Field of the Invention

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to stillage, rack or the like frameworks for panels. More particularly, this invention relates to such frameworks which are stackable.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Frameworks may be used to transport panels (such as glass panels) and may take on a variety of configurations including those of stillages, A-framed racks and the like.

[0003] A problem however of such arrangements is difficulty in being able to compactly and securely stack these frameworks together.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a way, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] There is provided herein a stackable framework for panels. The framework comprising a base supporting uprights to form a coplanar bearing face for the panels . [0007] Each upright has a convex cross-sectional profile with respect to the bearing face to nest with collocating uprights of adjacently stacked frameworks in front or behind the bearing face in use.

[0008] The nestling together of these convex uprights allows stacked frameworks to take a more compact vertical configuration which may lower the centre of gravity central and reducing the likelihood of capsizing. Furthermore, the nestling together of the uprights may restrain lateral movement (i.e., across the coplanar bearing face). [0009] Rear faces of each upright may bear flush against a front face of an upright therebehind, thereby tightly interlocking and supporting the frameworks together and preventing horizontal play therebetween.

[0010] The convex cross-sectional profiled upright configuration may be applied to a variety of frameworks, including the unitary sided compact stillage configuration given in Figures 1 - 7 or the A-framed rack configuration given in Figures 9 - 12.

[0011 ] Other configurations are also possible, including inverted U or W-shaped frames.

[0012] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a framework for panels in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates stacking together of the panels of Figure 1

[0016] Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the panel of Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 4 shows a magnified rear view of a lower end of an upright of the framework of Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 5 shows a magnified front view of an upper end of an upright of the framework of Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 6 shows a side elevation view of the framework of Figure 1 with exemplary dimensions;

[0020] Figure 7 shows a side elevation view illustrating the stacking together of the frameworks of Figure 1 ;

[0021 ] Figure 8 shows a front view of the framework 100 with exemplary dimensions;

[0022] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a framework for panels in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0023] Figure 10 shows a perspective view illustrating the stacking of frameworks of the second embodiment; [0024] Figure 11 shows a side elevation view illustrating stacking of the frameworks of the second embodiment;

[0025] Figure 12 shows an end elevation view illustrating stacking of the frameworks of the second embodiment;

[0026] Figs. 13 and 14 show uprights of a frames of the frameworks in accordance with an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 15 shows an end view of an upright of the framework;

[0028] Figure 16 shows a top plan view of the framework of the second embodiment including exemplary dimensions;

[0029] Figure 17 shows a magnified section of Figure 16;

[0030] Figure 18 shows an end elevation view of the framework of the second embodiment including exemplary dimensions;

[0031 ] Figure 19 shows a side elevation view of the framework of the second embodiment including exemplary dimensions;

[0032] Figs. 20 - 22 show perspective, end and top views of an upright of the framework in accordance an embodiment;

[0033] Figs. 23 - 25 show perspective, end and top views of an upright of the framework in accordance an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 26 shows a hoisting like arrangement of the framework of the second embodiment in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 27 illustrates lifting a horizontal stack of frameworks of the second embodiment from underneath using a forklift;

[0036] Figure 28 illustrates fitting of two rows of horizontally stacked frameworks of the second embodiment within a conventional shipping container;

[0037] Figure 29 and 30 illustrate loading of vertical stacks of frameworks of the second embodiment via a side of a truck;

[0038] Figure 31 illustrates the removal wheel assembly in accordance an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 32 shows a cross-sectional profile of an upright in accordance with a further embodiment; [0040] Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the upright of Figure 32;

[0041 ] Figure 34 shows vertical stacking of frameworks having the upright of Figure 32;

[0042] Figure 35 shows a magnified section of Figure 34;

[0043] Figure 36 and 38 shows an underside perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 34;

[0044] Figure 37 shows a magnified section of Figure 36;

[0045] Figure 39 shows a magnified section of Figure 38;

[0046] Figure 40 shows a perspective view of a framework in accordance with a further embodiment wherein the convex cross-section of the uprights thereof are inverted;

[0047] Figure 41 shows magnified sections of Figure 40;

[0048] Figure 42 shows vertical stacking of the framework of Figure 40;

[0049] Figure 43 shows a magnified section of Figure 42;

[0050] Figure 44 shows a removable wheel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment;

