GB2561704A

GB2561704A - Storage frame and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2561704A
Application number: GB1803589.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wankowski John; Howlett Steven
Original assignee: PIPESHIELD INTERNATIONAL Ltd; Pipeshield Int Ltd
Current assignee: PIPESHIELD INTERNATIONAL Ltd; Pipeshield Int Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-24
Filing date: 2015-12-24
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Also published as: GB2545736B; GB201522868D0; GB2545736A; GB201803589D0

Abstract

A lifting assembly suitable for lifting concrete mattresses comprises a loader frame 10 comprising side beams 11, 12 connected by a plurality of cross-beams 13, 14, 15 of different widths extending between the side beams 11, 12, a plurality of pad-eyes 16 connected to the side beams 11, 12. The assembly further comprises a spreader frame 60 including an outer frame of beams 61, each beam 61 being secured to the end region of adjacent beams 61, connecting means such as webbing strops or slings 100 linking the spreader frame 60 with the loader frame 10, and a linkage element enabling the lifting assembly to be connected to a lifting means such as a crane. In order to a release the connecting means 100, enabling the spreader frame 60 and the loader frame 10 to be decoupled, a release mechanism (67 fig. 7) is mounted to the spreader frame 60. The cross beams 13, 14, 15 may be of different heights enabling weight reduction of the loader frame 10 with the outermost beams 15 preferably being of the smallest width or height. The spreader beam 60 may include bracing beams 63.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 0703861 A WO 2011/150236 A2 US 20030222468 A1

EP 2962975 A1 CN 202625604 U (58) Field of Search:

- I NT CL B65D, B66C, F16L

Other: WPI, EPODOC (71) Applicant(s):

Pipeshield International Ltd 4 Quay View Business Park, Barnards Way,

LOWESTOFT, Suffolk, NR32 2HD, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

John Wankowski Steven Howlett (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ip21 Ltd

Central Formalities Department, Lakeside 300, Old Chapel Way, Broadland Business Park, NORWICH, Norfolk, NR7 0WG, United Kingdom (54) Title ofthe Invention: Storage frame and method of use thereof

Abstract Title: Loader frame and lifting assembly for concrete mattresses (57) A lifting assembly suitable for lifting concrete mattresses comprises a loader frame 10 comprising side beams 11, connected by a plurality of cross-beams 13, 14, 15 of different widths extending between the side beams 11, 12, a plurality of pad-eyes 16 connected to the side beams 11, 12. The assembly further comprises a spreader frame 60 including an outer frame of beams 61, each beam 61 being secured to the end region of adjacent beams 61, connecting means such as webbing strops or slings 100 linking the spreader frame 60 with the loader frame 10, and a linkage element enabling the lifting assembly to be connected to a lifting means such as a crane. In order to a release the connecting means 100, enabling the spreader frame 60 and the loader frame 10 to be decoupled, a release mechanism (67 fig. 7) is mounted to the spreader frame 60. The cross beams 13, 14, 15 may be of different heights enabling weight reduction ofthe loader frame 10 with the outermost beams 15 preferably being ofthe smallest width or height. The spreader beam 60 may include bracing beams 63.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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STORAGE FRAME AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF λ A\-.ik> VA Lh&.‘ Alii VtAktvAr

The present invention relates to a frame tor storing and transporting, for example, /5 concrete mattresses and also to a method of storage and transportation of said mattresses.

The frame and method are particularly satiable and intended for moving mattresses to and from the seabed, and to be relatively easily operable under water. The invention further relates to an apparatus suitable for use with already-damaged mattresses.

Baggiground to the Invention

Within the subsea i ndustry, the use of coverings to protect structures such as pipelines, cables etc. lying on the seabed is well known. The coverings protect the structures from damage caused by objects falling on them and can also act to red uce scouring of the seabed beneath the structure. One particular example of a covering suitable to be used in conjunction with the present invention, is often referred to as a mattress, and is formed of a plurality of concrete blocks linked together with a fibre rope: the rope providing flexibility to the shape of the mattress. As in the case of GS2379472, the blocks can be profiled to optimise current flow from the mattress.

There remains the moblem of moving a mattress, which can weigh several tonnes, available loaders are of design such that they cause s to the mattress itself: especially where the loader is carrying, as it usually will, more than one mattress.

