SKIDS FOR LOADS WITH CASTOR WHEELS

Abstract

An example of an apparatus to support a load for transportation is provided. The apparatus includes a base to rest on a surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of spacers extending from the base. In addition, the apparatus includes a support structure to support a load. The support structure is mounted on the plurality of spacers above the base. Furthermore, the apparatus includes an opening disposed on the support structure. The opening is to receive a protrusion extending from a bottom of the load.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/477,285, filed Dec. 27, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Stages are often used in the entertainment industry and may be platforms or other areas where a performer may perform an act, such as a live theater play, a musical recital, a lecture, or other performance for entertainment or informational purposes. Modern stages are designed to provide an audience positioned around the stage with a clear view of a performer on the stage. In addition, stages may have associated peripheral devices to generate effects to enhance the performance carried out on the stage. Such peripheral devices may include lighting fixtures as well as speakers and other devices, such as pyrotechnic equipment, fog machines, mirrors, and other props.

Peripheral equipment may be transported in cases or other containers to aggregate multiple pieces of equipment as well as provide protection during transportation in some examples. The cases or containers may further include mobility aids, such as wheels, to facilitate the movement of the equipment around a site.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a base to rest on a surface. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of spacers extending from the base. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a support structure to support a load. The support structure is mounted on the plurality of spacers above the base. The apparatus also includes an opening disposed on the support structure. The opening is to receive a protrusion extending from a bottom of the load.

The opening may be dimensioned to receive a castor wheel. The castor wheel may be the protrusion, may support the load and may provide mobility of the load. The apparatus may also include an aligner to secure the castor wheel in a predetermined orientation relative to the load. The predetermined orientation of the castor wheel relative to the load may provide access to a bottom of the support structure for a fork of a forklift. The plurality of spacers may form a first channel to receive a fork of a forklift. The first channel may run between the support structure and the base to allow the fork to lift the support structure. The apparatus may also include a second channel. The second channel may be an open channel through the support structure to allow the fork to lower the load onto the support structure. In addition, the first channel may be perpendicular to the second channel.

The apparatus may further include an anchor point to anchor a strap to secure the load on the support structure. The anchor point may be disposed on the support structure. The anchor point may be disposed on the base. The support structure may include a plurality of steel beams to support the load. Each steel beam may be substantially parallel to other steel beams of the plurality of steel beams. The support structure may further include a cross-beam connected to the plurality of steel beams in a perpendicular orientation to increase the rigidity of the support structure.

The support structure may be formed from a unitary piece of plastic.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transporting a load with a plurality of castor wheels. The method involves lifting the load above a support structure. The support structure is mounted on a plurality of spacers above a base. The base is to rest on a surface. The method also involves aligning each castor wheel of the plurality of castor wheels above a complimentary opening disposed on the support structure. Furthermore, the method involves lowering the load onto the support structure. Each castor wheel of the plurality of castor wheels is to be received by the complimentary opening.

The method may further involve securing each castor wheel of the plurality of castor wheels in a predetermined orientation relative to the load. The method may further involve inserting a fork of a forklift into a first channel. The first channel may run between the support structure and the base. In addition, the method may involve lifting the support structure from a bottom surface of the support structure with the fork.

The method of lifting the load above the support structure may involve inserting a fork underneath a bottom surface of the load through the plurality of castor wheels. The method may also involve positioning the fork underneath the load to balance the load on the fork. In addition, the method may involve lifting the load with the fork.

Lowering the load onto the support structure may involve lowering the fork into a second channel. The second channel may be an open channel through a top surface of the support structure. The fork may be removed along the second channel when the load rests on the support structure.

The method may further involve securing the load on the support structure with a strap anchored to the support structure. The method may further include securing the load on the support structure with a strap anchored to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 1D is a side view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A supporting a load for transportation;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A supporting a load for transportation;

FIG. 2C is a zoomed-in view of an indicated portion of FIG. 2B showing the apparatus supporting the load;

FIG. 3A is a side view of another example of an apparatus to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 3C is a top view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 4C is a top view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4A being loaded for transportation;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 6C is a front view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6A to support a load for transportation;

FIG. 6D is a side view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6A to support a load for transportation; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method of loading an apparatus to support a load for transportation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, etc.) may be for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than, those described or shown.