[0051 ] Figure 45 shows the vertical stacking together of a plurality of frameworks of Figure 40 without wheels;

[0052] Figure 46 shows a framework in accordance with a further embodiment;

[0053] Figure 47 shows engaging the framework of Figure 46 with pallet racks;

[0054] Figure 48 shows a side view illustrating vertical stacking of the frameworks of Figure 46;

[0055] Figure 49 shows a perspective view illustrating vertical stacking of the frameworks of Figure 46; and

[0056] Figure 50 shows an end view illustrating vertical stacking of the frameworks of Figure 46. Description of Embodiments

[0057] A stackable framework 100 for panels comprises a base 140 supporting uprights 104 to form a coplanar bearing face 141 as is shown in Figure 7.

[0058] Each upright 104 has a convex cross-sectional profile with respect to the bearing face 141 to nest with collocating uprights 104 of adjacently stacked frameworks 100 in front or behind the bearing face 141 in use.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the uprights 104 are outwardly convex. In accordance with this embodiment, the uprights 104 may define a rearward channel 141 for horizontal nestling together of collocating uprights 104 of adjacently stacked frameworks 100 as is shown in Figure 7.

[0060] However, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 40 and 41 , the uprights 104 may be inwardly concave. According to this arrangement, the uprights 104 may define a frontal channel (as opposed to a rearward channel 141 ). However, yet in accordance with this embodiment the uprights 1 00 may allow for nesting together in a more compact configuration.

[0061 ] With reference to Figure 15 the upright 104 may comprise a middle portion 109 and sides 1 10 defining the convex cross-sectional profile. The middle portion 109 may define a straight bearing face 1 1 1 which bears flat against a panel leaning against the framework 100 in use. The middle portion 109 may further define a straight rearward face 1 12.

[0062] Figures 1 - 8 show a first embodiment wherein the framework 100 is a compact stillage defining a single bearing face 141.

[0063] According to the first embodiments, the framework 100 may comprise a base member 142 for each upright 104. The framework 100 may comprise cross bracing 143 between the base members 142 and uprights 104.

[0064] The base members 142 may be hollow and spaced apart to accept forklift forks therein. As such, the framework 100 may be easily lifted from a front or rear thereof using a conventional forklift.

[0065] With reference to Figure 4, a rear end of the base member 142 may be formed so that the channel 141 runs through the rear end of the base member 142. In this way, each base member 142 may run right to the rear of the uprights inside crosssection without interfering with the rear channels 141 , as shown in Figures 6 and 7 [0066] The framework 100 may further comprise inclined members 145 which, with reference to Figure 6 and 7, are more inclined towards the uprights 104 as compared to the base members 142, to thereby lean panels against the uprights 104.

[0067] The inclined members 142 may locate between the base members 142 without interfering with the close vertical stacking of the base members 142.

[0068] Each base member 142 may comprise an open channel having a top and sides and braced across a bottom open end thereof by cross bracing plates 144.

[0069] Figures 9 - 12 show a second embodiment wherein the framework 100 takes the form of a rack defining a pair of opposite bearing faces 1 1 1 . According to the second embodiment, the framework 100 comprises a base 102 supporting a plurality of A-frames 103. Each A-frame 103 is defined by a pair of angled uprights 104 converging towards upper ends thereof. Each upright 104 nestles together in the aforedescribed manner with collocating uprights of adjacently stacked frameworks 100.

[0070] Figure 17 illustrates the convex cross-sectional profile of these back-to-back uprights 104.

[0071 ] As shown in Figure 19, the A-frames 103 are preferably parallel with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the base 102.

[0072] Figure 10 illustrates how a plurality of frameworks 100 may be stacked atop each other. The convex cross-sectional profile of the uprights 104 allows the frameworks 100 to nestle together (essentially like stacked ‘Dunce hats’) to assume a more compact configuration and to restrain movement between the frameworks 100. The configuration of the uprights 104 may allow any number of frameworks 100 to be stacked.

[0073] As shown in Figure 15, when the A-frames 103 are stacked together, the bearing faces 1 1 1 of uprights 104 of a lower framework 100 may lie flush against rearward faces 1 12 of uprights 104 of an upper framework 100 to prevent horizontal play between the frameworks 100. [0074] The bearing faces 1 1 1 and rearward faces 1 12 are preferably planar as shown in Figure 15, including to spread loading.

