TRANSPORTABLE HARP RACK FOR PANELS

Abstract

A transportable rack for transporting multiple glass panels with securing assemblies having a number of resilient blocks therein, at least partially defining a receiving gap, and a shaped spigot mounted relative to a drive mechanism to selectively move the shaped spigot relative to the resilient block between a rest condition in which a panel can be inserted into the receiving gap and to cause deformation of the resilient block into an expanded clamping condition in which a portion of the resilient block is moved to clamp the panel within the receiving gap.

Claims

1. A transportable harp rack for a plurality of panels, the harp rack including: a) a frame including: i. at least one base member; and, ii. at least a pair of spaced apart upright members extending at an angle to the at least one base member; b) at least two securing assemblies provided relative to the frame, at least one securing assembly provided relative to the at least a pair of upright members and at least one other securing assembly, each securing assembly including: i. a plurality of panel tongues spaced from one another by a respective receiving gap configured to receive a portion of a panel therein; ii. at least one of the panel tongues provided with a resilient block therein, at least partially defining the receiving gap, the resilient block including at least one opening thereinto; and iii. a shaped spigot mounted relative to a drive mechanism to selectively move the shaped spigot relative to the at least one opening in the resilient block between a rest condition in which a panel can be inserted into the receiving gap and to cause deformation of the resilient block into an expanded clamping condition in which a portion of the resilient block is moved to clamp the panel within the receiving gap.

2. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame includes: a base frame formed from a number of frame members, including the at least one base member, which together define a substantially rectangular perimeter for a rectangular opening; and, at least two pairs of spaced apart upright members, each upright member extending upward from a corner of the rectangular base frame.

3. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 2, further including a base assembly provided relative to the opening of the base frame.

4. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base assembly includes at least one member with a number of elongate slots formed thereinto, each elongate slot configured to receive a lower edge of a panel in use.

5. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 4, wherein each elongate slot is separated from an adjacent slot by a raised portion.

6. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 5, wherein each panel tongue is provided relative to one of the raised portions adjacent to an elongate slot with the receiving gap between respective panel tongues being aligned with a slot opening in the base assembly.

7. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 3, further including a harp assembly, wherein the base assembly forms part of the harp assembly in order to separate the panels and maintain the panels in a spaced apart configuration.

8. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 7, wherein the harp assembly includes: a lower harp assembly provided relative to the at least one base member; and, at least one other harp assembly, to assist with maintaining the separation of the panels when loaded into the harp rack, provided relative to one end of the frame.

9. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 8, wherein the harp assembly further includes another harp assembly.

10. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one other harp assembly extends diagonally, and the another harp assembly extends vertically.

11. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one other harp assembly and the another harp assembly each include a series of spaced apart members.

12. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein each panel tongue is generally rectangular in shape with a pair of parallel side faces, each defining a portion of the receiving gap with an adjacent panel tongue.

13. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 12, wherein each panel tongue includes at least one slot or opening which is located coaxial with the tongue and approximately centrally across the width of the tongue, in communication with a central opening.

14. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 12, wherein each panel tongue is provided with a resilient block located at least partially in communication with the central opening.

15. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 14, wherein each resilient block includes a bore into or through the resilient block to allow the shaped spigot to move at least into the resilient block to move the resilient block into the expanded clamping condition.

16. The transportable harp rack as claimed claim 14, wherein the securing assemblies each include a shaped spigot mounted relative to each of the panel tongues and to the drive mechanism such that the drive mechanism can be utilised to selectively move the shaped spigot relative to the resilient block into the expanded clamping condition.

17. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 16, wherein movement of the drive mechanism in the opposite direction moves the shaped spigots relative to the resilient block to allow the resilient block to resume the rest condition in which a panel can be inserted into the receiving gap and removed from the receiving gap.

18. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 16, wherein each spigot is associated with a mounting pin or structure to mount the spigot for movement relative to the resilient block of the panel tongue.

19. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 1, further including the drive mechanisms for moving the shaped spigots.

