Transport frame

Abstract

A transport frame for holding multiple articles together, the transport frame comprising at least two frame members, including a first frame member and a second frame member, which are connected together to form the transport frame, each frame member including a pair of end portions, and at least a pair of locking mechanisms for releasably fixing the frame members together at adjacent ends, such that the first frame member can be selectively locked and unlocked relative to the second frame member, so that the first frame member can be selectively attached to and detached from the second frame member, each locking mechanism being functionally associated with both ends of the first frame member. The frame includes at least two leg-forming portions, at least one of which is oriented in a direction intersecting with respect to at least one other leg-forming portion; an inlet defined at the end of a second frame member and configured to at least partially receive the leg-forming portions for attachment and orientation of the first frame member to the second frame member; a locking catch functionally associated with the inlet; and a locking element functionally associated with each leg-forming portion, which is releasably connected to the locking catch when the leg-forming portion is received within the inlet, for fixing or locking the first frame member to the second frame member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport frame. In particular, the present invention relates to the transport of pipes and is thus described in this context. However, it should be understood that the transport frame may be used to transport a variety of other articles such as wooden beams, reinforcing bars, poles, or similar elements.

Background Art

[0002] The transport of pipes from one location to another is a common operation in many industries including construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Pipes are often large, heavy, and difficult to handle, making transportation difficult and potentially dangerous. Therefore, transport frames are used to transport large quantities of pipes in order to make both the handling and movement of the pipes efficient.

[0003] Typically, a transport frame is formed from a rectangular wooden frame made up of four wooden frame members that are nailed together around a bundle of pipes. The wooden frame is formed by nailing the individual frame members together. Problems common to wooden frames for the transport of pipes include a lack of strength that can cause catastrophic failure of the frame, the point that the pipes can easily slide along the wooden frame, and the lack of environmental consideration since wooden frames tend to be used for only one transport.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The applicant has invented a transport frame, such as the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, that addresses the problems of conventional wooden transport frames. This new transport frame can support heavy loads, has grooves along the frame members to help prevent undesirable slippage, is designed for reuse, and is made from recyclable injection-molded plastic. One problem with this transport frame is that, in order to accommodate pipe bundles of different sizes, a large amount of capital is required to manufacture different sized plastic molds for making pipe frames of different sizes.

[0006] Patent Document 1 is incorporated herein by reference. Where prior art publications are referenced herein, it is clearly understood that such references do not constitute an endorsement that such publications form part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome and / or mitigate the above-mentioned problems and / or to provide consumers with useful or commercial alternatives. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a transport frame for holding a plurality of articles together, the transport frame comprising at least two frame members, including a first frame member and a second frame member, which are connected together to form a transport frame, each frame member including a pair of end portions, and at least a pair of locking mechanisms for releasably fixing the frame members together at adjacent ends, such that the first frame member can be selectively locked and unlocked relative to the second frame member, so that the first frame member can be selectively attached to and detached from the second frame member, each locking mechanism functions with both ends of the first frame member. The frame includes at least two leg-forming portions associated with each other, at least one of which is oriented in a direction intersecting with respect to at least one other leg-forming portion; an inlet defined at the end of a second frame member and configured to at least partially receive the leg-forming portions for mounting and oriented the first frame member to the second frame member; a locking catch functionally associated with the inlet; and a locking element functionally associated with each leg-forming portion, which is releasably connected to the locking catch when the leg-forming portion is received within the inlet, for fixing or locking the first frame member to the second frame member.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a transport frame for holding a plurality of articles together, the transport frame comprising at least two frame members, including a first frame member and a second frame member, which are connectable together to form a transport frame, each frame member including a pair of end portions; at least two leg-forming portions functionally associated with the end portions of the first frame member, the at least one leg-forming portion oriented in a direction intersecting with at least one other leg-forming portion; at least one inlet defined at the end of the second frame member and configured to at least partially receive at least one leg-forming portion for mounting and oriented the first frame member to the second frame member; a locking catch functionally associated with the inlet; and a locking element functionally associated with each leg-forming portion, which is releasably connectable to the locking catch when the leg-forming portion is received into the inlet, for fixing or locking the first frame member to the second frame member.