[0075] As is further shown in Figure 15, the middle portion 109 may be defined by an outwardly open channel member 1 13. The channel member 1 13 may comprise inwardly projecting flanges 1 14 defining an opening therebetween. Furthermore, a rubber gasket 1 15 may be engaged through the opening of the channel member 1 13. [0076] As such, the rubber gasket 1 15 may define the straight bearing face 1 1 1 whereas the channel member 1 13 defines the rearward face 1 12. The rubber gasket

1 15 may be provided as an elongate gasket along the entire length of the upright 104 or alternatively as a plurality of discrete rubber bungs 150.

[0077] The sides 1 10 of the upright 104 may be defined by side plates 1 16 welded at angles to sides of the channel member 1 13. As is shown in Figure 15, the side plates

1 16 may be welded at angles 125° with respect to the rearward face 1 12.

[0078] As is further shown in Figure 15, the upright 104 may be approximately 43 mm deep and 94 mm wide.

[0079] Figs. 20 - 25 show an embodiment wherein the upright 104 is made from a metal plate which is twice folded to define the middle portion 109 and the sides, thereby defining the convex cross-sectional profile.

[0080] With reference to Figs. 21 and 12, the sides 1 10 may be angled at approximately 125 from the middle portion 109. Furthermore, with reference to Figs. 22 and 25, the upright 104 may be approximately 132 mm wide and approximately 1752 mm long.

[0081 ] The sides 1 10 may yet comprise the collocating recesses 106 for the crossbar 105.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 20 and 23, the sides 1 10 may be reinforced with longitudinal convex ribs 135 embossed through the surface of the sides 1 10.

[0083] The ribs 135 may run substantially along the entire length of each upright 104. Furthermore, as is shown, each side 1 10 may comprise a pair of parallel ribs 135.

[0084] According to Figure 20, the middle portion 109 may define a slide in rubber gasket retention slot 132. The slot 132 may comprise a widened slide in portion 134 and a relatively longer narrower portion 135. As such, a rubber gasket 1 15 having side wings, flanges, grooves or the like may flexibly slide into the slid in portion 134 and be retained by the edges of the narrower portion 135.

[0085] As is shown in Figure 22, the upright 104 may comprise a plurality of the slots 132 therealong. In the embodiment shown, the upright 104 comprises three slots.

[0086] Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the middle portion 109 comprises a plurality of apertures 136 therethrough through which mushroom headed EPDM rubber grommets 150 (shown in Figure 31 ) may be engaged. As can be seen from Figure 25, the apertures 1 17 may span substantially equidistantly along the entire length of the upright 104.

[0087] The framework 100 may comprise an upper crossbar 105 securing upper ends of the uprights 104. As shown in Figure 13, upper ends of inner uprights 104 may comprise collocating recesses 106 which define a channel for the crossbar 105. It should be noted that outer sides 1 10 of outermost uprights 104A may be devoid of the recesses 106.

[0088] The crossbar 105 may support webbing loops 107 and/or hoisting lugs 108.

[0089] Figure 26 shows an embodiment wherein the hoisting lugs 108 are defined by a pair of u-shaped members 137 having legs 138 which are welded or otherwise affixed to sides of the crossbar 105. The members 138 may be angled together at apexes thereof so as to cooperate to define a loop therethrough above and along the crossbar 105.

[0090] The base 102 may be defined by a pair of parallel outer longitudinal members 117 and a pair of parallel inner longitudinal members 1 18. The base 102 may define an opening between the inner longitudinal members 1 18 (i.e. devoid of any cross members or interference between the inner longitudinal members 118) to receive of A-frames 103 and a crossbar 105 of another framework 100 therethrough.

[0091 ] The longitudinal members 117, 118 may be channels (as opposed to plates) for enhanced reinforcement.

[0092] As is evident from Figure 9, bottom ends of the side plates 116 may be welded across upper surfaces 119 of the inner longitudinal members 1 18. [0093] The base 102 may further comprise cross bracing members 120 between adjacent outer and inner longitudinal members 1 17, 1 18.

[0094] The longitudinal members 1 17, 1 18 may comprise aligned side-lifting forklift fork pockets 121 so that the framework 100 may be lifted by a forklift either side thereof.

