Transport device for transporting elongated elements and associated methods

Abstract

A transport device (1) configured to transport a plurality of elongate elements (9), the transport device (1) being modular and comprising a first end module (2A) and a second end module (2B) connected by a first closing module (6A) and a second closing module (6B), each end module (2A, 2B) comprising two vertical main posts connected by a horizontal support crosspiece so as to define a support plane and a framework connected to the main posts, the framework comprising at least one main closing wall defining a stop plane, parallel to the support plane and offset from the support plane, to prevent an elongate element from leaving the transport device during movement of the transport device. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Transport device for transporting elongated elements and associated methods Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transporting elongated elements such as beams, girders, floors, stringers, diagonals, posts, props and the like, in particular, in the field of construction.

[0002] In a known manner, in order to form a horizontal slab of a building, it is necessary to assemble a formwork platform comprising formwork walls (plywood, etc.) which are supported by a support structure formed of props, beams and girders. In a known manner, to carry out work at height, scaffolding composed of rails, diagonals, floors and posts is installed on construction sites. These elongated elements must be transported from the storage location to the place of use. In practice, these elongated elements are transported on a transport truck and moved by crane using a strap in order to be usable on a high floor of a building.

[0003] In practice, the elongated elements are strapped together with several cables (straps or straps) in order to make them integral so that they can be transported together on a transport truck and lifted by crane. There is a risk that an elongated element slips during movement and escapes from the strapping, which could affect the safety of the operators.

[0004] In order to eliminate these drawbacks, it has been proposed to transport the elongated elements in a closed transport box. Such a transport box is for example known from patent application CA1039682A1. Such a transport box has a large footprint, which presents a drawback on a construction site. In addition, its manufacturing and use cost is high because it occupies a large unused volume when it is empty or not optimized to the length of the elongated elements it contains.

[0005] Also known in the prior art from patent application DE3910949A1 is a transport device comprising two end frames so as to hold the elongated elements during transport. Such a transport device does not prevent the risk of an elongated element slipping during its movement and is not suitable.

[0006] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to a transport device configured to transport a plurality of elongated elements, the transport device being modular and comprising a first end module and a second end module connected by a first closing module and a second closing module, each end module comprising two vertical main posts connected by a horizontal support crosspiece so as to define a support plane and a framework connected to the main posts, the framework comprising at least one main closing wall defining a stop plane, parallel to the support plane and offset from the support plane, to prevent an elongated element from leaving the transport device during movement of the transport device.

[0008] The transport device advantageously allows elongated elements of different lengths to be transported due to its modular structure which allows the length of the transport device to be adapted in a practical manner. The presence of a main closing wall for each end module prevents any falling during transport. Operator safety is enhanced. The use of a transport device also avoids the use of a strap for lifting with a crane. The risk of damage to the elongated elements is also reduced. Handling is thus simpler, faster and safer.

[0009] According to one aspect, the frame comprises a first auxiliary post and a second auxiliary post. The use of two auxiliary posts allows for an end module that is stable. This facilitates assembly of the transport device.

[0010] According to one aspect, the main closing wall is positioned between the two auxiliary posts. This allows for stable and robust assembly.

[0011] According to one aspect, the two auxiliary posts are connected to each other and to the main posts by connecting rails. The end module thus has a robust structure.

[0012] According to one aspect, the frame comprises a first fixing member and a second fixing member configured to cooperate with a first fixing member. This advantageously allows two end modules to be secured together, which facilitates their handling and storage.

[0013] According to one aspect, the first fixing member is mounted on a rear face of the first auxiliary post and the second fixing member is mounted on a rear face of the second auxiliary post. This allows two end modules to be mounted back to back, thereby reducing the space requirement.

[0014] According to one aspect, each end module comprises at least one lifting member configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring. Preferably, each end module comprises two lifting members. According to one aspect, each lifting member extends vertically in a projecting manner. According to one aspect, each lifting member is integral with a beam.

[0015] According to one aspect, each main post comprises a lifting member configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring.

