AU2014224122A1 - Transportation System - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport system (1) for articles of variable length, such as extrusions, the system comprising: at least two, preferably elongate, support members (2) to support at least one article to be transported; at least one spanning member (3a, 3b) spanning the support members (2); and at least one fastener (4a, 4b) configured to receive at least one vertical member (5) wherein the at least one spanning member (3a, 3b) is configured to extend along a length of the support members (2) and wherein the fastener is configured to contact a side surface only of one of the vertical members. Suitably the support members (2) include a first section (2a) and a second section (2b) configured to slide telescopically relative to each other, and/or lifting ports (14) incorporating wear material (9) for forklift use. Figure 1 6 4b 3b 2B 6 3b -4a 4b 4a 4b 32 4b/ 4a 4a

Description

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS The present invention is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand 5 Patent Application No. 615812, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a transportation system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pallet system used for the transportation of aluminium extrusions, o although as will become apparent, the present invention can be used to transport other materials. BACKGROUND ART Aluminium extrusions are an important commodity. The nature of these extrusions, such as 5 their size and weight makes their transportation relatively expensive and difficult. One common way of transporting these extrusions between locations is to pack them onto a pallet. Traditionally, the extrusions are stacked on a manufactured pallet. As the extrusions are stacked, timber is cut to length and installed to provide a number of support supports to the stacked extrusions. A strapping member is then placed between the vertical members and .0 across the extrusions, in order to secure and hold down the extrusions for transportation. While this system provides a safe and secure packing method for the transporting of a number of aluminium extrusions, there are a number of disadvantages with this traditional system. We discuss these as below. Firstly, this is a lengthy process, as a number of steps are required for the packing and 25 securing of the extrusions. This is not ideal as the less time and steps required in a process, the more efficient and economic the process becomes. Secondly, once the timber is cut to length, the height of the transport system becomes limited thus limiting the number of extrusions that can be packed in the system. Alternatively, if some extrusions are taken out of the transport system then the packing becomes relatively loose. 1 Thirdly, these pallets are not flexible to be adapted to suit extrusions of different lengths. Therefore, different pallets need to be manufactured for the different lengths. This is both inconvenient and costly. The efficiency of movement and handling of articles, especially on docks, is measured by the 5 number of actions necessary to move a given number of articles between locations. Therefore, it is important to minimise the actions needed to move the articles. Therefore, it would be useful to have a transportation system which can maximise the number of extrusions being carried between locations per trip, while being packed in a safe and secure manner. At the same time, it would be useful if these systems allow flexibility to the lengths of 0 the extrusions such that only one pallet is needed for all sizes. Packaging material such as polystyrene are frequently used to pack the space between objects to be transported and a transport container for the articles. The packaging materials are frequently disposed of once the articles have reached their destination. As polystyrene is chemically stable and not easily recycled, it would therefore be useful to have a transportation 5 system which does not use disposable packing materials. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION Furthermore, it would be advantageous to address the foregoing problems and dispense with the use of the timber lengths as it is a time-consuming process and no timber will be wasted, saving money, costs and at the same time it is more environmentally friendly. .0 Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, 25 or group of elements, integers or steps. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a transport system comprising * at least two support members to support at least one article to be transported; * at least one spanning member spanning the two support members; 30 0 at least one fastener configured to receive at least one vertical member; 2 wherein the at least one spanning member is configured to extend along a length of the support members and wherein the fastener is configured to contact a side surface only of one of the vertical members. Preferably, the at least two support members are elongate. 5 Preferably, the transport system also comprises * a second spanning member arranged along the length the vertical member; and * the at least one fastener is arranged and configured such that the distance between the spanning bridge and the second bridge is adjustable. The term transport system should be understood to be any means configured and arranged to 0 support, store or carry at least one article between locations. In a preferred embodiment, the transport system is in the form of a pallet and shall now be referred to as same. In a preferred embodiment, the articles to be transported are aluminium extrusions. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to be used with a certain number of 5 articles and that aluminium extrusions are just one example of how the present invention can be used. The term elongated member should be understood to be any means that has a length that is substantially greater than the widest part of its cross section. The support members are arranged at a predetermined distance apart. The distance between .0 the support members defines the width of the pallet. The support members are arranged parallel to each other so that the distance between the support members at any point along the length of the members remains substantially constant. Preferably, the support members are rectangular hollow sections (RHS). The RHS is a standard construction material and is relatively accessible and cheap. Furthermore, they come 25 in a range of different sizes and dimensions to suit different applications. In a preferred embodiment, the support members include further sections within the RHS to further enhance the strength of the support members. This also adds rigidity and minimises deflection of the support members. Preferably the support members include a first and second section configured and arranged 30 such that they slide telescopically relative to each other. This allows the length of the support 3 members to be adjusted so articles of different lengths may be transported on the pallet. In one embodiment, one of the sections is configured to receive the other section within its cross section. This is to allow one of the sections to move relative to the other longitudinally to achieve the telescopic arrangement as described above. 5 Preferably, the support members further includes a locking mechanism that allows the two sections to be secured relative to each other at a certain position. For example, clamp or key and slot arrangement and the like. Preferably, the first and second sections of the support member can be secured by the locking mechanism at a number of positions relative to each other via pre-determined arrangements o such as grooves and slots. This allows the first and second sections to be secured in a number of positions to suit articles of different lengths. Preferably, the support members further includes a lip configured to hold a protective wear material between the transport system and the device (such as forklifts and the like) used for lifting the transport system. This prevents damage to the transport system by the lifting device. 5 An example of the protective material can include high density cardboard and foam and the like. For the purpose of this invention, the term "spanning member" should be understood to be any means configured and arranged to span from one support member to the other, such that it acts as a spanning member between the support members in order to support the articles to be .0 placed upon the pallet. Preferably, the spanning member has a substantially flat top surface. This is so that the articles can be placed upon the spanning member in a balanced manner. This helps the security when a number of articles are packed. Preferably, the top surface is of a sufficient width so that it can adequately support the articles 25 which are to be placed upon the spanning member. This is to ensure that there is sufficient contact surface area for the spanning member to support the articles. Preferably, the spanning member is constructed with a number of gussets and enforcers in order to withstand the loading conditions of the packed article during transportation. Preferably, the spanning member includes at least one clamp which is configured to receive the 30 support members such that the spanning member can be secured onto the support members. In a preferred embodiment, the clamps are configured as a pair of cavities arranged on either 4 support of the spanning member. Each of the cavities is configured to be complementary with the outer dimensions of the cross section of the support members so that the support members can slide into each of the cavities. Preferably, the support members are received within the clamps so the fit is substantially snug. 5 This is so that the spanning member and the support members together creates an unitary structure and provides a stronger, and more rigid structure overall. In some embodiments, there is provided a further locking mechanism to secure the support member within the clamps of the spanning member. In some embodiments, the length of the spanning member is adjustable. This is to allow for o adjustment of the amount of load and the dimensions of the storage container or vehicle to which the transport system is to be placed in. The spanning member further includes a lifting port configured to allow a point of access for lifting devices (such as a forklift) so the transport system can be lifted and transported. Preferably, the lifting port is configured to incorporate the protective material that is being held 5 by the lip of the support members as discussed above. This allows the wear material to be the point of contact between the lifting device and the transport system, which minimises damage to the components of the transport system. In a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of spanning members arranged along the support members such that they can provide a number of support surfaces for the articles to be .0 transported. This helps with the load distribution as well as the balance of the articles when loaded for transportation. For the purpose of this invention, the term fastener should be understood to be any means configured or arranged as a stand or foot to act as the base of the transport system, as well as act as a receiving means for a vertical member. 25 A fastener is arranged on either support of the spanning member. This is so that a vertical member can be arranged to both supports of the spanning member. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners are incorporated into the spanning member as a one piece manufacturing (moulded) process. This is to minimise the steps in manufacturing thus saving costs and time. 30 In other embodiments, the fasteners are manufactured separately and are configured such that they can be attached or arranged onto the spanning member by the user via conventional fastening mechanisms. 5 Each fastener includes at least one cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a vertical member such that the vertical member can stand in a substantially upright position. Preferably, this cavity is configured such that it provides clearance for at least a portion of the vertical members to pass through the structure of the fastener. This allows the vertical member 5 to be inserted through the cavity. For the purpose of this invention, the term vertical member should be understood to be any means configured or arranged to act as support supports for the articles once they are stacked to a certain height. The vertical member is a member which defines the height of the stack of articles. 