AU2018229565A1 - Coil restraint - Google Patents

Abstract

A rig 1 for transporting cylindrical objects 10 in a first upright orientation and/or in a second transverse orientation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rig is disclosed. The rig comprises a plurality of frames 20 supported on an upper surface 15 of the rig 1. At least one of the frames 20 is moveable along a length of the upper surface 15 of the rig 1. Each of the plurality of frames 20 comprises: a pair of oppositely facing surfaces 30, 40. A first surface of the pair provides a sloping contact surface 30 when the surface is viewed from a side of the rig 1. A second surface of the pair provides a profiled, typically arcuate, contact surface 40 when viewed from a top of the rig 1. The frames 20 are oriented on the upper surface 15 of the rig 1 such that at least one of: the arcuate contact surfaces 40 of adjacent frames 20 are facing one another to capture a cylindrical object 10 in an upright orientation; and the sloping contact surfaces 30 of adjacent frames 20 are facing one another to capture a cylindrical object 15 in a transverse orientation. 10661121_1 (GHMatters) P105203.AU.1 LO tLL

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a rig for transporting cylindrical objects and to a method of configuring the rig to transport cylindrical objects in at least one of a first orientation and a second transverse orientation.

BACKGROUND

The invention is directed to transporting cylindrical objects, and more particularly large and/or heavy cylindrical objects, safely and in a way that minimises damage to the cylindrical objects during transportation.

The invention is described herein in reference to large coils of steel strip that weigh upwards of four tonnes. However, the person skilled in the art will recognise how the invention could be applied to various cylindrical objections with applications in other fields.

There is a need to develop an option for restraining coils of steel strip for transportation: particularly in high volume corridors where coils are transported in volume, in different orientations, over short distances, with a view 25 to quick turnaround times .

There is a further need to develop an option for restraining coils of steel strip for transportation that minimises the time taken to securely restrain, and release, the coils at either end of the transportation

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-2process and a means that increase overall fleet flexibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In broad terms, the invention provides a rig that is typically an elongate rig for transporting cylindrical objects, such as coils of steel strip, in a first upright orientation or in a second transverse orientation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rig, the rig comprising a plurality of frames supported on an upper surface of the rig, each frame comprising: at least two contact surfaces, wherein a first contact surface is a sloping contact surface when the surface is viewed from a side of the rig and a second contact surface is a profiled contact surface when viewed from a top of the rig, wherein the plurality of frames is oriented on the upper surface of the rig such that at least one of the first contact surfaces of adjacent frames face one another to capture a cylindrical object in the transverse orientation; and the second contact surfaces of adjacent frames face one another to capture a cylindrical object in the upright orientation.

The profile of the second contact surface may be arcuate,

i.e. curved, to cradle the cylindrical object.

The plurality of frames may comprise a first, a second and a third frame, each frame contra-oriented to an adjacent frame, such that in use: a first cylindrical object in the 30 transverse orientation is captured between a pair of first contact surfaces of the first frame and the second frame;

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-3and a second cylindrical objection in the upright orientation is captured between a pair of second contact surfaces of the second frame and the third frame.

At least one of the plurality of frames may be permanently engaged with the upper surface of the rig.

Each of the plurality of frames may be movable along the upper surface of the rig. The movable frames may be configured to translate along the upper surface of the rig while remaining in contact therewith.

Each of the movable frames may further comprise a mounting unit for engaging the upper surface of the rig. The mounting unit may include at least a first pair of legs located on opposing sides of the upper surface of the rig. Each leg of the at least first pair of legs may include a foot.

Each foot may be configured as a rigid projection, extending outwardly from the leg for coupling the frame with the upper surface of the rig.

Each foot may support engagement members for engaging with 25 the upper surface of the rig. The engagement members may be rotatable and are selected from a group comprising the following: a wheel, a gear, a castor, a roller, a ball and a pinion. The engagement members may be static and are selected from a group comprising the following: a hook, an 30 aperture, a hoop, a cleat, a ring and a clamp.

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-4The upper surface of the rig may provide a co-operating feature for engaging with the rotatable members of the mounting unit. The cooperating feature of the upper surface of the rig may be static. The cooperating feature of the upper surface of the rig may be selected from a group comprising the following: a rack, a linear bearing, a guide rail, a groove, a track, a plurality of discrete recesses, and a plurality of discrete protrusions.

The cooperating feature of the upper surface of the rig may be movable. The movable cooperating feature may be a belt. The movable cooperating feature may be a chain. The rotatable engagement members of the mounting unit may be driven by a motor. The movable cooperating feature of the upper surface may be driven by a motor.

The sloping contact surface of each frame may be planar.

The sloping contact surface of each frame may be curved.

The sloping contact surface may further comprise a coating. The coating may provide increased friction to the sloping surface for retaining the cylindrical objection thereto. The coating may provide a cushion to the sloping surface to reduce damage to the cylindrical object. The coating may be removable from the sloping contact surface.

The sloping contact surface may be sloped at a predetermined angle to receive a selected size of cylindrical object. The predetermined angle of the sloping contact surface may be adjustable.

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-5The arcuate contact surface may provide a single concave recess for receiving a portion of the cylindrical objects in the upright orientation. The arcuate contact surface may provide a plurality of concave recesses for receiving a plurality of cylindrical objects each of which is in the upright orientation. The arcuate contact surface may be sloped when the surface is viewed from a side of the rig. The arcuate contact surface may be detachable from the frame. The arcuate contact surface may be translatably mounted to the frame. The arcuate contact surface may be telescopically mounted to the frame.

The arcuate contact surface may further comprise a coating. The coating may provide increased friction to the arcuate surface for retaining the cylindrical objection thereto. The coating may provide a cushion to the arcuate surface to reduce damage to the cylindrical object. The coating may be removable from the arcuate contact surface.

In one embodiment, the rig may further comprise a plurality of tie-downs for receiving additional restraining means.

The rig may further comprise a mounting member for engaging with a transportation means. Each of the frames may provide a locking feature for selectively locking the frame in position on the upper surface of the rig. Each of the frames may be rotatably mounted to the upper surface of the rig. Each of the frames may be identical.

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-6The cylindrical object may be a coil of sheet metal, such as coils of steel strip. The sheet metal may comprise any one of steel, aluminium, zinc, copper, titanium, tin, and nickel.

In a further aspect, there is provided a frame for use with the rig as described herein.

The frame may comprise an upper structure supported on a mounting unit. The upper structure may be integrally formed with the mounting unit. The upper structure may include a plurality of beams constrained together to form the sloping contact surface.

The upper structure may include a profiled beam spaced apart from the mounting unit to form the arcuate contact surface. The profiled beam may be curved. The profiled beam may be V-shaped. The profiled beam may be U-shaped.

The profiled beam of the arcuate contact surface may be cross-braced to the mounting unit. The profiled beam of the arcuate contact surface may be cross-braced to the upper structure. The profiled beam of the arcuate contact surface may be cross-braced to the sloping contact surface.

In one embodiment of the rig, the rig may further comprise a closer. The closer may fully or partially enclose the coils, once coupled with the plurality of frames on the rig. The closer may provide protection for the coils in transit, protecting the surface quality and coatings on the coil from wind, rain and other environmental factors.

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In a further aspect, there is provided a method of configuring a rig for transporting cylindrical objects, such as coils of steel strip, in at least one of a first orientation in which the cylindrical object is upright and a second transverse orientation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rig, comprising the steps of: (i) assessing the number and orientation of the cylindrical objects to be transported in a load; (ii) determining the 10 number of frames required to receive the load; (iii) locating the predetermined number of frames along an upper surface of the rig to receive the load; and (iv) securing each of the plurality of frames to the rig in preparation for receiving at least one cylindrical object.

