EP2178717A1

EP2178717A1 - Rack and method for supporting round objects

Info

Publication number: EP2178717A1
Application number: EP08766768A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arie Van Donge; Antheunis Hendrik De Vos
Original assignee: Arie Van Donge BV
Current assignee: Arie Van Donge BV
Priority date: 2007-06-04
Filing date: 2008-06-03
Publication date: 2010-04-28
Also published as: WO2008150162A9; NL1033928C1; WO2008150162A1

Abstract

A rack for supporting round objects with a total weight of 1 to 75 tons per rack, wherein the rack has at least two load bearing lines or at least one load bearing surface for supporting at least one round object, wherein the at least two load bearing lines or the at least one load bearing surface are/is connected to at least one supporting foot for transferring the load from the at least one round object to a supporting surface, wherein the at least one supporting foot extends at the side edges of the rack so that the load is at least largely transferred at the side edges and the rack is designed so as to be nestable for surrounding at least one other approximately identically shaped rack at least partly, preferably at least largely.

Description

Title: Rack and method for supporting round objects

The invention relates to a rack for supporting round objects with a total weight of 1 to 75 tons per rack.

The invention also relates to a method for transporting round objects. Such a rack iβ known, for instance, under the name coil-tainer ®

Cwww.coil-tainer.com). These racks are designed for supporting heavy rolls of steel, i.e. windings or "coils", in sea containers. The racks are provided with a channel-shape that is attached to heavy feet, wherein one roll can be placed in the channel. The racks have large supporting feet with a flat bottom plane that distribute the load on the container floor over as large a surface as possible, thus preventing a point load of the roller from damaging the container. Several of such racks with a roll each can be placed in a container.

The racks are placed in the container with, for instance, a fork lift truck, whereby the container may be damaged. After having served as support of the steel windings, the racks are often transported back to the place of provenance, to which end for instance a few empty racks are placed in a container to be transported back.

An object of the invention is to provide an alternative rack for heavy round objects, which is preferably efficient in use. This object and/or other objects can be achieved with a rack for supporting round objects with a total weight of 7 - 75 tons per rack, wherein the rack has at least two load bearing lines or at least one load bearing surface for supporting at least one round object, wherein the at least two load bearing lines or the at least one load bearing surface are/is connected to at least one supporting foot for transferring the load of the at least one round object to an supporting surface, wherein the at least one supporting foot extends at the side edges of the rack so that the load is transferred at least largely at the side edges and the rack is designed so as to be nestable for surrounding at least another approximately identically shaped rack at least partly, preferably at least largely.

Said at least two load bearing lines or at least one load bearing surface can comprise, for instance, two rods, a V-shape and/or a channel shape, so that a round object, for instance a cylindrical object is supported at least by two load bearing lines or for instance one curved load bearing surface. The load bearing lines and the at least load bearing one surface will preferably comprise two load bearing surfaces connected in a V-shape. The round object preferably comprises a rotary body or an oval-shaped object. The rack is in particular suitable for metal windings, in this description also called "rolls", which could be understood to be steel and products from rolling mills, and wherein per rack one or several rollers have a total weight of approximately 1 — 75 tons.

By designing the at least one supporting foot at the side edges of the rack, a heavy load of these round objects, for instance cylindrical objects such as steel windings, can be transferred at the side edges of the rack onto the transport apparatus. Thus, with the rack resting on the floor surface of a transport apparatus, the load can be transferred onto or adjacent the side edges of the floor of the respective transport apparatus. This is advantageous in particular with containers, as the floor areas adjacent the walls form the strongest points to transfer the heavy load to, for instance because the points of attachment between the floor and the wall extend there and/or because the frame of a container is located there. In principle, the load of the rack, including its load, is transferred entirely on or adjacent the side edges, or for at least 60%, preferably for at least 75%, and in particular for at least 90% of the total weight of the rack and the load.

By providing the rack with the supporting feet at the side edges, the rack can be designed so as to be nestable, while the rack remains suitable for supporting loads of many tons without damaging the container. The racks can be nested one over the other so that two successive racks surround each other, at least largely, one projecting, for instance, approximately one or a few decimetres from the lower side of a rack below a rack stacked thereabove. By providing the supporting feet at the side edges, the rack according to the invention can be designed to be relatively light and is relatively easily movable and/or liftable and/or nestable, without concessions having to be made for bearing a heavy load.