Further apparatus to aid in moving mattresses between locations is disclosed in EPI 5160289,3, In EP15160289,3, a loader comprises a plurality of strops held between elongate supports, which strops are so arranged to transport a mattress in a catenary configuration. The difficulty arises in that the curvature of the mattresses, particularly the difference in curvature between neighbouring mattresses ean result in abrasions of the

Moreover, the means of attachment of the loader to, for example, a crane needs to be sufficiently strong to enable loads of possibly up to 100 tonnes to be suspended during to movement, Prior art means of linking a crane to a loader are often difficult to link tip and in particular to release once the load is in position. Loads need to be decoupled from a crane underneath supporting means whilst the loader is under water, which usually Involves a diver. Any means by which decoupling can be facilitated and which will result in a time saving for the diver which should also therefore improve safety and costs,

It is an object of the present invention to provide a frame to address the above problems.

It is a further object, of the invention to provide a method of moving a mattress between locations which meihoil facilitates, in particular, decoupling of toe loader from a lifting means such as a crane.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lifting assembly suitable lor lifting mattresses, the lifting assembly comprising:

a loader frame, the loader frame comprising 2 side beams, the side beams being connected by a plurality of cross-beams extending perpendicularly between the side beams, a plurality of pad-eyes connected to the side beams, the assembly farther comprising a spreader frame including an outer frame of spreader a frame beams, each spreader frame beam being secured to die end region of adjacent spreader frame beams, a connecting means to link die spreader frame with the loader, a linkage element enabling die lifting assembly to he connected to a lifting means such as a crane, a release mechanism, mounted to the spreader frame to release the connecting means enabling the spreader frame and the loader frame to he decoupled.

The above arrangement enables a lighter lifting assembly to be utilised and also for safer lifting and relocation of concrete mattresses, particularly into a subsea location.

Preferably, the cross beams are of different widths and furdier preferably of different 1S heights, enabling weight to he reduced where suitable. The cross-beams of smallest width and/or height are further preferably the outermost cross-beams.

Advantageously, the ends of the cross-beams engage directly the side beams to increase the sfrengdi of die loader frame.

The length of the spreader frame is preferably from between 3m - 5m,

The length of the loader frame is preferably from between 5m 9m.

The spreader frame advantageously includes brace beams spanning between adjacent spreader frame beams to strengthen the spreader frame.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises a connecting cable, comprising a cable, rope or die like, which provides a flexible, yet strong linkage. Further preferably, a connecting means engages a pad-eye and is secured to the spreader frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a loader frame, the loader frame comprising 2 side beams, the side beam s being connected by a plurality of cross-beams extending perpendicularly between the side beams, a plurality of pad-eyes connected to die side beams, and wherein the cross beams are of different widths and further preferably of different heights, enabling weight to be reduced where suitable.

Preferably the cross-beams of smallest width and/or height are fee outermost cross-beams.

The above arrangement enables a lighter loader frame to be utilised.

Advantageoasiy, the ends of the cross-beams engage directly ihe side beams to increase to strength of fee loader fram e.

The length ofthe loader frame is preferably from between 5m - 9m.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a concrete mattress between locations, the method comprising the steps of selecting a loader frame at a first location, ?5 fee loader’ frame comprising 2 side beams, fee side beams being connected by a plurality of cross-beams extending perpendicularly between fee side beams, a plurality' of pad-eyes connected to the side beams, loading one or more mattresses onto a loader frame, so securing a spreader frame to a lifting means, lifting a spreader frame into position over the loader frame and securing fee spreader frame to fee loader frame, transporting fee loader frame to a second location.

.KJ.i-jAvA λ,.'<<ΝΝ’ΑΛξ.Λ$ΛΛ<Α I’i. νϊΑν AZ.iw.’yl·S.iAifcjh·

The invention is now described with respect to the accompanying drawing? which show 5 by way of example only, two embodiments of a loader and spreader frame. In the drawings;

Figure 1, is a perspective view of the first embodiment of a loader frame;

Figure 2, is a plan illustration of the loader frame of Figure 1;

Figures 3 a, 3b, are respectively, a sectional view through A of Figure 2 and an enlarged 10 detail of Figure 3 a;

Figures 4a, 4b, are, respectively, a sectional view through B of Figure 2 and an enlarged detail of Figure 4a;

