CA2552269C

CA2552269C - Adjustable shipping rack

Info

Publication number: CA2552269C
Application number: CA 2552269
Authority: CA
Inventors: Dan S. Jones
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-14
Filing date: 2006-07-14
Publication date: 2010-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-14
Also published as: CA2552269A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a shipping rack device comprising frame means for providing a work piece receiving region to receive one or more than one work piece, barrier means for forming a barrier spanning the frame structure, the barrier means being movable between a first position to engage the work piece and a second position in which the barrier means is disengaged from the work piece to permit the work piece to be removed from the work piece receiving region, the barrier means including at least one link means movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position, a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate means each, the anchor plate means of each group having a first formation and a second formation, the first formation arranged to engage the link means in the first location and a second formation to engage the link means in the second location, the anchor means being removably attached to the frame means, each group being patterned to a predetermined work piece.

Description

ADJUSTABLE SHIPPING RACK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shipping racks.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

It is known to provide shipping racks for packing and transporting work pieces from one location in a facility to another. It is desirable to provide a novel approach to this task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is provided a shipping rack device comprising a frame structure providing a work piece receiving region, a number of spaced guide mernbers positioned along the work piece receiving region to receive work pieces therebetween, the guide members being dimensioned so that the work pieces extend beyond the guide members, one or more than one barrier member spanning the frame structure, the barrier member being positioned to engage a peripheral region of each work piece when the barrier member is in a first engaged position to hold the work pieces between the guide members, the barrier member being movable between the first engaged position and a second disengaged position in which the barrier member is spaced from the work pieces to permit the work pieces to be removed from between the guide members, a pair of suspension arrangements on opposite ends of the barrier member for coupling the barrier member with the frame structure, each suspension arrangement including a link member having a pivot region pivotally coupled to the frame structure for movement between the first and second positions, the link member having an anchor region, at least two alternative pairs of anchor plate members including a first pair of anchor plate members for use with a first work piece and a second pair of anchor plate members for use with a second work piece, the first pair of anchor plate members being configured to cooperate with the anchor regions on the link members to set the first position of the barrier member relative to the first work piece and the second pair of anchor plate members being configured to cooperate with the anchor regions on the link members to set the first position of the barrier member relative to the second work piece, one of the pairs of anchor plate members being an operative pair according to the work piece to be carried, each operative anchor plate member from the operative pair being removably secured to a respective mounting location on the frame structure, each operative anchor plate member providing a first formation to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the first position.

In an alteniative embodiment, an anchor member is mounted on the anchor region or on the first formation.
In an alternative embodiment, the anchor member is located on the anchor region, the first fonnation being arranged to receive the anchor member.

In an alteniative embodiment, the first formation includes a passage to receive the anchor member.
In an altenlative embodiment, the anchor member includes a spring loaded pin.

Another alternative embodiment further comprises a handle member for manually actuating a corresponding one of the link members.

In an alteniative embodiment, each link member has a remote end region, the handle member being mounted on the remote end region.

In an alteniative embodiment, the anchor region is located between the pivot region and the remote end region.

In an alternative embodiment, the frame structure includes a pair of end sections, each end section including a pair of uprights, an intermediate frame support member extending between the pair of uprights for supportuig the opei-ative anchor plate member.

Another alternative embodiment further comprises a riumber of fasteners for removably mounting each operative anchor plate member to the corresponding intermediate frame support member.

In an alternative embodiment, each operative plate member includes opposite edge regions, the intermediate frame support including a pair of opposed flanges to engage the opposite side edge regions, each operative anchor plate member slidable along the opposed flanges between a released position and a locked position.

Another alternative embodiment further comprises a pair of limit flanges to define the locked position, one of the limit flanges being releasable to release the operative anchor plate member from the locked position.

In an alternative embodiment, each operative anchor plate member provides a second formation to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the second position.

In an alternative embodiment, the second formation includes a passage to receive the anchor member.