[0016] According to one aspect, each main post comprises at least one connecting member configured to cooperate with one of the closing modules.

[0017] According to one aspect, the main posts of the same end module comprise complementary type connecting members. This advantageously allows two end modules to be connected together, which facilitates their handling.

[0018] According to one aspect, the end modules are vertically stackable in a stable manner.

[0019] According to one aspect, the frame comprises an auxiliary closing wall connecting each main post to the main closing wall.

[0020] According to one aspect, each main post comprising a lower end intended to come into contact with the ground, the support crosspiece is distant from the lower end of the main post by a distance of between 5 cm and 15 cm. This makes it easier to move a transport device by means of a pallet truck or the like.

[0021] According to one aspect, the stop plane is spaced from the support plane by a spacing distance of between 50 cm and 100 cm. This advantageously ensures stable support in the transport device, even when the loading of the transport device is incomplete.

[0022] According to one aspect, each end module comprises at least one support member configured to support a closure module in a horizontal position, preferably the support member being connected to the support cross member. This advantageously makes it possible to store a large number of empty transport devices with a small footprint. A transport device is thus used to store the closure modules of the other storage devices. The end modules can be stored separately together.

[0023] Also presented is an assembly comprising a transport device as presented previously and a plurality of elongated elements resting on the support crosspieces of the two end modules. The elongated elements are preferably beams, formwork walls, floors, rails, diagonals, props or the like.

[0024] Also presented is a method of transporting a plurality of elongate elements having a predetermined element length L9 by a transport device as presented previously, the abutment plane being spaced from the support plane by a spacing distance D, the method comprising a step consisting of: • Connect the first end module to the second end module by a first closing module and a second closing module, each closing module having a closing length L6 which is defined according to the following formula L9-2*D < L6 < L9.

[0025] Thus, the structure of a transport device is determined in a practical manner by choosing the closure modules of suitable length, the end modules advantageously remaining identical. Such a closure length is advantageous for allowing stable support on the support crosspieces while preventing any risk of loss of an elongated element.

[0026] Also presented is a method of storing a transport device as presented previously, the method comprising a step consisting of: • Connect the first fixing member of the first end module to the second fixing member of the second end module. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0027] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0028] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a transport device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the transport device according to [Fig.l] from another perspective.

[0030] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a first view of an end module.

[0031] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a second view of an end module.

[0032] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a close-up view of a main post of an end module.

[0033] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a closure module.

[0034] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a closure module.

[0035] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a transport device with elongated elements.

[0036] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of a transport device with long elongated elements.

[0037] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of two transport devices stored in a superimposed manner.

[0038] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of two end modules assembled together during storage.

[0039] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a transport device for storing a closure module.

[0040] [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of a transport device with several support members for storing a closure module.

[0041] [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of the transport device of [Fig. 13] with guide members to limit the movement during storage of closure modules.

[0042] [Fig. 15] is a schematic representation of the storage of the end modules, the latter being stacked in a horizontal (lying) position.

[0043] [Fig. 16] is a schematic representation of the storage of the end modules, the latter being stacked in a vertical position.

[0044] [Fig. 17] is a schematic representation of a first variant of an end module.

[0045] [Fig. 18] is a schematic representation of the direct connection of two end modules according to the first variant.

[0046] [Fig. 19] is a schematic representation of a closure module adapted to an end module according to the first variant.

[0047] [Fig.20] is a schematic representation of a transport device comprising end modules according to the first variant.

[0048] [Fig.21] is a schematic representation of a second variant of an end module.

[0049] [Fig.22] is a schematic representation of the direct connection of two end modules according to the second variant.

[0050] [Fig.23] is a schematic representation of a closure module adapted to an end module according to the second variant.

[0051] [Fig.24] is a schematic representation of a transport device comprising end modules according to the second variant.

[0052] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] With reference to [Fig.l], a transport device 1 will be presented configured to transport a plurality of elongated elements. In this example, the invention will be presented for the transport of beams but the invention applies to any elongated element, in particular having a length greater than 50 cm. The invention thus applies particularly to the transport of flat walls and elongated beams of length variable and variable section.

