MATERIALS SAFETY CAGE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

The technology described herein provides a materials safety cage and associated methods. A safety cage assembly for storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods includes a cage having vertical sides connected rectangularly and a base configured to receive a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured. The safety cage assembly includes a multiplicity frame rails to support the cage. The safety cage assembly also includes metal plates having a handle grip and pin slot and disposed on the cage and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base. The safety cage assembly also includes a loop opening to receive a hook. The safety cage assembly is configured for transport by both a crane and a forklift.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to enclosures for materials-carrying pallets, or pallet cages. More specifically, the technology described herein relates to a materials safety cage and associated methods. Furthermore, the technology described herein relates to a masonry materials safety cage for lifting with a crane, forklift, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pallets, or skids, of many varied embodiments are utilized in warehouses, and elsewhere, for the secure and safe storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods. A pallet provides for the support of its load up from an underneath side. Typically, pallets are lifted and/or maneuvered by a forklift, pallet jack, or the like. Goods stored on a pallet can be secured, for example, with straps and/or stretch-wrapped plastic film, or configured as a minicontainer or unit load device. Pallet cages can provide additional security and safety to a pallet in the storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods. Related patents known in the art include the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,723, issued to Sukeva on Jan. 13, 2004, discloses a pallet cage. The pallet cage comprises a pallet and four walls mounted on its edges, together forming a cage open above and having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, in which the four walls of the cage are separate castings pressed from plastic and detached from each other, two of the walls are opposite and identical side walls while the other two are opposite and identical end walls, the end wall consists of a straight, elongated and plate-like part having a joining element at each end of it, the side wall consists of a straight, elongated and plate-like part having a 90-degree corner part at each end of it, the outer edges of the side walls being provided with counterparts of the joining elements, the walls being connectable to each other by the joining elements and their counterparts to form the walls of a cage having the form of a right-angled parallelogram.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,136, issued to Parker on May 20, 2003, discloses a lifting device for a pallet comprising a rigid lower L-shaped lifting frame having a pair of lower rigid legs for inserting within openings in a pallet having a load thereon. The L-shaped lifting frame includes upwardly extending back frame members extending upwardly from the lower lifting legs. A pair of cables is connected to the back frame members and another pair of cables is connected to the free ends of the lower lifting legs. For connecting the lifting device onto the pallet, the front cables connected to the free ends of the legs are disconnected so that the legs may be inserted within openings in the pallet with free ends of the legs extending from the pallet. Then, the front cables are reconnected to the lifting legs for lifting of the pallet and load thereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,975, issued to Perez et al. on Apr. 4, 1998, discloses a method and apparatus for loading and unloading palletized loads. A sling for loading and unloading several palletized loads simultaneously comprises two pairs of spreader bars each having a plurality of teeth extending perpendicularly with respect to an elongate dimension of the respective spreader bar. The spreader bars are suspended by pairs of cables from a rectangular frame in turn supported by a plurality of support cables. The spreader bars are carried by the suspension cables so that the teeth project upwardly and inwardly from the respective spreader bar towards the associated bar of the respective pair.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,079, issued to Karpisek on Oct. 11, 1977, discloses pallet cages to couple to a pallet and enclose goods stacked on the pallet, each cage comprising four panels, two locking and two hinged. The locking panels having clips which by manipulation of the locking panel are engageable under battens of the pallet to prevent removal of the locking panel unless said manipulation is reenacted. Each locking panel is hingedly connected to a hinged panel and adjacent portions of the hinged and locking panels of an assembled cage having inter-engageable catch means to retain the pallet cage unified as a four sided enclosure.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,379, issued to Folberth on Jun. 10, 1975, discloses a cage-like structure which is intended to be removably mounted on a storage pallet, skid, dolly or other supporting base, to constitute a container for goods on the base. The structure includes a gripping foot bracket assembly at each of its lower corners. The gripping foot bracket is composed of a pair of interconnected sections, one of the sections being slidably mounted to the adjacent side of the structure, so as to be drawn into a tight gripping relationship with the edge of the pallet when the sides are moved down toward the plane of the load supporting surface of the base. The structure also includes a hinged end panel and movable locking clamps of a unique construction for holding the panel in a closed condition. The sides of the structure are also intercoupled by the locking clamps which permit each panel to be rigidly coupled to the adjacent panels, and yet to be easily separated from the adjacent panels when the structure is removed from the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,554, issued to Legg et al. on Jan. 21, 1975, discloses a cage-like structure is provided which is intended to be removably mounted on a storage pallet to constitute a container for goods on the pallet. The structure includes a gripping foot bracket assembly at each of its lower corners. The gripping foot bracket comprises a pair of interrelated sections, one of the sections being slidably mounted to the adjacent side of the structure, so as to be drawn into a tight gripping relationship with the edge of the pallet when the sides are moved down toward the plane of the load supporting surface of the pallet. The structure also includes a hinged end panel and a movable locking strip of a unique construction for holding the panel in a closed condition. The sides of the structure are intercoupled by unique locking brackets which permit each panel to be rigidly coupled to the adjacent panels, and yet to be easily separated from the adjacent panels when the structure is removed from the pallet.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a materials safety cage and associated methods. Additionally, the technology described herein provides a masonry materials safety cage for lifting with a crane, forklift, or the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a safety cage assembly for storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods. The safety cage includes: a cage, the cage having a plurality of vertical sides connected rectangularly; and a base configured to receive upon a top surface of the base a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured. The safety cage assembly is configured for transport by both a crane and a forklift.

The safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of vertical corner rails, each rail connecting two ends of the plurality of vertical sides, and thereby forming corners of the cage, each vertical corner rail configured to provide structural support to the cage and each vertical corner rail having a leg for connectivity to the base. The safety cage also includes a plurality of vertical side rails, each rail being vertical and disposed in a center region of each of the plurality of vertical sides, the plurality vertical side rails configured to provide structural support to the cage.

The safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of metal plates, each metal plate having a handle grip and a pin slot and disposed on the cage on one of the vertical corner rails and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base.

The safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of top rails, the top rails being horizontal and diagonal and connecting vertical corner rails opposite one another at a top of the cage, and the top rails configured to provide structural support to the safety cage assembly. The safety cage further includes a plurality of gussets, each gusset disposed upon a corner of the cage and an end of one of the pair of top rails. The safety cage also includes a platform disposed on a top of the cage and a loop opening disposed upon the platform and extending upwardly and configured to receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage.

The cage also comprises a plurality of bottom frame rails connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails and configured to provide structural support to the cage. The cage further comprises a plurality of top frame rails connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails and configured to provide structural support to the cage. The safety cage also includes a wire mesh disposed around the cage perimeter.

The base of the safety cage assembly also includes a plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to receive one of the vertical corner rail legs. The base is further comprised of a plurality of horizontal support rails, a number of the horizontal rails extending from a left side to a right side of the base, and a number of the horizontal rails extending from a front to a back of the base, configured to provide structural support to the base. Alternatively, the base is further comprised of a plurality support rails, the rails being horizontal and diagonal and configured to provide structural support to the base.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method for storing, distributing, transporting, and handling goods with a safety cage assembly. The method includes: utilizing a safety cage assembly having a cage, the cage having a plurality of vertical sides connected rectangularly and a base configured to receive upon a top surface of the base a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured; loading the load-bearing pallet upon the top surface of the base; lowering the cage upon the base; and engaging and securing the cage to the base.

The method also includes utilizing a safety cage assembly further having a platform disposed on a top of the cage and a loop opening disposed upon the platform and extending upwardly and configured to receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage; and hooking the loop opening with a crane hook, or the like, to lift and move the cage.

The method also includes utilizing a safety cage assembly further having a plurality of vertical corner rails, each rail connecting two ends of the plurality of vertical sides, and thereby forming corners of the cage, each vertical corner rail configured to provide structural support to the cage and each vertical corner rail having a leg for connectivity to the base; and a plurality of metal plates, each metal plate having a handle grip and a pin slot and disposed on the cage on one of the vertical corner rails and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base; and attaching each metal plate of the cage to one base pin on the base, thereby securely connecting the cage to the base.

The method also includes unattaching each metal plate of the cage from each base pin on the base, thereby disconnecting the cage from the base when the safety cage assembly is ready for unloading.

The method also includes that the base further includes a plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to receive one of the vertical corner rail legs; and lowering the cage into the base such that the vertical corner rail legs are placed into the corner receivers of the base.