In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a. shipping rack device comprising a frame structure providing a work piece receiving region to receive one or more than one work piece therein, one or more than one barrier member spanning the frame structure., the barrier member being positioned to engage the work piece when the barrier member is in a first engaged position, the barrier member being movable between the first engaged position and a second disengaged position in which the barrier member is spaced from the work piece to permit the work piece to be rernoved from the work piece receiving region, a pair of suspension arrangements on opposite ends of the barrier member for coupling the barrier member with the frame structure, at least one of the suspension arraingements including a link member having a pivot region pivotally coupled to the frame structure for movement between the first and second positions, the link member having an anchor region, at least two alternative groups of anchor plate members, including a first group including one or more than one anchor plai:e member for use with a first work piece and a second group including one or more than one anchor plate member for use with a second work piece, the anchor plate member of the first group being configured to cooperate with the anchor region on the link member to set the first position of the barrier member relative to the first work piece and the anchor plate member of the second group being configured to cooperate with the anchor region on the link member to set the first position of the barrier member relative to the second work piece, the anchor plate member from the first or second group being removably attached to a corresponding mounting location on the frame structure, the anchor plate member so attached providing a first formation to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the first position.

In another alternative embodiment, the frame structure includes a pair of uprights, the anchor plate member being located between the uprights.

Another alternative embodiment further comprises a fiame portion extending between the uprights, the anchor plate member being removably attached to the frame portion.

In another alternative embodiment, the first formation. includes a passage.

In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a shipping rack device comprising a frame structure providing a work piece receiving region to receive one or more than one work piece therein, a barrier assembly spanning the frame structure, the barrier assembly being movable between.a first position to engage the work piece and a second position in which the barrier member is disengaged from the work piece to permit the work piece to be removed from the work piece receiving region, the barrier assembly including at least one link member movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position, a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate member each, the anchor plate member of each group having a first formation to engage the link member in the tirst location and a second fonnation to engage the link member in the second location, the anchor member being removably attached to the firame structure, each group being patterned to a predetermined work piece.

In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a transfer device comprising frame means for providing an article receiving region to receive one or more than one article, barrier means for forming a barrier spanning the frame structure, the barrier means being movable between a first position to engage the article and a second position in which the barrier means is disengaged from the article to permit the article to be removed from the article receiving region, the barrier means including at least one link means movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position, a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate means each, the anchor plate ineans of each group having a first formation and a second formation, the first fonnation arranged to engage the link means in the first location and a second formation to engage the link means in the second location, the anchor means being removably attached to the frame means, each group being patterned to a predetermined article.

In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a method of supporting an article for transfer from one location to another, comprising providing a frame stnxcture with an article receiving region to receive one or more than one article therein, providing a barrier spanning the frame structure, arranging the barrier to be movable between a first position to engage the article and a second position in which the barrier is disengaged from the article to permit the article to be removed from the article receiving region, providing at least one link member which is movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position. providing a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate member each, arranging the anchor plate members of each group with a first formation and a second formation, arranging the first formation to engage the link member in the first location and a second formation to engage the link member in the second location, and arranging the anchor plate members to be removably attached to the frame structure each, and patterning each group of anchor plate members to a predetermined article.

In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a method of supporting an article for transfer from one location to another, comprising providing a frame stnicture with an article receiving region, providing a barrier assembly with one or more barrier members to span the frame structure and secure the articles for transfer, providing one or more link members to control movement of the barrier assemblies, providing a plurality of groups of anchor plate members, with each group tailored to a predetermined article and having one or more anchor plates for each of the link members for locating the link members in the corresponding first and second positions for the corresponding articles, the method further comprising selecting an article, selecting the group of anchor plate members for the selected article, removably installing the selected group of anchor plate members relative to the frame structure, moving the link members to the second position and temporarily anchoring the link members to the second location relative to the anchor plate member, installing one or more selected articles in the article receiving region, releasing the link members from the second location and transferring the link members to and anchoring the link members relative to the first location, thereby delivering the barrier to the first position.

In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a method of supporting an article for transfer from one location to another, comprising a step for providing a frame structure with an article receiving region, a step for providing a barrier assembly with one or more barrier members to span the frame structure and secure the articles for transfer, a step for providing one or more link members to control movement of the barrier assemblies, a step for providing a plurality of groups of anchor plate members, with each group tailored to a predetermined article and having one or more anchor plates for each of the link members for locating the link members in the corresponding first and second positions for the corresponding articles, the method further comprising a step for selecting an article, a step for selecting the group of anchor plate members for the selected article, a step for removably installing the selected group of anchor plate members relative to the frame structure, a step for moving the link members to the second position, a step for temporarily anchoring the link members to the second location relative to the anchor plate member, a step for installing one or more selected articles in the article receiving region, a step for releasing the link members from the second location and a step for transferring the link members to and anchoring the link members relative to the first location, thereby delivering the barrier to the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only.
with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shipping rack device;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in an operative position;
Figure 3 is an assembly view of a portion of the device of figure 1;

Figure 4 is an end view of the device of figure 1 in an operative position;
Figure 5 is an end view of the device of figure 1 in another operative position;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of another shipping rack device;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the portion of figure 6 in another operative position; and Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8 of figure 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to enconlpass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled,"
and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical oi- mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or"
is to be considered inclusive.