0 Preferably, an upper spanning member is arranged along the length of the vertical member at the defined height as discussed above. This acts as the upper strap which limits the movement of the articles. Preferably, the upper spanning member is lighter in construction compared to a bottom spanning member. This is desirable as the upper spanning member is arranged to be on top. 5 However, in alternative embodiments, the bottom spanning member and upper spanning members are identical. This may reduce manufacturing costs as only one spanning member configuration needs to be mass produced. Preferably, at least an outer portion of the vertical member is threaded so that it is operable with a complementarily threaded fastening mechanism. Examples of the fastening mechanism can .0 be a nut or a manufactured mechanism. A further example can include bayonet type twist-lock mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical member is in the form of a bolt, and the corresponding threaded fastening mechanism is in the form of a nut. For ease of reference, the term vertical member shall be referred to as bolt, and the fastening mechanism shall be referred to as a nut, 25 for the rest of the specification. Preferably, the threaded portion of the bolt is at the end towards the upper spanning member. This is so that the height between the lower and upper spanning members can be adjusted via threading of the nut in relation to the bolt. Furthermore, the above provides a tightening effect as the upper spanning member is moved 30 down via the thread of the bolt and nut towards the packed articles. This provides fastening further security of the articles as it has a tight strap-down effect. 6 Preferably, the transport system also comprises at least one inflatable bladder configured for attachment to at least one upper and/or lower spanning member to fill the space between the product and a container for the transport system after inflation of the inflatable bladder. More preferably, the inflatable bladder is configured for attachment to the at least one upper 5 spanning member. In operation, the user will first adjust the length of the support members via its telescoping sections, such that it is suitable for use with the certain lengths of the articles (extrusions) to be transported. The user will then adjust the length of the spanning member such that it is suitable for use with 0 the dimensions of the storage container or vehicle of which the articles (extrusions) are to be transported. The user will then place each of the support members into the clamps of the spanning member. The user will also add a plurality of spanning members along the length of the support members such that it provides sufficient support to the articles (extrusions) to be transported. 5 The user will then place a bolt in each of the fasteners of the spanning members so they can act as support supports for the articles (extrusions) to be transported. The user will then proceed to stack the articles (extrusions) onto the transport system in the usual and conventional way to a certain height. A second spanning member will then be arranged near the upper ends of each corresponding .0 set of bolts such that it is substantially at the top of the stacked articles. Using the nut and the threaded portion of the bolt, the second spanning member can be moved downwards. As such, providing a tightening and strapping effect to the articles stacked. The user will then be able to lift or transport the transport system (with the articles stacked thereon) via lifting devices such as a forklift by applying the device to the lifting ports of the 25 transport system. The present invention provides the following advantages: * Adjustable lengths to accommodate articles of different lengths; * Dispense with the use of lengths of timber which saves costs and time, and more environmentally friendly; 30 0 The height of the system is adjustable; 7 * The upper strapping can be moved down to provide more security to the packed articles; * Overall a much more efficient process of packing; or * At the very least, offers the public a useful choice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 5 Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the general arrangement of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a transport system; o Figure 2 is a top support perspective view of the spanning member of the present invention shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom support perspective view of the spanning member of the present invention shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a bladder for use with the 5 present invention wherein the bladder is inflated; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a bladder for use with the present invention wherein the bladder is deflated. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, there is provided a transport system (1) which includes two support .0 members (2) which defines the length of the transport system (1), at least one spanning member in the form of a lower spanning member (3a) spanning the support members (2) to define the width of the transport system (1). Each lower spanning member (3a) includes a fastener (4a) on either support configured to receive at least one vertical member (5). Further details of the lower spanning member (3a) will 25 be described further below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, there are two lower spanning members (3a) arranged along the length of the support members (2) so that it provides better support and balance for the articles to be transported. Each lower spanning member (3a) is arranged with two vertical members (5) on either support to provide support supports for the articles as they are stacked to a certain 30 height. 