[0010] A transport frame may be used to transport various different long items, such as pipes. Therefore, the transport frame may be a pipe frame. As shown in the illustration, the transport frame may be configured to hold the pipes together by extending circumferentially around the bundle of pipes, thereby assisting in the storage, handling, and transport of the bundle of pipes, particularly on road transport on a truck trailer.

[0011] The transport frame may be of any suitable size, shape, and structure, and may be formed from any suitable one or more materials. Generally, the transport frame can be formed from metal and / or plastic materials (one or more), but preferably the latter, more preferably a curable polymer material.

[0012] The transport frame may be rectangular, circular, triangular, pentagonal, or any variation or combination thereof, but is preferably rectangular. Typically, a transport frame can be formed from eight or more frame members joined together.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the transport frame may include four first frame members and four second frame members. The first frame members may be corner frame members, and the second frame members may be side frame members.

[0014] Each corner frame member may include a corner body and two leg-forming sections. The two leg-forming sections may be oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Each side frame member may include a side body. The side body may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length.

[0015] The frame members may be tubular or solid in shape, preferably the former. Each frame member may have a substantially circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross-section, preferably rectangular.

[0016] Each frame member may include a body having a pair of opposing ends and preferably at least one side wall extending linearly between them. The elongated body may preferably be defined by four side walls, including an inner wall, an opposing outer wall, and an opposing side wall.

[0017] Frame members can be constructed in any suitable way. For example, frame members may be bent by machine, extruded, or molded. In a preferred embodiment, the frame members may be formed from a polymer material, preferably such as polyethylene or polypropylene, by extrusion molding and / or injection molding. For example, the upper and lower frame members may be formed by injection molding, while the side frame members may be extruded products.

[0018] Each frame member may be tubular in shape. In some embodiments, the frame members may include one or more inner walls and / or ribs to provide adequate mechanical strength while keeping the frame members lightweight, thereby allowing operators to easily handle and transport them without the need for special equipment such as hoists and cranes.

[0019] The various frame members may be of any appropriate length, and may have a width of approximately 30-80 mm and a height of approximately 30-50 mm. The frame members may have different wall thicknesses. For example, the wall thickness may be in the range of 3 to 20 mm, preferably 8 to 15 mm.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the transport frame further includes at least one locking mechanism for attaching various frame members together in an end-to-end arrangement to form the transport frame.

[0021] At least one locking device may be of any suitable size, shape, and structure that allows the end of a frame member of the transport frame to be detached from and reattached to other frame members.

[0022] In general, a single locking configuration can enable a pair of frame members to be releasably joined to each other. Therefore, a pair of engagement mechanisms located at adjacent ends may be provided to join at least four frame members to each other to form a transport frame. Conversely, eight frame member locking mechanisms located at adjacent ends may be provided to join four frame members together to form a transport frame.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one locking mechanism can enable a selected frame member to be manually removed from other frame members by a quick release device. Preferably, the quick release device can enable removal from the second frame member by removing the first frame member from the second frame member at a first end.

[0024] Typically, at least one locking mechanism may include complementary engaging formations associated with respective ends of the first and second frame members configured to engage with each other for attaching the first frame member to the second frame member.

[0025] The complementary engaging formations may be integrally formed with the ends of the frame members or may be separate structures joined to the ends of the frame members, preferably integrally formed.

[0026] The complementary engaging formations may include a first formation associated with an end of the first frame member and a second formation that is connectable to the first formation and associated with an end of the second frame member for attaching the frame members together in an end-to-end contact arrangement.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the complementary engaging formations may include at least one leg formation and at least one corresponding receiving opening for at least partially receiving the leg formation to join the frame members together.

[0028] The at least one leg formation may be provided at at least one end, preferably both ends, of the first frame member. At least one leg-forming section can maintain a high strength-to-weight ratio by including one or more fillet and curved elements. The one or more fillet and curved elements may be defined on opposing side walls of the leg-forming section. Advantageously, the one or more fillet and curved elements can reduce peak load stress and maximize corner strength while maintaining minimum mass.