Referring to the figures, a shipping rack device is provided at 10 having a frame structure 12 which provides a work piece receiving region 13. The fram.e structure 12 has four uprights 14. Referring to figure 3, each upright 14 has a lower upright portion 14a and an upper upright portion 14b. The uprights 14 are joined to upper and lower lateral frame members 16a, 16b. A number of longitudinal frame members 18 extend between the uprights 14 and the lower lateral frame member 16b. A number of spaced guide members 22 are positioned along the work piece receiving region to receive work pieces W 1 or other articles therebetween, as shown in figure 2. In this example, the guide members 22 are upright, but could be in different configurations if desired. The guide members 22 are formed in an inverted u shape configuration with an upper periphery 22a and are dirnensioned so that the work pieces Wl extend upwardly beyond their periphery 22a as shown in figure 2. Located between the guide members 22 are elongate slide trays 24 to receive the work pieces W 1. Other arrangements may be provided in place of the guide members 22 and slide trays 24 as desired. For instance, the work pieces W 1 need not necessarily extend upwardly beyond the periphery 22a but rather may be the same height as or lower than the guide members. If desired, the barrier member may thus be arranged to engage the work piece between the guide members as need be.

A pair of barrier members 30 spans the frame structure 12 (though a single barrier member or two or more barrier members may be used if desired). Referring to figure 4, each barrier member 30 is positioned to engage an upper peripheral region of the work piece W 1 when the barrier member 30 is in a first engaged position as shown in solid lines in figure 4 to hold the work pieces W 1 between the guide members 22.
The barrier member 30 is movable between the first engaged position and a second disengaged position shown in dashed lines in figure 4 in which the barrier member 30 is spaced from the work pieces W 1 to permit the work pieces W 1 to be removed from between the guide members 22.

Referring to figure 1, a pair of suspension arrangements 34 is provided, each on opposite ends of the barrier member 30 for coupling the barrier member 30 with the frame structure 12.
Referring to figure 3, each suspension arrangement 34 includes a link member 36 having a pivot region 38 pivotally coupled to the frame structure 12 by way of fastener 38a, for moverrient between the first and second positions. Each link member 36 has an anchor region, generally shown at 40 to position the link member 36, as will be described.

Also provided are two alternative pairs of anchor plate members. The anchor plate members from a first pair are shown at 42a, 42b in figures 1 and 3 for use with a first work piece W I. A second pair of anchor plate members is shown in dashed lines at 44a, 44b in figure 3 and in figure 5 for use with a second work piece W2. More anchor plates may be used as desired depending on the number of work pieces being processed. Furthermore, the anchor plate member may be arranged to accommodate more than one work piece each as desired. For example, one pair of anchor plate members may accommodate two or more work pieces.

The first pair of anchor plate members 42a, 42b is configured to cooperate with the anchor regions 40 on the link members 36 to set the first position of the balrier member 30 relative to the first work piece W 1 in figure 4. Meanwhile, the second pair of anchor plate members 44a, 44b is configured to cooperate with the anchor regions 40 on the link members 36 to set the first position of the barrier member 30 relative to the second work piece W2 as shown in figure 5.

Referring to flgure 3 and 4, each anchor plate member 42a, 42b is removably secured to a respective mounting location 50 on the frame structure. Each anchor plate member 42a, 42b also provides a first formation 52, in this case in the form of a passage 52a, to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the first position.

Each anchor region 40 is further provided, in this case, with an anchor member 54 which is provided in the form of a spring loaded pin 56. Alternatively, the anchor member 54 may be provided in other forms, such as by latches, clips or the like. In addition, the anchoi- member may be located on the corresponding anchor plate member rather than on the anchor region 40.

The anchor plate members 42a, 42b also provide a second formation 58, in the form of a passage 58a, to engage the spring loaded pin 56 to anchor the barrier member 30 in the second position. Thus, if desired, the anchor plate members 42a, 42b may be provided with more such passages to accommodate more than two work pieces as desired. Furthermore the passages may be replaced by the formations such as raised ridges or the like. Moreover, the link member 36 may be replaced with suspension arrangements of their forms, such as two or more link members forming a t:ravel path for the barrier member between the first and second portions, wherein the first and second positions can be maintained by the anchor plate members.