[0054] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the transport device 1 is modular and comprises a first end module 2A and a second end module 2B which are connected by a first closing module 6A and a second closing module 6B. In this example, the end modules 2A, 2B are identical and only the first end module 2A will be shown for the sake of brevity and clarity. Similarly, the closing modules 6A, 6B are identical and only the first closing module 6A will be shown for the sake of brevity and clarity. The transport device 1 has an overall rectangular shape.

[0055] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, each end module 2A, 2B comprises two vertical main posts 20 connected by a horizontal support crosspiece 21 so as to define a support plane PI. The vertical main posts 20 and the support crosspiece 21 define a U whose concavity is turned upwards. Subsequently, an X, Y and Z reference frame is defined in which the Y axis extends horizontally along the support crosspiece 21, the X axis extends horizontally from the rear to the front and orthogonally to the Y axis and the Z axis extends vertically.

[0056] Each main post 20 extends vertically and comprises a lower end 20p, forming a foot, intended to come into contact with the ground and an upper end 20t forming a head. Preferably, the foot is flared so as to improve the stability of the end module 2A, 2B. Preferably, the end modules 2A, 2B are stackable vertically. For this purpose, the foot has a shape complementary to a head of the main post 20 in order to allow stable stacking as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0057] Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 5], the support crosspiece 21 is distant from the lower end 20p of the main post 20 by a distance H1 of between 5 cm and 15 cm. This advantageously makes it possible to raise the elongated elements from the ground in order to allow transport by means of a pallet truck or a forklift.

[0058] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, each end module 2A, 2B comprises a frame 3 connected to the main posts 20. The frame 3 comprises a first auxiliary post 31 and a second auxiliary post 32 which are connected to the main posts 20 and to each other by connecting rails 33. Preferably, the main posts 20, the support crosspiece 21 and the frame 3 are made of metal. In this example, the posts 20, 31, 32 together define the corners of a rectangle. Each end module 2A, 2B is thus stable, which guarantees its stability.

[0059] The frame 3 comprises a main closing wall 35 positioned between the two auxiliary posts 31, 32. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the main closing wall 35 defines a stop plane P2, parallel to the support plane PI and offset rearwardly relative to the support plane PI, i.e., relative to the axis X. preferably, the stop plane P2 is spaced from the support plane PI by a spacing distance D of between 50 cm and 100 cm.

[0060] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the frame 3 comprises an auxiliary closing wall 36 connecting each main post 20 to the main closing wall 35. In particular, an auxiliary closing wall 36 is mounted along the X axis between a main post 20 and an auxiliary post 31, 32.

[0061] A closing wall 35, 36 is preferably made with one or more bars, made of wire mesh, solid sheet metal or perforated sheet metal. The closing wall 35, 36 is mounted horizontally between two posts 31, 32, 20 and vertically between two rails 33. The presence of closing walls 35, 36 advantageously makes it possible to prevent an elongated element from leaving the transport device 1 during the movement of the transport device 1. The main closing wall 35 advantageously makes it possible to form a stop opposing the sliding of an elongated element along the axis X, that is to say, along the axis along which the elongated elements extend.

[0062] In this example, each main post 20 comprises a lifting member 22 configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring. In this example, the lifting member 22 is in the form of a handle. Preferably, the lifting member 22 is mounted on a front face of the main post 20 in order to be as close as possible to the center of gravity of the transport device 1. Furthermore, this makes it easier to place the lifting hook on the lifting member 22 when the transport devices 1 are stacked. Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 5], the lifting member 22 is positioned at a distance H2 from the lower end 20P of the main post 20 which is between 30 cm and 80 cm, which makes it possible to be high enough to be above the center of gravity but low enough to allow a connection with a stacked transport device.This advantageously improves stability when moving using a crane.

[0063] Alternatively, with reference to [Fig. 16], a lifting member 22' is mounted on a connecting beam 33, in particular, on an upper connecting beam connecting a main post 20 to an auxiliary post 31.