Figure 5, is a sectional view through C of Figure 2;

Figure 6, is a sectional view through D of Figure 2;

Figure 7, is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spreader frame;

Figure 8ms a perspective view of a second embodiment of a spreader frame;

Figure y, is a plan illustration ot the spreader frame or Figure e;

Figures 10 is a sectional view through B of Figure 9 illustrating the release means;

i further illustrate the release means;

so Figure 12, is a perspective view of a spreader frame of Figure 7 and a loader frame;

Figure 13, is a side view illustration of the spreader frame and loader of Figure 12;

Figure 14, is a perspective view of the second embodiment of a loader frame;

Figure 15, is apian, illustration of a loader frame of Figure 14;

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16, illustrates a laden loader frame; and

Figures 17a, 17b, illusirave a mode of transport for a loading assembly and frame.

Detailed Description of the Invention s The present invention is intended for use in placing on or retrieving from a seabed, one or more mattresses, Utilising the loader frame,lifting assembly a method described herein, mattresses can be stacked on top of each other on a loader frame (or loader)typicallv up to a height of 1.8 metres and/or a weight of around 63 tonnes. Using such limitations then, for example, 12 mattresses of dimension 6 metre x 3 metre x 150mm, six mattresses of dimension 6 metre x 3 metre x 300mm, four mattresses of dimension 6 metre x 3 metre x 450mm or a combination thereof can be transported. In respect of the smaller loader described, below, the combined mass of the loader and. mattresses can be kept below the statutory limits for road transport, whilst increasing the number of mattresses which are included within that weight.

1S

The following description makes reference to concrete mattresses comprising an array of linked blocks which mattresses are used to cover and protect a subsea structure such as a pipeline or cable. It should be recognised, that the apparatus in accordance with the invention is also suitable for other, similar types of mattresses in use within the industry.

Mattresses so described are usually stored in a stacked arrangement to be transferred either to a ship for transport or for transfer to the subsea site. Often mere than one mattress is moved in a single transfer operation. Because a typical mattress can weigh over 9 tonnes, specialised equipment and safety precautions are therefore required.

One difficulty which must be overcome when transferring mattresses from above tire sea to below sea level, and rice versa is traversing through the wave zone when the mattress and the transport means are subject to a sequence of large forces over a short timescale. Many loaders currently utilised are designed for ship-to-ship transfer whilst at sea during which lo wer forces are usually encountered.

One solution, used to transport smaller articles so oh as drib casing and equipment utilises a rigid basket arrangement. These however tend to be smaller in size than those required for mattresses, although their weight is still large at around 5 tonnes due to the materials to provide strength to the basket.

Also, the loaders of the present invention are designed to be able to carry larger numbers of mattresses, and in the ease of 150mm thick mattresses this can he up to 12 at a time. This results in significant time savings on site. The majority of time required in moving a mattress by means of a crane is in raising and lowering the hook, depending from die crane being used, through the water. It is estimated that deploying a single mattress using prior art loaders, using a standard lifting frame, requires around 20 minutes for every 30m of water depth.

One problem with prior art loaders is that their weight is usually around 5 tonnes due to f 5 the amount of materials used to provide strength to the loader. The loader needs to he able to wdthsiend many large forces such as turning forces as the loader and mattresses are transported through the air or sea, impact from a mattress being placed. in a loader, impact against a structure such as a deck side or ship etc. However, the larger the weight of the loader the less is available for mattresses on the loader as the capacities of crimes are limited and a larger crane is more expensive to use than a smaller one. Also when mattresses on the loader are to be transported by road, an articulated lorry typically has a nominal maximum beyond which the Highways Authorities need, to be notified. It would be advantageous therefore to reduce as much as possible the mass of a loader.