20. The transportable harp rack as claimed in claim 1, further including one or more engagement assemblies to allow the harp rack to be lifted using a lifting apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0060] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a transportable harp rack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a side view of the transportable harp rack illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0062] FIG. 3 is an end view of the transportable harp rack illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a top view of the transportable harp rack illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a detailed isometric view of the portion identified in FIG. 1 using reference letter B.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a detailed isometric view of the portion identified in FIG. 1 using reference letter C.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the portion identified in FIG. 2 as A-A.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a further detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line D-D as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line E-E as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a sectional view along line F-F as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a detailed side view of view of the portion identified in FIG. 1 as G.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a detailed side view of the opposite end of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded isometric view of a single securing assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 15 a schematic isometric view of the securing assembly illustrated in FIG. 14 assembled.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view a single securing assembly with drive according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 17 is a schematic view from above of a single securing assembly in the rest condition.

[0077] FIG. 18 is a schematic view from above of a single securing assembly in the expanded condition.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0078] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transportable harp rack 10 for glass panels (not shown) is provided.

[0079] The transportable harp rack 10 illustrated in the Figures includes a frame including at a number of base frame members, (two end base frame members 11, two side base frame members 12) and a number of spaced apart upright frame members 13 extending at an angle to the base frame members and a number of upper frame members, (two end upper frame members 14, two side upper frame members 15) together defining an open, generally rectangular, three-dimensional frame. A floor member 16 with a plurality of elongate slots 17 to each receive an edge of a panel therein is provided relative to the base frame members.

[0080] A pair of securing assemblies 18 are provided relative to the frame, one securing assembly provided relative to a pair of upright frame members 13 and a second securing assembly provided relative to the floor member 16.

[0081] Each securing assembly 18 includes a plurality of panel tongues 19 spaced from one another by a respective receiving gap 20 configured to receive a portion of a panel therein. The panel tongues 19 are each provided with a resilient block 21 therein which at least partially defines the receiving gap 20.

[0082] As best illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, each resilient block 21 includes a bore 22 thereinto with a shaped spigot 23 mounted relative to a drive mechanism 25 to selectively move the shaped spigot 23 relative to the bore 22 in the resilient block 21 between a rest condition illustrated in FIG. 17 in which a panel can be inserted into the receiving gap 20 and to cause deformation of the resilient block 21 into an expanded clamping condition shown in FIG. 18 in which a portion of the resilient block 21 is moved to extend beyond the side surfaces of the panel tongue 19 to abut a panel in the receiving gap 20 to clamp the panel within the receiving gap 20.

[0083] Typically, the harp rack 10 will receive and hold each of the panels in a spaced apart configuration, substantially parallel to one another. Although the panels are not illustrated, the harp rack 10 will typically hold the panels in a substantially vertical configuration.

[0084] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the floor member 16 is a unitary member with a number of elongate slots 17 formed thereinto with each elongate slot 17 configured to receive a lower edge of a panel in use. When viewed from the end as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the floor member 16 shown has a square wave pattern with each of the slots 17 separated from an adjacent slot 17 by raised portion over its length. In a preferred configuration, the floor member 16 forms a part of a harp assembly in order to separate the panels and maintain the panels in a spaced apart configuration. Each panel tongue 19 is provided relative to a raised portion adjacent to an elongate slot 17 with the receiving gap 20 between respective panel tongues 19 being aligned with an elongate slot 17 in the floor member 16.

[0085] As Illustrated in FIG. 8 in particular, each slot 17 will be provided with a base wall and a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side walls. The base wall of each slot will typically abut an edge of a panel placed there into, typically over the length of the panel.

[0086] The upright members 13 may have any shape or configuration but preferably, will be substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape. It is preferred that the upright members 13 are hollow in order to reduce weight. Typically, each of the upright members 13 is located outside the harp assembly or alternatively, the harp assembly is preferably provided within the perimeter defined by the base frame and the upright members 13.

[0087] The preferred frame of the present invention will normally be provided with one or more engagement assemblies to allow the harp rack 10 to be lifted using a lifting apparatus. The fully loaded harp rack may be quite heavy, particularly when loaded with a number of glass panels and a lifting apparatus may be required to move the harp rack 10. In a preferred configuration, a number of lifting rings 26 are provided attached to relative to the upper frame members to allow the harp rack 10 to be lifted using a crane or similar lifting equipment.

[0088] The harp system will preferably include a lower harp assembly provided relative to the base of the frame (which in the preferred configuration includes the floor member 16 with a number of elongate slots 17 formed thereinto) and a pair of other harp assemblies 18 to assist with maintaining the separation of the panels when loaded into the harp rack 10. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, a diagonally extending harp assembly and a secondary, vertical harp assembly are provided.