[0064] Each end module 2A, 2B is preferably devoid of a bottom wall so as to prevent an end module 2A, 2B from being used to transport short elements on the bottom wall. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid any misuse of the transport device 1.

[0065] In this example, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], each main post 20 comprises at least one connecting member 23 configured to cooperate with one of the closure modules 6A, 6B. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], each main post 20 comprises two connecting members 23 offset vertically relative to each other so as to mounting one end of a closure module 6A, 6B. With reference to [Fig.5], the connecting members 23 are offset by a connecting distance H3 preferably between 40 cm and 100 cm. In this example, each connecting member 23 is in the form of a connecting ring. It goes without saying that it could be in a different form.

[0066] In this example, each end module 2A, 2B also comprises at least two support members 24 configured to support a closure module 6A, 6B in a horizontal position. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the support members 24 are connected to the support crosspiece 21. The support members 24 are spaced horizontally by the connection distance H3. This advantageously makes it possible to store several closure modules 6A, 6B in the same transport device 1 during storage.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.13], a single continuous support member 25, for example, the length of the support cross member 21 may be added or may replace the support members 24.

[0068] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 13 and 14, the support member 26 may be in the form of a post connected to the support crosspiece 21 in an offset manner and whose height is less than that of the support crosspiece 21 so as to enable elongated elements to be supported in a stable manner. Such a post makes it possible to support a guide member 27, for example a tube, in order to form a guide structure on which the closure modules 6A, 6B can be stacked on top of each other. This advantageously makes it possible to limit the movement of the closure modules 6A, 6B in the transport device 1 and thus limit the risk of falling or overturning.

[0069] Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 4], the first auxiliary post 31 comprises two primary fixing members 31A and the second auxiliary post 32 comprises two secondary fixing members 32A configured to cooperate with the primary fixing members 31A of another end module 2A, 2B as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. Preferably, the primary fixing members 31A are mounted on a rear face of the first auxiliary post 31 and the secondary fixing members 32A are mounted on a rear face of the second auxiliary post 32. It goes without saying that an end module 2A, 2B could comprise only 1 or more than two primary fixing members 31A or secondary fixing members 32A.

[0070] As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, two embodiments of closure modules 6A, 6B of different lengths are shown. Such closure modules 6A, 6B make it possible to ensure the bracing of the transport device 1. Each closure module 6A, 6B has the shape of an elongated frame with two horizontal rails 61 having a predetermined closure length L6, L6'. Each rail ho The front rail 61 is terminated at its ends by connecting members 63, here keys, to cooperate with connecting members 23 of the end modules 2A, 2B as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. According to one aspect, the upper rail 61 may differ in length and section compared to the lower rail 61. According to one aspect, with reference to Figures 7 and 9, the closing modules 6A, 6B may comprise one or more fork sleeves 64 to allow the transport device 1 to be moved in a stable manner with a forklift.

[0071] An exemplary implementation will now be presented with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 for transporting a plurality of elongated elements 9 having a predetermined element length L9 by a transport device 1.

[0072] The method comprises a step of connecting the first end module 2A to the second end module 2B by a first closing module 6A and a second closing module 6B so as to form a transport device 1. To make the connection, it is advantageously sufficient to make the connecting members 23, 63 cooperate.

[0073] To transport a plurality of elongated elements 9, the closing length L6 of each closing module 6A, 6B is defined according to the following formula L9-2*D < L6 < L9. This advantageously ensures that the elongated elements 9 are supported on the support crosspieces 21 while preventing the elongated elements 9 from protruding from the transport device 1. Thus, when the elongated elements 9 are short, a closing module 6A, 6B of short length L6 is used ([Fig.6] and [Fig.8]). Conversely, when the elongated elements 9 are long, a closing module 6A, 6B of long length L6' is used ([Fig.7] and [Fig.9]). The transport device 1 allows universal use for any length due to its modularity.