The step (iii) locating the plurality of frames along the upper surface of the rig may further include the steps of: (a) introducing the engagement members of the mounting unit of each of the plurality of frames to the cooperating 20 feature of the upper surface of the rig; and (b) translating each frame to a predetermined position along the upper surface to receive the at least one cylindrical object.

The method may further comprise the step of: (v) adjusting a portion of at least one of the number of frames. A cylindrical object in the first orientation may be loaded onto the upper surface of the rig after completion of step (iii)a and step (iii)b and before initiation of step (v).

The step of translating each frame along the upper surface of the rig may include the step of driving the frames

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-8along the upper surface of the rig by virtue of a motor. Each frame may be individually driven along the upper surface of the rig. Each of the plurality of frames may comprise: at least two contact surfaces, wherein a first contact surface is a sloping contact surface when the surface is viewed from a side of the rig and a second contact surface is a profiled contact surface when viewed from a top of the rig.

The frames may be oriented on the upper surface of the rig, such that: the first contact surfaces of adjacent frames are facing one another to capture a cylindrical object in a transverse orientation; and the second contact surfaces of adjacent frames are facing one another to capture a cylindrical object in an upright orientation.

The term Bore Horizontal or BH is understood herein to refer to a cylindrical object, and in particular a coiled roll of sheet material, such as coils of steel strip, wherein the bore of the coil is oriented in a horizontal, substantially horizontal or transverse orientation to the surface or platform on which it is supported. A typical BH coil ranges between 4 tonnes to 20 tonnes.

The term Bore vertical or BV is understood herein to refer to a cylindrical object, and in particular a coiled roll of sheet material, such as coils of steel strip, wherein the bore of the coil is oriented in a vertical, substantially vertical or upright orientation to the surface or platform on which it is supported. A typical

BV coil ranges between 4 tonnes to 9 tonnes but can be larger in practice.

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The terms arcuate contact surface is understood herein to refer broadly to any recessed or curved contact surface, including fabricated curved surfaces in which a 5 plurality of straight sections is combined to form an angular yet substantially curved surface.

The terms rig is understood herein to refer to a device or piece of equipment designed for a particular purpose.

The term rig is intended to include the bed of a trailer, truck, bogey, train or similar transportation vehicle configured to couple frames thereto. The rig can be permanently coupled to the transportation vehicle, or removably coupled to the transportation vehicle. The rig can be configured and loaded while coupled or uncoupled with the transportation vehicle, such that a rig could be pre-configured and/or pre-loaded ready for coupling to a transportation vehicle on arrival of said vehicle, thus reducing the loading time once the transportation vehicle 20 is available.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

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- 10Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transport rig according to one embodiment of the invention, configured to support cylindrical objects in both an upright and a 5 transverse orientation;

Figure 2 is perspective view of the transport rig of Figure 1, configured to receive a plurality of upright cylindrical objects, as coils of steel strip;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rig of Figure 2, illustrating an adjusted configuration in preparation for receiving a steel coil in a transverse orientation, laid across the rig;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a frame for partially supporting a cylindrical object in either of an upright or a transverse orientation;

Figures 4A-4D illustrates alternative side profiles of a sloping contact surface of the frame when viewed from the side of the frame;

Figures 4E-4G illustrate alternative plan view profiled of an arcuate contact surface of the frame when view from above the frame;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rack comprising a pair of frames according to Figure 4 spaced to receive and 30 capture a steel coil in an upright orientation therebetween, detached from the upper surface of the rig;

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- 11 Figure 5A is a perspective view of rack comprising a pair of frames according to Figure 4 spaced to receive and capture a steel coil in a transverse orientation therebetween, detached from the upper surface of the rig;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the frame configured to support two cylindrical objects sideby-side across the upper surface of the rig;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the frame configure to support two large coils of steel in a side-by-side configuration without the coils touching, across the width of the upper surface of the rig;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a solid frame, configured to be used with an extendable frame;

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a frame having an extendable portion thereon for use in conjunction with the solid frame of Figure 10 or a second extendable frame;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pair of frames, one frame according to Figure 8 and one frame according to Figure 8A, aligned to secure an upright cylindrical object;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the pair of frames of Figure 9 securing a cylindrical object in an upright orientation, a portion of one of the frames having been extended to capture and secure the cylindrical object;

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- 12Figure 11 is a perspective view of a frame according to a further embodiment of the invention, having a central recess formed within a sloping contact surface thereof, for capturing a cylindrical object in an upright orientation

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a pair of racks according to the rack of Figure 11, illustrating an upright cylindrical object disposed partially within the recess of one of the pair of racks and a second rack translatably aligned on an opposing side of the upright cylindrical object;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a frame, illustrating a first pair of feet oriented for use in the plane of the upper surface of the rig, and a second set of four feet oriented for use in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the first pair of feet are oriented;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure

13, illustrating an extendable central armature on which an arcuate contact surface is supported;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure

14, the central armature fully retracted to be as close to the frame as possible;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure

56, rotated through 90 degrees to place the second set of feet in the same plane as the upper surface of the rig;

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- 13Figure 17 is a side view of an upright cylindrical object secured between a pair of frames according to the frames of Figures 13 and 14, wherein the extendable section of one of the frames is in an extended position to secure the cylindrical object against the arcuate contact surfaces of each frame; and

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the arrangement of

Figure 17, illustrating an arcuate contact surface at a distal end of the extendable section of one of the pair of frames ;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a rack and pinion style mechanism for facilitating movement of the frames in relation to the upper surface of the rig;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a horizontal roller mechanism for facilitating movement of the frames in relation to the upper surface of the rig;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a frame according to a further embodiment of the invention, having a swinging arm that moves between a first and a second position, illustrating a first position for selectively capturing a pair of cylindrical object in an upright orientation;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure 21, with the swinging arm in the second position to capture a single cylindrical object in an upright orientation;

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Figure 23 is a perspective view of the frame without the swinging arm removed;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the swinging arm detached from the remained of the frame of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is an enlarged view of the hinge arrangement between the swinging arm and the supporting frame;

Figure 26 is a side view of the frame of Figure 21 in the first position; and

Figure 27 is a side view of the frame of Figure 21 in the second position.

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In broad terms the rig of the invention can be used for securing and transporting cylindrical objects of any type, for example tubes, tubular sections, coils, cans, drums, coiled pipes etc. As such the invention is directed to providing a means of supporting and restraining cylindrical objects during transportation which due to

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- 15their inertia and shape have a propensity for shifting around during transport. The rig of the invention is described herein with particular reference to large coils of sheet steel, which can weight from 4 tonnes up to 20 tonnes and may be mounted on a sacrificial pallet when presented in the upright orientation.

With reference to Figure 1, the invention is described hereafter in relation to a rig 1 for transporting cylindrical objects 10 in a first upright orientation and/or in a second transverse orientation that is transverse to a lengthwise-extending, i.e. longitudinal axis, of the rig, the rig comprising a plurality of frames 20 supported on an upper surface 15 of the rig 1, at least one of the frames 20 being moveable along a length of the upper surface 15 of the rig 1, each of the plurality of frames 20 comprising: a pair of oppositely facing surfaces 30, 40, wherein a first surface of the pair provides a sloping contact surface 30 when the surface is viewed from a side of the rig 1 and a second surface of the pair provides a profiled , typically arcuate, contact surface 40 when viewed from a top of the rig 1, wherein the frames 20 are oriented on the upper surface 15 of the rig 1 such that at least one of: the arcuate contact surfaces 40 of adjacent frames 20 are facing one another to capture a cylindrical object 10 in an upright orientation; and the sloping contact surfaces 30 of adjacent frames 20 are facing one another to capture a cylindrical object 15 in a transverse orientation.