By nesting the racks, space can be saved in an efficient manner. After delivery of at least one rack with one or several rolls, a transport apparatus can for instance be transported back with a plurality of empty racks therein. During the outward passage for instance, ten transport apparatuses are provided with racks with rolls, while after delivery of the rolls, the racks are placed and transported back on one transport apparatus, whereby nine remaining transport apparatus are free to be used for other goods.

In one embodiment, the rack in itself functions as rack and is nestable, i.e. the supporting feet and the load bearing lines and/or the at least one load bearing surface are fixedly connected and need not be (dis)assembled between stacked and supporting condition. This makes the rack easily usable and as a result, little time, if any, is lost in assembling the rack and/or no loose parts will be lost.

In a further embodiment, the rack fills virtually the entire floor surface of a transport apparatus. As a result, the rack can be engaged at one end side and be placed in its entirety into a transport apparatus. Examples of transport apparatuses in which or on which the rack can be placed, with the rack preferably nearly filling the floor surface, are cargo wagons, trailers or containers, for instance 20 or 40 feet containers. Thus, the available space is efficiently used, both with transport of the racks with windings and with transport of the stacked racks in or on one transport apparatus. The rack can also be dimensioned such that two or more racks together virtually fill the entire floor surface of a transport apparatus.

The object mentioned and/or other objects can also be achieved with a method for transporting round objects, wherein a rack is used in or on a transport apparatus to support at least one round object, which at least one round object has a total weight of approximately 1 — 75 tons, wherein before or after supporting, the rack is stacked on a second, identically shaped rack, and wherein the supporting feet of the rack extend at least partly along said second rack.

Further advantages and features of the present invention follow from the following description, wherein the invention is described in further detail in several exemplary embodiments on the basis of the attached drawings. In the drawings: Fig. IA shows, in a schematic manner, a rack in perspective view;

Fig. IB shows, in a schematic manner, a front view;

Fig. 1C shows, in a schematic manner, a rack in perspective view;

Fig. 2 shows, clockwise, a rack in top, side and front view;

Figs. 3A-C show steps in a method for transporting rolls. In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawings, embodiments are shown merely as examples. The elements used there are only mentioned as example and should not be construed to be limitative in any manner. Other parts too can be utilized within the framework of the present invention. Proportions of the embodiments shown in the Figures are in some cases represented in a schematic and/or exaggerated manner and should not be construed to be limitative in any manner.

Fig. IA shows, in a schematic manner, an illustrative embodiment of a rack 1 in the form of a frame that supports round, in particular cylindrical objects, in the form of metal rolls 2. In this embodiment, the rack 1 mainly contains pipes and/or tubular sections, wherein the faces between the pipes and/or tubular profiles are not filled up.

The rack 1 is designed for supporting relatively heavy, round objects with a total weight of, for instance, 1 - 75 tons. In particular, the rack 1 is suitable for metal rolls 2, for instance steel windings, with a weight of, for instance, at least 250 kg, preferably at least 500 kg and often a few tons, for instance 25 tons, a piece. The rack 1 may support the rolls 2 in a container 3, which is indicated in Fig. IA in interrupted lines. The rack 1 prevents the rolls 2 from rolling and/or shifting, which could damage the container 3. For supporting the rolls 2, load bearing surfaces or load bearing lines 4A are provided. Also, intermediate pieces and/or tightening means, for instance stretch belts can be provided for preventing the rolls 2 in the rack 1 from shifting.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the rack 1 supports the roll 2 by means of two load bearing lines 4A. These load bearing lines 4A are connected by means of frame parts 5 to the supporting feet 6. The load of the rolls 2 and the rack 1 is transferred via the frame parts 5 to the supporting foot 6 and via the supporting foot 6 to the supporting surface, for instance a floor 7 of a container 3. The supporting foot 6 extends at the side edges, around the outer circumference of the rack 1. In the container 3, the supporting foot 6 extends along the walls 8 of the container 3, along the side edges of the floor 7. The length 1 and width b of the rack 1 are then virtually equal to the length and width of the floor surface of the container 3.