Each of the link members 36 includes a handle member 62 for manually actuating a corresponding one of the link members 36 between one or more positions, such as the first and second positions. Each link member 36 has a remote end region 64, the handle member 62 being mounted on the remote end region 64.
In this case, the anchor region 40 is located between the pivot region 38 and the remote end region 64 as the case may be, though other arrangements may also be provided as desired.

The frame structure 12 includes a pair of end sections 66. Each end section 66 includes a pair of the uprights 14 and an intermediate frame support member 68 which extends between the pair of uprights 14 for supporting the first or second anchor plate member 42a, 44a as the case may be. A number of fasteners 1.0 70 are also provided for removably mounting each operative anchor plate member to the corresponding intermediate frame support member, via passages 72, 74 therein.

Referring to figure 1, the work piece receiving region 13 has a front side 13a which is on the right side of the fi-ame structure, as viewed in figure 1, and an opposite rear side 13b.
The rear side 13b has a back stop arrangement shown at 76, with a backstop member 78 spanning the work piece receiving region 13.
Referring to figure 4, the back stop member 78 is pivotally mounted on a pair of end supports 80 and is provided with a deployment handle 82. The back stop member 78 is movable between two positions, one shown in figure 4 and the other shown in figure 5, to accommodate the different sizes of work pieces W 1 and W2 as desired. The back stop arrangement 76 may be provided in other forms, such as a fixed member, for example. Alternatively, the back stop may not be required in other examples, since the barrier member may be relied upon to secure the work pieces in position.

Before the shipping rack device 10 may be used, it is first transported to a location for loading work piece W 1. This step may or may not occur before the shipping rack 10 is prepared by the following steps. First, the anchor plates 42a, 42b are selected to adjust the shipping rack to accommodate the first work piece W l.
In this case, the anchor plates 42a, 42b are removably secured to a respective mounting location 50 on the frame structure by extending fasteners 70 through aligned passages 72, 74 in the anchor plates and intermediate frame structure accordingly. Next, a pair of assembly Associates position themselves on opposite sides of the device 10 and simultaneously grasp the handle member 62 of one barrier member 30 and release the spring loaded pins 56. The Associates then move the barrier member 30 to the second disengaged position as shown in dashed lines in figure 4 in which the barrier member 30 is spaced from the work pieces W I to permit the work pieces W 1 to be removed from between the guide members 22. The Associates then fix the position of the barrier membeir 30 in the second disengaged position by aligning and releasing the spring loaded pin with the appropriate passage 58a in anchor plate members 42a and 42b.
The shipping rack device 10 is thus in its ready position to receive work pieces W 1. The work pieces are inserted between the guide members 22 and on the slide trays 24. The work pieces then travel along the ll l length of the guide members until they abut the back stop arrangement 76, or otherwise are brought to rest in a position centrally located in the work piece receiving region.

The assembly Associates then simultaneously grasp the handle member 62 of one barrier member 30 and release the spring loaded pins 56 and then move the barrier member 30 from the second disengaged position to the first engaged position, thereby bringing the barrier member 30 into contact with the upper periphery of the work pieces. The Associates then fix the position of the barrier member 30 in the first engaged position by aligning and releasing the spring loaded pin with the appropriate passage 52a in anchor plate members 42a and 42b.

The shipping rack device 10 may thus be used in this fashion until such time as it must be adapted to accommodate the second work piece W2. In this case, the anchor plate members 42a and 42b are replaced by the second pair of anchor plate members 44a, 44b. The above steps may then be repeated for the second work piece W2.

While the shipping rack device 10 requires two assembly Associates to adjust the position of the barrier member 30, one suspension arrangement may be coniagured with the locking and position function, leaving the other suspension arrangement to serve as a follower, thereby supporting the respective end region of the barrier member 30.

Another version of the shipping rack device is shown at 90 in figures 6, 7 and 8. In this case, each anchor plate member 92 includes opposite edge regions 92a. The intermediate frame support 94 includes a pair of opposed flanges 94a to engage the opposite side edge regions 92a. Thus, each operative anchor plate member 92 is slidable along the opposed flanges 94a between a released position (figure 6) and a locked position, the latter being shown in figure 7.