The moveable frames 20 allow for variations to the spacing therebetween along the length L of the upper surface,

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- 16illustrated in Figure 1 as deck 15 of the rig 1. By translating or otherwise reorienting the frames 20 along the deck 15, the deck 15 can be configured to accommodate both vertically and horizontally oriented cylindrical objects, illustrated as upright coils (BV Coil) 11 and transverse coils (BH Coil) 12 in Figure 1.

When the sheet material, such as steel strip, is wound to form a coil 10 a central core 9 is formed within the coil 10 10. The core 9 is typically oriented substantially vertically to the supporting structure that the coil 10 is supported on, in Figure 1 this support structure is a form of spacer illustrated as a wooden pallet 3. When a coil 10 is wound, depending on the machinery used, the core 9 15 of the coil 10 can be formed horizontally. For ease of handling and transportation the same machinery that supported the coil 10 during winding can be used to transfer the BH Coil 12 to a pallet of a pair of frames 20 for transportation purposes. This transportation orientation can reduce additional handling of the BH Coil

12, thereby providing time savings and efficiencies in the process .

The rig 1 can be configured with two or more frames 20 to 25 support and secure a predetermined number and orientation of coils 10 in a given load. Once the frames 20 are attached and positioned on the rig 1 is configured to received and secure the selected coils 10. The loaded rig can then be moved onto a truck bed, train bogey, ships' deck etc. without the need to further adjust or secure the coils 10.

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- 17The rig 1 is dimensioned to receive the upright BV Coils supported on pallet 3 or other form of sacrificial platform. The pallets are typically about 150mm in height to allow access to fork lift tines for transporting the palletised BV Coil 11. The pallet 3 can minimise damage to a base 13 of the BV coil 11 and thus minimise damage to the edges of the sheet material wound around the BV Coil

11.

Figure 1 illustrates an upright BV Coil 11 captured and secured between an adjacent pair of arcuate contact surfaces 40 of two adjacent frames 20. Figure 1 further illustrates a BH Coil 12 in a transverse orientation, lying across a width w of the deck 15. The BH Coil 12 can be supported and secured in a substantially horizontal orientation between an adjacent pair of sloping contact surfaces 30 of two adjacent frames 20. Where coils 11,12 are to be transported in both an upright and a transverse orientation, a centrally positioned frame 20 will provide each of an arcuate contact surface 40 for supporting the upright BV Coil 11 and a sloping contact surface 30 for supporting the transverse BH Coil 12.

Where coils 11, 12 are to be transported in a single orientation only, the individual frames 20 can be closely packed together and whichever of the contact surfaces 30,40 that are not to be used can be placed in close proximity to each other to reduce any unutilised area along the length L of the deck 15, as illustrated in

Figure 2.

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At any point along the deck 15 a pair of frames 20 can be moved away from each other, as illustrated by the arrows of Figure 2. The movement illustrated in Figure 2 opens up a gap between a pair of sloping contact surfaces 30 of adjacent frames 20 to provide a supporting cradle 35 therebetween, for receiving BH Coil 12, as illustrated in Figure 3. The outer diameter D of the BH Coil 12 will determine the distance between the pair of sloping contact surfaces 30 required to provide a secure and stable cradle 10 35.

The opposing movement to that illustrated in Figure 2 is to pull together two opposing arcuate contact faces 40 to form a bin 47 therebetween, for receiving BV Coil 11, as 15 illustrated in Figure 2.

The frames 20 can be permanently secured to the deck 15.

It is also contemplated that the frames 20 can be detachably connected to the deck 15, such that where only a few coils 10 make up the load, the additional weight of redundant frames 20 is not incorporated into the rig 1.

An end frame 18 may be rigidly attached to the deck 15, to provide a fixed end point. The end frame 18 is preferably 25 oriented such that it does not overhang or protrude from the rig 1 to reduced hazards and obstructions when the rig is in use. Alternatively, each of the frames 20, including end frame 18, may be moveably coupled to the deck 15 to allow further flexibility of the configuration 30 of the rig 1.

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- 19The modular nature of rig 1 provides versatility and flexibility, to allow the rig 1 to be configured to any number of combinations of load.

Each pair or frames 20 form a rack 5, whether only one or both of the frames 20 are movable in relation to the deck

15. Each rack can comprise a pair of frames 20 having sloping contact surfaces 30 facing one another, or a pair of frames 20 having arcuate contact surfaces 40 facing one 10 another. When two or more frames 20 are attached to the deck 15 in the above described configurations, a or each centrally disposed frame 20 can belong to two adjacent racks 5, providing a sloping contact surface 30 to a first rack 5 and providing an arcuate contact surface 40 to a second, adjacent rack 5.

Embodiments of the frames according to the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings .

Multi-Purpose Coil Rack (MPCR) 1

Figure 4 illustrates a multi-purpose coil rack 5 comprising a pair of identical fames 20 oriented with arcuate contact surfaces facing one another to receive a BV Coil 11. Both of frames 20 are rigid and provide no movable, extendable, translatable components.

Figure 4A illustrated the same pair of identical frames 20 oriented with sloping contact surfaces 30 facing one another to receive a BH Coil 12.

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-20Each individual frame 20 comprises a rectangular mounting frame 23 supported on two pairs of legs 26, 27. In other embodiments only one pair of legs 26 is required. Each leg of the pairs of legs 26, 27 terminates in a foot 28 which supports the frame 20 upon the deck 15. Different means of engagement between feet 28 of the frame 20 and the deck 15 will be detailed herein.

The mounting frame 23 can incorporate reinforcement struts 10 for reinforcing the frame 23 in view of the heavy loads upwards of 20 tonnes which are to be supported by each rack 5. To provide for moveable engagement, the pairs of legs 26, 27 ensure that the mounting frame 23 is raised above the deck 15. The distance at which the mounting 15 frame 23 sits is ideally kept to a minimum required for clearance of the deck 15 to reduce the buckling loads on the pairs of legs 26, 27.

The mounting frame 23 supports an upper structure 25 thereon. The upper structure 25 is mounted above the frame 23 to provide both the sloping contact surface 30 and the arcuate contact surface 40 at a functional height for receiving BV Coil 11 and BH Coil 12.

A typical height:width ratio for a BH coil 12 is about 2.5 :1, governed by coil to deck clearance of about 20-100mm.

A typical BV Coil 11 can measure up to 1600mm in height with an additional 150mm height from a pallet. Due to the variable range of coil widths and heights the contact surfaces 30, 40 can be configured differently for specific transportation routes .

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-21 The sloping contact surface 30 is on a first side 22 of the frame. The surface 30 of Figure 5 is planar, although it is contemplated that in some embodiments the side profile of the sloping surface 30 can be curved. The side profile of surface 30 as illustrated in Figure 5, is shown in profile in Figure 5A. Alternate side profiles for surface 30 are illustrated in Figures 5B-5D. In some embodiments these profiles are constant across the entire sloping contact surface 30 to evenly distribute the load of BH Coil 12 thereacross. In some embodiments, the profile is not constant and can be flared upwardly or downwardly toward opposing ends thereof, thus providing a physical retaining feature to the cradle 35.

The sloping surface 30 is formed from a plurality of transverse beams 32 welded, bonded or otherwise held in contiguous contact to one another. The transverse beams 32 can be hollow to reduce mass in the overall frame 20.

The transverse beams 32 can be rolled, extruded or otherwise fabricated by known manufacturing techniques .

The transverse beams 32 can be configured to have a circular cross-section or alternatively, they can be configured as illustrated in Figure 5 to have a quadrilateral cross-section in the form of a rectangle or square. The corners of the beams 32 are chamfered or otherwise rounded, so as not to provide a sharp contact point when facing a BH Coil 12. Sharp corners on the sloping contact surface 30 could present a hazard to both people near the frame 20 and to the exterior surface 14 of a BH Coil 12.

