Structural arrangement applied to a support for transporting rigid panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a structural arrangement applied to a support for transporting rigid panels, eliminating the need for containers. The support is formed by a metal structure made up of beams and a base comprising at least two longitudinal bars and at least four transverse bars. Of the four transverse bars, at least two are inclined towards the centre of the support, having an A-shaped central component. At the junction of the two inclined bars, a central locking bar is provided, which is connected to two transverse locking bars that simultaneously lock the beams and are also locked by two longitudinal locking bars. The configuration of the support thus promotes the rapid accommodation and removal of the panels, ensuring the ideal positioning thereof. In addition, the structure of the support provides access to the panels from all sides, enhancing operator safety during handling and eliminating the need for wooden supports.

Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a constructive arrangement applied to a support for transporting rigid panels, eliminating the need to transport them in containers. The invention falls within the field of supports for transporting flat and rigid materials.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005]

[0002] In the transport of flat and rigid materials, it is essential that the structure used to enclose and protect the panels be robust and secure to prevent possible damage during transit. Usually, the most commonly used devices for transporting these flat and rigid materials are the well-known containers. These containers offer a physical barrier against damage during transport, protecting the panels from impacts, vibrations, and inclement weather.

[0006]

[0003] Containers are often fitted with internal racks and wooden supports to keep the panels stable and secure during transport. These additional supports are responsible for preventing the panels from moving or colliding with each other, which could cause significant damage to said rigid panels.

[0007]

[0004] Wooden racks used inside containers for transporting panels play a crucial role in stabilizing and protecting the panels. However, this method presents several disadvantages and challenges that affect the efficiency, costs, worker safety, and sustainability of the transportation process.

[0005] Firstly, the need to assemble these internal supports before loading the panels significantly increases the time and effort involved in the preparation process. Operators need to assemble and adjust the wooden racks inside the container, ensuring they are firmly positioned to support the weight of the panels and prevent movement during transport. This invests significant time in assembling and adjusting the racks, which not only delays the loading process but also requires additional skilled labor, increasing operational costs and decreasing logistical efficiency.

[0008]

[0006] Next, dismantling the racks at the end of transport is also a laborious process. Upon arrival at the destination, the wooden racks need to be removed to free up the panels. This process not only prolongs unloading time but also requires adequate space for temporary storage or disposal of the racks, an additional logistical challenge.

[0009]

[0007] Furthermore, the use of wooden racks generates a significant amount of waste. Often, the racks are designed for single use and, after transport, are discarded, contributing to the generation of wood waste. This factor not only negatively impacts the environment but also implies additional costs related to the disposal or recycling of materials.

[0010]

[0008] Furthermore, the manual handling of wooden racks and flat, rigid materials inside containers entails significant risks to worker safety. The confined space inside the container, combined with the need to manually position and adjust the panels while another operator, usually using a forklift, guides the panels into the container, increases the risk of accidents and injuries. The restricted visibility inside the container also hinders coordination between operators and forklift drivers, increasing the likelihood of errors and potentially compromising the safety of the loading and unloading process. Even during the assembly or disassembly of wooden racks, there is a high probability of workplace accidents, as nails, hammers, screws, and screwdrivers are used, where the operator can injure themselves using hand tools or be injured by the debris generated at the end of the transport.

[0011]

[0009] Another issue to overcome when using containers to transport rigid panels is their placement inside the container. Due to limited access, a specific type of crane is needed for this operation, known as a "C-hook". However, the need to use this specialized equipment not only increases operating costs but also requires additional training for operators and can limit the flexibility and efficiency of the logistics process.

[0012]

[0010] Thus, although the use of containers has been adopted for the transport of rigid panels due to their widely available ready-made structure, this approach presents several disadvantages specific to this mode of transport.

[0013]

[0011] Therefore, it becomes evident that there is a need to develop a solution that, in addition to promoting sustainability, overcomes all the disadvantages associated with the use of containers for transporting rigid panels.

[0014] Objectives of the Invention

[0015]

[0012] Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a support for transporting rigid panels and other types of loads such as marble, granite or quartz, oak, pine or ivory planks, steel, iron, acrylic, polycarbonate or polyurethane sheets, porcelain, tiles or glass and mirrors, for example, comprising a simplified and robust constructive arrangement, and which allows the movement of these panels without the use of wooden props or other temporary supports, contributing to sustainability and process efficiency.