Prior art loaders have side walls. These are not normally present to prevent mattresses from falling from the loader as the combined frictional force of the concrete mattresses against the steel of the loader frame prevents the -mattresses sliding off the frame. Also, as the mattresses are made from, articulated blocks, the separation of the blocks from each other has an effect of inertial damping. However, the walls prevent, for example, parts of broken mattresses falling from the loader. The walls can additionally function as trass members to strengthen the frame. The present invention, due to the design of the vase of the loader does not require side walls due to the improved design. However, where required side walls can be included as part of a loader,

To assist usage, particularly where unloading is occurring under water, the spreader frame supporting the loader is provide with a rapid release mechanism to enable the spreader frame to be disconnected easily from the loader which assists a diver and reduces the chances of an accident. Conveniently, the support to the loader is pro vided by a plurality of heavy duty webbing strops, with the release of the strops being activated by means of a single release lever,

Referring initially to Figure 1, this shows a base or loader frame 10 having a ladder conformation comprising two I-beams 11, 12 (typically of height dOCfenxn and width 180mm) connected together by means of cross-beams 13 to 15, As an example of dimension suitable for the loader frame 10, then the length of 6 metre, and a width of 3 to metre can be used. Two of the cross-beams 14 are of greater dimensions than the other cross-beams 13, The cross-beams 13 are for example around 250mm. in height and 150mm. in width, whereas the cross-beams 14 are around 400nun in height and 180mm in width.

The larger size of the cross-beams 14 enables them to support pad-eyes 16 external to the I-beams 11, 12, The pad-eyes 16 are the attachment means for strops connecting the loader frame 10 to a spreader frame to transport tire loader frame 10 and mattresses. The end cross-beams 15 are of smaller dimension than the others, having a width of around 100mm.

The use of different sizes of cross-beams 13-15, enables weight to be reduced overall and also the different forces experienced by the base in different regions to be effectively countered. Thus tor example the cross-beams 14 are of the largest size to cope with, the induced movement from the rifling points. The remaining cross-beams have to deni primarily with the continuous loads caused by mattresses placed thereon. Furthermore, the cross-beams 15 at either end of the loader can advantageously be of smaller dimensions than the other cross-beams as they have been found to bear the least load of the cross-beams 13--15.

As can been seen from Figures 3a and 3b, the pad-eyes 16 extend approximately 150mm 5 from the I-beams 11,12 and have a thickness of around 35mm. The pad-eye 16 include an aperture 17 of around 50mm in radius enabling, for example, a Crosby shackle, to be passed therethrough. Each of the pad-eyes 16 is sped Bed to support a weight of 25 tonnes, allowing (taking into account the inclusion of four pad-eyes 16 on a frame 10) the frame 10 to support a total weight of around 100 tonnes dynamic load if required, although, typical operating usage will be well below this value.

as shown in Figures 4a, 4b are provided which are 3.25 tonne capacity, which shackles are provided for lashing points to be fastened to the frame as required.

to fit shackles of ig a mattress to

The loader frame Ii) is intended to be used in conjunction with the spreader frame 60 shown in Figures 7. The spreader frame 60 'firstly enables the mass of the frame 10 and. any mattresses loaded thereon to he spread along the circumference of the spreader frame

2$

This distinguishes the present invention from the prior art in which the 4 -legged lifting slings axe connected directly to a leader. Although this is structurally efficient, it requires that the dedicated sling set he permanently attached (leading to tire top of the loader being covered over, so hindering the removal from or placement on a loader of a mattress). Alternatively, if die sling set is designed to be detachable, for example using a set of hooks, the sling set can easily be lost or even utilised for «diet purposes unbeknown to the operator.

The spreader frame 60 is approximately square, comprising four I-beams 61 joined by comer box elements 62. In order to provide additional strength to the frame 60 and also to enable the frame 60 to resist turning forces which act to change the comer angles of the frame 60, bracing beams 63 are provided, resting at each end on the bottom spur 64 of the

I-beams 61. The comer box elements 62 each comprises a slot 65 retaining a pad eye 66 enabling the spreader frame 60 to receive cables/sirops to assist, in lifting die spreader frame 60 and an attached loader frame 10, The comer box elements 62 each also comprise a dead anchor pin and a sliding-release pin, which can he operated by a single lever 67.

From each of the bracing beams 63 depends a foot 67, The feet 67 are of sufficient size to provide support and solid footing over a segmented mattress.

frame 60 to fee decoupled from the loader frame 10. The release mechanism enables a single user, for example a diver, to separate the loader frame 10 from the spreader frame 60 thus leaving the leader frame 10 in the desired location end the spreader frame 60 available to he removed for use in transporting a farther loader frame 10.