[0095] The base 102 may further be defined by end members 122. Similarly, the end members 122 may be channels for enhanced resilience.

[0096] The end members 122 may comprise end-lifting forklift fork pockets 123 so that the framework 100 may be lifted from an end thereof as is illustrated in Figure 29. The bracing members 120 may comprise aligned end-lifting forklift fork pockets 123.

[0097] The end lifting forklift fork pockets 123 of the end members 122 may be reinforced at lower edges thereof given that the end members 122 may cantilever up against under surfaces of the forklift forks.

[0098] The base 102 is preferably less than 2 m long so that the framework 100 may be loaded sideways across a conventional truck bed as shown in Figure 29.

[0099] The base 102 may be supported atop wheel assemblies 124. The wheel assemblies 124 may comprise castor wheels.

[0100] As is shown in Figs. 10 - 12, the framework 100 may be configured so that when stacked, the wheel assemblies 124 do not impinge the base 102 of a framework 100 thereunderneath. Such configuration may be derived from the angle, sizing and shape of the uprights 104 and/or the offset of the A-frames 103 from the wheel assemblies 124.

[0101 ] In embodiments, the wheel assemblies 124 may be removably attachable by way of posts which insert into sockets 125 of the base 102. In this regard, the base 102 may further comprise storage pockets 126 within which the posts of the wheel assemblies 124 may be inserted. When inserted within the pockets 126, the wheel assemblies 124 preferably do not extend beneath an undersurface of the longitudinal members 1 17, 1 18. In this regard, the wheel assemblies 124 may be stowed upside down within the pockets 126. [0102] Figure 31 shows an embodiment of a removable castor wheel assembly 124 comprising a top plate 146 removably attachable to an undersurface of the base 102. [0103] The framework 100 may comprise a generally triangular shaped side plates 127 between certain uprights 104. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the framework 100 comprises side plates 127 at both ends thereof between uprights 104A of outermost A-frames 103A. As is shown in Figure 14, outer side plates 1 16 of the outermost uprights 104A may comprise a taper 128 to accommodate the side plate 127.

[0104] The base 102 may include inclined members 128 aligned with each upright 104. Each inclined member 128 may comprise a channel 129 engaging a rubber gasket 130.

[0105] As is evident from Figure 18, the inclined members 128 may be angled at 90° with respect to the uprights 104.

[0106] The base 102 may further support peg boards 131 between the A-frames 103. The peg boards 131 may comprise a plurality of apertures therethrough for engaging vertical pegs for spacing panels. The apertures may be arranged in two rows, with apertures in each row offset longitudinally for finer peg position adjustability.

[0107] Exemplary utilisation of the framework 100 may comprise loading sets 151 of vertically stacked frameworks 100 as shown in Figures 29 and 30 by engaging the lowermost framework 100 of each stack with forklift forks going through the end-lifting apertures 123 of an end member 122 and bracing member 120.

[0108] During loading in this manner using a forklift each framework 100 of the stack 151 may be lifted individually and positioned above another identical framework 100. The framework 100 may be lowered onto the other framework 100 wherein the A- frames 103 come into alignment and the uprights 104 nestle within each other.

[0109] Figures 27 and 28 show an alternative way of handling the frameworks 100 wherein the frameworks 100 are stacked horizontally into horizontal stacks 152. Figure 27 shows forklift forks 148 of a forklift 149 engaging bases 102 frameworks 100 of the horizontal stack 152 perpendicularly from underneath so as to hold the horizontal stack 152 horizontally in the manner shown. The base 102 may be adapted with forklift fork engagement features for this purpose.

[01 10] Figure 28 shows wherein two rows of horizontal stacks 152 can fit adjacently in a conventional 20-foot shipping container 147.

[01 1 1 ] When the frameworks 100 are stacked, the rubber gaskets 1 1 1 may frictionally engage the rear faces 1 12, thereby securing the frameworks 100 laterally and the side plates 1 16 may restrain the uprights 104 longitudinally.

[01 12] Figures 32 and 33 show a further embodiment of an upright 104 which is formed from a single piece of metal and which is longitudinally bent into shape. Specifically, the upright 104 may comprise a central formation 153 formed in a way to define an exterior dovetail channel 154. With reference to Figure 35, a correspondingly shaped rubber gasket 155 with a correspondingly shaped rear dovetail portion may fit into the channel 144 with a dovetail interlock. Edges 155 of the upright 104 may be folded back.