A pair of limit members are located at 96, 98 to define the locked position.
In this case, the limit member 96 is fixed while the other limit member 98 is releasable to release the operative anchor plate member 92 from the locked position.

Thus, to prepare the shipping rack device 90 for use, the opposite edge regions 92a of the anchor plate member 92 are aligned with the opposed flanges 94a of the intermediate frame support 94 and then slid there along toward the operative position in abutment with the limit member 96. When the anchor plate member 92 abuts the limit member 96, the trailing free edge of the anchor plate member 92 passes over the releasable limit member 98, causing it to trip to its locked position, thus holding anchor plate member 92 in place.

Thus, it can be seen that the anchor plate member can be bolted in place or slid in place, or be held in some other fashion as needed. Alternatively, the anchor plate members may be integrally formed with the intermediate frame support member which itself may be removably attached to the uprights 14 as desired.

The passages in the anchor plate members may be replaced by a groove or other opening with anchoring formations therein. Alternatively, the anchor plate members may be provided with other formations that are not passages, such as outwardly directed flanges and the like to engage the remote end region 64 or some other region on the link member 36.

While the device 10 may be provided, as discussed above, with the frame structure 12, the device may be provided in other forms with a portion of the frame structure or as a kit or other retrofit arrangement for mounting on or relative to a frame structure of another rack for providing one or more of the structures or functions described herein.

While spaced guide members provide the convenience of positioning and aligning the work pieces in the device shown at 10, the device may be used without the guide members. For instance, the work piece receiving region may have other guide structures which are tailored to the work piece. Alternatively, the work piece receiving region may be uninterrupted between the upright frame members.

Claims

1. A shipping rack device comprising a frame structure providing a work piece receiving region, a number of spaced guide members positioned along the work piece receiving region to receive work pieces therebetween, the guide members being dimensioned so that the work pieces extend beyond the guide members, one or more than one barrier member spanning the frame structure, the barrier member being positioned to engage a peripheral region of each work piece when the barrier member is in a first engaged position to hold the work pieces between the guide members, the barrier member being movable between the first engaged position and a second disengaged position in which the barrier member is spaced from the work pieces to permit the work pieces to be removed from between the guide members, a pair of suspension arrangements on opposite ends of the barrier member for coupling the barrier member with the frame structure, each suspension arrangement including a link member having a pivot region pivotally coupled to the frame structure for movement between the first engaged position and the second disengaged position, the link member having an anchor region, at least two alternative pairs of anchor plate members including a first pair of anchor plate members for use with a first work piece and a second pair of anchor plate members for use with a second work piece, the first pair of anchor plate members being configured to cooperate with the anchor regions on the link members to set the first engaged position of the barrier member relative to the first work piece and the second pair of anchor plate members being configured to cooperate with the anchor regions on the link members to set the first engaged position of the barrier member relative to the second work piece, one of the pairs of anchor plate members being an operative pair according to the work piece to be carried, each operative anchor plate member from the operative pair being removably secured to a respective mounting location on the frame structure, each operative anchor plate member providing a first formation to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the first position.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising an anchor member mounted on the anchor region or on the first formation.

3. A device as defined in claim 2, the anchor member being located on the anchor region, the first formation being arranged to receive the anchor member.

4. A device as defined in claim 3, the first formation including a passage to receive the anchor member.

5. A device as defined in claim 4, the anchor member including a spring loaded pin.

6. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a handle member for manually actuating a corresponding one of the link members.

7. A device as defined in claim 6, each link member having a remote end region, the handle member being mounted on the remote end region.

8. A device as defined in claim 7, the anchor region being located between the pivot region and the remote end region.

9. A device as defined in claim 1, the frame structure including a pair of end sections, each end section including a pair of uprights, an intermediate frame support member extending between the pair of uprights for supporting the operative anchor plate member.

10. A device as defined in claim 9, further comprising a number of fasteners for removably mounting each operative anchor plate member to the corresponding intermediate frame support member.

11. A device as defined in claim 9, each operative plate member including opposite edge regions, the intermediate frame support including a pair of opposed flanges to engage the opposite side edge regions, each operative anchor plate member slidable along the opposed flanges between a released position and a locked position.

12. A device as defined in claim 11. further comprising a pair of limit flanges to define the locked position, one of the limit flanges being releasable to release the operative anchor plate member from the locked position.

13. A device as defined in claim 1, each operative anchor plate member providing a second formation to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the second position.