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The sloping contact surface 30 is mounted to the mounting frame 35 and extends across substantially the width w of the frame 20. A base 31 of surface 30 is mounted across the second pair of legs 27. The second pair of legs 27 having a greater height that that of the first pair of legs 26, to locate the sloping contact surface 30 sufficiently above the deck 15 to avoid damage to the exterior surface 14 of the BH Coil 12.

Additional support beams 33 are equidistantly spaced across the mounting frame 35 between the base 31 of the sloping surface 30 to provide additional load bearing capacity to the sloping surface 30 and structural rigidity to the frame 20.

The transverse beams 32 can be made from a variety of different materials, providing that the material has sufficient strength to support the required loads of coil 10 to be transported. It is contemplated that the transverse beams 32, pairs of legs 26, 27 reinforcement struts 24 and support beams 33 can all be formed from steel, iron, aluminium or other metals having suitable strength.

The sloping surface 30 can be provided with a surface coating (not illustrated). The coating can be selected from a number of known treatments. The coating is directed to providing at least one of the following: increased usable life of the transverse beams 32 of the surface 30; increased friction on the sloping surface 30 to better restrain the BH Coil 12; a non-stick coating to prevent adhesion between the surface 30 and the exterior

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-23surface 14 of the BH Coil 12; a barrier layer to inhibit or at least reduce direct contact between the material of the sloping surface 30 and the material of the exterior surface 14 (to reduce the opportunity for contact and corrosion between dissimilar metals); and a compressible layer to provide physical damping and vibration reduction to the BH Coil 12. The coating applied to the sloping contact surface 30 can be in the form of a removable/replaceable cushion or rubber matting that is temporarily fixed in place or merely held in place by the weight of the BH Coil 12 bearing upon it.

The cushions applied to either of the sloping contact surface 30 or the arcuate contact surface 40 can be compressible and thereby take out any slack between the exterior surface 14 of the coil 10 and the contact surface

30, 40. In this manner the cushions can compensate for any variance in the tolerances to further secure the coils 10 and reduced vibrational loads on the coiled material.

The arcuate contact surface 40 is on a second side 29 of the frame 20. The contact surface 40 of Figure 5 is supported on a T-bar 42 and presents a linearly curved surface when viewed from above the frame 20. The profile 25 of contact surface 40 is illustrated in a plan view in

Figure 5F. Non-limiting examples of alternative profiles for the arcuate contact surface 40 are illustrated in Figures 5E and 5G. In some embodiments these profiles correspond to the curvature of the exterior surface 14 of 30 the coil to evenly distribute pressure thereacross when securing a BV Coil 11. In other embodiments, the exterior surface 14 of the BV Coil 11 is only in contact with the

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-24arcuate contact surface 40 at a number of discrete points across the surface 14.

The contact surface 40 is formed from a profiled beam 41.

The profiled beam 41 is supported on a sloping beam such that the profiled beam 41 and the sloping beam 44 form a T-bar 42 that extends upwardly from the sloping surface 30. In other embodiments, the T-bar 42 can be supported directly from the mounting frame 35. The T-bar 42 can be 10 welded, bonded or otherwise held in contact to either of a top portion 37 the sloping surface or to the mounting frame 35. Both of the profiled beam 41 and the sloping beam 44 can be hollow to reduce mass in the overall frame

20. Both of the profiled beam 41 and the sloping beam 44 15 can be rolled, extruded or otherwise fabricated by known manufacturing techniques .

The profiled beam 41 can be configured to have a circular cross-section or alternatively, they can be configured as 20 illustrated in Figure 5 to have a quadrilateral crosssection in the form of a rectangle or square. The corners of the profiled beam 41 are chamfered or otherwise rounded, so as not to provide a sharp contact point when facing a BV Coil 11. Sharp corners on the arcuate contact 25 surface 40 could present a hazard to both people near the frame 20 and to the exterior surface 14 of a BV Coil 11.

The T-bar 42 is mounted above the mounting frame 35 and extends across substantially the length 1 of the frame 20 30 such that the profiled beam 41 extends past a rectangular footprint of the mounting frame 35. This ensures that the rack comprising a pair of frames 20 can be moved towards a

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-25BV Coil 11 and the arcuate contact surfaces 40 therebetween can secure the BV Coil 11, without the mounting frame 35 contacting or damaging the exterior surface 14 of the BV Coil 11. In some embodiments the mounting frame 35 can provide a recess on the second side of the frame 20 to accommodate a BV Coil 11 without the need for the profiled beam 41 to extend beyond the footprint of the frame 35 to the same extend as that illustrated in Figure 5.

The T-bar 42 is tied back into the uppers structure 25 of the frame 20 by end supports 43, illustrated in Figure 5. Each end support 43 supports and reacts the loads of a shifting BV Coil 11 when applied to the profiled beam 41 15 back into the structure of the frame 20. As illustrated in Figure 5, the end supports 43 loads back into the uppers structure 25 of the frame 20 into the support beams

33. The loads from the profile beam 41 are preferably fed back into a low point of the structure of the frame 20.

In some embodiments the end supports can be engaged directly into the mounting frame 35.

The end supports 43 are further supported by cross-braces which even out loads by tying the end supports 43 back 25 into the frame 35 on the second side 29 of the frame 20.

As the profiled beam 41 is projected outwardly above the mounting frame 35, the end supports 43 are inclined to the horizontal. As such, the end supports 43 provide a cooperating plane to the sloping contact surface 30 which is further supported thereon. All of the cross-linking and bracing across the frame 35 provides excellent means

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-26of transferring loads from either of the contact surfaces 30, 40 back across the upper structure 25 and mounting frame 23 of the frame 20.

The profiled beam 41 is mounted at an upper height h of the frame h. This height h is determined based on the maximum height of CV Coil 11 to be transported on the rig 1. If the height h of the profiled beam 41 is not sufficient, the BV Coil 11 will not be fully secured and could be susceptible to load shift during transportation.

The profiled beam 41 can be made from a variety of different materials, providing that the material has sufficient strength to support the required loads of coil

10 to be transported. It is contemplated that the profiled beam 41, the sloping beam 44, the end supports 43 and the cross-braces 45 can all be formed from steel, iron, aluminium or other metals having suitable strength.

The arcuate surface 40 can be provided with a surface coating (not illustrated). The coating can be selected from a number of known treatments. The coating is directed to providing at least one of the following: increased usable life of the profiled beam 41 of the surface 40; increased friction of the beam 41 to better restrain the BV Coil 11; a non-stick coating to prevent adhesion between the surface 40 and the exterior surface 14 of the BV Coil 11; a barrier layer to inhibit or at least reduce direct contact between the material of the arcuate contact surface 40 and the material of the exterior surface 14 (to reduce the opportunity for contact and corrosion between dissimilar metals); and a

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-272018229565 17 Sep 2018 compressible layer to provide physical damping and vibration reduction to the BV Coil 11. The coating applied to the profiled beam 41 can be in the form of a removable/replaceable cushion or rubber matting that is 5 temporarily fixed in place or merely held in place by the weight of the BV Coil 11 bearing against it.

This multi-purpose coil rack 5 comprises a pair of identical frames 20. Using identical frame 20 reduced the 10 margin for error in configuring the rig 1. Identical frames 20 also provide for savings on cost and simplicity of manufacture.

The frames 20 described above are moveably engaged with the deck 15, but do not comprise any moving or extendable components therein. This makes these frames 20 simple yet strong with balanced and unchanging weight distribution.

The frames 20 provide a versatile and flexible means of configuring the deck 15 to transport BV Coil 11 and/or BH Coil 12 simultaneously, with minimal adjustment. In essence the only adjustment is selecting the orientation of the frame 20 to be located on the deck 15 and adjusting the distance along the length L of the deck 15 to provide the required cradle 35 or bin 47 to match the coil 10 to be transported.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate frames 120 and 220 respectively, an alternative embodiment of frame 20.

Both of frames 120 and 220 are configured to perform in the manner described herein in reference to frame 20.