[0074] After assembly, the transport device 1 can be filled with elongated elements 9 which are positioned along the X axis. Preferably, the transport devices 1 can be stacked in a stable manner as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0075] The presence of the support crosspieces 21 makes it possible to form a space under the elongated elements 9 to allow transport by means of a pallet truck. The presence of four lifting members 22 makes it possible to move the transport device 1 with a crane with great stability and without using an attached strap, which saves time and improves safety. Any risk of loss of an elongated element 9 is advantageously eliminated due to the presence of closing walls 35, 36.

[0076] Once unloaded, the transport devices 1 can be disassembled in order to limit their size during storage and transport.

[0077] An example of implementation of a method for storing a transport device 1 will now be presented. With reference to [Fig.l 1], the method comprises a step of connecting the first fixing member 31A of the first end module 2A to the second fixing member 31B of the second end module 2B. The method also comprises a step of connecting the second fixing member 31B of the first end module 2A to the first fixing member 31A of the second end module 2B so as to provide a two-point connection, thereby ensuring stability.

[0078] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.l 1], the fixing members 31A, 31B of the first end module 2A are connected to the fixing members 31A, 31B of the second end module 2B. The end modules 2A, 2B thus connected two by two have a reduced footprint on the construction site and they can be stacked then lifted by crane or moved by forklift or pallet truck.

[0079] The closure modules 6A, 6B are stored in a transport device 1 which is assembled. In particular, resting on the support members 24 as illustrated in [Fig.12],

[0080] [Fig. 11] shows a storage of the end modules 2A, 2B with fixing members 31A, 31B in order to assemble them in pairs. It goes without saying, however, that the end modules 2A, 2B could be stored independently in a stacked manner in a horizontal position ([Fig. 15]) with the main closing wall 35 in a horizontal position or stored in a stacked manner in a vertical position ([Fig. 16]) with the main closing wall 35 in a vertical position.

[0081] With reference to [Fig. 15], the auxiliary posts 31 of the end modules 2A, 2B each comprise support members 37 to enable them to bear on the main posts 20. This allows stable support in the stack.

[0082] With reference to [Fig. 16], the end modules 2A, 2B are stacked vertically so as to make the main posts 20 and the auxiliary posts 31 cooperate.

[0083] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the closing walls 35, 36 are foldable in order to reduce the space requirement during storage.

[0084] [Fig. 11] shows fixing members 31A / 32A for connecting the end modules 2A, 2B together. According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting members 23, used for connecting closure modules 6A, 6B, can be used for connecting two end modules 2A, 2B together and thus do without fixing members 31A / 32A.

[0085] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], an end module 2A / 2B has been presented, each main post 20 of which comprises two connecting members 23 of the same type, in particular, of the female type. In [Fig. 6], each horizontal rail 61 of a closing module 6A, 6B is terminated at its ends by a connecting member 63 of the same type, in particular, of male type, in order to correspond with the connecting members 23 of the end modules 2A / 2B as illustrated in figures 8 and 9.

[0086] In order to allow a direct connection between two end modules 2A / 2B, the main posts 20 of the same end module 2A, 2B comprise complementary connecting members 23. Subsequently, for an end module 2A / 2B, a distinction is made between male type connecting members 23a and female type connecting members 23b.

[0087] According to a first variant, as illustrated in [Fig. 17], an end module 2A / 2B may comprise, on the one hand, a left main post 20G with an upper connecting member of the male type 23a and a lower connecting member of the female type 23b and, on the other hand, a right main post 20D with an upper connecting member of the female type 23b and a lower connecting member of the male type 23a. This makes it possible to directly connect two end modules 2A / 2B to each other as illustrated in [Fig. 18].