[0089] As illustrated, the diagonally extending harp assembly includes a series of spaced apart members 27, preferably wires or rods or the like. The spaced apart members 27 will normally be manufactured of metal but may be any material. As shown, the spaced apart members 27 are provided extending substantially parallel to one another but spaced apart to correspond to the width of the panels to be received therebetween. The spaced apart members 27 are typically mounted relative to the frame of the harp rack substantially coplanar with the raised portions between the elongate slots 17 provided in the floor member 16. As best seen in FIG. 6, a lower end of each of the elongate spaced apart members 27 is mounted relative to the raised portions between the elongate slots 17 provided in the floor member 16 and are spaced apart over the length, with an opposite end of each of the spaced apart members 27 being mounted relative to one of the upper members 14. Typically, a lower end of spaced apart members 27 is provided spaced from one end base member and the spaced apart members 27 extend at an angle upwardly from the floor member toward one of the upper end members 14.

[0090] As mentioned above, the elongate spaced apart members 27 of the diagonally extending harp assembly preferably extend from the floor member 16, between to of the length along the floor member 16 upwardly to the upper end frame member 14 at an opposite end of the harp rack 10. Preferably, an upper end of each of the elongate members is mounted relative to an inside edge of the upper end frame member.

[0091] A secondary vertical harp assembly is preferably provided relative to one end of the frame. The secondary harp assembly also includes a series of spaced apart members 27, preferably wires or rods or the like in a configuration corresponding to the diagonally extending harp assembly only vertically oriented. Typically, a lower end of spaced apart members 27 is provided above the end base frame member 11 and the spaced apart members 27 extend upwardly from the base assembly toward the upper end frame member 14 at the same end of the frame. The spaced apart members 27 of the diagonally extending harp assembly are preferably aligned with the spaced apart members 27 of the secondary harp assembly, the raised portions between the elongate slots 17 provided in the floor member 16 and the panel tongues 19 with a receiving gap for a panel located between each spaced apart pairs of these components.

[0092] The panels may be loaded into the lower harp assembly from any direction substantially parallel to the slot openings 17 and the elongate spaced apart members 27 of the harp assemblies.

[0093] As illustrated, two securing assemblies 18 are provided, one securing assembly provided relative to the base of the harp rack 10 and a second securing assembly provided relative to one end of the frame such that the securing assemblies will secure each of the panels at a lower edge and one of the end edges.

[0094] Typically, the second securing assembly will be oriented the inwardly towards the opposite end of the frame and in a preferred embodiment, is preferably mounted on a crossmember extending between the uprights provided at one end of the frame.

[0095] Each of the securing assemblies 18 of the illustrated embodiment has the same configuration but the actuator/drive mechanism 25 may be different for the different securing assemblies. Examples of the drive assemblies that are used in the illustrated embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5 to 13.

[0096] Each of the securing assemblies illustrated includes a plurality of panel tongues 19 spaced from one another by a respective receiving gap 20 configured to receive a portion of a panel therein. Each of the panel tongues 19 are substantially coplanar with the raised portions of the floor member 16 and/or the spaced apart members 27 of the harp assemblies.

[0097] Each panel tongue 19 is preferably generally rectangular in shape with a pair of parallel side faces, each defining a portion of the receiving gap 20 with an adjacent panel tongue 19. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, each of the parallel side faces is configured as an outer perimeter portion with a central opening 29. The opening 29 may be any shape however a rectangular opening is preferred. The central opening 29 will typically extend to the side face on both sides of the panel tongue 19.

[0098] Each panel tongue 19 includes a slot opening (obscured) which is located coaxial with the tongue 19 and approximately centrally across the width of the tongue 19, in communication with the central opening 29 and particularly, in communication with the opening 22 in the resilient block 21 provided in relation to each of the panel tongues 19.

[0099] In a particularly preferred configuration, each panel tongue 19 is provided with a resilient block 21 located at least partially within the central opening 29. Preferably, the resilient block 21 has the same width as the panel tongue 19 in the rest condition. The resilient block 21 is typically substantially rectangular in order to correspond to the shape of the central opening 29 although any shape could be used.

[0100] Each resilient block 21 includes a bore 22 into the resilient block 21 to allow the spigot 23 to move at least into the resilient block 21, to move the resilient block 21 into the expanded clamping condition. Typically, the bore 22 in the resilient block 21 is aligned with the slot or opening in the panel tongue 19.

