Field of Invention

The present invention related to a wedge mechanism with height-adjustable mechanism that fixes any products especially the products of heavy manufacturing industry in compliance with occupational safety and health rules and enables trouble- free product handling the products.

Current State of the Art

A wedge is defined by the Turkish Language Society (TDK) as the wooden, plastic, etc. barrier placed under the wheels to prevent the movement or skipping of a vehicle. Another definition of a wedge is“wooden wedge placed under the bending side of any furniture to enable it to stand still or upright’. As can be understood from the definitions, a wedge is a product made of wood and used to prevent the articles from movement.

In the current art, the wedge is only used to fix the vehicles. It is used as a balancing element to enable the products be balanced while transporting, storing and stacking the products one after another (like a pallet, machinery, etc.) and as an interlocking element that provides contact with the ground. In order to stack the products without any problem in a way where the form and structure of the product is not destroyed, a wedge must be used.

As described in Occupational Heath Safety guidelines, the first activity is to place a wedge before the installation of a device or removing, storing and transporting a product. A fixed setting conforming to the ground and the product is to be provided. Thereafter, appropriate steps must be taken. In addition, it is necessary to stabilize the product to transport it safely while using a crane. In the current technique, wedge made of two different materials is used. One of them is the wedge made of wood. Wooden wedges stand out as they are cost-effective and easily accessible by the people. Wooden wedges which are preferred most to transport fixed loads are also used for stacking and fixing. However, as wooden wedges are not durable and not capable of carrying heavy loads, they are unpractical. Besides, as they are easily damaged and affected environmental conditions ( wet environment and oily environment), they are unable to provide required functions.

Although the other wedges made of metal material have a high bearing capacity, the problem of the current technique is that the product’s interaction with the material and destroys the structure of the material. The use of metal wedges in the storage process of the material to be stored upon completion of the the production process causes changes in the structure of the material and therefore the manufacturer incurs losses. In addition, since it is made of metal and is overweight, it creates extra pressure on the floor area.

In the current technique, companies manufacturing machinery parts, especially in heavy industry, store their products with magnetic wedges. Wedges with magnetic properties fail to perform desired functions to hold the manufactured materials containing metal. However, although the presence of magnets in the product is successful in terms of holding the product, it may change its structure. Therefore, the product loses its desired properties and causes losses to the manufacturer.

In the current technique, another type used is the wedge made of plastic material. Thanks to its flexibility, this plastic wedge does not damage the product and also has high bearing capacity. Besides, it enables to stack more rolls/products when compared to wooden and metal wedges; yet the economic life of plastic wedges is not very long and they are worn and deformed as a result of use.

It is generally believed that the frictional force generated by the interaction of floor and wooden wedges with each other during stacking is sufficient for a stable stacking of products. However, the force created by the products above on the products below is likely to be sufficient to move the products below. In this case, even if the wooden wedges are fixed to the ground, they cannot prevent the movement of the products. Particularly in cases where wedges with a very low angle of inclination are used, the products below can pass over the wedge, causing destruction and irreversible damage.

As a result, due to the negativities described above and the inadequacy of the existing solutions on the issue, it is necessary to make a wedge mechanism.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wedge mechanism that meets the above- mentioned requirements, eliminates all disadvantages and brings some additional advantages.

The primary object of the invention is to ensure that products are stacked in a safe way (without shaking, stable).

One of the objects of the invention is to ensure that the product are stacked and stored without any damage.

Another object of the invention is to transport the stacked products without any damage. This is achieved by the fact that the invention has a hook in the hanger mechanism. When the stacked product is to be transported, the hook in the hanger mechanism is attached to the crane arm and the product is transported safely.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate the problems such as contact of stacked products with the wedge and consequential falling, shaking and uncontrolled transportation of the product. This is achieved by the hanger mechanism that provides connection between the wedge and the product.

Another object of the invention is to stack the product regardless of the weight. Thanks to the spring mechanism of the invention, the loads remain fixed without damaging the wedge or the load. Another object of the invention is to provide connection between the load and the wedge that enables stacking. This is achieved by the safety chain of the invention. The load fixed by the wedge is connected to the wedge by the hanger mechanism. With the safety chain, the product fixed to the hanger mechanism and the wedge become inseparable. This ensures that the wedge is not detached when transporting the stacked product.

Another object of the invention is to adjust the height of the product from the floor where it is stacked. This is achieved by the height-adjustment feature of the spring mechanism of the invention.

The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will become more understandable with the following figures and the detailed description referring to these figures, and therefore the evaluation should be made with reference to these figures and detailed description.

Description of the Figures to make the invention understandable

The wedge mechanism subject to this application is shown in the attached figures as the following:

Figure 1 is the representative view of the“wedge mechanism” (1 ) according to the invention in question

Figure 2 is the representative view of the“wedge mechanism”(1 ) from a different perspective according to the invention in question.

Figure 3 is the frontal view of the“wedge mechanism” (1 ) according to the invention in question.