[0029] Preferably, each of the opposing ends of the first frame member may be curved to some extent so as to provide a smooth transition to the leg structure at each end of the first frame member and to define the leg structure at least partially.

[0030] The receiving opening may be defined at the open end of a second frame member, preferably an opposing side frame member, or may be formed thereby. The receiving opening may be of a size and shape suitable for snugly receiving the leg forming portion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the four side walls of the second frame member, or the opposing side frame members, may define an opening at each end. In other embodiments, the receiving port may be defined within an insertion portion configured to be received within each end of the second frame member.

[0032] Advantageously, the engagement of each leg-forming portion with the corresponding inlet orients the first frame member to attach to the opposing side frame members for forming the transport frame. This simplifies and speeds up the assembly of the transport frame, especially compared to conventional transport frames, which often involve complex connections that require additional tools.

[0033] Furthermore, by being fitted snugly into the inlet, the leg-forming section advantageously provides rigidity to the partially assembled transport frame. In some embodiments, at least one locking mechanism may be configured to automatically secure or lock the first frame member to the second frame member when the leg-forming portion of the first frame member is at least partially received in an inlet associated with an adjacent end of the second frame member.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the locking mechanism further includes a locking catch functionally associated with a receiving port, and a locking element functionally associated with a leg forming portion and configured to be releasably connected to the locking catch when the leg forming portion is received in the receiving port.

[0035] During use, the engagement of the locking catch with the locking element advantageously prevents the leg forming portion from being axially removed from the receiving portion, thereby allowing the first frame member, or the upper or lower frame member, to be fixed or locked to the second frame member.

[0036] Each of the locking catch and locking element may be of any suitable size, shape, and structure to engage with each other in order to releasably secure the leg forming portion to the receiving port. For example, in some embodiments, the locking catch may include a male forming portion configured to at least partially receive or mate with a female forming portion of a locking element. The mating male and female configurations may be joined together in any preferred manner, such as a snap-fit ​​or friction-fit connection.

[0037] In other embodiments, the locking catch may include a projection or recess defined on the outer wall adjacent to the receiving port. The locking element may include a locking tongue, which is functionally associated with at least one leg-forming portion and is sized and shaped such that the at least one leg-forming portion engages with the projection or recess when inserted into the receiving port.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the locking catch includes a locking opening formed in or near the receiving opening in the side wall of a second frame member or an opposing side frame member, and the locking element is configured to protrude through the locking opening when the leg forming portion is inserted into the receiving opening, and is preferably biased to be displaced outward within the locking opening.

[0039] The locking element may be of any preferred size, shape, and structure. For example, in some embodiments, the locking element may be spring-loaded onto the leg-forming portion or attached by a spring, and may be configured to spring outward from the leg-forming portion when the locking element is aligned with the locking opening.

[0040] The locking element is formed integrally with the leg-forming portion and may also include elastic fingers. When the leg-forming portion is inserted into the receiving port, the elastic fingers bias away from the leg-forming portion and engage with the locking opening, thereby automatically fixing the first frame, or the upper or lower frame member, to the second frame member, or the opposing side frame member.

[0041] In some embodiments, the elastic fingers of the locking element may further include a locking tab on the distal end. The locking tab is configured to be received within a locking opening, preferably displaced outward within the locking opening, and more preferably protrude beyond the outer wall of the frame member.

[0042] In some such embodiments, the locking tab may include a visual indicator to easily indicate that the first frame member or the upper or lower frame member is fixed or locked to the second frame member or the opposing side frame member. The visual indicator may include a bright, easily visible color or color combination, such as fluorescent orange, yellow, or green.

[0043] Advantageously, in such embodiments, the visual indicator can quickly provide operators and / or drivers assembling the transport frame before transporting the bundle of pipes with visual feedback that the components of the transport frame are secured to each other.

[0044] In other such embodiments, the locking tabs may also provide an audible indicator such that at least one locking tab clicks into a locking opening, making it easy to indicate that the first frame member, or the upper or lower frame member, is fixed or locked to the second frame member, or the opposing side frame member.