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-28Furthermore, frames 120 and 220 are each configured to secure a pair of BV Coils 11 across their width w.

Although not illustrated in the accompanying Figures, it would be recognised by the skilled person that frames 120 5 and 220 could be further modified to accommodate a plurality of additional BV Coils 11 across the width w of the frame 120, 220. The primary limitation to the number of BV Coils 11 simultaneously supported by the frames 120,220 is the total of the diameters D of each of the BV 10 Coils 11 to be transported as compared to the overall width W of the deck 15.

Frame 120 provides a continuous profiled beam 141 having two adjacent arcuate portions for receiving, and securing, 15 two adjacent BV Coils 11. Where the BV Coils 11 has a diameter D larger that the recess of the profiled beam 41, frame 220 provides additional space having a pair of profiled beams 241, 241' individually mounted to the mounting frame 223. The spacing between beams 241, 241' 20 accommodates the larger BV Coils 11 by providing a larger bin 47 between a rack 5 comprising two identical frames 220.

As the deck 15 is intended to be transported by a number of different mediums, trains, trucks, ships etc., the usable width W of the deck 15 will be dictated by the standard sizing of transport equipment which has developed around standard ISO shipping container sizes. These are practical implications of the invention; however, the 30 workings of the invention are not so limited by these practical considerations .

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-29Multi-Purpose Coil Rack (MPCR) 2 - Extendible rack

In a second aspect of the invention an alternative form of the rack 5 is provided as rack 305 comprised of two non5 identical frames. Like features in these forms are denoted with like reference numerals. A first moveable frame of the rack 320 is rigidly constructed, as illustrated in Figure 8. The rigid frame 320 is configured for use with a secondary frame 321 having an extendable portion, illustrated in Figure 8A.

Frame 320 is constructed in a similar manner to that described above in relation to frame 20. In contrast to frame 20, the T-bar 342 of frame 320 is not mounted to a 15 top portion 337 of the sloping contact surface 330 but is instead mounted to a base 331 of the sloping contact surface 330. This configuration of T-bar 342 directs loads from the BV Coil 11 into the sloping contact surface

330 and further utilises the sloping beam 344 to provide additional support to the sloping contact surface 330.

Secondary frame 321 provides a mounting frame 323, sloping contact surface 330 and two pairs of legs 326,327 as described above in reference to frame 20. Each of the cross-braces 345 extends between the mounting frame 323 on the second side 329 of the frame 321 and the top portion

331 of the sloping contact surface 330 creating a triangular bracing between the frame 323 and the sloping surface 330. The end supports 343 that support the ends of the profiled beam 341 are then mounted to a mid-portion of the cross-braces 345. Each of the end supports 343 and the sloping beam 344 are formed as having a pair of

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-30telescoping sections, 343a, 343b and 344a, 344b to allow the entire profiled beam 341 to extend upwards and forwards in a diagonal motion. As the two portions 343a, 343b of each end support 343 are drawn away from one another, the profiled beam 341 is extended across the frame 323 away from the sloping contact surface 330.

When loading a deck 315 using frames 320, 321, a BV Coil is placed against the first, rigid frame 320, illustrated in Figure 9. The secondary frame 321 is then moved along the length L of the deck 315 to form the bin 347 for securing the BV Coil 11, illustrated in Figure 10 where the arrow indicate the direction of movement of the profiled beam 341. An adjustment is then made to drive the profiled beam 341 into contact with the exterior surface 14 of the BV Coil 11 to secure the coil between the frames 320, 321.

The telescoping sections of at least one of the pair of end supports 343 and the sloping beam 344 are driven, to bring the arcuate contact surface 340 into contact with the BV Coil 11. The driving means (not illustrated) can be in the form of a motor, a chain drive, a worm drive, hydraulic actuators or pneumatic actuators. A limiting mechanism can be incorporated into the driving means to measure and limit the pressure applied to the exterior 14 of the BV Coil 11 to reduce the opportunity for damage to the material of the coil.

Frames 320 and 321 can be permanently mounted to the deck

315 and thereby rely solely on the telescoping sections of the end supports 343 and the sloping beam 344 to capture

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-31 and secure the BV Coil 10. This eliminates the need for frame 320 and 321 to be moveable. In some embodiments, the frames 320, 321 are also moveable in relation to the deck 215, as described above in relation to rack 5 using two identical frames 20. The telescoping mechanism of arcuate contact surface 340 thus provided additional adjustment for securing the BV Coil 11 within the bin 347.

Multi-Purpose Coil Rack (MPCR) 3 - Slidable rack

In a third aspect of the invention a rack 405 is comprised of two identical frames 420. The frame 420 is rigidly constructed, as illustrated in Figure 11. The rigid frames 420 require at least one of the frames 420 of rack 15 405 to be moveably mounted to the deck 415.

Frame 420 comprises a trapezoidal mounting frame 423 supported on a pair of legs 427. Each leg of the pair 427 terminates in a foot 428 which supports the frame 420 upon 20 the deck 415.

The pair of legs 427 is positioned at opposing ends of the widest portion of the trapezoidal mounting frame 432 to span the width w of the frame 423. The frame 420 also provides a sloping contact surface 430 constructed as described in reference to frame 20. Additional support beams 433 are mounted between the base 431 of the sloping contact surface 330 and the frame 423 to improve the load bearing capacity of the sloping contact surface 430.

A central recess 438 is formed in the frame 423 to allow the frame 420 to be abutted against a BV Coil 11 with

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-32minimal frame interference. And a corresponding arcuate recess 439 is formed in the sloping contact surface 430 to accommodate and support a BV Coil 11. The arcuate recess 439 forms an arcuate contact surface 440, for receiving and securing a BV Coil 11.

Figure 12 illustrates a first frame 420 having a BV Coil abutted to the arcuate recess 439 cut within the sloping contact surface 430. The first, frame 420 can be moveably or fixedly mounted to the deck 415. The arrow of Figure 12 illustrates the direction of movement of the frame 420 along the length L of the deck 415 to form the bin 447 for securing the BV Coil 11.

In this embodiment of the frame 420, the sloping contact surface 430 and the arcuate contact surface 440 are provided on the same side 429 of the frame 420. As such each rack 405 can support one coil of either BV Coil 11 or BH Coil 12.

Coatings or cushioning around the recess 439 can be added to provide additional protection to the exterior surface 14 of a BV Coil 11 when secured to a pair of frames 420.

Multi-Purpose Coil Rack (MPCR) 4 - Rotatable rack

In a fourth aspect of the invention a rack 505 is comprised of two non-identical frames. A first frame of the rack 520 is rigidly constructed, as illustrated in

Figure 13. Frame 520 can be fixedly attached to the deck

515 or movably engaged with the deck 515. The rigid frame

520 is configured for use with a secondary frame 521

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-332018229565 17 Sep 2018 having an extendable portion, illustrated in Figure 14.

Frame 521 can be fixedly attached to the deck 515 or movably engaged with the deck 515.

Each of frames 520 and 521 provide a sloping contact surface 530 and an arcuate contact surface 540 on different sides of the frames 520 and 521. In contrast to earlier embodiments of the frames the sloping and arcuate contact surfaces 530, 540 are not on opposing sides of the 10 frames 520, 521 but are disposed on adjacent sides of the frames 520, 521.

Each of frames 520, 521 can be reoriented on the deck 515 by rotating the frame about an axis that lies parallel to 15 the width w of the frame 520, 521.

In a first orientation of frame 520, illustrated in Figure

13, the frame is poised to receive a BV Coil 11. A first pair of feet 528 is in contact with the deck 515 and can 20 be fixedly or movably attached thereto. An upper structure 525 of the frame 520 provides an arcuate contact surface 540 comprising a profiled beam 541, supported by a sloping beam 544, a pair of end supports 543 and a pair of cross-braces 545. When frame 520 is rotated to expose the 25 sloping contact surface 530, the sloping beam 544, pair of end supports 543 and pair of cross-braces 545 provide the structural components of the mounting frame 523, see Figures 15 and 16.