[0016]

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a support for transporting the panels, which simplifies the process of loading and unloading the panels, eliminating the time and effort required for assembly and disassembly, by means of a constructive arrangement that allows access to the panel accommodation area, handling the panels in all directions.

[0017]

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a support for transporting the panels that eliminates the use of containers and comprises a constructive arrangement that facilitates simplified visual inspection of the condition of the panels, so as to eliminate the need to use scanners to analyze the load, allowing a quick and direct assessment of the condition of the panels without the need for additional equipment, and reducing waiting time.

[0018] Brief Description of the Invention

[0019]

[0015] The present invention discloses a constructive arrangement applied to a support for transporting rigid panels, in which the support is configured in a metallic structure equipped with beams and at least one base comprising at least two longitudinal bars and at least four latitudinal bars.

[0020]

[0016] At least two of the four latitudinal bars are inclined towards the center of the support, wherein at least one central piece is connected to each latitudinal bar; wherein the central piece comprises two inclined bars braced by at least one horizontal bar and a central bracing bar is connected to the junction of the two inclined bars which is connected to two latitudinal bracing bars which simultaneously brace the beams which are also braced by means of two longitudinal bracing bars; wherein the latitudinal bracing bars and the longitudinal bracing bars are removable; wherein the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars of the base comprise lower and upper anchoring means of the support; wherein the beams comprise a set of anchoring points for the rigid panels.

[0021]

[0017] Among the four latitudinal bars, the two latitudinal bars, preferably in the center, comprise the inclinations in the central direction of the support.

[0022]

[0018] Preferably, each means of anchoring and aerial support of the support is configured by a lifting eye.

[0023]

[0019] In one configuration, each longitudinal bar comprises at least one opening configured to receive ground handling means for the support.

[0024]

[0020] In one configuration, each beam comprises at least one fitting with the base, configured for stacking more than one support.

[0025]

[0021] Rigid panels are at least one of the following: natural or synthetic stone panels, metallic materials, polymers, ceramics and / or mirrors.

[0026]

[0022] In one configuration, the support comprises at least one impact sensor, RFID tag, or QR Code.

[0027] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

[0023] Schematic figures of a preferred configuration of the invention will be presented below, whose dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the actual ones, since the figures are only intended to didactically present its various aspects, whose scope of protection is determined only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0029]

[0024] The object of the present invention will be better understood in the light of the detailed description that follows in its preferred, but not limiting, configuration, which is illustrated by the drawings.

[0030]

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a support embodiment, showing a base, comprising at least two longitudinal bars and at least four latitudinal bars, and at least one beam.

[0031]

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a support, showing at least two longitudinal bracing bars, at least two latitudinal bracing bars, wherein two of the four latitudinal bars comprise an inclination.

[0032]

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the support, highlighting a central piece.

[0033]

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, where the upper anchoring and support means are shown.

[0034]

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, where the support comprises openings.

[0035]

[0030] The reference numbers used in this application are: 10 - support; 20 - beams; 30 - base; 31 - longitudinal bars; 32 - latitudinal bars; 40 - central piece; 41 - inclined bars; 42 - horizontal bar; 50 - central locking bar; 60 - latitudinal locking bars; 70 - longitudinal locking bars; 80 - anchoring and support means; 90 - tie points; 100 - rigid panels; 110 - lifting eye; and 120 - openings. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0036]

[0031] Before the invention is described in detail, it should be understood that it is not limited to the specific components of the apparatus described, as such components may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the descriptive report and appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" include singular and / or plural referents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that, in the case of parameter ranges delimited by numerical values ​​being provided, the ranges are considered to include these limiting values.

[0037]

[0032] It should also be understood that the modalities disclosed herein should not be understood as individual modalities that are unrelated to each other. The characteristics discussed with one modality should also be disclosed in connection with other modalities shown herein. If, in one case, a specific characteristic is not disclosed with one modality but with another, the person skilled in the art would understand that this does not necessarily mean that the characteristic is not intended to be disclosed with the other modality. The person skilled in the art would understand that the essence of this request is to disclose the characteristic also for the other modality, but that only for the sake of clarity and to keep this descriptive report to a manageable volume, this has not been done.

[0038]

[0033] The present invention discloses a constructive arrangement applied to supports for rigid panels 100, whether by sea, road, or other means of transport. The panels are positioned on the support 10, in order to facilitate transport, reduce material waste, which occurs frequently in conventional transport of panels using containers, and increase process safety.