Equipment used in the assembly of a stage may be stored in cases or containers for transportation or storage. The cases and containers may have wheels, such as castor wheels, to facilitate the movement of the case or container across a surface at a site where a stage is being assembled or dismantled. In further examples, some larger pieces of equipment may include wheels mounted directly on the piece of equipment. Furthermore, some equipment or cases may include legs or other protrusions to elevate it above the surface. In the present description, the cases, containers, and some equipment may be referred to as a load.

To place the load onto a vehicle for transportation or to place the load on a rack in a storage facility, the load may be placed on a skid. The skid is not particularly limited and may have standard dimensions to fit on corresponding racks or in a transportation container, such as a truck trailer. In some examples, the skids may be configured to support multiple loads depending on the size of the load. In some examples, the skid may also be compatible with a forklift system to further facilitate the movement of equipment at a site and/or loading the equipment onto a rack. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the load is not particularly limited. In the present example, the load may be a case, a container, or some other piece of equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, an apparatus 50 to support a load for transportation is provided and generally shown. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 is not limited to any specific dimensions and may be larger or smaller based on the application. The apparatus 50 may be configured to support a load of various weights and may be designed accordingly. For example, the apparatus 50 may be rated for up to about 2000 pounds. In other examples, the weight limit of the apparatus 50 may be lower to provide a lighter apparatus 50 or may be higher for some applications where heavier loads are to be transported. The load to be supported by the apparatus 50 is not particularly limited and may include various pieces of support structures, stage equipment to generate sound and visual effects, cameras, speakers, instruments, wardrobe, catering, merchandise, and any other equipment that may be used for various performances normally transported in loads which often include cases with castors. In particular, the load may be a uniform dimension with other loads to allow for more space-efficient packing of the loads on the apparatus 50. In the present example, the apparatus 50 includes a base 55, a plurality of spacers 60, a support structure 65, and an opening 70.

The base 55 is to rest on a surface, such as the ground, the floor of a venue, or any other substantially flat surface. The base 55 is not particularly limited. For example, the base 55 may be made from material and components that include substantial mechanical rigidity to provide support for the apparatus 50 and the load (not shown) that rests upon the support structure 65. In some examples, the base 55 may include friction pads and/or vibration isolators, such as rubber feet, which may reduce the chance of sliding along the surface and may absorb vibrations to protect sensitive loads.

It is to be understood that the material of the base 55 is not particularly limited to any material and that several different types of materials are contemplated. In addition, the base 55 may be made from different materials such that different portions of the base may have different properties. For example, the base 55 may be made primarily from steel for its mechanical properties and include an exterior coating to reduce corrosion or provide aesthetic features.

The plurality of spacers 60 extend from the base 55 in an upward manner. In the present example, the spacers 60 are steel pillars mounted to the base to provide support for the support structure 65 above the base 55. The manner by which the spacers 60 are mounted to the base is not particularly limited. For example, the spacers 60 may be welded onto the base 55. In other examples, the spacers 60 may be fastened to the base 55 using fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or rivets. The spacers 60 are to provide enough clearance for protrusions extending from a load through the support structure 65. In the present example, the protrusion is a castor wheel. Accordingly, the height of the spacers 60 is to be at least as high as the distance the castor wheels extend from the bottom of the load.

The support structure 65 is mounted on the plurality of spacers 60. In the present example, the support structure 65 is to support the load thereon. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the support structure is not particularly limited and may be constructed of any material with sufficient mechanical properties to support the load. Accordingly, the support structure 65 may vary in construction between different applications where the load may be light or heavy. In the present example, the support structure 65 includes a plurality of substantially parallel steel beams.

