TITLE OF THE INVENTION

"CONVERTIBLE TRANSPORTER BASKET"

INVENTOR: OLIVIER, Pierre, L., a US citizen, of 2303 Denley Road, Houma, LA

70363, US.

ASSIGNEE: INTEGRIS RENTALS, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company, located at 2303 Denley Road, Houma, LA 70363, US.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of US Provisional Application Serial No. 61/348,459, filed 26 May 2010, hereby incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transportable, liftable cargo basket that is convertible from a walled transporter to a transporter not having walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved cargo transportation apparatus that can be lifted by means of a crane or by means of a forklift and wherein specially configured lifting eyes are placed on a perimeter beam and externally of removable walls, the perimeter beam is also carrying a winch rail having multiple winches that are able to slide to a select position relative to a cargo deck of the apparatus.

2. General Background of the Invention

Cargo baskets and like transporters have been used for the transportation of heavy goods. One of the most common uses of a cargo basket is the lifting of cargo from a dock or land based structure to a marine structure such as a vessel. In the offshore marine environment, such cargo baskets are often used to transport heavy loads from a boat to a marine platform such as an oil drilling or production platform.

Some cargo baskets have been patented. One example is United States patent no. 3,710,973 entitled "Shipping and Display Container."

This patent discloses a box for transport and display, with removable walls and has a section whereby it may be lifted by a fork lift. Its abstract reads as follows: "A multi- sided, large shipping container which also serves as a display container once the merchandise is placed on sale such as in a supermarket or other store. Particularly useful for shipping and selling merchandise which may be handled by forklift trucks, the container has four wall sections each made from rigid frames and panels of plywood or other material with interlocking brackets at the bottom edges fastened to the reinforced bottom which has a pallet to accommodate the fork on a forklift truck and may or may not have wheels on the bottom. A one-piece top has edges which fit down over the respective upper edges of each wall section for quick detachment therefrom. Other brackets are provided at intermediate heights on selected wall sections to latch them together. The merchandise which may be in the form of smaller boxes or cartons of goods or not containerized is stacked on the bottom of the present container which resembles a pallet. Then the wall sections are assembled in place by aligning interlocking brackets and inserting interlocking pins on one bracket into openings in matching bracket portions. Then the entire container may be lifted by a forklift truck and transported by truck, aircraft or boxcar to the store where it is placed for display and actual sale of the merchandise by removing one or more of the wall sections."

United States Patent No. 4,050,604 - "Disassembleable, reusable container" discloses collapsible containers which can be assembled and disassembled and used with a fork lift. In col. 2, beginning at line 51, it states: "In contradistinction to the prior art containers which require support on a pallet or like device for use in conjunction with a standard fork lift, the subject, disassemblable container is preferably supported by its own bracing members above the surface on which it is supported. Therefore, there is adequate room for the forks of a standard lift truck to be inserted under the container so that it may be easily transported from one place to another."

US Published Patent Application No. 20040188433 - "Convertible, transport, cargo box system" discloses a cargo box with a top which opens and sliding sides. In figure 3C, one can see the slots whereby it may be picked up by a forklift. It is a rectangular box whereby one side can completely slide open (as in two gates slide away from each other) and the top can open and tuck behind a side. US Published Patent Application No. 20080272136. Its abstract reads as follows: "In a transport case for transport of at least one high value, heavy transport goods, a floor is provided on which an object carrier is arranged on an inside of the case such that it can be displaced in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the case. At least one cover is connected with the floor with at least one hinge such that it can be folded over and the cover can be opened such that the transport good is freely accessible parallel to the longitudinal axis in an opened state of the transport case." Please see for example Figure 2, which shows that in one embodiment the box can open by having the entire top and walls fold over, and Figure 7, which shows that in one embodiment the box can opened by sliding the walls outwardly. Also, a fork lift can lift from under the floor plate as the case is designed to be able to be picked up by standard fork lifts.