8 At the upper end of the vertical members, there is a further set of upper spanning members (3b) which act as a strap-down or securing mechanism for the articles to be transported. At least a portion of these vertical members (5), preferably near the upper end, are threaded such that a complementary fastening mechanism, or nut (6) can be attached to the vertical 5 members. This allows the upper spanning members (3b) to move along the vertical members (5), thus allowing adjustment of the distance between the upper and lower spanning members (3) to define the height of the transport system (1). Furthermore, it allows the strapping and tightening effect as discussed above. In the embodiment as depicted in figure 1, the upper spanning members (3b) used at the top of 0 the vertical members (5) are lighter and simpler in construction compared to the lower spanning members (3a). It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the upper spanning member (3b) can be identical to the lower spanning member (3a). Therefore this should not be seen as limiting. In this embodiment, the support members (2) include a first and second section (2a, 2b) so the 5 length of these support members can be adjusted. The first section (2a) is configured with a cross section that can be received by the cross section of the second section (2b) such that the first section (2a) can slide telescopically relatively to the second section (2b). In this embodiment the support members (2) are rectangular hollow sections (RHS). The RHS .0 is a standard construction material and is relatively accessible and cheap. Furthermore, they come in a range of different sizes and dimensions to suit different applications. In this embodiment, the support members (2) include a further U-shaped section (8) within the RHS to further enhance the strength of the support members (2). This also adds rigidity and minimises deflection of the support members. 25 In this embodiment, the support members further includes a lip (7) configured to hold protective material (9) between the transport system (1) and the device (such as forklifts and the like) used for lifting the transport system (not shown in this figure). This prevents damage to the transport system by the lifting device. An example of the protective material can include high density cardboard and foam and the 30 like. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, there is provided a top view and bottom view of one embodiment of the lower spanning member (3a). 9 In this embodiment, the lower spanning member (3a) is configured with a substantially flat top surface (10). This is so that the articles can be placed upon the spanning spanning member in a balanced manner. This helps the security of these articles during transport when a number of articles are packed. 5 The top surface is of a sufficient width so that it can adequately support the articles that are to be placed upon the lower spanning member (3a). The lower spanning member (3a) is constructed with a number of gussets and enforcers (11) in order to withstand the loading conditions of the packed article during transportation. Also, grooves and cavities (12) are constructed for the same purpose, while minimising the weight of 0 the spanning member (3a). However, it should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art can readily re-design the construction of the spanning members, therefore the arrangement of these gussets, enforcers and grooves (11, 12) should not be construed as limiting. In this embodiment, the lower spanning member (3a) includes clamps (13) which are configured to receive the support members (2) such that the lower spanning member (3a) can 5 be secured onto the support members (2). In this embodiment, the clamps (13) are a pair of cavities arranged on either support of the lower spanning member (3a). Each of the cavities is configured to be complementary with the outer dimensions of the cross section of the support members (2) so that the support members (2) can slide into each of the cavities. .0 In this preferred embodiment, the lower spanning member (3a) further includes a pair of lifting ports (14) configured to allow a point of access for lifting devices (such as a forklift) so the transport system (1) can be lifted and transported. Preferably, the lifting port (14) is configured to incorporate the wear material (9) that is being held by the lip (7) of the support members (2) as discussed above. This allows the wear 25 material (9) to be the point of contact between the lifting device and the transport system (1), which minimises damage to the components of the transport system. There is a lower fastener (4a) provided on either support of the lower spanning member (3a). This is so that a vertical member (5) can be arranged to both supports of the lower spanning member (3a). 30 In this embodiment, the upper fastener (4b) and bottom fastener (4a) are incorporated into the upper spanning member (3b) and lower spanning member (3a) respectively as a single piece moulding. 10 There is at least one cavity (15) configured within each lower fastener (4a), the cavity (15) is configured such that it provides clearance for at least a portion of the vertical member (5) to pass through the lower fastener (4a). A similar configuration is provided for in the upper fastener (4a). 5 With reference to Figures 4 and 5, optionally an inflatable bladder (16) is used to attach to the top fastener (4a) (not shown) to contact an object secured between the upper spanning member (4b) and lower spanning member (4a) and an internal surface of a transport container within which the transport system (1) is contained after inflation of the inflatable bladder (16) with air. In this way, the transport system (1) is stabilised during transport to prevent damage to o the object. After transport, the inflatable bladder (16) can be deflated and reused. The inflatable bladder (16) comprises a pair of push fit projections (16a) for attachment to the top fastener (3b) and an air valve (1 6b) to enable inflation/deflation of the inflatable bladder (16). ALTERNATIVES AND MODIFICATIONS The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred 5 to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred .0 embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be 25 appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 11