Figure 4 is the view of the spring (2.3) in the“wedge mechanism” (1 ) according to the invention in question before and after fastening. Figure 5 is the close perspective view of the safety lock (3.3) of the wedge mechanism according to the invention in question.

Figure 6 is the representative view of the hanger system (3) of the wedge mechanism according to the invention.

Figure 7 is the representative view of the unlocked safety lock (3.3) of the wedge system.

Figure 8 is the representative diagram of the procedural steps of the “wedge mechanism” (1 ) according to the invention.

“The drawings are generally representative and do not necessarily have to be scaled. Details not necessary to understand the present invention may be omitted. Furthermore, elements substantially identical or have at least substantially identical functions are indicated by the same number.

Description of parts’ references

Our invention called“wedge mechanism” subject of this application, is numbered as shown in the attached figures, and the part names corresponding to these numbers are given below;

1. Wedge mechanism

2. Wedge

2.1st Bolt

2.2nd Spring Plate

2.3rd Spring

2.4th Locking Block

2.5th Bearing Plate

2.6th Chain Flange 1

2.7th Spring thrust washer

3. Hanger System

3.1st Hanger 3.2nd Mounting hole

3.3rd Safety lock

3.3.1. Lock Spring

3.3.2. Hook

3.4. Chain Flange 2

3.5. Stop pin

4. Safety chain

Decsirption of Procedure Steps

Our invention called“wedge mechanism” subject of this application, is numbered as shown in the attached figures, and the part names corresponding to these numbers are given below

101. Moving the spring thrust washer (2.7) up or down and adjusting the height of the spring (2.3)

102. Contacting the hanger (3.2) between spring thrust washer (2.7) and the bearing plate (2.5)

103. Contacting and fixing the mounting hole (3.1 ) to the stacked product

104. Fixing the hanger (3.2) and wedge (2) by the safety lock (3.3)

105. Fixing the wedge mechanism(1 ) and the product

106. Lifting the product by contacting the crane to the safety chain (4)

Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the“wedge mechanism” subject to the present invention is explained only for a better understanding of the subject without any limiting effect.

In addition, some elements or processing steps prepared to provide a better understanding of the invention may be used in various ways to ensure the integrity of meaning in sentences. The elements used in the different expressions and the procedure steps actually represent the corresponding numbered element or the procedure step. The wedge mechanism (1 ) subject to the invention comprises of;

o a bolt (2.1 ) with a spring plate (2.2), spring thrust washer (2.7) and spring (2.3),

o a spring plate (2.2) positioned upper part of the spring (2.3) that provides fixation of the upper side of the spring (2.3),

o a spring thrust washer (2.7), which is a thin plate, positioned in the lower part of the spring (2.3) that provides compressing or loosening the spring (2.3) and enables the spring(2.3) to press and adjust the height of the spring (2.3),

o a spring (2.3) that enables adjustment of the height in the place where the wedge is positioned (2) and fixation of the wedge (2) at a certain height ,

o a locking block(2.4) enabling the spring thrust washer(2.7) remain in the adjusted height and supporting in the lower surface of the spring thrust washer(2.7) ,

o a bearing plate (2.5) providing contact of the wedge (2) to the ground, o a chain flange 1 (2.6) that enables the safety chain (4) to hold onto the wedge (2),

• the wedge(2) fixing the stacked product comprises of (2),

o a hanger (3.1 ) placed in the lower part of the spring thrust washer (2.7) and enabling the spring (2.3) at adjusted height,

o a mounting hole (3.2) on the hanger system(3) enabling the hanger system (3) to be fastened on the product and fixed into the product with a screw

^■ a lock spring (3.3.1 ) that provides fastening and fixation of the hanger (3.1 ) and

^■ a hook (3.3.2) positioned in the head of the safety lock (3.3) that provides transportation of the product without any damage and closure of the safety lock(3.3) with a stop pin(3.5)

o a safety lock (3.3) that enables fixation of the wedge system (1 ), o a chain flange 2( 3.4) that enables the safety chain(4) to hold onto the hanger system(3) ,

o a stop pin(3.5) enables the positioning of the safety lock(3.3) on the hanger(3.1 ) to which the hook(3.3.2) is contacted • a hanger system(3) that provides connection between the product and the wedge (2) ,

• a safety chain (4) that connects the wedge (2) and hanger system (3) and enables safe transportation of the product carried by the wedge (2) and fixed by the hanger system (3);

The wedge (2) comprises of;

o a bolt (2.1 ) with a spring plate (2.2), spring thrust washer (2.7) and spring (2.3),

o a spring plate (2.2) positioned upper part of the spring (2.3) that provides fixation of the upper side of the spring (2.3),

o a spring thrust washer (2.7), which is a thin plate, positioned in the lower part of the spring (2.3) that provides compressing or loosening the spring (2.3) and enables the spring(2.3) to press and adjust the height of the spring (2.3),

o a spring (2.3) that enables adjustment of the height in the place where the wedge is positioned (2) and fixation of the wedge (2) at a certain height ,

o a locking block(2.4) enabling the spring thrust washer(2.7) remain in the adjusted height and supporting in the lower surface of the spring thrust washer(2.7) ,

o a bearing plate (2.5) providing contact of the wedge (2) to the ground, o a chain flange 1 (2.6) that enables the safety chain (4) to hold onto the wedge (2),

and enables the fixation of the stacked product.