US Published Patent Application No. 20090272738 describes a cargo basket used for transportation of cargo in which there are fork slots for a forklift as well as one side which is made up of two gates (420 and 424) which may be removed for loading/unloading purposes (please see the figures).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a transporter for holding articles to be lifted. The apparatus includes a base having a plurality of perimeter beams, a plurality of transverse interior beams spanned between perimeter beams. The base provides a load carrying deck with a load carrying surface. The deck extends above the transverse beams and to the perimeter beams.

A plurality of wall panels include removable wall panels that can each be removably affixed to the base at a position next to the perimeter beams. Some of the wall panels are end wall panels. Some of the wall panels are side wall panels.

A plurality of lifting eyes are secured to the base externally of the removable wall panels.

Cutouts are provided on the side wall which enable a diagonally placed lifting line to extend from a lifting eye upwardly to the opening to a position above the central area of the deck.

At least one of the side walls having cutouts is a removable wall panel.

In one embodiment, there are two side wall panels, each having a cutout that enables a diagonally placed lifting line to extend from the lifting eye through the opening and upwardly to a position above the center of the deck.

In one embodiment, a winch rail extends along the upper surface of one of the perimeter beams. In one embodiment, a plurality of winches are mounted in the winch rail, each being slidably movable to a selected position along the frame.

In one embodiment, the winch rail extends generally in between a pair of the lifting eyes. In one embodiment, the base has four corners and a lifting eye as positioned at each corner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the removable side rails;

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the side rail of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a top view of the side rail of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an end view of a side rail of Figures 7-10;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a winch that is attachable to a slide rail; Figure 13 is a fragmentary top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along lines 15-15 of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 21 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 22 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a fragmentary top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating a portion of the decking;

Figure 24 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 25 is a sectional view taken along lines 25-25 of Figure 22;

Figure 26 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 27 is a fragmentary end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 28 is a fragmentary top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 29 is a sectional view taken along lines 29-29 of Figure 27;

Figure 30 is a fragmentary end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 31 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 32 is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 33 is a partial top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 34 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 35 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 36 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 37 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 38 is a fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1, 22, 24 show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. Transporter apparatus 10 provides a base 11 that is best seen in Figures 6, 12 - 16. Base 11 supports a plurality of removable walls including end walls 12, 13 and side walls 14, 15 as shown in Figure 1. Transporter apparatus 10 can be lifted with a crane, derrick or similar lifting apparatus using a plurality of lifting lines 16 as shown in Figures 1, 6, 22 and 24. The lifting lines 16 can be provided with loops or looped end portions for enabling each of the lifting lines 16 to attach to a crown block, lifting hook or other known lifting apparatus. Lifting lines 16 can, for example, be commercially available slings. Shackles can be also employed with the lifting lines 16 for forming a connection between each lifting line 16 and a lifting hook or like lifting implement of a crane. Shackles can also be used to form an interface or connection between each lifting line 16 and a padeye 31 which is a part of frame 11.

Typical dimensions for apparatus 10 are a length of 10-40 feet (3.05-12.2 meters), a height of 3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters), and a width of 3-8 feet (0.91-2.44 meters). Apparatus 10 is preferably made of carbon steel, but can be made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. It preferably has a weight of not more than 30,000 pounds (13,608 kilograms). The floor area loading when loaded is preferably not more than 270 pounds per square foot (1,318 kilograms per square meter).

When having dimensions of 8 feet (2.44 meters ) wide by 24 feet (7.32 meters) long by 4 feet (1.22 meters) high, it can have for example a weight of 9000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) with the sides, around 5,200 pounds (2,359 kilograms) without the sides, with a working load limit of 26,000 pounds (11,793 kilograms) with the sides, around 29,800 pounds (13,517 kilograms) without the sides, with a maximum gross weight of 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms); the floor area loading when loaded is 135 pounds per square foot (659 kilograms per square meter).