Figure 14 illustrates a secondary frame 521 of rack 505 comprising an extendable arcuate contact surface 540. In this frame 520, telescoping struts 548 mount the profiled

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-342018229565 17 Sep 2018 beam 541 to the frame 521. Figure 14 illustrated three telescoping struts 548, 548', 548''located equidistantly along the profiled beam 541, one central and two at the opposing ends of the profiled beam 541.

The telescoping struts 548 are formed from two sections with a first section 548a slidably housed within a second section 548b (illustrated in Figure 15). The sliding action between first and second sections 548a, 548b can be 10 manually operated to slide freely and be secured in a predetermined position. Alternatively, the sliding action between the first and second sections 548a, 548b can be motorised or hydraulically or pneumatically controlled. A locking mechanism can also be attached between the first and second sections 548a, 548b to secure them in the predetermined position.

When frame 521 is rotated through 90 degrees about its width w, four feet 528 of the frame are brought into contact with the deck 515. The feet 528 provide a broader support base for frame 521 when poised to receive a BH

Coil 12 than the first orientation of frame 521 for receiving a BV Coil 11. The additional feet 528 in contact with the deck 515 when frame 521 is in the BH Coil 25 receiving orientation provides greater stability to frame

521 to counteract the load from the BH Coil 12 when placed on sloping contact surface 530. As the load of the BH Coil 12 is received on a sloping contact surface 530, a component of the load will be acting downwards into the deck 515, and a portion of the load will be acting parallel to the deck 515 trying to push the frames 520 and 521 of rack 505 apart, or tip them over.

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-352018229565 17 Sep 2018

In side view the rack 505 can be seen forming a bin 547 in which a BV Coil 11 is secured, see Figure 17. The BV Coil 11 is supported on a pallet 503 to raise the base 513 of the BV Coil 11 out of contact with the sloping contact surface 530, which is redundant in this orientation of frame 520. The frame 521 can be fixedly or moveably attached to the deck 515 such that the telescoping struts 548 can be extended away from the frame 521 to secure the 10 BV Coil 11 against frame 520.

As shown in Figure 17, having frame 521 fixedly mounted to the deck 515 can underutilise space along the deck 515, in contrast to moveable frames 520, 521 in which the proximity of the frames within the rack 515 can be increased.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of Figure 17 clearly showing the extendable struts 548 extending from the frame 20 521 to press the BV Coil 11 up against the arcuate contact surface 540 of frame 520.

As frame 520 and 521 provide a means of opening and tightening the rack 505 without the need for movement of 25 the frames in relation to the deck 515, these frames 520, 521 can be retro-fitted to decks using existing, permanent mounting/lashing points.

The BV Coil 11 to be transported is loaded against the arcuate contact surface 540 of the frame 520. At the time of loading the bin 547, the telescoping struts 548 of frame 521 are fully retracted i.e. the profiled beam 541

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-36is positioned as close to the frame 521 as possible to maximise the space available between frames 520 and 521 for locating the BV Coil 11. Once in close contact with frame 520, the telescoping struts 548 are extended as required to bring the profiled mean 541 into contact with the exterior surface 14 of the BV Coil 11.

A relatively simple pin or bolt mechanism can be used to secure the first and second sections 548a, 548b at a desired length. For example, both the first and second sections 548a, 548b can comprise a series of holes at matching, predetermined intervals along there length. This allows a pin or bolt to be removed or inserted through both the first and second sections 548a, 548b simultaneously, thereby locking them in position relative to one another.

Multi-Purpose Coil Rack (MPCR) 5 - Swing arm rack

In a fifth aspect of the invention a rack 605 is comprised of two identical frames 620, as illustrated in Figures 21 to 27. Frame 620 can be fixedly attached to the deck 615 or movably engaged with the deck 615.

Each of frames 620 provides a sloping contact surface 630 and three arcuate contact surfaces 640, 640a, 640a', the sloping contact surface 630 and the arcuate contact surfaces 640, 640a, 640a' being located on different sides of the frame 620. The three arcuate contact surfaces 640,

640a, 640a' are mounted on a pivoting arm 646. A first configuration of the arm 646 providing a pair of adjacent arcuate contact surfaces 640a, 640a' and a second

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-37configuration of the arm 646 providing a single arcuate contact surface 640.

Each of frames 620 can be operably configured to present either (i) the pair of arcuate contact surfaces 640a, 640a'; or (ii) the single arcuate contact surface 640, depending on the load requirements of the rig 1. The desired arcuate contact surface/s is selected and the arm 646 is rotated into the preselected operative configuration, independently of the location of the frame 620 on the deck 615.

The rotational axis X of the arcuate contact surface lies parallel to the width w of the frames 620. A locking mechanism (not illustrated) is used to retain the arm 646 in the selected orientation to received one or two coils in an upright configuration.

Figure 21 illustrates the first operative configuration (i) where a pair of BH Coils 12 are to be supported. The redundant contact surface 640 is oriented away from the BH Coil 12 to avoid interference. In Figure 22, the arm 646 is illustrated in the second configuration (ii) where the arcuate contact surfaces 640a, 640a' are rotated away from the BH Coil 12, and the operative contact surface 640 is oriented perpendicularly to the deck 615 to receive and secure a single BH Coil 12.

The arm 646 is engaged with the mounting frame 623 along a hinge 670, rotating about axis X, illustrated in Figure

22. The mounting frame 623 is constructed in a similar fashion to earlier embodiments of frame 20, 120, 320,

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-38wherein sloping beams 644 extend from the sloping contact surface 630 to support a hinge bar 671. In Figure 23, three sloping beams 644 are provided to mount the hinge bar 671. The peripheral sloping beams 644 are aligned with the cross-braces 645 to transfer load down into the mounting frame 623.

The arm 646 provides three bar mounts 672, each having a mount aperture 673 for receiving the hinge bar 671. Each 10 of the bar mounts 672 is aligned with a sloping beam 644 to react the loads into the frame 623. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 25. Additional mounts 672 can be provided to account for the size of coil to be secured and transported.

While the mounts 672 or arm 646 are illustrated in Figure as single material thickness plates, they can also be constructed in pairs, to provide a pair of mounting plates aligned with each of the sloping beams 644.

Arcuate contact surface 640 is formed from a single profiled beam 641, formed to provide a single, central recess for receiving BH Coil 12. The arcuate contact surfaces 640a, 640a' are formed from a single profiled 25 beam 641', formed to provide a pair of adjacent recesses for receiving a pair of BH Coils 12. It is contemplated that more than two recesses could be formed in profiled beam 641' to accommodate three or four adjacent coils in horizontal configuration.

In the first configuration of arm 646, the arcuate contact surface 640 is oriented substantially upwards, away from

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-39the deck 615. In the second configuration of arm 646, the pair of arcuate contact surfaces 640a, 640a' are oriented substantially downwards, towards the deck 615. These two configurations are illustrated in side view, respectively in Figures 26 and 27.

Frame adjustment to the deck

For each embodiment of the invention, at least one frame

20 must be movable. For maximum flexibility in configuration of the rig 1 all frames 20 can be movably engaged with, or disengagable from, the deck 15 or alternative portion of the rig 1.

In one embodiment at least one of the two pairs of legs

26, 27 include feet 28 configured as rigid projections, extending outwardly from each respective leg for coupling the frame 20 with the upper surface 15 of the rig 1.

The rigid feet 28 are planar (see Figure 4) and can be slid into a ladder rack that extends along the deck 15.