In the present example, the support structure 65 further includes an opening 70 disposed thereon. The opening 70 is to receive a protrusion extending from the bottom of the load and to allow the protrusion to pass through the support structure 65 such that the support structure 65 engages the bottom of the load. In the present example, the protrusion of the load may be a castor wheel. The load may also include more than one castor wheel in some examples. The one or more castor wheels of the load may be used when the load is resting on the surface to provide mobility such that the load may be moved along a surface at a site with relative ease. By engaging the bottom of the load directly and effectively allowing the castor wheel to hang freely below the support structure 65 and the base 55, movement of the load relative to the support structure 65 is reduced. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that in some examples, a non-slip layer or coating may be applied to the top surface of the support structure 65 and/or the bottom of the load to increase friction and further reduce the likelihood of movement of the load relative to the support structure 65.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the apparatus 50 in use to support a plurality of loads is illustrated. In the present example, each load 100 us a case with a plurality of castor wheels 105 protruding from the bottom 110 of the load 100. The support structure 65 engages the bottom 110 and supports the weight of the entire load 100 such that the castor wheels 105 hang freely below the support structure 65 through an opening 70 such that when the base 55 rests on a surface, the castor wheels 105 do not make contact with the surface.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, views of another apparatus 50a to support a load 100 for transportation is provided and generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. In the present example, the apparatus 50a includes a base 55a, spacers 60a, a support structure 65a, an opening 70a, and anchor points 62a.

In the present example, the apparatus 50a is substantially made of a plastic material. The manufacture of the apparatus 50a is not particularly limited and may include various plastic forming techniques, such as injection molding. In other examples, the apparatus 50a may be manufactured from a three-dimensional printing process. The various components of the apparatus 50a may be made from multiple smaller pieces and connected using adhesives or fasteners. In some examples, the apparatus 50a may also be formed as a unitary piece of plastic. Further examples may involve larger components, such as the base 55a, the spacers 60a, and the support structure 65a each being formed from a unitary piece of plastic.

The anchor points 62a are to provide a location on the apparatus 50a to which a strap or other fastener is to be anchored. The straps may be used to secure one or more loads 100 on the apparatus 50a during transportation. The anchor points 62a are not particularly limited and may include any mechanism strong enough to provide an attachment point for a strap. The amount of force exerted at the anchor point 62a may vary depending on the application, such as the weight of the load 100 and the expected amount of acceleration forces to which the load 100 will be subjected. For example, an apparatus 50a to be used for storage on a rack system may not be subjected to the same forces as an apparatus 50a to be used on a moving vehicle. Accordingly, a stronger anchor point 62a is to be used in the latter example.

In the present example, the anchor points 62a are holes through which a strap can be inserted and tied. For example, the anchor points 62a may be about two inches in diameter. In other examples, the anchor points 62a may be hooks or other protrusions to which a strap may be tied. The location of the anchor points 62a is also not particularly limited. As shown, the anchor points 62a of the present example are formed on the spacers 60a. In other examples, the anchor points 62a may be disposed on the support structure 65a or the base 55a.

The support structure 65a of the present example includes a substantially flat surface on top of the spacers 60a to support the load 100. The surface includes a plurality of openings 70a cut through the apparatus 50a to the bottom of the apparatus 50a. In particular, the openings 70a may be holes drilled through the entire structures. The openings 70a allow protrusions from the bottom of the load 100 to hang freely below the support structure 65a while not contacting the surface on which the base 55a rests.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, views of another apparatus 50b to support a load 100 for transportation is provided and generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “b”. In the present example, the apparatus 50b includes a base 55b, spacers 60b, a support structure 65b, and openings 70b.

In the present example, the apparatus 50b is primarily constructed from a plurality of low carbon or mild steel conduits cut to a specified length. The pieces of steel are then welded to form the apparatus 50b. In the present example, the steel conduits are used as beams 66b in the support structure 65b. In particular, the steel beams 66b are arranged substantially parallel to support a load thereupon. In addition, the support structure 65b may also include a cross-beam 67b connecting two or more parallel steel beams 66b to increase the structural rigidity of the support structure 65b. In the present example, the cross-beam 67b is substantially perpendicular to the steel beams 66b. However, in other examples, the cross-beam 67b may be connected at an angle. In further examples, multiple cross-beams 67b may be used to increase the structural rigidity of the apparatus 50b.