Frame or base 11 provides a pair of side beams 17, 18 and a pair of end beams 19, 20. The side beams 17, 18 are each welded to the end beams 19, 20 using welded connections, for example. Transverse beams 21 , 22, 23 span between the side beams 17, 18 as shown in Figures 6 and 13. Hollow beams 24, 25 also span between the side beams 17, 18. The base or frame 11 is covered with decking 28. The decking 28 can be individual wooden blanks or the like.

Hollow beams 24, 25 provide a bore or socket 26, 27. Each bore or socket is receptive of a tine of a forklift. The apparatus 10 can thus be lifted using either a crane or like lifting line when the apparatus 10 is rigged with lifting line 16 or a forklift when the tines of the forklift engage the sockets or bores 26, 27 of the beams 24, 25.

A corner tube or socket 29 is placed next to each corner of the frame 11, as well as next to a padeye 31. The padeye 31 and corner tube 29 interface 32 can be welded. In this fashion, a very rigid corner construction is provided with the padeye 31 being welded to a side beam 17 or 18 or end beam 19, 20 and to a corner tube or socket 29 (see figures 16-21, 26). Additionally, the corner tube or socket 29 is welded to a side beam

17 or 18 or end beam 19, 20.

The side beams 17, 18 and end beams 19, 20 form a perimeter or perimeter beams of frame or base 11. A smaller plurality of beams is attached (for example, welded) to the top of each of the side beams 17, 18 and end beams 19, 20. These smaller beams include smaller side beams 48, 49 and smaller end beams 50, 51. In addition to the corner tubes or sockets 29, there are provided intermediate tubes and sockets 30. These intermediate tubes 30 are place in between the padeyes 31 at opposing end portions of each of the side beams 17, 18 as seen in Figure 6.

Each of the side walls 14, 15 is provided with a plurality of columns 33 (see figures 1, 7 - 9). Each column 33 has a larger diameter section 34 and a smaller diameter section 35. An annular shoulder 36 is provided at the interface between each larger diameter section 34 and smaller diameter section 35 as shown in Figure 7. Smaller diameter section 35 fits into corner tube or socket 29 or into an intermediate tube or socket 30. A pinned connection 71 in opening 80 can be used to secure smaller diameter section 35 of a column 33 to a socket or tube 29 or 30 as indicated by arrow 72 in Figures 4,5.

Channels 37 are placed on each side wall 14, 15. In figure 9, a side wall 14 or 15 has a channel 37 at one end portion and a channel 37 at the other end portion. These channels 37 are receptive of an end wall 12, 13 as shown in Figures 1 - 2. A pinned connection 82 in opening 81 can be used to secure end wall 12, 13. If you pull pinned connection 82 in the direction of arrow 83, one is able to lift end wall 12, 13 upwardly in the direction of arrow 84, as indicated in Figure 2. Each side wall 14, 15 provides a rail 38, center panel 39, side panels 41 and openings at 40. Openings 40 enable a user to remove a side wall 14 or 15. The side wall 14 or 15 can be removed by grasping rail 38 at openings 40 and lifting upwardly. Plates 42 are placed on two of the innermost columns 33 as seen in Figure 1. The plates 42 face inwardly, toward a cargo that is to be contained and transported.

Openings or slots 43 are provided at each end portion of a side wall 14 or 15 as shown in Figure 7. These openings or slots 43 enable a lifting line 16 to extend from a padeye 31 upwardly to a lifting implement 52 that is generally centered in between a pair of the side walls 14, 15 , in between end walls 12, 13 and generally centered upon decking