[01 13] Figure 34 shows vertical stacking of a pair of frameworks 100 having the upright 104 as is shown in Figure 32. Figure 35 shows the magnified section 156 of Figure 34 showing how the uprights 104 nest against each other right up to upper ends thereof and the magnified section 157 of Figure 36 shown in Figure 37 shows how the uprights 104 may nest against each right down to lower ends thereof. In other words, the uprights 104 may nest against each other substantially continuously along their entire lengths.

[01 14] With reference to the magnified section 158 of Figure 38 shown in Figure 39, it can be seen how the longitudinal members 1 18 may have recesses 159 formed therein for engaging lower ends of uprights 104 in a flush manner. The recess 159 may be laser cut.

[01 15] Figure 41 shows magnified cross-sectional of the framework 100 shown in Figure 40. In accordance with this embodiment, the outermost A-frames 103A may be equipped with an upper guide ramp 160 which longitudinally aligns frameworks 100 during stacking to prevent jamming. [01 16] Furthermore, with reference to the magnified section 161 of Figure 42 given in Figure 43, these outermost A-frames 103 may further comprise mid guide ramps 162 which further align frameworks 100 during stacking to prevent jamming. These mid guide ramps 162 may be located substantially halfway up the outermost A-frames 103A. A handle bar 163 may span across the uprights 104 at this position also.

[01 17] Apart from affording manual purchase, these handle bars 163 may also run against sides 164 of a framework 100 thereunder to thereby align the frameworks 100 longitudinally.

[01 18] Figure 44 shows a further embodiment of a removable wheel assembly 124. In accordance with this embodiment, the wheel assembly 124 may comprise a fixing plate 165 having a central cylindrical engagement 166 which is engaged by a locking pin 167 through a collar 168.

[01 19] The wheel assemblies 124 may be retained allowing for a less compact stacking configuration as is shown in Figure 34. However, the wheel assemblies 124 may bear the weight of the stack of frameworks 100.

[0120] The base 102 may comprise a landing pad 169 to engage a wheel of a wheel assembly 124 of a framework 100 stacked thereon. The landing pad 169 may comprise rubber.

[0121 ] Figure 45 illustrates how the wheel assemblies 124 may be removed so that the frameworks 100 can be stacked in a more compact configuration.

[0122] With reference to 42, the framework 100 may comprise end wedge plates 170 at lower ends of the outermost a frames 103A. These wedge plates 170 are designed to withstand the weight of stack of the frameworks 100 when the frameworks 100 stacked without wheel assemblies.

[0123] Specifically, the wedge plates 107 may have a trapezoidal cross-section when viewed from the end of the framework 100 and which may define an angled sides 171. [0124] As is shown in Figure 45, wherein the frameworks 100 are stacked vertically without wheel assemblies 124, inner surfaces of the sides 171 of a wedge plate 170 of an upper framework 100 bear against outer surfaces of the sides 171 of a wedge plate 170 thereunderneath. [0125] Figure 46 shows a further embodiment of a framework wherein the base 102 thereof comprises an arrangement of C-section feet 172.

[0126] The C-section feet 172 may define longitudinally orientated C-section feet 172A along the long sides of the framework 100 and sideways orientated C-section feet 172B arranged along ends of the framework 100.

[0127] As is shown in Figure 47, these variously orientated C-section feet 172 may engage forks of pallet jacks 173 from sides or ends of the framework 100.

[0128] The C-section feet 172 preferably define straight bottom section members 174 to thereby define flat undersurfaces so that vertically stacked frameworks 100 can rest on each other by their C-section feet 172.

[0129] As is shown in Figure 48, adjacent pairs of uprights 104 along each bearing face 141 may be angled in towards each other at upper ends thereof along the length of the framework 100.

[0130] With reference to Figure 46, uprights 104 of A-frames 103 away from the ends of the framework 100 may form channels 176 to accommodate a crossbar 105 of a framework 100 thereunder in a more compact manner.

[0131 ] Whereas the uprights 104 described above are outwardly convex, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 41 , the uprights 104 are inwardly concave. However, in accordance with this embodiment, the uprights 104 may yet nest against each other in the aforedescribed manner.

[0132] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.