The method further includes utilizing a safety cage assembly further having a wire mesh disposed around the cage perimeter; and securing a load upon a pallet on the base with the cage and preventing the load from exiting the cage through the wire mesh.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a safety cage, according to an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 2 is both a front and back view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a both a front and back view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the lowering, by a crane, or the like, of the safety cage over the safety cage base, a pallet, and a load of blocks on the pallet, according to an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 6 is a close-up view safety cage depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the metal plate, cage pin, and base pin, with the cage engaged to the base, according to an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view safety cage depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the metal plate, cage pin, and base pin, with the cage disengaged from the base, according to an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 8 is a view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1, shown in use with a forklift, according to an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 9 is a view of the safety cage depicted in FIG. 1, shown in use with a crane, according to an embodiment of the technology;

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a materials safety cage and associated methods. The safety cage assembly is configured for transport by both a crane and a forklift. Additionally, the technology described herein provides a masonry materials safety cage for lifting with a crane, forklift, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, a safety cage assembly 100 is shown. FIGS. 1 through 4 represent the same safety cage assembly 100 in front perspective, front and back, side, and top views, respectively. The safety cage assembly 100 includes a cage 102 and a base 104. The safety cage assembly 100 is configured for storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods in a pallet area 200 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) secured by the safety cage assembly 100. By way of example, the safety cage assembly 100 is utilized for moving masonry materials. The cage 102 has four vertical sides generally connected in a generally rectangular shape. The base 104 is configured to receive upon a top surface of the base 104 a load-bearing pallet, or the like, wherein the pallet is loaded with goods. The cage 102 is lowered upon the base 104, to attach, engage, and secure, the cage 102 to the base 104 for safe transportation of the pallet of goods.

The same safety cage assembly 100 includes a plurality of vertical corner rails 106. Each vertical corner rail 106 connects two ends of the vertical sides of the cage 102. Each vertical corner rail 106 is configured to provide structural support to the cage 102. Each vertical corner rail 106 has a leg for connectivity to the base 104. The same safety cage assembly 100 also includes a plurality of vertical side rails 108. Each vertical side rail 108 is vertically disposed in a center region of each of the vertical sides of the cage 102, thus configured to provide structural support to the cage 102.

The safety cage assembly 100 also includes a plurality of bottom frame rails 134. The bottom frame rails 134 are connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails 106 near the bottom of the cage 102 and configured to provide structural support to the cage 102. The bottom frame rails 134 are connected together in a generally rectangular shape and integrally formed with the cage 102. The safety cage assembly 100 further includes a plurality of top frame rails 132. The top frame rails 132 are connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails 106 near the bottom of the cage 102. The top frame rails 132 are connected together in a generally rectangular shape and integrally formed with the cage 102.

The safety cage assembly 100 also includes a plurality of top diagonal rails 118. The top diagonal rails 118 are horizontal and diagonal and connect the vertical corner rails 106 opposite one another at a top of the cage 102. The top diagonal rails 118 are configured to provide structural support to the safety cage assembly. Disposed upon each cage top corner, each corner formed at the joint of a vertical corner rail 106 top, pair of top frame rails 132, and top diagonal rail 118, is a gusset 120. The gusset 120 provides additional structure to the cage 102 and various frame members intersecting at each top corner of the cage (i.e., 106, 132, and 118).

Disposed on the top of the cage 102, at the cross-intersection of two top diagonal rails 118, is a platform 124. The platform 124 provides additional structural integrity to the cage 102 and provides support for the lifting of the cage 102. Located upon the platform 124 is a loop opening 122. The loop opening extends upwardly and is configured to receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage 102.

The safety cage assembly 100 includes a plurality of metal plates 110. Each metal plate 110 is secured to one of the vertical corner rails 106, near the bottom of the rail, with a cage pin 116. Each metal plate 110 includes a handle grip 114 to grip and swing the metal plate 110 as needed for proper alignment with the base 104 and attachment to a base pin 112. A pin slot 202 (FIG. 2) is provided in which the base pin 112 enters and latches downwardly in a secure position.

The safety cage assembly 100 includes a wire mesh 126 disposed around the perimeter of the cage 102. The wire mesh 126 further secures the various rails and frames together and contains a pallet load with the cage 102. Thus, no contents loaded on a pallet contained within the safety cage assembly 100 are allowed to exit. This provides added safety to the safety cage assembly 100.

The base 104 of the safety cage assembly 100 includes a plurality of horizontal support rails 128, 130. The horizontal support rails 128, 130 include a number 130 of the horizontal rails extending from a left side to a right side of the base 104 and a number 128 of the horizontal rails extending from a front to a back of the base 104. The horizontal support rails 128, 130 are configured to provide structural support to the base 104. Alternatively, the horizontal support rails are configured diagonally between the corners of the base 104 to provide structural support to the base 104.