[0101] The internal walk(s) of the bore 22 abut the shaped spigot 23 during movement of the shaped spigot 23 to force the resilient block 21 into the expanded clamping condition. In the rest condition, portions of the block 21 will typically be substantially coplanar with the side surfaces of the panel tongue 19 in order to define at least partially, the receiving gap 20.

[0102] When the resilient block 21 is moved into the expanded clamping condition, a portion of the resilient block 21 extends beyond the side face of the panel tongue 19 and into the receiving gap 20. Typically, the expansion of the resilient block 21 forced by the spigot 23 will be approximately even on both sides of each of the panel tongues 19.

[0103] The resilient block 21 may be formed of any material but will typically be formed of a foamed material. The material typically be chosen to minimise slippage with the surface of the panel in the panel is glass or similar but also to prevent or minimise any marking of the surface. The resilient block 21 will generally be made of a high friction material in order to securely grip the panels when the expanded clamping condition. The resilient block 21 will typically expand evenly and abut a portion of the panel in order to spread the load over a portion of the panel when in the expanded clamping condition.

[0104] The securing assemblies each include a shaped spigot 23 mounted relative to each of the panel tongues 19 and a drive mechanism 25 such that the drive mechanism can be utilised to selectively move the shaped spigot 23 relative to the resilient block 32 concurrently in all of the panel tongues 19 in a securing assembly in order to move the resilient blocks 21 in each of the panel tongues 19 into the expanded clamping condition. The movement of the drive mechanism in the opposite direction will typically move the shaped spigot 23 relative to the resilient block 21 to allow the resilient block 21 to resume the rest condition in which a panel can be inserted into the receiving gap 20 and removed from the receiving gap 20.

[0105] Although any shape may be utilised, it is preferred that the spigot 23 is tapered such that movement of the spigot 23 can be used to expand the resilient block 21 and retraction of the spigot 23 can be used to allow the resilient block 21 to resume the rest condition. Generally, the spigot 23 will be tapered in more than one direction. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the spigot 23 is wedge shaped preferably having one or more angled or arcuate tapered surfaces.

[0106] Each spigot 23 will typically be associated with a mounting pin 24 or structure to mount each respective spigot 23 for movement relative to the resilient block 21 of a panel tongue 19. Generally, the mounting pin 23 or structure will be configured as a flattened tongue or pin which extends from an outer side of the spigot. Typically, the mounting pin or structure will be located relative to a respective frame member in order to be more easily accessible by a linking member to the drive mechanism 25.

[0107] During movement, the spigot 23 may be removed entirely from the or in the resilient block 21 but preferably, at least a portion of the spigot 23 may be located at least partially within the bore 22 in the resilient block 21 at all times and the spigot 23 simply moved relative to the bore 22 in the resilient block 21 to move the block 21 between the rest condition and the enlarged condition.

[0108] As mentioned above, movement of the spigot 23 relative to the bore 22 in the resilient block 21 moves the resilient block 21 from the rest condition where the block 21 or portions of the block 21 simply define a part of the receiving gap 20 between adjacent panel tongues 19 to an expanded condition in which at least a part of the resilient block 21 extends beyond the side face of the panel tongue 19 and into the receiving gap 20 to abut and hold a panel if located in the receiving gap 20. With a pair of panel tongues 19 defining a receiving gap 20 with a resilient block 21 in each, this will allow a panel located in the receiving gap 20 to be held on both sides.

[0109] A drive mechanism 25 is preferably provided to move the spigot 23 and typically all of the spigots 23 located in a particular securing assembly at the same time between the rest condition and the expanded condition. Typically, the drive mechanism 25 is a reciprocating drive which moves the spigots 23 from the rest condition to the expanded condition and then back to the rest condition.

[0110] Any drive mechanism may be used but it is preferred that the drive mechanism include a lever or handle 28, manual movement of which will cause movement of the spigots 23. Typically, the lever or handle 28 will be rotated by an operator in a first direction to move from the rest condition to the expanded condition and in an opposite direction to move from the expanded condition to the rest condition.

[0111] Any drive mechanism including any lever 28 is preferably mounted relative to the harp rack such that movement of the lever or handle does not move the lever outside the periphery of the harp rack 10 (although the handle or lever may be located outside the frame of the harp rack).

[0112] As mentioned above, a plurality of spigots 23 in each securing assembly will typically be provided mounted relative to a single mounting drive bar or assembly to allow all of the spigots 23 to be moved concurrently.

[0113] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word comprising and its derivatives including comprises and comprise include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0114] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0115] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.