28 as shown in Figure 22 where the lifting implement, hook or the like is schematically illustrated by the numeral 52. A long horizontal beam 44 extends along the bottom of each of the center panel 39 and side panels 41 as shown in Figures 7 and 10. A vertical beam 45 extends upwardly along one edge of each side panel 41 as shown in Figure 7. A small end panel 47 is provided above each opening 43. This small end panel 47 is surrounded by column 33, rail 38, vertical beam 45, and short horizontal beam 46 (see Figures 7, 11). A winch rail 53 extends along the top of the smaller side beam 48 as shown in Figures 6, 31, 32, 34, 37 and 38. In Figures 34 and 37-38, the winch rail 53 includes a channel 54 having web 55 upper flanges 56, 57 and lower flanges 58, 59. The channel 54 is longitudinally extending. As shown in Figures 37 and 38, the web 54 and the flanges 56-59 extend longitudinally along smaller side beam 48. Vertical flanges 60 are attached (for example, welded) to the winch rail 53 at intervals as shown in Figures 31-34. End walls 12, 13 (figures 27 - 30) can each have an upper side rail 38, side rails 74, bottom rail 73, and center panel 39 and openings 40. Openings 40 enable a user to remove an end wall 12 or 13. The end wall 12 or 13 can be removed by grasping a rail 38 at openings 40 and lifting upwardly.

Winch 61 travels in channel 54 (see Figures 37-38). Each winch 61 can be wound with a strap 77. Strap 77 can be tightened using winch 61 to hold cargo to the deck 28 (see Figure 22). Winches 61 can be on both sides of deck area 28. In Figure 12, winch 61 includes flanges 62, 63, 64, ratchet 76, and pawl 75 which engages ratchet 76. Pawl 75 and ratchet 76 function as such elements normally do in winches. Flanges 63, 64 support a spool 65. The spool can be used to tighten straps against and secure cargo that is mounted on the deck area or decking 28 (see Figures 23, 25). Notches 66, 67 and flanges 63, 64 are receptive of the flanges 57, 59 of the channel 54. For example, flange 57 can register in cutouts, notches or slots 66. Flange 59 engages and registers in the slots 67. Winch rail channel 53 can provide a slot or opening 68 for adding a winch to the channel 54 or removing a winch from the channel 54 (see Figures 4, 5). The opening or slot 68 can be closed or sealed with cover plate 69 (seen in Figures 35, 36) which can be attached to channel 54 at opening or slot 68 using, for example, fasteners, screws, bolted connection in openings 79 of plate 69. In figure 5, arrow 70 illustrates removal of a winch 61 from channel 54 via opening or slot 68. Winch 61 has a shaft or drum 77 which can be rotated using a winch drive/rotary drive 78 which can be operated with a lever.

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:

PARTS LIST

Parts Number Description

10 transporter apparatus

11 base/frame 12 end wall

13 end wall

14 side wall

15 side wall

16 lifting line

17 side beam

18 side beam

19 end beam

20 end beam

21 transverse beam

22 transverse beam

23 transverse beam

24 hollow beam

25 hollow beam

26 socket/bore

27 socket/bore

28 decking/deck area

29 corner tube/socket

30 intermediate tube/socket

31 padeye

32 interface

33 column

34 larger diameter section

35 smaller diameter section

36 annular shoulder

37 channel

38 rail

39 center panel

40 opening

41 side panel

42 plate

43 opening/slot 44 long horizontal beam

45 vertical beam

46 short horizontal beam

47 small end panel

48 smaller side beam

49 smaller side beam

50 smaller end beam

51 smaller end beam

52 lifting implement

53 winch rail

54 channel

55 web

56 flange

57 flange

58 flange

59 flange

60 vertical flange

61 winch

62 flange

63 flange

64 flange

65 spool

66 slot/cutout/notch

67 slot/cutout/notch

68 opening/slot

69 cover plate

70 arrow

71 pinned connection

72 arrow

73 bottom rail

74 side rail

75 pawl 76 ratchet

77 winch shaft/drum

78 winch drive/rotary drive

79 opening

80 opening

81 opening

82 pinned connection

83 arrow

84 arrow

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

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.