Regarding the spreader frame §0 for Figures 8 and 9, the majority of features of the frame 80 are as per the spreader frame 60, The beams 81 and the bracing beams 82 are of tubular steel which is stronger, although heavier titan an I-beam, and for use particularly with a larger 8m loader base. The tubular beams 8 .1 and bracing beams 82 have a greater resistance to sideways buckling than an I-beam as they have a uniform profile on 360° rotation. The spreader frame 80 is a substantially rectangular spreader frame of dimensions 4.6m length and 3,1m width and together with the larger loader frame arc suitable for use with 8m mattresses,

In relation to figures 11, the loader frame is slung from the spreader frame by 4 soft webbing slings. The slings arc connected to the spreader frame by means of a dead anchor point (A), mounted just below the pad-eye on each comer. The slings are then secured in a basket hitch configuration onto a shackle on the loader frame, and routed back to the spreader frame with the free end being connected to toe spreader frame by means of a 70mm diameter sliding pin between 2 gates, 125mm apart (B) to prevent the shackle slipping off, which is mounted on the spreader frame next to the dead anchor point (A).

The 4 sliding pins (E) are moved by means of operating a single action vertical lever that connects actuating levers (C) and push rod assemblies (D).

To operate the quick release system the lever (F) is pulled forwards (away from the centre 5 of the frame), pivoting horizontally around a pin that is 278 mm from the bottom, The base of the lever then moves approximately 1.44mm backwards (towards the centre of the frame). The motion in the lever then pulls the horizontal actuating levers which are adjoined to the base of the lever by the means of a steel collars backwards, and the levers pivot around a vertical pin halfway along the lever’s arm, which then moves the other end forwards by about 120mm. The forward action in the firm then palls the pashrods forwards which slides die pins forwards between die gates and releases die strops.

In figures 12, 13 are shown the loader frame 10 and the spreader frame 60 assembly suitable for die transport of one or more mattresses (not shown). Connecting each of the corner box elements 62 of the spreader frame 60 to the loader frame 10, by means of a respective pad eye 16 are slings or strops 100. The slings 100 are formed of a flexible material and of dimensions known in the art. The exempli lied slings '100 are formed of a polyester material of 4 metre effective length, having a rating of 20 tonnes 20TSWh, connected in basket configuration.

In use, a loader frame is laid out. on an area of ground such that there is adequate access when a stack of mattresses is placed onto the loader. Mattresses should be loaded evenly and squarely onto the loader such dial when fully loaded the stack is vertical and aligned. Provision is made for three sets of strops to be placed over the stack to provide a tie down facility to prevent slippage during lifting,

Tire heavy duty webbing strops are typically pre-rigged to the dead anchor pins of the spreader frame prior to positioning. The spreader frame is placed on top of the stack of uuutmsKw nnh fo<- Tc'ease kuer to fot. side of the ovituevu?!?, and the stow hanetm;

1.2 down either side of the mattress stack. To avoid personnel climbing onto the stack the lever is placed in the half closed position prior to placing the spreader frame, and, using a. monkey fist attachment, the handle position can be manipulated from ground level.

The free end of the strop is passed through the shackle connected to the main pad-eye of the loader and then lilted up and secured to the release pin. Each strop can he fixed in torn and when all tour streps are located the lever can he closed and the locking pin inserted.

Once the mattresses are secured and the assembly secured to a crane, the assembly and mattresses are lifted and transported to the location required for example on a sea-bed. When lowered into position on the seabed the spreader frame is placed onto the mattress stack to release all tension in the webbing strops. The locking pin is removed if not already done so snd the lever is polled to activate the release pins. When the lever is the fully open position the lever will drop into a recess which prevents the lever handle from being accidently closed or partially dosed which might cause one or more of the strops to be snagged.

The weight of the strops allows the free end to fall away from the pin. However in all cases, once it is confirmed that the handle is in the fully open position the spreader frame can he raised and this causes the strops to be pulled through the bass shackles. Once fully clear the spreader frame can he retrieved to the surface. The handle can be operated either by a diver or a ROV for seabed release,

Once hack on board a vessel, the lever can he manually returned to the half-closed position for re-rigging by lifting the lever and pushing forward. Once re-rigged, the handle can be pushed to the folly closed position, to permit the locking pin to he inserted.