The bolt (2.1 ) comprising of a spring plate (2.5) and spring thrust washer (2.7) and a spring (2.3) is positioned on a bearing plate (2.5).

The spring plate (2.2) is positioned on the upper part of the spring (2.3) that fixes the upper part of the spring (2.3). The spring thrust washer (2.7) is a thin plate positioned in the lower part of the spring (2.3) and it enables fastening or loosening the spring (2.3) and adjustment of the spring(2.3) height.

The spring (2.3) enables to adjust the wedge (2) in the place where it is positioned and fix the wedge (2) at a certain height .

Stop pin(2.4) is an element that enables spring thrust washer(2.7) to remain at adjusted height and support the lower surface of the spring thrust washer (2.7).

The bearing plate (2.5) is the part where the wedge (2) contact to the ground.

The chain flange 1 (2.6) is the gap that provides safety chain (4) holding and contacting to the wedge (4). Chain flange 1 (2.6) is positioned on either spring plate (2.2), or bolt (2.1 ) on the wedge (2).

The hanger system (3) comprises of;

• a hanger (3.1 ) placed in the lower part of the spring thrust washer (2.7) and enabling the spring (2.3) at adjusted height,

• a mounting hole (3.2) on the hanger system(3) enabling the hanger system (3) to be fastened on the product and fixed into the product with a screw

• a lock spring (3.3.1 ) that provides fastening and fixation of the hanger (3.1 ) and

• a hook (3.3.2) positioned in the head of the safety lock (3.3) that provides transportation of the product without any damage and closure of the safety lock(3.3) with a stop pin(3.5)

• a safety lock (3.3) that enables fixation of the wedge system (1 ),

• a chain flange 2( 3.4) that enables the safety chain(4) to hold onto the hanger system(3) ,

• a stop pin(3.5) enables the positioning of the safety lock(3.3) on the hanger(3.1 ) to which the hook(3.3.2) is contacted

and provides connection between the product and the wedge (2). The hanger system (3) interlocks the product and the wedge (2) and by this way, product is prevented from disconnecting the wedge (2).

The hanger (3.1 ) is the element placed in the lower part of the spring thrust washer (2.7) and enabling the spring (2.3) remains at the adjusted height.

Mounting hole (3.2) is the gap on the hanger system (3) to fix the hanger system (3) on the product with a screw.

The safety lock (3.3) comprising of a lock spring (3.3.1 ) and a hook (3.3.2) provides fixation of the wedge mechanism (1 ).

The locking spring (3.3.1 ) is positioned between the safety lock (3.3) and the hanger (3.1 ) and it provides fastening and fixation of the hanger (3.1 )

The hook (3.3.2) is positioned in the head of safety lock (3.3) to enable transportation of the product without any damage. The hook (3.3.2) provides the closure of the safety lock (3.3) with a stop pin (3.5).

The chain flange 2 (3.4) is the gap that provides safety chain (4) holding and contacting to the system. Chain flange 2 (3.4) is positioned in any place on the hanger system (3).

The stop pin(3.5) enables the positioning of the safety lock(3.3) on the hanger(3.1 ) to which the hook(3.3.2) is contacted

The safety chain (4) that connects the wedge (2) and hanger system (3) and enables safe transportation of the product carried by the wedge (2) and fixed by the hanger system (3);

For example; when a crane machine transports the product connected to the wedge mechanism (1 ), the end of the crane is attached to the safety chain (4) and the product is transported safely without shaking. The safety chain (4) is an element that connects the wedge (2) and hanger system(3) each other with a chain, wire, spring, rope etc.

The spring thrust washer (2.7) is moved up or down and the height of the spring (2.3) is adjusted (101 ). The hanger (3.2) is contacted between the spring thrust washer (2.7) and the bearing plate (2.5) (102). The mounting hole (3.1 ) is brought into contact with the stacked product and secured with the screw (103). The safety lock

(3.3) secures the hanger (3.2) and the wedge (2) (104). The wedge mechanism (1 ) secures the product (105). When the fixed product is to be transported, the crane contacts the safety chain (4) and lifts the product (106).

Securing (104) the hanger (3.2) and the wedge (2) of the safety lock (3.3); the hook (3.3.2) contacts the fixing pin (3.5) and closes the hanger (3.1 ) with the safety lock

(3.3). In this way, the hanger (3.2) is fixed on the wedge (2).

If the spring (2.3) moves in any process between the steps 101 -106; the stop block

(2.4) holds the spring thrust washer (2.7) fixed and prevents the spring (2.3) from moving.