The dimensions of the apparatus 50b is not particularly limited and may be designed for specific applications. For example, the apparatus 50b may be dimensioned to support four standard sized loads 100, such as cases about 48 inches long by about 24 inches wide by about 24 inches high. In other examples, the cases may be about 48 inches long by about 24 inches wide by about 24 inches high. In another example, the load 100 may be cases that are about 48 inches long by about 24 inches wide by about 36 inches high or about 24 long inches by about 24 inches wide by about 35 inches high. In this example, the apparatus 50b is designed to support four cases with castor wheels 105. FIG. 5 shows one load 100 loaded onto the apparatus 50b with another load 100 in the process of being loaded. When a load 100 is positioned onto a quarter of the apparatus 50b, the beams 66b and the cross-beams 67b surround each castor wheel 105 to limit the mobility of the load 100 when loaded. It is to be understood by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that when fully loaded with four cases, the movement of all castor wheels 105 and the load 100 will be limited by the support structure 65b.

In the present example, the apparatus 50b may further include a channel 72b to facilitate the handling of loads 100, such as the cases shown in FIG. 5, are loaded thereon. The channel 72b runs through the apparatus 50b from one side to the opposite side. In other words, the spacers 60b may be positioned such that the channel 72b is formed in a straight line between the bottom of the support structure 65b and the base 55b. The channel 72b may allow a strap to run therethrough and around the loads to secure the loads onto the support structure 65b. In addition, the channel 72b may be dimensioned to allow a fork 155 of a forklift 150 to pass therethrough. In this example, the fork 155 may then be used to lift the apparatus 50b by engaging the bottom of the support structure 65b.

In addition, the apparatus 50b may include an additional channel 74b that is open at the top of the support structure 65b. By having the open channel 74b within the support structure 65b, a load may be placed onto the support structure 65b with a fork 155 of a forklift 150 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In particular, a fork 155 of the forklift 150 may be inserted between protrusions from the bottom of the load, such as castor wheels. The forklift 150 may then lift the load balanced on the fork 155 and moved to a position above the apparatus 50b. As the load is lowered onto the support structure 65b, the bottom of the load will engage the support structure 65b as the fork 155 continues to be lowered into the channel 74b. Once the load is fully supported on the support structure 65b, the fork 155 may back out of the channel 74b.

In the present example, the channel 72b and the channel 74b are substantially perpendicular to each other. This design allows for the loads to be placed on top of the support structure 65b from one side of the apparatus 50b. Once the loads are placed on the apparatus 50b, the forklift 150 may be moved to the adjacent and substantially perpendicular side to lift and move the entire apparatus 50b with the loads.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, views of another apparatus 50c to support a load for transportation is provided and generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50c bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “c”. In the present example, the apparatus 50c includes a base 55c, spacers 60c, a support structure 65c, openings 70c, and aligners 75c.

In the present example, the aligners 75c are to secure the castor wheel 105 in a predetermined orientation relative to the load. By securing the castor wheel 105 in the position, the castor wheel 105 will not rotate freely. This will reduce the number of loose parts during transportation, which may also reduce the amount of noise and wear of the castor wheels 105. In addition, the aligners 75c may reduce the amount of movement of the load during transportation. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that by fixing the castor wheels 105 in a predetermined orientation and/or reducing the movement of the load, access to the bottom of the support structure 65c, such as via a channel, can be maintained.