[0045] During use, the locking element can be disengaged from the locking catch by pushing down the elastic fingers of the locking element against their biasing force to disengage from the locking catch, preferably from the locking opening. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding locking tab is pushed down against the biasing force of the elastic fingers to disengage from the locking hole, thereby axially removing the leg structure from the receiving opening, and allowing the end of the first frame member or upper or lower frame member to be removed from the second frame member or the opposing side frame member.

[0046] Advantageously, the locking catches and locking elements provide a robust transport frame by securing the frame members to each other, and furthermore, allow the frame members to be manually removed from each other quickly and easily without additional tools.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least one of the frame members forming the transport frame may have an outer wall surface, preferably the outer wall surface of the upper and / or lower frame member, that has been modified to increase its coefficient of friction.

[0048] The surface may be modified in any suitable way to increase its coefficient of friction. For example, the surface may have defined scales, ribs, grooves, or knurling thereon.

[0049] In some embodiments, the surface may have a plurality of grooves or ribs defined thereon. The grooves or ribs may extend laterally or longitudinally with respect to the length of the frame member. The grooves or ribs may be located only on the second frame member.

[0050] In such embodiments, the coefficient of friction can be increased to at least 0.5, preferably about 0.55 to about 0.58. Conventional transport frames made from wooden slats or wooden frame members have a coefficient of friction of about 0.4.

[0051] Advantageously, by increasing the coefficient of friction through multiple grooves defined on the outer surfaces of the outer walls of the upper and lower frame members, the retaining force between the transport frame on the trailer's loading deck and / or other similar transport frames stacked on top of it is increased, thereby providing a more stable load during transport.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one inner wall of the frame member may include a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves are defined on the inner wall and extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner wall of the frame member, preferably at least one of the upper and lower frame members.

[0053] Each groove may be configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of one of the multiple pipes. Advantageously, the multiple grooves defined on the inner wall of the frame member can stabilize and / or secure the transport frame to the multiple pipes enclosed by them, thereby providing a more stable load during transport.

[0054] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized transport frame, the method comprising the steps of manufacturing at least four corner frame members, manufacturing at least one side frame member of a desired size based on a desired size of the transport frame, and manufacturing a customized transport frame by connecting the four corner frame members to the respective side frame members.

[0055] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1A] This is an overhead perspective view of a pipe frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a downward perspective view of the pipe frame. [Figure 2A] Figure 1A is an overhead perspective view of a corner frame member used to manufacture the pipe frame shown. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a downward perspective view of the corner frame member. [Figure 3A] Figure 1A is an overhead perspective view of a side frame member used to manufacture the pipe frame shown. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a downward perspective view of the side frame member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] Figures 1A and 1B show a transport frame in the form of a pipe frame (100) used for transporting pipes. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pipe frame (100) may be used for transporting other long articles. As shown in the illustration, the pipe frame (100) has a generally rectangular shape.

[0058] The pipe frame (100) includes four corner frame members (101), as shown in detail in Figures 2A and 2B, and four side frame members (106), as shown in detail in Figures 3A and 3B. The four side frame members (106) extend between the opposing ends (105) of the four corner frame members (101) to form the pipe frame (100).

[0059] The ends (105) of the four corner frame members (101) include two leg-forming portions (110). The leg-forming portions (101) are perpendicular to each other. Each end (105) of the opposing side frame members (106) defines an opening (120) configured to at least partially receive the respective leg forming portion (110) for mounting and orientation of the side frame members (106).

[0060] Each receiving port (120) further includes a locking opening (130, i.e., a locking catch), and each leg forming portion (110) further includes a locking element (140). The locking element (140) is configured to be releasably connected to the locking opening (130) when the leg forming portion (110) is received into the receiving port (120) to fix or lock to the connected side frame member (106).

[0061] The frame members (101, 106) are formed from a curable polymer material. The corner frame member (101) is integrally formed with the leg forming portion (110) by injection molding. The opposing side frame member (106) is an extruded product.