In some embodiments the feet 28 can be formed to provide an upwardly extending toe at a distal end of the foot 28 (not illustrated) to facilitate a hook-like engagement 25 with the ladder rack. The ladder rack is not movable and is fixed to or embedded within the deck 15. The ladder rack provides a plurality of discrete connection points spaced at regular intervals therealong.

The rigid foot 28 of each leg is aligned with a connection point on the ladder rack of the deck 15 and hooked under the connection point to secure the foot 28 to the ladder

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-40rack. As the frame 20 is loaded with a BV Coil 11 and/or a BH Coil 12 the downwards force applied to the first and/or second contact surfaces, pushes the foot 28 against the connection point of the ladder rack, locking the frame 5 20 is position on the deck 15.

In one embodiment a drive mechanism 60 is coupled to the feet 28 of the frame 20 comprising moveable elements 62 in the form or rollers, castors or pinions as illustrated in 10 Figure 19. A complimentary feature of a track, rail or toothed rack 65 is permanently mounted to the deck 15 or opposing side portions of the rig 1, to allow the moveable elements of the frame 20 to be rolled or driven along the length L thereof.

Figure 19 illustrates one of a plurality of toothed pinion gears 63 movably mounted to a toothed rack 65. The gear 63 can be arranged to allow the frame 20 to be freewheeled along the rack 65 until a desired location is reached, at which point the gear 63 is locked into the desired position. The locking mechanism (not illustrated) can be a simple releasable pin or bolt that is pushed or pulled into position to inhibit rotation of the gear 63. The pin or bolt can be spring loaded and biased towards a locked position to couple and lock the gear into position along the rack 65. More complicated means can be employed of locking the gear 63 in position on the rack 65 with the addition of a braking system or ratcheting mechanism (not illustrated).

In an alternate embodiment, the gear 63 can be motorised either individually, or motorised by a single motor to

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-41 drive each of the plurality of gears 63 on the frame 20 simultaneously. A motorised pinion gear 63 and rack 65 system can also be configured to work with the locking means described above to secure the gears 63 on the rack

65 and thereby secure the frame in position along the deck

15.

In one embodiment of the drive mechanism 60', the moveable element 62 can comprise a horizontal roller 64 sized to 10 translate within a guide channel 64, the guide channel 64 permanently mounted upon or within the deck 15, as illustrated in Figure 20. The horizontal rollers 64 can be allowed to free-wheel within the guide channel 64 or alternatively can be motorised to drive the frame 20 along 15 the length L of the deck 15. A locking mechanism can also be fitted to the rollers 64 or a mounting unit 67 attached to the rollers 64, to secure and lock the rollers 64 in position along the guide channel 66.

Although the frame 20 described above comprises two pairs of legs 26, 27 and four feet 28, it is not necessary to provide a movable element 62 on each of the feet 28. As the frame is rigid, a single, central moveable element can be employed to move along a single track 65. In another embodiment, the drive mechanism 60, 60' comprises a pair of moveable elements 62 mounted towards two opposing sides of the deck 15 to distribute loads from the frame 20 evenly across the width W of the deck 15. In some embodiments of the drive mechanism 60, 60' one or more moveable elements 62 is provided for each of the feet 28 of the frame 20. The size of coil 10 and the load to be supported by the frame 20 will determine the number of

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-42moveable elements 62 required to sufficiently support the coil 10 and maintain translational movement of the loaded frame 20.

In an alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism 60'', it is contemplated that the feet 28 of the frame 20 can comprise fixed engagement means 68 in the form of a hook, cleat or eye-let (not illustrated). In this embodiment of the drive mechanism 60'' the deck 15 is provided with a moveable cooperating feature 69 in the form of a belt, chain or the like for receiving and capturing the fixed engagement means 68 of the frame 20. When the rig 1 is to be configured, each the fixed engagement means 68 of each frame 20 is connected to the moveable cooperating feature

69 at a fixed distance to an adjacent frame 20 to accommodate the predetermined load for the rig 1.

Method of configuring a rig

The invention also provides a method of configuring a rig for transporting cylindrical objects 10 in a first orientation in which the cylindrical object 11 is upright with an end on the rig and/or in a second transverse orientation 12. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of:

(i) assessing the number and orientation of the cylindrical objects 10 to be transported in a load;

(ii) determining the number of frames 20 required to receive the load;

10661121/ (GHMatters) P105203.AU.1

2018229565 17 Sep 2018 (ii) locating the predetermined number of frames 20 along an upper surface 15 of the rig 1 to receive the load; and (iii) securing each frame 20 to the rig 1 in preparation for receiving at least one cylindrical object 10.

The rig 1 is modularised, in that it can be configured to cater for the specifics of each load to be transported and repeatedly re-configured with the addition/subtraction and displacement of each of the frames thereon.

The overall dimensions of the rig 1 are unlimited;

however, a practical reality is that the methods of transporting rig 1 are well developed around the shipping, trucking and rail networks. Accordingly, the rig 1 can be scaled such that the overall external dimensions of the rig 1 are compatible with the desired mode of transport to be used.

The empty deck 15 can be configured in an almost unlimited number of ways in preparation for receiving a load, i.e. a plurality of coils 10 in one or more orientations.

The number of coils 10 to be transported and the orientation of each coil (whether BV Coil 11 or BH Coil 12) is used to determine the size and configuration of the load. This will determine the number of frames 20 required and the orientation of each frame 20 upon the deck 15.

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-44Each frame 20 selected for the load is engaged with the deck 15 individually, whether the frame 20 is driven or pushed along the deck 15 or pulled along a belt or chain drive mechanism 60.

The spacing between the frames 20 when positioned on the deck 15 will vary depending on which of the racks 5, 305, 405, 505 have been selected.

For loading a deck 15 with frames 20 to solely support BH Coil 12, each frame 20 required can be positioned and secured along the deck 15 in one operation. The fully configured rig 1 is then ready to receive multiple BH Coils 12 from above. The BH Coils 12 can be loaded onto the sloping contact surfaces 30 of each frame 20 by crane or the like.

Where the rig 1 is configured to receive at least one BV Coil 11, the deck 15 cannot always be set-up in a single operation. If for example each of the required racks 305, 505 are configured to be fixedly attached along the deck 15, because each rack 305, 505 comprises at least one frame 310, 520 of each rack having extendable portions, the rig 1 can be fully set-up before received any coils 10 thereon. This is because the frames 320, 520 remain in fixed spatial relationship with each other, and the extendable sections of each rack 305, 505 will move into position to form a bin 347, 547 to receive and secure a coil 10 therein. In a first operation the frames of each rack 305, 505 are loaded and positioned on the deck 315, 515. Any extendable, slidable or movable portions of the frames or racks are pushed into a storage position in

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-452018229565 17 Sep 2018 which the frame is compact and the arcuate contact surface 340, 540 of a frame is as close to the sloping contact surface 330, 530 of said frame as possible. Secondly, the coils 10 are loaded into the required bins 347, 537 or cradles 335, 535 along the deck 15. Thirdly, the moveable, slidable, extendable arcuate contact surface 340, 540 of each frame 320, 520, or rack 305, 505 is extended to contact and secure the Coil 10.

If, however, for example each of the required racks 5, 405 are solely configured to be moveably attached along the deck 15, because each rack 5, 405 comprises no moving components with the frames 20, 420 thereof, the rig 1 will need to be loaded with BV Coil 11 sequentially between the loading of each of the frames 20, 420 required to from the bin 47, 447. The first frame 20 of the rack 5 is engaged to the deck 15 and secured in the desired locations. The BV Coil 11 is then positioned in abutment with the arcuate contact surface 40 of the first frame 20 f the rack 5.

