Offshore cargo rack for use in transferring palletized loads between a marine vessel and an offshore platform

Abstract

A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform (for example, oil and gas well drilling or production platform) provides a frame having a base, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions and side walls. The lower end of the frame has a floor. Openings in the base align with forklift tine tubes or sockets. The frame includes a pair of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the base that include at least left and right side walls. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame including a gate at least at the front and at least at the rear of the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions. The gates enable a forklift to place loads on the floor by accessing either the front of the frame or the rear of the frame. Each gate can be pivotally attached to a corner column.

Claims

1. A cargo rack comprising: a) a frame having a base, a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions; b) the base of the frame having a perimeter and a floor providing multiple load holding positions, each configured to hold a load module; c) a plurality of load modules that are supported with the frame during use; d) the frame including a plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the perimeter and including at least left and right side walls, first and second frame ends, the frame having four corners with a corner column at each corner; e) each side wall having at least one intermediate column positioned in between two said corner columns; f) the upper end portion of each side wall having an upper beam that connects an upper end of each said corner column to each said respective intermediate column; g) a plurality of gates that are movably mounted to the frame, each gate being movably attached to a said side wall between open and closed positions, each gate spanning across a said end in a horizontal direction from one said corner column to another said corner column; and h) multiple reinforcements that connect each said intermediate column to said corner columns on the side walls, including reinforcing beams that extend between a said corner column and a said intermediate column at a position in between the base and said upper beam; i) said reinforcements including a diagonally extending member that extends from the top of a respective said corner column downwardly to a position next to the lower end of a respective said intermediate column; j) a plate that connects the lower end of a respective said diagonal member to both the base and a respective said intermediate column; and k) wherein the gates enable a said load module to be removed laterally with a fork lift when a selected said gate is in the open position and without removing another said load module.

2. The cargo rack of claim 1 wherein there are two load holding positions.

3. The cargo rack of claim 1 further comprising a laterally extending beam on each said side wall that extends from a said corner column to a said diagonally extending member.

4. A cargo rack comprising: a) a frame having a base, a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions; b) the base of the frame having a perimeter and a floor providing multiple load holding positions, each configured to hold a load module; c) a plurality of load modules that are supported with the frame during use; d) the frame including a plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the perimeter and including at least left and right side walls, first and second frame ends, the frame having four corners with a corner column at each corner; e) each side wall having at least one intermediate column positioned in between two said corner columns; f) the upper end portion of each side wall having an upper beam that connects an upper end of each said corner column to each said respective intermediate column; g) a plurality of gates that are movably mounted to the frame, each gate being movably attached to a said side wall between open and closed positions, each gate spanning across a said end in a horizontal direction from one said corner column to another said corner column; and h) multiple reinforcements that connect each said intermediate column to said corner columns on the side walls, including reinforcing beams that extend between a said corner column and a said intermediate column at a position in between the base and said upper beam; i) said reinforcements including a diagonally extending member that extends from the top of a respective said corner column downwardly to a position next to the lower end of a respective said intermediate column; j) a plate that connects the lower end of a respective said diagonal member to both the base and a respective said intermediate column; and k) wherein the gates enable a said load module to be removed laterally with a fork lift when a selected said gate is in the open position and without removing another said load module; and l) wherein there is a drain opening in the floor on one of the load holding positions.

5. The cargo rack of claim 1 further comprising a pair of tanks, one on each load holding position.

6. The cargo rack of claim 1 further comprising a dividing beam that separates one of said load holding positions from another of said load holding positions.

7. A cargo rack comprising: a) a frame having a base with a base perimeter that includes a plurality of beams, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions, the frame holding at least a pair of load modules; b) the frame including a plurality of side walls and end walls extending upwardly from the base at the base perimeter and including at least left and right side walls, four corners that each provide a corner column and an intermediate column at each side wall spaced in between two of said corner columns; c) the upper portion of each side wall having an upper beam that connects an upper end of each said corner column to an upper end of each said respective intermediate column; d) at least one of the end walls being one or more gates movably mounted to the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions; e) multiple reinforcements that connect each said intermediate column to a pair of said corner columns, including reinforcing beams that extend both horizontally and diagonally between a said corner column and a said intermediate column at a position in between the base and a respective one of said upper beams; f) a plate that connects the lower end of a said reinforcing beam to both the said base and a respective said intermediate column; and g) wherein the one or more the gates enable any one of the load modules to be removed laterally with a fork lift when a selected said gate is in the open position and without removing any other one of the modules.