In one embodiment, the rack 1 is of a relatively elongated form, as is a transport apparatus of standard dimensions, so that it almost fills the floor space of the transport apparatus in an efficient manner. The transport apparatus may be a container 3, for instance a 20 or 40 feet container 3, or a standard wagon or trailer. The length 1 of the rack 1 is for instance twice as large as the width b of the rack 1. It is also advantageous when the supporting foot 6, or the supporting feet 6 extends at least along the longitudinal direction of the rack 1 so that most of the weight can be distributed along the side edges of the floor 7 of the respective transport apparatus.

Also because the supporting feet 6 extend at the side edges of the rack, in particular along the circumference of the rack 1, the rack 1 is nestable. Fig. IB shows in a schematic manner a stack of identically shaped racks 1 in nested condition, wherein the racks 1 surround each other for the larger part, at least wherein the supporting feet 6 extend along the rack 1, therebeneath. In reality, the racks 1 can be shifted further over each other, so that relatively many racks 1 can be stacked on top of each other within a container 3. For instance, at least eight, preferably at least ten racks 1 can be stacked onto each other within a container 3.

In Fig. 1C, also, an illustrative embodiment of a rack 1 is shown wherein the support of the rolls 2 is carried out by one channel-shaped load bearing surface 4B. This embodiment is provided with engaging elements in the form of openings 9A, 9B. Through the openings at the end side 9A and on the longitudinal sides 9B, for instance a fork of a forklift truck can engage the rack 1 and lift the rack 1 partly or wholly on all sides. The openings 9A, 9B are for instance designed adjacent the bottom plane of the rack 1 so that, inter alia, a fork lift truck or pallet wagon, or a different lifting means, can engage the rack 1 in a favourable manner at the bottom plane, at the end side and/or the longitudinal side of the rack 1.

In Fig. 2, in front view (with roll 2), side view and top view, an advantageous embodiment of a rack 1 is shown, wherein two load bearing surfaces 4C axe provided which together form a channel 4. This rack 1 comprises substantially a bearing frame, for instance, inter alia, tubular sections of relatively strong classes, with plates, for instance steel plates and/or wooden planks. On the longitudinal sides of the rack 1, first frame parts 5A are provided, and on the end faces second frame parts 5B. The frame parts 5A, 5B comprise for instance the tubular profiles with plates. The load bearing surfaces 4C are connected by means of the frame parts 5A, 5B to the supporting feet in longitudinal direction 6A and in transverse direction 6B, at least by means of the first frame parts 5a to the supporting feet 6A in longitudinal direction.

As can be seen in front view in Figs. 2, 3, the frame parts 5A, 5B are preferably at an oblique angle α, β, respectively, relative to the at least imaginary bottom plane of the rack 1. At least the first frame parts 5A may be at an oblique angle α relative to the undersurface 10. Thus, in an advantageous manner, relatively much load can be borne and/or the rack 1 is nestable and/or relatively easily withdrawable from the nested condition. It is advantageous if the axes A of the rolls 2, at least the at least one axis A of the at least one round object, extend approximately parallel to the supporting feet 6, at least to the supporting feet 6A which extend in longitudinal direction of the rack 1. The load can thus be distributed in an advantageous and relatively even manner. Also, the rolls 2 can be shifted further in axial direction and link up with each other over the length of the rack 1, so that the rolls 2 can be efficiently arranged over the length of the rack 1.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, at the end side, engaging elements are provided, in particular openings 9A, or other engaging possibilities in which or on which for instance a fork of a forklift truck, pallet truck or other lifting means can engage. At the opposite side, roller or glider elements 1OA are provided so that the rack 1 can be engaged at an end side and be lifted by a forklift truck or other load transporting means and then be driven or pulled over the roller or glider elements 1OA, for instance in the container 3. Also, both end sides can be provided with engaging possibilities and/or roller and/or glider elements 1OA. In order to prevent the fork of the forklift truck, or a different inserting means, from shifting off, a (temporary) projection can be provided on the fork and/or for instance stretching means can be utilized.