[0088] As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the closure modules 6A / 6B must be adapted to be complementary to the posts 20G, 20D of the end modules 2A / 2B. Subsequently, for a closure module 6A / 6B, a distinction is made between male-type connecting members 63a and female-type connecting members 63b. As illustrated in [Fig. 19], the upper horizontal rail 61p of a closure module 6A, 6B is terminated at a first end by a female-type connecting member 63b and at a second end by a male-type connecting member 63a. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail 61s of a closure module 6A, 6B is terminated at a first end by a male-type connecting member 63a and at a second end by a female-type connecting member 63b. As illustrated in [Fig. 20], a transport device 1 can be formed by combining the end modules 2A / 2B of [Fig. 17] with the closing modules 6A / 6B of [Fig. 19].The closing modules 6A / 6B are oriented differently in the transport device 1. .

[0089] According to a second variant, as illustrated in [Fig.21], an end module 2A / 2B may comprise, on the one hand, a left main post 20G with an upper male-type connecting member 23a and a lower male-type connecting member 23a and, on the other hand, a right main post 20D with an upper female-type connecting member 23b and a lower female-type connecting member 23b. This makes it possible to directly connect two end modules 2A / 2B to each other as illustrated in [Fig.22].

[0090] As illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, the closure modules 6A / 6B must be adapted to be complementary to the posts 20G, 20D of the end modules 2A / 2B. Subsequently, for a closure module 6A / 6B, a distinction is made between male-type connecting members 63a and female-type connecting members 63b. As illustrated in [Fig. 23], the upper horizontal rail 61p of a closure module 6A, 6B is terminated at a first end by a female-type connecting member 63b and at a second end by a male-type connecting member 63a. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail 61s of a closure module 6A, 6B is terminated at a first end by a female-type connecting member 63b and at a second end by a male-type connecting member 63a. As illustrated in [Fig. 24], a transport device 1 can be formed by associating the end modules 2A / 2B of [Fig. 21] with the closure modules 6A / 6B of [Fig. 23]. The closure modules 6A / 6B are oriented differently in the transport device 1. It goes without saying that other variants could be suitable.

Claims

Claims

1. A transport device (1) configured to transport a plurality of elongated elements (9), the transport device (1) being modular and comprising a first end module (2A) and a second end module (2B) connected by a first closing module (6A) and a second closing module (6B), each end module (2A, 2B) comprising two vertical main posts (20) connected by a horizontal support crosspiece (21) so as to define a support plane (PI) and a framework (3) connected to the main posts (20), the framework (3) comprising at least one main closing wall (35) defining a stop plane (P2), parallel to the support plane (PI) and offset from the support plane (PI), to prevent an elongated element (9) from leaving the transport device (1) during movement of the transport device (1).

2. A transport device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (3) comprises a first auxiliary post (31) and a second auxiliary post (32).

3. Transport device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the main closing wall (35) is positioned between the two auxiliary posts (31, 32).

4. Transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the frame (3) comprises a first fixing member (31 A) and a second fixing member (32A) configured to cooperate with a first fixing member (31 A).

5. A transport device (1) according to claims 2 and 4, wherein the first fixing member (31A) is mounted on a rear face of the first auxiliary post (31) and the second fixing member (32A) is mounted on a rear face of the second auxiliary post (32).

6. Transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each end module (2A, 2B) comprises at least one lifting member (22) configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring.

7. Transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which each main post (20) comprises at least one connecting member (23) configured to cooperate with one of the closing modules (6A, 6B).

8. A transport device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the main posts (20G, 20D) of the same end module (2A, 2B) comprise connecting members (23a, 23b) of complementary type.

9. Transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the end modules (2A, 2B) are vertically stackable in a stable manner.

10. Transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each end module (2A, 2B) comprises at least one support member (24, 25, 26) configured to support a closure module (6A, 6B) in a horizontal position, preferably, the support member (24) being connected to the support crosspiece (21).

11. A method of transporting a plurality of elongated elements (9) having a predetermined element length (L9) by a transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, the abutment plane (P2) being spaced apart from the support plane (PI) by a spacing distance (D), the method comprising a step of: • Connecting the first end module (2A) to the second end module (2B) by a first closure module (6A) and a second closure module (6B), each closure module (6A, 6B) having a closure length (L6) which is defined according to the following formula L9-2*D =< L6 < L9.

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