to take
the
time to unload the glass lites from the rack as soon as they are delivered.
The rack can be left at the delivery facility, and the glass lites can be
stored
on the rack until needed.
Returning to Fig. 9, in step S30, a lift device is utilized to raise
the transportable rack. As described above, a lift device attached to a
conventional forklift is inserted into the lift receiving device and then
raised.
The raising of the lift receiving device in turn raises a retractable beam
member which in turn causes the second base member to be lifted from the
floor surface. Therefore, the raising of the lift receiving device allows the
transportable rack to be moved in a wheelbarrow type movement. Then, in
step S40, the transportable rack is rolled onto a transport vehicle. It should
be
appreciated that the transport vehicle may be a van trailer, or flatbed
trailer.
Once secured in the transport vehicle, the transport vehicle with the
transportable rack contained thereon is transported to a delivery point in
step
S50. The process then passes to step S60 wherein the transportable rack is
removed from the transport vehicle at the delivery point. Thereafter, the
process ends in step S70. This process allows for delivery of transportable
racks to a delivery point wherein the transportable racks can be loaded at any
point before or after a transport vehicle arrives at a loading point, and does
not require the transport vehicle to remain at the delivery point until the
sheet
materials are unloaded from the transportable racks. This may, however,
cause a build up of empty transportable racks at a given delivery point.
Accordingly, in one embodinvent of the invention, the
transportable rack can transform from having the retractable beam member
and sheet stop assembly extended to a retracted position. In the retracted the
position, the transportable rack can be arranged with other empty racks for
storage and transport. In this respect, a method is disclosed wherein the
transportable rack can be used fio transport glass sheets, and once the glass
sheets are delivered, the empty rack can remain at the delivery point. Once a
CA 02456686 2004-02-03
delivery point accumulates a certain number of empty racks, the transportable
racks of the present invention can be arranged and packed into a van trailer
for return hauling to the glass manufacturer.
Fig. 10 is a filowchart illustrating a method of shipping empty
transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of the system and
method of the invention. The process begins in step S110 and passes to step
S120 wherein a number of empty transportable racks at a delivery point is
determined. This may be accomplished in any suitable fashion, including
keeping records of the number of transportable racks delivered to a delivery
point, monitoring the number of transportable racks at a given delivery point,
or simply estimating a number of empty transportable racks at a delivery point
based on a scheduled period.
Then, in step S130; the number of empty transportable racks at
a delivery point is compared with a number of empty transportable racks
associated with a transport vehicle loading. This comparison allows the
shipper to determine when a shipping run of empty transportable racks is
most efFicient and cost effective, based on maintaining a full van or trailer
on
each leg of a transport journey. Once the number of empty transportable
racks compares favorably with a transport vehicle loading, a loaded
transportable rack with sheet materials is delivered to the delivery point in
S140. Once the loaded transportable rack is removed from the transport
vehicle at the delivery point, the empty transportable racks at the delivery
point are loaded onto the transport vehicle in step S150. Then, in step S160,
the empty transportable racks are transported back to a loading point. The
process then ends in step S170. Utilizing this process, a shipper can
maximize the number of empty racks maintained at a delivery point until it is
most efficient to have the racks returned to the loading point. Therefore, in
one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of empty transportable racks may
be loaded into a conventional van trailer to maximize the shipping capacity of
a transport vehicle.
CA 02456686 2004-02-03
21
Fig. 11 is a planar view ofi an illustrative shipping arrangement of
a plurality of empty transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of
the system and method of the invention. The plurality of transportable racks,
which includes transportable rack 10, transportable rack 11 a, and
transportable rack 11 b, are prepared for empty shipping. In this embodiment
of the invention, it should be appreciated that transportable racks 11 a and
11 b
include each component included in transportable rack 10, as described
above and hereinafter. Transportable racks 10, 11 a and 11 b are prepared for
shipping by fully retracting the retractable beam member 66 within central
support member 60, and also retracting the inner telescoping tube 88 within
the outer telescoping tube 82 to a non-operational position wherein the sheet
stops 92 are resting in the sheet stop cradle 98.
The transportable racks 10, 11 a and 11 b, when empty and
prepared for shipping, are loaded onto a transport vehicle 400, side to side,
such that the first base member 20 and second base member 40 face the side
walls 402 of the transport vehicle 400. In this embodiment, the transport
vehicle 400 is a van trailer. However, to provide further understanding of the
nesting arrangement of the transportable racks 10, 11 a and 11 b, the roof of
the transport vehicle 400 has been removed, exposing the interior shipping
space 404 wherein the empty transportable racks are loaded and carried.
The use of shipping space 404 is maximized when the transportable racks 10,
11 a and 11 b are nested together such that the first base member 20 and
second base member 40 of the racks are side by side, and at least one of the
base members slides underneath the A-frame structure portion of another
transportable rack. As shovun in Fig. 11, the second base member 40 of
transportable rack 11a is slid underneath the A-frame structure portion 14 of
transportable rack 10. Similarly, the second base member 40 of transportable
rack 11 b is slid underneath the A-frame structure portion 14 of transportable
rack 11a. Consequently, the first base member 20 of transportable rack 10 is
slid underneath the A-frame structure portion 14 of transportable rack 11 a,
and the first base member 20 of transportable rack 11a is slid underneath the
A-frame structure portion 14 of transportable rack 11 b. Storing the empty
CA 02456686 2004-02-03
22
transportable racks 10, 11 a and 11 b in this arrangement places the A-frame
structure portions 14 of the different transportable racks side by side, and
the
empty transportable racks 10, 11 a and 11 b, can be stored in a nested
relationship, side to side, in a conventional van trailer or high cube
trailer.
Therefore, utilizing this arrangement of the empty transportable racks 10, 11
a
and 11 b, the use of shipping space 404 is maximized within the transport
vehicle 400, making each transport run more cost efficient.
It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art
that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application.
Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those
herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent
arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present
invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the
substance or scope of the invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
here in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood
that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present
invention
and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described
above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention: Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be
construed or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any other
such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent
arrangements.