The rack 1 may be provided with eyelets for lashing the rolls 2 down, on the frame parts 5A, 5B, for instance. Also, in an advantageous manner, intermediate pieces 13 can be placed between the rolls 2 so that they do not shift against each other or bump into each other (see Fig. 3). The intermediate pieces 13 may comprise wooden blocks that advantageously fit the V-shape of the channel. The intermediate pieces 13 can be tightened down or may be independently provided with attachment means for the rack 1, for instance such that the rolls 2 can be clamped in.

As shown in Fig. 3, in one embodiment, the rack 1 is provided with holes 12, preferably in the channel 4. Through these holes 12, poles or beams or the like can be inserted, which prevent the rolls 2 from rolling away and/or shifting. Also, tightening means, for instance tightening straps can be connected to the roll 2 and the poles or beams, to secure the roll 2. The holes 12 are advantageously designed such that at a random loading location, poles and/or beams will be found to be inserted into the holes. These poles and/or beams need therefore not be transported along as separate part with the loaded or unloaded racks 1. With the aid of the poles or beams and/or with the aid of eyelets, each roll 2 can be individually secured.

When the racks 1 have been stacked virtually against each other, a fork of a forklift truck can perhaps not be inserted through the openings at the undersurface of the rack 1. To that end, in one embodiment, at the top of the rack 1, top engaging elements 14 are provided, for lifting the rack 1 from a stack. The top engaging elements 14 may comprise eyelets or brackets that are preferably collapsible or foldable. The fork of the forklift truck may engage top engaging elements 14 located transversely opposite thereto so that the rack 1 does not tilt about its longitudinal direction. Also, the top engaging elements 14 can by engaged by other lifting means, such as, for instance, a crane with cables, for stacking and/or unstacking the racks 1.

The use of a rack 1 can for instance be described as follows. First, the rack 1 is, for instance, lifted from a stack of racks 1 by a forklift truck 15 or a crane of a crane truck. The rack 1 is then placed on the ground, or, for instance, on a truck or trailer, in an open top container, wagon, 'flat' container or the like. The rack 1 may also be placed on a loading platform, be loaded with one or more rolls 2 and be placed, for instance pulled or driven, onto a transport apparatus. The rolls 2 are placed on the rack 1 with the aid of, for instance, a crane, or for instance with a forklift truck while a mandrel is provided on the fork of the forklift truck which mandrels is inserted into the open core of the winding and one or several rolls 2 are placed thereon.

Then, the rack 1 is engaged by the forklift truck 15, or a different drivable lifting or hoisting apparatus, by the end side (Fig. 3A) and/or lifted and/or guided and transported at the opposite end side in a rolling or gliding manner over the roller or glider elements 1OA. The rack 1 with the rolls 2 is then driven into a container 3 (Fig. 3B). This can be effected owing the floor surface filling length of the rack 1 without the forklift truck 15 having to drive into the container 3. In one embodiment, the rack 1 is designed at the glider or roller elements 1OA with hook-in elements that can engage in the engaging elements at the end side. The glider or roller elements 1OA for instance engage in the openings 9A of a second rack 1. Thus, space can be saved in a container 3. Also, both racks 2 could be coupled by hook-in elements and/or be provided with wheels so that these racks 1 can be transported as a sort of train.

Two racks 1 may be driven one behind the other, simultaneously, into a container 3 without the forklift truck 15 or other load transporting means having to drive in the container 3. This can be done for instance by pushing a rack 1 with the aid of an intermediate piece and/or second rack 1 into the container 3. For instance, one rack 1 can fill the floor surface of a 20 feet container 3 while two such racks 1 will fill the floor surface of a 40 feet container 3.

When the container 3, or other transport apparatus, has arrived at the respective location, the rack 1 is driven from the container 3 and the rolls 2 are transferred. It may also be so that the rack 1 with the rolls 2 is transferred onto a different transport apparatus.

When the rack 1 has been emptied, it is for instance placed with several identically shaped racks 1 into a container 3. Here, the rack 1 according to the invention is preferably stacked onto a second, identically shaped rack, for instance so that more than five, preferably more than eight racks 1 stacked one onto the other fit in or on a transport apparatus. The racks 1 are then preferably nested such that the supporting feet 6 of the racks 1 extend at least partly along the racks 1 therebeneath.

When the rack 1 is put into use again, the rack is engaged, preferably by means of top engaging elements 14 at the top side of the rack 1, and taken from the stack, to then be put into use again (Fig. 3C).