The second frame 20 of the rack 5 is then engaged with the deck 15 and moved along the rack until the arcuate contact surface 40 of the second frame 20 of the rack 5 is also abutting the exterior surface 14 of the BV Coil 11 with sufficient force to secure the BV Coil 11 therebetween and insufficient force to cause damage to the exterior surface of the BV Coil 11. Any BH Coils 12 to be added to the load can be placed on the rig 1 after the BV Coil 11 has been fully accommodated and secured, assuming the correct gaps have been set-up to form the one or more cradles 35 required to receive the BH Coil 12.

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-46When configuring the rig 1 to transport only BV Coil 11 the width of each rack 5, 305, 405, 505 (particularly the unused sloping contact surfaces 30) will take-up real estate along the deck 15. To increase the capacity of the 5 rig 1, the double frames 120, 220 (illustrated in Figures and 7) can be employed, providing supporting racks for the BV Coils 11 to be loaded two abreast across the deck

15.

Where padding or cushioning is required to protect the exterior surface 14 of the coils, this can be added to each rack 5, 305, 405, 505 once in position.

Alternatively, the cushions/padding can be permanently affixed to the frames 20, to ensure that the cushions are 15 always on the frame 20 to be presented to a coil 10. As any cushion or padding is likely to suffer wear and tear it is contemplated that they can be easily removed and replaced during the working life of the frame 20. Similar to any coatings that could wear off over time, it is contemplated that these coating can be reapplied or topped-up when the frame 20 is not in use.

Once the deck 15 is loaded and the rig 1 is ready for transportation, the frames 20 should be locked into position along the length L of the deck 15. This could be done one frame 20 at a time, as each is located and secured to the deck 15. Alternatively, where the deck 15 is configured to provide a moveable engagement feature such as a belt or chain drive, all of the frames 20 on the 30 deck 15 can be locked into position thereon in one action.

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-47In an alternative embodiment of the rig 1, a plurality of frames 20 can be continually engaged moveably with the deck 15 in contra-facing racks 5. Although this arrangement could lead to redundancy for some loads, there 5 are time savings and operator savings in not having to detach and reattach frames 20 to the deck 15 for each load; each frame 20 remains moveably engaged with the deck 15 and are simply pulled into a desired spacing for receiving the coils 10 with the load. Each frame 20 is positioned, the BV Coil 11 is loaded snugly against the first frame 20 of the rack 5, the second frame 20 of the rack 5 pushed into abutment with the BV Coilll, and the rack is locked into position on the deckl5.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute

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-48an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense,

i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

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-492018229565 17 Sep 2018

LEGEND

Ref#	Description	Ref#	Description	Ref#	Description
1	Transport Rig	26	1st pair Legs	44	Sloping beam
3	Pallet	27	2nd pair Legs	45	X-brace
5	Rack = pair of frames	28	feet	46	Pivoting arm
9	Core	29	Second side	47	Bin (Casing, Caddy)
10	Cylindrical object	30	Sloping contact surface	48	Telescoping struts
11	BV Coil	31	Base	60	Drive mechanism
12	BH Coil	32	Transverse hollow beams	62	Moveable element
13	Base	33	Support beams	63	Pinion gear
14	Exterior surface			64	Horizontal rollers
15	Deck	35	Cradle	65	track
18	Fixed end frame	37	Top portion	66	Guide channel
20	Frame	38	Frame recess	67	Mounting unit
21	Secondary frame	39	V-cut	68	Fixed engagement

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					means : Hook
22	First side	40	Arcuate contact surface	69	Moveable cooperating feature: Chain
23	Mounting frame	41	Profiled beam	70	Hinge
24	Reinforcement struts	42	T-bar	71	Hinge bar
25	Upper structure	43	End supports	72	Bar mount
				73	Mount apertures

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Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS :

   1. A rig for transporting cylindrical objects in a first upright orientation or in a second transverse orientation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rig, the rig comprising:

   a plurality of frames supported on an upper surface of the rig, each frame comprising:

   at least two contact surfaces, wherein a first contact surface is a sloping contact surface when the surface is viewed from a side of the rig and a second contact surface is a profiled contact surface when viewed from a top of the rig, wherein the plurality of frames is oriented on the upper surface of the rig such that at least one of:

   the first contact surfaces of adjacent frames face one another to capture a cylindrical object in the transverse orientation; and the second contact surfaces of adjacent frames face one another to capture a cylindrical object in the upright orientation.
2. 2. The rig according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of frames comprises a first, a second and a third frame, each frame contra-oriented to an adjacent frame, such that in use:

   a first cylindrical object in the transverse orientation is captured between a pair of first contact surfaces of the first frame and the second frame; and a second cylindrical objection in the upright orientation is captured between a pair of second

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   - 52 contact surfaces of the second frame and the third frame.
3. 3. The rig according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of frames is movable along the upper surface of the rig.
4. 4. The rig according to claim 3, wherein each of the movable frames further comprises a mounting unit for engaging the upper surface of the rig.
5. 5. The rig according to claim 4, wherein the mounting unit includes at least a first pair of legs located on opposing sides of the upper surface of the rig.
6. 6. The rig according to claim 5, wherein each leg of the at least first pair of legs includes a foot.
7. 7. The rig according to claim 6, wherein each foot supports engagement members for engaging with the upper surface of the rig.
8. 8. The rig according to claim 7, wherein the engagement members are rotatable and are selected from a group comprising the following: a wheel, a gear, a castor, a roller, a ball and a pinion.
9. 9. The rig according to claim 7, wherein the engagement members are static and are selected from a group comprising the following: a hook, an aperture, a hoop, a cleat, a ring and a clamp.

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10. 10. The rig according to claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the rig provides a co-operating feature for engaging with the rotatable members of the mounting unit.
11. 11. The rig according to claim 10, wherein the cooperating feature of the upper surface of the rig is static and is selected from a group comprising the following: a rack, a linear bearing, a guide rail, a groove, a track, a plurality of discrete recesses, and a plurality of discrete protrusions.
12. 12. The rig according to claim 9, wherein the cooperating feature of the upper surface of the rig is movable.
13. 13. The rig according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the profiled contact surface provides a single concave recess for receiving a portion of the cylindrical objects in the upright orientation.
14. 14. The rig according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the profiled contact surface provides a plurality of concave recesses for receiving a plurality of cylindrical objects each of which is in the upright orientation.
15. 15. The rig according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each of the frames includes a locking feature for selectively locking the frame in position on the upper surface of the rig.

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16. 16. The rig according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cylindrical object is a coil of sheet metal.
17. 17. A frame for use with the rig according to claim 1, the frame comprising an upper structure supported on a mounting unit.
18. 18. The frame of claim 17, wherein the upper structure is integrally formed with the mounting unit.
19. 19. The frame of claim 18, wherein the upper structure includes a plurality of beams coupled together to form the sloping contact surface.
20. 20. The frame of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the upper structure includes a profiled beam spaced apart from the mounting unit to form the profiled contact surface.
21. 21. A method of configuring a rig for transporting cylindrical objects in at least one of a first orientation in which the cylindrical object is upright and a second transverse orientation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rig, comprising the steps of:

    (i) assessing the number and orientation of the cylindrical objects to be transported in a load;

    (ii) determining the number of frames required to receive the load;

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22. 22.
23. 23.
24. 24.

    - 55 (iii) locating the predetermined number of frames along an upper surface of the rig to receive the load; and (vi) securing each of the plurality of frames to the rig in preparation for receiving at least one cylindrical object.

    The method of claim 21, wherein step (iii) locating the plurality of frames along the upper surface of the rig includes the steps of:

    a. introducing the engagement members of the mounting unit of each of the plurality of frames to the cooperating feature of the upper surface of the rig; and

    b. translating each frame to a predetermined position along the upper surface to receive the at least one cylindrical object.

    The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of:

    (v) adjusting a portion of at least one of the number of frames .

    The method of claim 23, wherein a cylindrical object in the first orientation is loaded onto the upper surface of the rig after completion of step (iii)a and step (iii)b and before initiation of step (v).