8. The cargo rack of claim 7 wherein there is a said gate at each end of the frame.

9. The cargo rack of claim 7 wherein there are multiple said diagonally extending beams that intersect multiple said horizontally extending beams.

10. A cargo rack comprising: a) a frame having a base with a base perimeter that includes a plurality of beams, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions, the frame holding at least a pair of load modules; b) the frame including a plurality of side walls and end walls extending upwardly from the base at the base perimeter and including at least left and right side walls, four corners that each provide a corner column and an intermediate column at each side wall spaced in between two of said corner columns; c) the upper portion of each side wall having an upper beam that connects an upper end of each said corner column to an upper end of each said respective intermediate column; d) at least one of the end walls being one or more gates movably mounted to the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions; e) multiple reinforcements that connect each said intermediate column to a pair of said corner columns, including reinforcing beams that extend both horizontally and diagonally between a said corner column and a said intermediate column at a position in between the base and a respective one of said upper beams; f) a plate that connects the lower end of a said reinforcing beam to both the said base and a respective said intermediate column; g) wherein the one or more the gates enable any one of the load modules to be removed laterally with a fork lift when a selected said gate is in the open position and without removing any other one of the modules; and h) wherein the floor includes inclined portions.

11. The cargo rack of claim 10 wherein there is a drain in the floor.

12. The cargo rack of claim 7 wherein the floor attaches to the perimeter beams.

13. The cargo rack of claim 7 further comprising a vertical support next to each corner column that is mounted to the base and that connects at intervals to the said corner column.

14. The cargo rack of claim 13 wherein there are multiple hinge mounts that attach to both a said corner column and a respective said vertical support.

15. A method of transporting load modules, comprising the steps of: a) providing a frame having a base with a floor, a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions, and a pair of open ended parallel fork lift tine sockets, the frame including a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base and including at least left and right side walls, said side walls having corner columns and intermediate columns, each said intermediate column positioned in between two said corner columns; b) the upper end portion of each said side wall having an upper beam that connects an upper end of each respective said corner column to each respective said intermediate column; c) mounting a plurality of gates to the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions, the open position of each gate providing an open doorway, the gates enabling a fork lift to place a selected one of the said load modules on the floor by moving the selected load module laterally through a said open doorway; d) providing multiple reinforcements that connect each said intermediate column to said corner columns on the side walls, including reinforcing beams that extend between a said corner column and a said intermediate column at a position in between the base and a respective said upper beam and multiple diagonal beams; e) the floor having a plurality of load holding positions, each having one or more restraints that both vertically and laterally hold a said load module in position once a load is placed on the floor; f) wherein step “c” includes the gates exposing a majority of the width of the floor for loading when opened; g) the gates enabling removal of any one of said load modules laterally with a fork lift when a said gate is opened and without removing any other one of the modules; and h) connecting each diagonal beam to both the floor and a respective said intermediate beam with a plate.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein there two load holding positions.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein there are a pair of gates.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein there are horizontal and vertical components of said plate.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the floor is at least partially inclined.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein there is a plate opening in the plate.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the plate attaches to the floor at a position spaced away from one of said intermediate beams.

22. The method of claim 15 further comprising lift eyes on the corner columns.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 1-1 of FIG. 2;

(3) FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2;

(6) FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2;

(7) FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 2;

(8) FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing elevating safety support;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 2 and showing the fork tube sections and torque tube;

(11) FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing perimeter beam detail;

(12) FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 2 showing perimeter beam detail;

(13) FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing fork tube section;

(14) FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 2 showing fork tube section;

(15) FIGS. 14-15 are fragmentary views of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing corner details; and

(16) FIGS. 16-18 are fragmentary views of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention that illustrate the gate latches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) FIGS. 1-18 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. Transportable rack apparatus 10 is designed to hold a pair of tank modules upon floor or platform 12, one tank module in each of the two floor segments 19, 20. Apparatus 10 can be of welded and bolted structural steel construction.