The rack 1 can be favourably used on or in several types of transport apparatuses such as container 3, trailers, cargo wagons, planes and/or ships, for transport in the shipping industry, aviation, or over railroads, but is not limited thereto. Although the rack is particularly suitable for round, in particular cylindrical objects, more particularly rolls or windings, it can also be used as a suitable support for, inter alia, oval-shaped, and/or angular objects, and/or partly V-shaped objects such as, for instance, boats, pipes, beams etc.

Preferably, the rack 1 is dimensioned such that it meets the requirements and regulations that prevail in the field of transport of steel windings and/or steel and rolled products in general.

The load bearing surfaces 4C of the channel 4 may be at an angle of approximately 35° to the bottom plane 10 and/or, in use, at least 20 mm is clear between the channel 4 and the underside of the roll 2 and/or, in use, the distance between the support points 16 of the roll 2 are at least 60% of the diameter of the roll 2 and/or the support points 16 are evidently lower than the top of the channel 4 and/or the supporting feet 6 are provided with antiskid features.

The features described and many comparable variations as well as combinations thereof are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. Naturally, different aspects of different embodiments and/or combinations thereof can be combined and exchanged with each other. Therefore, delimitation should not be restricted to only the embodiments mentioned.

Claims

1. A rack for supporting round objects with a total weight of 1 - 75 tons per rack, wherein the rack has at least two load bearing lines or at least one load bearing surface for supporting at least one round object, wherein the at least two load bearing lines or the at least one load bearing surface are/is connected to at least one supporting foot for transferring the load from the at least one round object to a supporting surface, wherein the at least one supporting foot extends at the side edges of the rack so that the load is at least largely transferred at the side edges and the rack is designed so as to be nestable for surrounding at least one other approximately identically shaped rack at least partly, preferably at least largely.

2. A rack according to claim 1, wherein the rack in itself is designed so as to be nestable. 3. A rack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two load bearing lines or the at least one load bearing surface are/is connected to the at least one supporting foot by means of a frame part, wherein the frame part is at an oblique angle relative to the bottom plane of the rack.

3. A rack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one supporting foot extends in a longitudinal direction along the side edges of the rack.

4. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the rack is at least twice as large as the width.

5. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two load bearing lines or the at least one load bearing surface extend(s) parallel to the at least one supporting foot.

6. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is provided, at least at one end side, at the bottom side, with roller elements or glider elements or the like.

7. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is provided at at least one end side adjacent the bottom side with at least one engaging element, preferably at least one opening for a fork of a forklift truck.

8. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is provided at at least one longitudinal side adjacent the bottom side with at least one engaging element for a fork of a forklift truck.

9. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is provided at the top side with two engaging elements, preferably brackets.

10. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one round object of 0.5 — 75 tons, wherein the rack supports the at least one round object.

11. A rack according to claim 10, wherein said objects are metal windings.

12. A rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting feet of the rack at least partly surround a second, similar rack.

13. A transport apparatus, preferably a container, trailer or cargo wagon having therein or thereon at least one rack according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A transport apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the length and width of the track are virtually equal to the length and width of the floor surface of the transport apparatus.

15. A transport apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one rack supports at least one round object and the axis of the at least one round object extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport apparatus.

16. A method for transporting round objects, wherein a rack in or on a transport apparatus is used for supporting at least one round object, which at least one round object has a total weight of approximately 1 — 75 tons, wherein before or after said supporting, the rack is stacked on a second, identically shaped rack, and wherein the supporting feet of the rack extend at least partly along said second rack.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the rack with the at least one round object is placed in or on a transport apparatus.

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the round object is a preferably metal winding.

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein after placing the transport apparatus supports the rack adjacent side edges of a floor of the transport apparatus.

20. A method according to any one of claims 16 — 19, wherein the rack is transported on the one end side in a rolling and/or gliding manner over roller and/or glider elements while at the opposite end side it is lifted and/or guided by a forklift truck or other drivable lifting or hoisting apparatus.

21. A method according to any one of claims 16 - 20, wherein the rack is engaged at the top side and is taken from a stack by means of a lifting apparatus.

22. A method according to any one of claims 16 — 21, wherein the transport apparatus is a container, wagon or trailer.