Multi-purpose foldable M-frame transport and storage apparatus for slabs, panels and other flat sheet products

Abstract

An improved apparatus and method for the transport of multiply slabs of panels including slabs of marble, granite, stone, glass, and heavy objects. At least one set of foldable A-frames hinged and secured to the base and an optional securing assembly. The base is an elongated frame comprising of at least two tunnels to provide means for fork lifting and U bars for over head lifting, cross members for support, pad plates covered by rubber wedge to stabilize cargo. The top supports, A-frames, are cushioned with appropriate resilient material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 782,035, filed Mar. 14, 2006 the present inventors.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not Applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention relates to machines and processes used to transport and store flat sheet products, specifically to an improved method and apparatus for transport of heavy stone marble and granite panels or slabs. [0006] 2. Prior Art [0007] Heavy flat sheets or slabs pose safety issues in additions to excessive storage and transport expenses. An average individual truckload of rock or marble slabs can weigh between 20,000 to 40,000 pounds. [0008] Cranes have been used for years in the transport of rock and marble. Presently rock and marble slabs are transported vertically on storage racks strapped to the bed of trucks or placed in wood crates...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Heavy flat sheets or slabs pose safety issues in additions to excessive storage and transport expenses.

The heavy weight and size of granite and marble slabs create safety hazards, storage and space limitations, and excessive transport and delivery expenses.

Storage problems occur during and after transport.

The racks and frames become deformed and fail, as a result, the slabs may shift or fall while they are being unloaded.

The A-frames also have not been designed to prevent shifting of other slabs if one of the slabs either shifts or is removed.

The slabs can also shift or fail due to failure, or to improper placement of the restraining devices.

Problems with the wooden crate after delivery evolve around having to hand saw them out one at a time and separate with a forklift.

Due to the size and weight of the crates the probability of tipping over during lifting and forklift use is probable.

Several examples of transport dollies used for panels exist, but very few exist for the support of heavy slabs.

Such a sheeting support system is difficult to transport, but the system can maintain heavy weighted objects.

E-frame has ease of mobility but limited to objects that do not have excessive weight.

Transporting apparatuses using lifting platforms, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,360 to Hilliker and Malley (1995) create complexity in the use of inflated airbags to lift and transport slabs.

Disassembly takes time and man power.

The slab cart is built strong enough to carry marble, granite, stone, glass and other heavy objects, but it is limited to one slab placed between a pair of elongated frame members and wheels mounted hereto.

Transport and storage of heavy marble and stone slabs suffer from a number of disadvantages: (a) The use of A-frames strapped to the bed of a truck creates safety hazards due to unbalance loads in transit and deliver.

(d) Transport means lack accountability for heavy weighted slabs.

(e) Restraining devices are not strong enough to withstand weight and shifting of slabs.

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