14. A device as defined in claim 13, the second formation including a passage to receive the anchor member.

15. A shipping rack device comprising a frame structure providing a work piece receiving region to receive one or more than one work piece therein, one or more than one barrier member spanning the frame structure, the barrier member being positioned to engage the work piece when the barrier member is in a first engaged position, the barrier member being movable between the first engaged position and a second disengaged position in which the barrier member is spaced from the work piece to permit the work piece to be removed from the work piece receiving region, a pair of suspension arrangements on opposite ends of the barrier member for coupling the barrier member with the frame structure, at least one of the suspension arrangements including a link member having a pivot region pivotally coupled to the frame structure for movement between the first engaged position and the second disengaged position, the link member having an anchor region, at least two alternative groups of anchor plate members, including a first group including one or more than one anchor plate member for use with a first work piece and a second group including one or more than one l6 anchor plate member for use with a second work piece, the anchor plate member of the first group being configured to cooperate with the anchor region on the link member to set the first engaged position of the barrier member relative to the first work piece and the anchor plate member of the second group being configured to cooperate with the anchor region on the link member to set the first engaged position of the barrier member relative to the second work piece, the anchor plate member from the first or second group being removably attached to a corresponding mounting location on the frame structure, the anchor plate member so attached providing a first formation to engage the anchor region to anchor the barrier member in the first engaged position.

16. A device as defined in claim 15, the frame structure including a pair of uprights, the anchor plate member being located between the uprights.

17. A device as defined in claim 16, further comprising a frame portion extending between the uprights, the anchor plate member being removably attached to the frame portion.

18. A device as defined in claim 17, the first formation including a passage.

19. A shipping rack device comprising a frame structure providing a work piece receiving region to receive one or more than one work piece therein, a barrier assembly spanning the frame structure, the barrier assembly being movable between a first position to engage the work piece and a second position in which the barrier assembly is disengaged from the work piece to permit the work piece to be removed from the work piece receiving region, the barrier assembly including at least one link member movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position, a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate member each, the at least one anchor plate member of each group having a first formation to engage the at least one link member in the first location and a second formation to engage the at least one link member in the second location, the at least one anchor plate member being removably attached to the frame structure, each group being patterned to a predetermined work piece.

20. A transfer device comprising frame means for providing an article receiving region to receive one or more than one article, barrier means for forming a barrier spanning the frame means, the barrier means being movable between a first position to engage the article and a second position in which the barrier means is disengaged from the article to permit the article to be removed from the article receiving region, the barrier means including at least one link means movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position, a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate means each, the at least one anchor plate means of each group having a first formation and a second formation, the first formation arranged to engage the at least one link means in the first location and a second formation to engage the at least one link means in the second location, the at least one anchor plate means being removably attached to the frame means, each group being patterned to a predetermined article.

21. A method of supporting an article for transfer from one location to another, comprising providing a frame structure with an article receiving region to receive one or more than one article therein, providing a barrier spanning the frame structure, arranging the barrier to be movable between a first position to engage the article and a second position in which the barrier is disengaged from the article to permit the article to be removed from the article receiving region, providing at least one link member which is movable between a first location corresponding to the first position and a second location corresponding to the second position, providing a selection of two or more groups of at least one anchor plate member each, arranging the at least one anchor plate members of each group with a first formation and a second formation, arranging the first formation to engage the at least one link member in the first location and a second formation to engage the at least one link member in the second location, and arranging the at least one anchor plate members to be removably attached to the frame structure each, and patterning each group of the at least one anchor plate members to a predetermined article.

22. A method of supporting one or more articles for transfer from one location to another, comprising providing a frame structure with an article receiving region, providing a barrier assembly with one or more barrier members to span the frame structure and to secure the one or more articles for transfer, the barrier members operable in a first engaged position to engage the one or more articles and a second disengaged position in which the barrier member are disengaged from the one or more articles, providing one or more link members to control movement of the barrier members, providing a plurality of groups of anchor plate members, with each group tailored to a predetermined article and having one or more anchor plate members for each of the link members for locating the link members in first and second locations corresponding to the first and second positions for the barrier members, the method further comprising selecting an article, selecting the group of anchor plate members for the selected article, removably installing the selected group of anchor plate members relative to the frame structure, moving the link members to the second position and temporarily anchoring the link members in the second location relative to the anchor plate member, installing one or more selected articles in the article receiving region, releasing the link members from the second location and transferring the link members to and anchoring the link members relative to the first location, thereby delivering the barrier member to the first engaged position.