(18) Rack apparatus 10 has a base or substructure 11 that can be of welded beams and plate steel or other suitable structural material. Base or substructure 11 has sockets or tubes 31, 32 which are receptive of the tines of a forklift, thus enabling the apparatus 10 to be lifted and transported with such a forklift. In FIGS. 9 and 12-13, a torque tube 73 is positioned in between sockets 31, 32. FIGS. 10-11 show perimeter or rim beam or beams 72 attached to and extending down from floor 12. Gussets 74 are attached to torque tube 73. Fork tube bottom plates 75 abut gussets 74. Fork tube side plates 76 have an ell shape with the lower part of the plate 76 angled (see angle 78, FIGS. 9 and 12) to load plate 75 against gusset 74 (see arrows 88). Bolted connections 77 can attach each bottom plate 75 to a side plate 76. Plate 76 can be welded at its upper end portion to the underside of floor 12. Torque tube 73 can be welded to the underside of floor 12. Spacer or plate 79 is in between floor 12 and socket 31, 32.

(19) Sides 13, 14 extend upwardly from base 11. Base 11 has ends 15, 16, each provided with a door. The end 15, has door 17. The end 16 has door 18. Each door 17, 18 pivots between open and closed positions (see arrows 53, FIG. 2). Gate 18 pivots on hinges 65 that are attached (e.g., welded) to support 27. Gate 17 pivots on hinges 66 that are attached (e.g., welded) to support 25 (see FIGS. 3-4). Gate latches 58 are provided for enabling each door 17 or 18 to be locked or latched in a closed position as shown in hard lines in FIGS. 1-5, 8, and 16-18. In FIGS. 16-18, each latch 58 includes a vertical rod 83 mounted in bearings 84. When rod 83 enters locking tube 85, the latch 58 is locked. When rod 83 is removed from locking tube 85, latch 58 is unlocked so that door 17 or 18 can be opened. In FIG. 16, rods 83 are in the unlocked position. In FIG. 17, rods 83 are in the locked position. Arrows 87 show movement to the locked position. Bearings 84 can be supported by vertical beam 86. Each side 13, 14 has an upper horizontal beams, lower horizontal beams and diagonal beams. In FIG. 1, side 13 had upper horizontal beams 33, 34 and lower horizontal beams 35, 36. Each horizontal beam 33, 34, 35, 36 spans from a corner column 21 or 24 to an intermediate column 29. Diagonal beams 41, 42 are provided as seen in FIG. 1. Each diagonal beam 41, 42 extends from a corner column 21 or 24 to connect with a plate 45 or 46. Each diagonal beam 41 or 42 is connected (e.g., welded) to an upper horizontal beam 33 or 34 and to a lower horizontal beam 35 or 36 as seen in FIG. 1. Similarly or identically constructed to side 13, side 14 would have upper horizontal beams 37, 38 and lower horizontal beams 39, 40 as well as diagonal beams 43, 44 (see FIG. 5).

(20) The rack apparatus 10 of the present invention is of an improved construction that is very rugged for use in hostile marine and offshore environments and when supporting heavy leads such as liquid filled tanks or vessels. Corner columns 21, 22, 23, 24 extend upwardly from each corner of base 11. Each corner column 21-24 is fitted with a lifting eye 55 as shown in the detail of FIGS. 1-5, 8, 16-17. The lifting eye 55 can be fitted with couplers such as shackles and slings in order to effect a lift of the combination of rack apparatus 10 and contained tank modules.

(21) Each corner column 21, 22, 23, 24 is reinforced with a vertical support 25, 26, 27 or 28. Plates 54 or hinges 65, 66 span between each corner column 21-24 and its vertical support 25-28. One or more plates 54 can be used to form a connection between each corner column 21, 22, 23 or 24 and its vertical support 25, 26, 27, 28.