[0034] According to Figure 1, the present invention relates to a support 10 for transporting panels for natural or synthetic stones such as marble, granite or quartz, for woods such as oak, pine or ivory, metal sheets of steel, iron, among others; plastic sheets of acrylic, polycarbonate or polyurethane, ceramics such as porcelain, tile or glass, and mirrors, for example, wherein said support 10 comprises a metal structure, which comprises beams 20 and a base 30.

[0039]

[0035] In sync, beams 20 and base 30 are responsible for providing all the structural rigidity to support 10, as well as providing stability to the panels that will be transported, which will be placed on base 30. Additionally, beams 20 also provide the possibility of joining the panels being transported to the support structure 10, by means of a set of tie points 90.

[0040]

[0036] Base 30 is equipped with at least two longitudinal bars 31 and at least four latitudinal bars 32. As shown in Figure 2, both the longitudinal bars 31 and the latitudinal bars 32 comprise lower and upper anchoring and support means 80 for the support 10. The upper anchoring and support means 80 are complementary to the lower ones integrated into base 30. The lower ones can be used for securing to trailers and ships, while the upper ones can be used for lifting by cranes, for example. In this way, easy internal movement of the support 10 is possible, since no specific equipment is needed to lift it and move it from one place to another.

[0041]

[0037] Furthermore, because the upper anchoring and support means 80 are complementary to the lower ones integrated into the base 30, it is possible to stack more than one support 10, optimizing space during storage and transport.

[0042]

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each anchoring and support means 80 of the support 10 is configured by a lifting eye 1 10 that allows the support 10 to be lifted by means of an overhead crane. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal bars 31 comprise openings 120 for receiving land handling means for the support 10, such as forklifts.

[0043]

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 2, in order to provide stability to the transported panels, of the four latitudinal bars 32, at least two of them, preferably the most central ones, comprise a surface inclined towards the center of the support 10. Thus, when the rigid panels 100 are positioned on each latitudinal bar 32, they are slightly tilted towards the center of the support 10, so, due to the angle of the panels, the risk of tipping out of the support 10 is eliminated.

[0044]

[0040] Together with the latitudinal bars 32, above them, there is a central piece 40, responsible for accommodating the panels that are inclined towards the center. The central piece 40, configured as a profile of the structure type with two inclined rods that meet at the bottom, comprises two inclined bars 41 that compensate for the angle of inclination of the latitudinal bars 32. Thus, in relation to the plane formed by the latitudinal bars 32 and the inclined bars 41, the panels remain at a right angle. However, in relation to the ground, they are offset, which avoids any risk of tipping or sliding.

[0045]

[0041] Furthermore, in order to provide structural rigidity to the central piece 40, between each inclined bar 41, there is at least one horizontal bar 42, that is, the inclined bars 41 remain locked together. In this way, a more robust structural arrangement is provided to the central piece 40, since it needs to support the weight of the inclination of the panels.

[0046]

[0042] As illustrated in Figure 2, above the junction of the two inclined bars 41 of the central piece 40, a central locking bar 50 is arranged. Said central locking bar 50 is joined to two latitudinal locking bars 60, which simultaneously fix the beams 20. The beams 20 are additionally locked by means of two longitudinal locking bars 70. Thus, the locking of the central locking bar 50 to the central piece 40, which, in turn, is fixed to the base 30 of the support 10, provides a robust and integral structure, ensuring greater stability and safety to the assembly.

[0047]

[0043] To provide access to the panels located on support 10, the latitudinal locking bars 60 and longitudinal locking bars 70 are removable, that is, access to the panels located on support 10 is made possible on all their respective sides. In this way, access to the panels is facilitated, allowing for more efficient loading and unloading operations, and also increases the practicality and efficiency in handling the panels, ensuring that operators can work more quickly and safely.

[0048]

[0044] Therefore, by means of support 10, the need for the use of containers is eliminated, as well as the wooden supports that were introduced inside the container for the transport of the panels, contributing to sustainability and procedural efficiency.

[0049]

[0045] Furthermore, due to the easy access to the interior of support 10, provided by the modular characteristic of the latitudinal locking bars 60 and the longitudinal locking bars 70, the loading and unloading process of the panels is simplified, reducing the time and effort required for assembly and disassembly from the sides. In addition, the risks during loading or unloading of the panels are mitigated, since, unlike traditional solutions, the constructive arrangement of support 10 allows the operator to have full visibility during the lifting of the panels into the interior of support 10. In this way, a safer and more efficient operation is provided, ensuring that the panels are handled with greater precision and less risk of accidents.