[0062] Each frame member (101, 106) is a tubular structure having a rectangular cross-section. As shown in the figure, the corner frame member (101) includes one or more inner walls and ribs to provide adequate mechanical strength while keeping the frame member lightweight, thereby allowing it to be easily handled and transported by an operator without special equipment such as hoists and cranes.

[0063] The receiving ports (120) defined at each end (105) of the opposing side frame members (106) are configured to snugly receive the leg forming portions (110) located on the corner frame member (101). The engagement of each leg forming portion (110) with the corresponding receiving port (120) orients the corner frame member (101) to attach to the other side frame member (106) to form the pipe frame (100). This simplifies and speeds up the assembly of the pipe frame (100) in particular compared to conventional pipe frames, which often involve complex connections that require additional tools.

[0064] Furthermore, by being tightly received within the receiving opening (120), the leg forming section (110) advantageously provides rigidity to the partially assembled pipe frame (100).

[0065] Each leg-forming portion (110) further includes a locking element (140) for engaging with a corresponding locking opening (130) when the leg-forming portion (110) is inserted into a corresponding receiving portion (120) in order to fix or lock the leg-forming portion (110) to the respective side frame member (106).

[0066] The locking opening (130) is defined in the side wall of each side frame member (106) near the end (105) and has a substantially circular shape. The locking element (140) is integrally formed with the leg forming portion (110) and includes an elastic finger (142). The elastic finger (142) is configured to bias outward away from the leg forming portion (110) when the leg forming portion (110) is inserted into the receiving portion (120) and to engage with the corresponding locking opening (130), thereby automatically securing the side frame member (106).

[0067] As shown in the figure, the elastic finger (142) further includes a distal end locking tab (144) configured to protrude through a locking opening (130) and beyond the outer wall of the frame member (106).

[0068] Advantageously, the locking tabs (144) serve as visual indicators and provide operators and / or drivers assembling the pipe frame (100) before transporting the bundle of pipes with quick visual feedback that the components of the pipe frame (100) are secured to one another.

[0069] During use, the locking element (140) can be disengaged from the locking opening (130) by pushing down the locking tab (144) against the biasing force of the elastic finger (142) to release its engagement with the locking opening (130). As a result, the leg forming portion (110) can be axially removed from the receiving opening (120), thereby allowing the corner frame member (101) to be removed from the side frame member (106).

[0070] Advantageously, the locking openings and locking elements (130, 140) provide a robust pipe frame (100) by fixing the frame members (101, 106) to each other, and further, allow the frame members (101, 106) to be quickly and easily removed manually from each other without additional tools.

[0071] The outer surface of the side frame member (106) has multiple grooves (210) to increase the coefficient of friction of the outer surface. The grooves (210) extend along the length of each side frame member (102), resulting in an increase in the coefficient of friction to at least 0.58. For comparison, a conventional pipe frame made from wooden slats or wooden frame members has a coefficient of friction of approximately 0.4.

[0072] Advantageously, the coefficient of friction is increased through a plurality of grooves (210) defined on the surface of the side frame member (106), thereby increasing the holding force between the pipe frame (100) on the trailer's loading deck and / or other similar pipe frames stacked on top of it, and thereby providing a more stable load during transport.

[0073] Each leg structure (110) includes multiple fillet and curve elements (114) defined on opposing side walls to maintain a high strength-to-weight ratio and reduce peak load stress.

[0074] The advantage of having corner frame members (101) and side frame members (106) is that it is relatively easy to create a customized pipe frame (100). Regardless of the desired size of the pipe frame (100), the corner frame members (101) remain unchanged. The length and height of the pipe frame (100) can be changed by changing the length of the side frame members (106).

[0075] When the side frame members (106) are extruded, they can be cut to the desired size depending on the desired size of the pipe frame and whether the side frame members (106) are oriented vertically or horizontally. Once cut to the appropriate size, holes are made adjacent to each end (105) to form locking openings (130). The corner frame members (101) are then connected to the side frame members using the locking openings (130) and locking elements (1400) as described above.

[0076] Since the corner frame members (106) do not need to be modified for pipe frames (100) of different sizes, and the side frame members (106) can be cut to the desired size for pipe frames (100) of different sizes, capital costs are significantly reduced. In other words, only two machines are required to manufacture an unlimited number of pipe frames of different sizes.