In the present example, the aligners 75c are wedges inserted in corners where a castor wheel 105 of a load 100 is expected to pass through the support structure 65c. In this example, the apparatus 50c is to receive two loads 100 with a set of four castor wheels 105 on each load 100. Upon lowering the loads 100 onto the support structure 65c, the castor wheels 105 will align with the diagonal wall of each aligner 75c. The manner by which the diagonal wall of each aligner 75c interacts with the castor wheel 105 is not particularly limited. For example, the diagonal wall of each aligner 75c may press against the side of the castor wheel. In other examples, the castor wheel 105 may include a feature configured to engage the diagonal wall of each aligner 75c.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a method of transporting a load on the apparatus 50 is generally shown at 200. In order to assist in the explanation of method 200, it will be assumed that method 200 may be performed with the apparatus 50. Indeed, the method 200 may be one way in which the apparatus 50 may be used. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 200 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its various components. It is to be emphasized, that method 200 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.

Block 210 involves lifting a load above the support structure 65 of the apparatus 50. The manner by which the load is lifted above the support structure 65 is not particularly limited and may involve manually lifting the load by a person or multiple persons. In other examples, mechanical aids, such as a pulley lift system or forklift, may be used.

On the support structure 65, an opening 70 is disposed at predetermined locations. The opening 70 is to receive a protrusion from the bottom of the load 100, such as a castor wheel 105. Accordingly, the castor wheels 105 of the load 100 are to be aligned above a complimentary opening 70 of the support structure 65 at block 220. Next, block 230 involves lowering the load 100 onto the support structure 65 such that the castor wheel 105 is received by the opening 70 to pass through the support structure 65. This allows the load 100 to rest completely on the support structure 65 and the castor wheels to hang freely.

It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a base to rest on a surface;

a plurality of spacers extending from the base;

a support structure to support a load, wherein the support structure is mounted on the plurality of spacers above the base; and

an opening disposed on the support structure, wherein the opening is to receive a protrusion extending from a bottom of the load.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening is dimensioned to receive a castor wheel, wherein the castor wheel is the protrusion and the castor wheel is to support the load and to provide mobility of the load.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an aligner to secure the castor wheel in a predetermined orientation relative to the load.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the predetermined orientation of the castor wheel relative to the load is to provide access to a bottom of the support structure for a fork of a forklift.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spacers form a first channel to receive a fork of a forklift, wherein the first channel runs between the support structure and the base to allow the fork to lift the support structure.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second channel, wherein the second channel is an open channel through the support structure to allow the fork lower the load onto the support structure.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first channel is perpendicular to the second channel.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anchor point to anchor a strap, wherein the strap is secure the load on the support structure.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the anchor point is disposed on the support structure.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the anchor point is disposed on the base.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of steel beams to support the load, wherein each steel beam is substantially parallel to other steel beams of the plurality of steel beams.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support structure further includes a cross-beam connected to the plurality of steel beams in a perpendicular orientation to increase rigidity of the support structure.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure is formed from a unitary piece of plastic.

14. A method of transporting a load with a plurality of castor wheels, the method comprising:

lifting the load above a support structure, wherein the support structure is mounted on a plurality of spacers above a base, and wherein the base is to rest on a surface;

aligning each castor wheel of the plurality of castor wheels above a complimentary opening disposed on the support structure; and

lowering the load onto the support structure, wherein opening is to receive each castor wheel of the plurality of castor wheels is to be received by the complimentary opening.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising securing each castor wheel of the plurality of castor wheels in a predetermined orientation relative to the load.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

inserting a fork of a forklift into a first channel, wherein the first channel runs between the support structure and the base; and

lifting the support structure from a bottom surface of the support structure with the fork.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein lifting the load above the support structure comprises:

inserting a fork underneath a bottom surface of the load through the plurality of castor wheels;

positioning the fork underneath to load to balance the load on the fork; and

lifting the load with the fork.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein lowering the load onto the support structure comprises lowering the fork into a second channel, wherein the second channel is an open channel through a top surface of the support structure, and wherein the fork can be removed along the second channel when the load rests on the support structure.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising secure the load on the support structure with a strap anchored to the support structure.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising secure the load on the support structure with a strap anchored to the base.