[0046] Because support 10 allows easy visual inspection, the need to use scanners to analyze the load during the transport of panels to the exterior is eliminated.Thus, the constructive arrangement applied to support 10 makes the inspection process more efficient and practical, facilitating logistics and the release of cargo in international operations.

[0050]

[0047] Finally, compatibility with support 10 extends to all ships with general cargo holds, vessels with deck space or above hold covers, and road transport vehicles such as trucks or trailers, no longer limited to container ships.

[0051]

[0048] Support 10 also has a payload capacity of up to 30 tons.

[0052]

[0049] The present invention is subject to operational variations, the support structure 10 can be manufactured from galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum, as well as dimensioned according to the material and dimensions of the panels or blocks, when the contact area on the support beams is increased, and the logistical mode used.

[0053]

[0050] The containment or anchoring points can be relocated or added for loads with non-standard dimensions. The lifting points can also be resized or repositioned to meet the specific requirements of cranes already installed in certain ports or vessels. Support 10 can include 90 mooring points to facilitate the securing of stacks of empty units during maritime transport.

[0054]

[0051] In an alternative configuration, the support structure 10 may also incorporate joints or fasteners for separately mounted parts, such as twist-locks. And include optional accessories, such as impact sensors, RFID tags or QR Codes.

[0055]

[0052] In short, support 10 describes a structure for transporting rigid panels 100 in various modes and routes that provides secure stacking with standardized interlocking and efficient use of space in containers, ship holds, decks, skips or truck bodies, maintaining the integrity of the transported products. The invention also contributes to reducing worker exposure to operational risks during loading and unloading, such as suspended loads, cutting and drilling tools, extreme heat, low visibility, among others, while speeding up such loading and unloading operations.

[0056]

[0053] Furthermore, replacing conventional wooden supports not only reduces the costs of these disposable supports, but also contributes to mitigating the waste generated by offering a reusable and traceable alternative. Not to mention that the risk of spreading pests, fungi and other harmful organisms due to the wood would be nil.

[0057]

[0054] A person skilled in the art will readily perceive, from the description and the drawings provided, various ways of carrying out the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0058]

[0055] It should be noted that the drawings presented are not necessarily to scale, being merely conceptual in nature. Nevertheless, it is expressly provided that all combinations of elements that perform the same function substantially in the same way to achieve the same results as the elements now claimed are within the scope of the present invention. Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection of the present invention covers other possible variations, not being limited solely by the content of the claims alone, including possible equivalents.

Claims

1. CLAIMS 1. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, wherein the support (10) comprises a metal structure provided with beams (20) and at least one base (30) comprising at least two longitudinal bars (31) and at least four latitudinal bars (32), characterized in that at least two of the four latitudinal bars (32) are inclined towards the center of the support (10), wherein at least one central piece (40) is connected to each latitudinal bar (32); wherein the central piece (40) comprises two inclined bars (41) braced by at least one horizontal bar (42) and a central bracing bar (50) is connected to the junction of the two inclined bars (41) which is connected to two latitudinal bracing bars (60) which simultaneously brace the beams (20) which are also braced by means of two longitudinal bracing bars (70);wherein the latitudinal locking bars (60) and the longitudinal locking bars (70) are removable; wherein the longitudinal bars (31) and the latitudinal bars (32) of the base (30) comprise anchoring and support means (80) of the support (10); and wherein the beams (20) comprise a set of tie points (90) for the rigid panels (100).

2. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, according to claim 1, characterized by two of the four latitudinal bars (32) at the center comprising the inclinations in the central direction of the support (10).

3. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, according to claim 1, characterized in that each anchoring and support means (80) of the support (10) comprises at least one lifting eye (110).

4. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, according to claim 1, characterized in that each longitudinal bar (31) comprises at least one opening (120) configured to receive means of ground handling of the support (10).

5. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchoring and support means (80) are configured for stacking more than one support (10); wherein the lower anchoring and support means (80) is configured to fit with the upper anchoring and support means (80).

6. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid panels (100) are at least one of: natural or synthetic stone panels, metallic materials, polymers, ceramics and / or mirrors.

7. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR RIGID PANELS, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one impact sensor, RFID tag or QR Code.

Images