When used for retrieval the reverse procedure applies however the strops will need to be fixed by divers. The rigging on the seabed can be earned out as previously described by placing the free end of the loop through the shackle and bringing up to the half open release pin. Alternatively the strops can be pre-rigged with the handle closed prior to the frame being deployed and the diver can hook up the strops by re-connecting the base shackles to the strops and pad-eyes directly.

'With regard to Figures 14 and 15, these disclose a loader 140 for use in transporting, for mattresses which are broken and in relation to which therefore there is a, of fragments thereof detachi ng in transport and so possibly causing inj ury to persons or damage to property as they fell away from the mattress. The basic base of a loader frame is as per the loader 1 (5 of Figure 1. Extending upwardly from the I-beams 11,12 and end cross-beams 15 are support posts 141. Extending between adjacent support posts 141 is a retaining mesh panel 142 to prevent a mattress or pert thereof on the loader frame 10 from felling off. Similarly, mesh panels I43 are extended across the cross-beams 13-15 of the loader frame 10 to form a floor. To allow the loader frame 140 to be lifted, the posts 141 being attached to the pad-eyes 16 and so preventing the use of pad-eyes 1.6 for this purpose, additional pad-eyes 144 are secured to the top ofthe posts 141.

in Figures 17a, 17b are shown the relative orientation of the spreader frame .170 to the mattresses 171 (on a loader frame, not shown) comparing said orientation during tiding with that during, transportation on a road vehicle (Figure 17b). As the spreader frame 170 is narrower in one direction, the loader frame 170 is turned through 90’ to present the narrower edge to the direction of travel shown by arrow A.

It will he understood that the invention is not limited to die specific details described 2& herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A loader frame, the loader frame comprising 2 side beams, the side beams being connected by a plurality of cross-beams extending between the side beams, a plurality of pad-eyes, a pad-eye being connected to a side beam, and wherein the loader frame has cross-beams of different widths.

2. A loader according to claim 1, wherein the one or more cross-beams extend perpendicularly between the side beams.

3. A loader frame according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the loader frame has crossbeams of different heights.

4. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-beams of smallest height are the outermost cross-beams.

5. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-beams of smallest width are the outermost cross-beams.

6. A loader frame according to Claim 5, wherein the cross-beams of smallest width have a width of around 100mm.

7. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein a cross-beam has a width of from 150 -180mm.

8. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein a cross-beam has a height of from 250 - 400mm.

9. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the ends of the crossbeams engage directly the side beams.

10. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the loader frame is preferably from between 5m - 9m.

11. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein a pad-eye connects to a side-beam adjacent a cross-beam of largest width or height.

5

12. A loader frame according to claim 11, wherein the loader frame includes pad-eyes adjacent other cross-beams.

13. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the side-beams are Ibeams.

o

14. A loader frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the loader frame includes a side-wall extending upwardly from the side-beams and the cross-beams.

15. A loader frame according to claim 14, wherein the wall is supported on support

15 posts extending upwardly from the side-beams and the cross-beams.

16. A loader frame according to claim 15, wherein the wall comprises one or more mesh panels extending between adjacent support posts.

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17. A loader frame for loading concrete mattresses, the frame comprising 2 side beams, in spaced parallel relationship, wherein the side beams are held in said spaced parallel relationship by cross-beams.

18. A method of moving a concrete mattress between locations,

25 the method comprising the steps of selecting a loader frame at a first location, the loader frame comprising 2 side beams, the side beams being connected by a plurality of cross-beams extending between the side beams, a plurality of pad-eyes, a pad-eye being connected to a side beam,

30 and wherein the loader frame has cross-beams of different widths, loading one or more mattresses onto the loader frame, securing a spreader frame to a lifting means, lifting a spreader frame into position over the loader frame and securing the spreader frame to the loader frame, transporting the loader frame to a second location.

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19. A method of securing a loader frame to a spreader frame, the method comprising the steps of selecting a loader frame, said loader frame comprising 2 side beams, the side beams being connected by a plurality of cross-beams extending between the side beams,

10 a plurality of pad-eyes, a pad-eye being connected to a side beam, and wherein the loader frame has cross-beams of different widths, selecting a spreader frame, selecting a plurality of webbing strops and securing said strops to the pad eyes on the loader frame,

15 the or each strop operatively connected to a lever mounted to the spreader frame and movable between a strop-retaining position and a strop release position.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1803589.9