(22) A pair of intermediate columns 29, 30 are provided, each being about midway between ends 15, 16 (see FIGS. 1-2 and 5-8). Reinforcements connect between each corner column 21, 22, 23, 24 and an intermediate column 29 or 30. These reinforcements include upper horizontal beams 33, 34, 37, 38. Diagonal beams 41, 42, 43, 44 are provided. Each diagonal beam 41-44 extends from a position at the upper end of a corner column 21-24 to a plate 45, 46, 47, 48 (see FIGS. 1 and 5).

(23) Each plate 45, 46, 47, 48 preferably provides a vertical section 49, horizontal section 50, diagonal section 51 and an opening 52. The vertical section 49 of each plate 45-48 attaches (e.g., welded) to base 11. The horizontal section 50 of each plate 45, 46, 47, 48 attaches to an intermediate column 29, 30. A diagonal section 51 of plate 45, 46, 47, 48 attaches to the lower end portion of a diagonal beam 41-44 as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5.

(24) Each lifting eye 55 is attached to a corner column 21, 22, 23, 24. In FIGS. 1 and 5, corner column 21, 22, 23, 24 provides a lifting eye 55. Also seen in FIGS. 1 and 5 are the vertical supports 25-28 that reinforce the corner columns 21-24. Also seen in FIG. 5 are plate sections 54 that are welded to both intermediate column 23 and vertical support 27. Hinge pin 56 (see FIG. 3) extends between the horizontal hinge plate 57 of hinges 65 or 66 and provides a location for attachment of a door 17 or 18.

(25) Fall arrest pole 59 (see FIGS. 6-7) telescopes inside of intermediate column 29. Pole 59 can provide eyelet 60 that accepts linkage for connecting a workers safety harness to pole 59 when pole 59 is extended (see arrow 80, FIG. 7). Pole 59 can be locked in the elevated position 61 of FIG. 7.

(26) Diagonally extending plates 81, 82 extend downwardly from corner column 21-24 just below lifting eye 55. Plate 81 connects with the top of a vertical support 25-28. Plate 82 connects (welded) to an upper horizontal beam 33, 34, 37, 38. The plates 81, 82 prevent lift lines from tangling with the upper end portion of corner column 21-24, plates 54 and/or upper horizontal beam 33, 34, or 37, 38.

(27) In FIGS. 2 and 6, middle wall 62 provides upper horizontal support 63 that spans between intermediate columns 29, 30. Diagonal support 64 extends from an upper end portion of intermediate column 30 to a lower end portion of column 29 as seen in FIG. 6.

(28) Floor 12 can have a grade or slant 67 to channel any spills to drain 68 (see FIGS. 1-3 and 6). Drain 68 connects to flow line 69 which has valve 70. Opening 71 in base 11 allows access to valve 70.

(29) The following is a list of suitable parts and materials for the various elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(30) TABLE-US-00002 PARTS LIST PART NO. DESCRIPTION 10 transportable rack apparatus 11 base/substructure 12 platform/floor 13 side 14 side 15 end 16 end 17 door 18 door 19 floor segment 20 floor segment 21 corner column 22 corner column 23 corner column 24 corner column 25 vertical support 26 vertical support 27 vertical support 28 vertical support 29 intermediate column 30 intermediate column 31 socket/tube 32 socket/tube 33 upper horizontal beam 34 upper horizontal beam 35 lower horizontal beam 36 lower horizontal beam 37 upper horizontal beam 38 upper horizontal beam 39 lower horizontal beam 40 lower horizontal beam 41 diagonal beam 42 diagonal beam 43 diagonal beam 44 diagonal beam 45 plate 46 plate 47 plate 48 plate 49 vertical section 50 horizontal section 51 diagonal section 52 opening 53 arrow 54 plate 55 lifting eye 56 hinge pin 57 hinge plate 58 gate latch 59 fall arrest pole 60 eyelet 61 elevated position 62 middle wall 63 upper horizontal support 64 diagonal support 65 hinge 66 hinge 67 slant/grade 68 drain 69 flow line 70 valve 71 opening 72 rim beam/perimeter beam 73 torque tube 74 gusset 75 fork tube bottom plate 76 fork tube side plate 77 bolted connection 78 angle 79 plate 80 arrow 81 plate 82 plate 83 rod 84 bearing 85 locking tube 86 vertical beam 87 arrow 88 arrow

(31) All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.

(32) The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.