Claims (30)

1. A transport system comprising: at least two support members to support at least one article to be transported; * at least one spanning member spanning the support members; and 5 * at least one fastener configured to receive at least one vertical member wherein the at least one spanning member is configured to extend along a length of the support members and wherein the fastener is configured to contact a side surface only of one of the vertical members.

2. A transport system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least two support members are o elongate.

3. The transport system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the transport system also comprises: * a second spanning member arranged along the length the vertical member; and * the at least one fastener is arranged and configured such that the distance between the 5 spanning bridge and the second bridge is adjustable.

4. The transport system as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the transport system is in the form of a pallet.

5. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the articles to be transported are aluminium extrusions. 20

6. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the support members are arranged at a predetermined distance apart.

7. The transport system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the distance between the support members defines the width of the pallet.

8. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the support 25 members are arranged parallel to each other so that the distance between the support members at any point along the length of the members remains substantially constant.

9. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the support members are rectangular hollow sections (RHS). 12

10. The transport system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the support members include further sections within the RHS to further enhance the strength of the support members.

11. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support members include a first section and second section configured to slide telescopically relative to 5 each other.

12. The transport system as claimed in claim 11 wherein one of the sections is configured to receive the other section within its cross section.

13. The transport system as claimed in any one of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the support members further include a locking mechanism that allows the first section and second section 0 to be secured relative to each other at a certain position.

14. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the first and second sections of the support member are secured by the locking mechanism at a number of positions relative to each other defined via a pre-determined arrangement of apertures.

15. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the support 5 members further include a lip configured to hold a protective wear material between the transport system and a lifting device used for lifting the transport system.

16. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the spanning member has a substantially flat top surface.

17. The transport system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the top surface is of a sufficient .0 width so that it can adequately support the articles which are to be placed upon the spanning member.

18. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the spanning member is constructed with a number of gussets and enforcers in order to withstand the loading conditions of the packed article during transportation. 25

19. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the spanning member includes at least one clamp which is configured to receive the support members such that the spanning member can be secured onto the support members.

20. The transport system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the clamps are configured as a pair of cavities arranged on either support of the spanning member wherein the cavities are 30 configured to be complementary with the outer dimensions of the cross section of the support members so that the support members can slide into each of the cavities. 13

21. The transport system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the support members are received within the clamps so the fit is substantially snug.

22. The transport system as claimed in claim 15 wherein a lifting port is configured to incorporate the protective wear material that is being held by the lip of the support members. 5

23. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein there is a plurality of spanning members arranged along the support members such that they can provide a number of support surfaces for the articles to be transported.

24. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein a fastener is positioned on either support of the spanning member configured to engage a portion of a o vertical member such that the vertical member can stand in a substantially upright position.

25. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein the second spanning member is arranged along the length of the vertical member at the defined height as discussed above.

26. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 wherein the upper 5 spanning member is lighter in construction compared to the lower spanning member.

27. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein at least an outer portion of the vertical member is threaded so that it is operable with a complementarily threaded fastener.

28. The transport system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the transport .0 system also comprises at least one inflatable bladder configured for attachment to at least one upper and/or lower spanning member to fill the space between the article and a container for the transport system after inflation of the inflatable bladder.

29. The transport system as claimed in claim 28 wherein the inflatable bladder is configured for attachment to the at least one upper spanning member. 25

30. The transport system substantially as described herein and illustrated with reference to the Figures. 14