By way of example, a safety cage assembly 100 is manufactured by utilizing two-inch tubular steel. Other durable materials can be utilized so long as very heavy loads are supported. A square perimeter is constructed of the two-inch tubular steel, forming top frame rails 132. A square perimeter is constructed of the two-inch tubular steel, forming bottom frame rails 134. The rails 132 are integrally formed to each other, such as by welding. The rails 134 are integrally formed to each other, such as by welding. The square perimeters can, for example, measure fifty four inches measured from the outside of the frame and fifty two inches from the inside. The square perimeters can be strengthened by utilization of gussets 120 at the corners. The gusset 120 is, for example, a quarter-inch steel plate gusset. The top diagonal rails 118 can also be constructed from two-inch tubular steel connecting. The top diagonal rails 118 form an “X” shape across the integrally formed top frame rails 132. At the cross-section of the top diagonal rails 118, where the top diagonal rails 118 intersect in the “X,” a platform 124 is welded, or otherwise integrally formed, to maintain the top of the cage 102 and to support a loop opening 122. The loop opening 122 can be formed, for example, by utilizing a one-inch eye bolt having a six-inch opening to receive a crane hook, or the like. The eye bolt can be welded to the platform 124. The vertical corner rails 106 opposite one another can also be constructed of two-inch tubular steel, connecting, and integrally formed with, the top and bottom square perimeters. The vertical corner rails 106 are, for example, sixty inches in length. At approximately four inches above a base of each vertical corner rails 106 the bottom square perimeter is welded, or otherwise integrally formed, to the vertical corner rails 106. The remaining four inches below the weld creates “legs” for placement in the base 104. Within the bottom square perimeter constructed of the bottom frame rails 134, one-inch holes, for example, are drilled at each corner, configured to receive one-inch bolts, or pins, on which a half-inch, oval-shaped metal plate 110 is placed. The metal plate 110 is configured with two holes, one hole configured with a pin slot 202, so that another one-inch bolt, or pin, can pass through and slide down into the pin slot 202 to latch securely. The pallet base 104 similarly is constructed of two-inch tubular steel. The pallet base 104 is also fitted with corner receivers to accommodate the legs of the cage 102 as the cage 102 is lowered upon the base 104. The pallet base 104 is, for example, fitted with five inch by five inch angled steel feet, integrally formed with the base 104. In operation the cage 102 can be removed entirely from the base 104 in a vertical position, eliminating the need for additional work space.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the safety cage assembly 100 is depicted in use with a crane 500 and crane hook 502. Utilizing a crane 500 and crane hook 502 enables the cage 102 of the safety cage assembly 100 to be lifted above the base 104. By way of example, pallet area 200 is shown with a load of masonry blocks 504. A pallet of blocks 504 has been placed upon the base 104, by a forklift of the like. The crane 500 lowers the crane hook 502 holding the cage 102 over the loaded pallet and received at the base 104 by the corner receivers 506. A corner receiver 506 is located at each corner of the base and is configured to receive a leg from the vertical corner rails 106 of the cage 102. The cage 102 is secured to the base 104 with the metal plates 110, pin slots 202, and base pins 112. Once secured, the pallet of blocks 504 can be transported safely and securely. Once transported, the metal plates 110 and base pins 112 are released, allowing the cage 102 to be removed from the base 104 and pallet of blocks 504.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, close up views of the metal plate 110, cage pin 116, and base pin 112, with the cage 102 engaged to the base 104 (FIG. 6) and with the cage 102 disengaged from the base 104 (FIG. 7), all of the safety cage assembly 100, are shown. Each metal plate 110 includes a handle grip 114 to assist with alignment of the cage 102 to the base 104. Additionally, each metal plate 110 includes a pin slot 202 to receive the base pin 112. When disengaged from the base 104, the metal plate 110 swings to provide alignment capabilities when attempting to engage the cage 102 to the base 104.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the safety cage assembly 100 is depicted in use with a forklift 800. The cage 102 is secured to base 104 and a pallet load can be contained within. The safety cage assembly 100 is configured such that a pallet within is still accessible by a forklift 800.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the safety cage assembly 100 is depicted in use with a crane 500 and crane hook 502, similar to the depiction in FIG. 5, yet illustrated with the cage 102 engaged to the base 104 and shown in use with a pallet load. The crane hook 502 connects through and hooks the loop opening 122 disposed on top of the cage 102. The safety cage assembly 100 is configured such that a pallet within is lifted by a crane 500 and transported.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A safety cage assembly for storage, distribution, transportation, and handling of various goods, the safety cage comprising:

a cage, the cage having a plurality of vertical sides connected rectangularly; and
a base configured to receive upon a top surface of the base a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured.

2. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of vertical corner rails, each rail connecting two ends of the plurality of vertical sides, and thereby forming corners of the cage, each vertical corner rail configured to provide structural support to the cage and each vertical corner rail having a leg for connectivity to the base.

3. The safety cage assembly of claim 2, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to receive one of the vertical corner rail legs.

4. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of vertical side rails, each rail being vertical and disposed in a center region of each of the plurality of vertical sides, the plurality vertical side rails configured to provide structural support to the cage.

5. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of metal plates, each metal plate having a handle grip and a pin slot and disposed on the cage on one of the vertical corner rails and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base.

6. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of top rails, the top rails being horizontal and diagonal and connecting vertical corner rails opposite one another at a top of the cage, and the top rails configured to provide structural support to the safety cage assembly.

7. The safety cage assembly of claim 6, further comprising:

a plurality of gussets, each gusset disposed upon a corner of the cage and an end of one of the pair of top rails.

8. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a platform disposed on a top of the cage; and
a loop opening disposed upon the platform and extending upwardly and configured to receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage.

9. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a wire mesh disposed around the cage perimeter.

10. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is further comprised of a plurality of horizontal support rails, a number of the horizontal rails extending from a left side to a right side of the base, and a number of the horizontal rails extending from a front to a back of the base, configured to provide structural support to the base

11. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is further comprised of a plurality support rails, the rails being horizontal and diagonal and configured to provide structural support to the base.

12. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the safety cage assembly is configured for transport by both a crane and a forklift.

13. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the cage further comprises a plurality of bottom frame rails connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails and configured to provide structural support to the cage.

14. The safety cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the cage further comprises a plurality of top frame rails connected to the plurality of vertical corner rails and configured to provide structural support to the cage.

15. A method for storing, distributing, transporting, and handling goods with a safety cage assembly, the method comprising:

utilizing a safety cage assembly comprising: a cage, the cage having a plurality of vertical sides connected rectangularly; and a base configured to receive upon a top surface of the base a load-bearing pallet, or the like, and upon which the cage is lowered and to which the cage is attachably engaged and secured;
loading the load-bearing pallet upon the top surface of the base;
lowering the cage upon the base; and
engaging and securing the cage to the base.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

utilizing a safety cage assembly further comprising: a platform disposed on a top of the cage; and a loop opening disposed upon the platform and extending upwardly and configured to receive a hook for lifting and transporting the cage; and
hooking the loop opening with a crane hook, or the like, to lift and move the cage.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

utilizing a safety cage assembly further comprising: a plurality of vertical corner rails, each rail connecting two ends of the plurality of vertical sides, and thereby forming corners of the cage, each vertical corner rail configured to provide structural support to the cage and each vertical corner rail having a leg for connectivity to the base; and a plurality of metal plates, each metal plate having a handle grip and a pin slot and disposed on the cage on one of the vertical corner rails and connected to the cage with a cage pin, each metal plate configured for attachability to a base pin on the base; and
attaching each metal plate of the cage to one base pin on the base, thereby securely connecting the cage to the base.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

unattaching each metal plate of the cage from each base pin on the base, thereby disconnecting the cage from the base when the safety cage assembly is ready for unloading.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of corner receivers, each corner receiver configured to receive one of the vertical corner rail legs, and the method further comprising:

lowering the cage into the base such that the vertical corner rail legs are placed into the corner receivers of the base.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

utilizing a safety cage assembly further comprising: a wire mesh disposed around the cage perimeter; and
securing a load upon a pallet on the base with the cage and preventing the load from exiting the cage through the wire mesh.
Patent History
Publication number: 20090241809
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 31, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 1, 2009
Inventor: James Allen Head (Locust Grove, GA)
Application Number: 12/058,793
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Load-confining Means (108/55.1); With Pallet Feature (206/386); Receptacle Having Rigid, Removable External Jacket Or Casing (220/23.91)
International Classification: B65D 19/38 (20060101);