[0077] It will be understood that the aforementioned pipe frame (100) can be used in the same manner as the pipe frame (100) described in Patent Document 1 and incorporated by reference.

[0078] In this specification, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or similar terms mean non-exclusive inclusion, and it is intended that a system, method, or apparatus comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not listed.

[0079] In this specification, terms such as upward, downward, horizontal, and vertical, as well as their grammatical derivatives, are used to describe the invention in its usual orientation and should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular orientation.

[0080] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not an acknowledgment or any suggestion in any form that the prior art forms part of common general knowledge, and should not be construed as such. It should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transport frame for holding multiple items together, At least two frame members, including a first frame member and a second frame member, which are connected together to form the transport frame, wherein each frame member includes a pair of end portions, At least two leg-forming portions functionally associated with both ends of the first frame member, wherein at least one leg-forming portion is oriented in a direction intersecting with respect to at least one other leg-forming portion, At least one receiving opening is defined at the end of the second frame member and configured to at least partially receive the at least one leg forming portion for attachment and orientation of the first frame member to the second frame member, A locking catch functionally associated with the aforementioned receiving port, A transport frame comprising a locking element functionally associated with the leg forming portion, the locking element being releasably connected to the locking catch when the leg forming portion is received in the receiving portion, for fixing or locking the first frame member to the second frame member.

2. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the transport frame is a pipe frame.

3. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the transport frame is formed from eight or more frame members joined together.

4. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the transport frame includes four first frame members and four second frame members.

5. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the first frame member is a corner frame member and the second frame member is a side frame member.

6. The transport frame according to claim 5, wherein each corner frame member includes a corner body and two leg forming portions.

7. The transport frame according to claim 6, wherein the two leg-forming portions are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.

8. The transport frame according to claim 5, wherein each side frame member includes a side body, and the side body has a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length.

9. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking mechanism allows a selected frame member to be manually removed from other frame members by a quick-release device.

10. The transport frame according to claim 9, wherein the quick-release device enables removal of the first frame member from the second frame member by removing the first frame member from the second frame member at its first end.

11. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking mechanism includes complementary engagement-forming portions associated with the respective ends of the first and second frame members, configured to engage with each other for attaching the first frame member to the second frame member.

12. The transport frame according to claim 11, wherein the complementary engagement forming portion includes a first forming portion associated with the end of the first frame member for attaching the frame members together in an end-to-end contact arrangement, and a second forming portion connectable to the first forming portion and associated with the end of the second frame member.

13. The transport frame according to claim 11, wherein the complementary engagement forming portion includes at least one leg forming portion and at least one corresponding receiving portion for at least partially receiving the leg forming portion to join the frame members together.

14. The transport frame according to claim 13, wherein at least one leg-forming portion is provided at at least one end of the first frame member.

15. The transport frame according to claim 13, wherein the receiving port is defined within or formed by the open end of the second frame member.

16. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking mechanism is configured to automatically fix or lock the first frame member to the second frame member when the leg-forming portion of the first frame member is at least partially received in the receiving portion associated with an adjacent end of the second frame member.

17. The transport frame according to claim 16, further comprising: a locking catch functionally associated with the receiving port; and a locking element functionally associated with a leg forming portion and configured to be releasably connected to the locking catch when the leg forming portion is received in the receiving port.

18. The transport frame according to claim 16, wherein the locking catch includes a locking opening formed in the side wall of the second frame member or an opposing side frame member in or near the receiving opening, and the locking element is configured to protrude through the locking opening when the leg forming portion is inserted into the receiving opening, and is preferably biased to be displaced outward within the locking opening.

19. The transport frame according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of grooves or ribs extend transversely or longitudinally with respect to the length of one or more of the second frame members.

20. A method for manufacturing a customized transport frame, A step of manufacturing at least four corner frame members, The steps include manufacturing side frame members of at least the desired size based on the desired size of the transport frame, A method for manufacturing a transport frame, comprising the step of manufacturing the customized transport frame by connecting the four corner frame members to their respective side frame members.

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