Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Hoist-line slings
Utility Patent
1998-05-15
2001-01-02
Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Hoist-line slings
C053S399000, C053S444000, C206S597000, C206S599000, C220S636000
Utility Patent
active
06168222
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to packaging and shipping methods for elongated articles and, more particularly, to packaging and shipping methods for profile extrusions.
Various methods for packaging, handling and shipping of bundled articles have been introduced for consumer, commercial and industrial products. These methods are generally suited for shipping boxes, crates, containers or pallets containing articles for shipment. When shipping groups of articles where packaging in rigid protective containers is not feasible or too expensive, special methods must be used. This is especially the case for articles which may have special shapes, such as elongated shapes, or for items easily bent, scratched, or otherwise damaged.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,456,976 discloses a load lift assembly for a group of articles utilizing straps to secure a bundle. Edge protectors protect the edges of the articles being lifted. Lifting methods such as this are not effective in bundling elongated articles such as profile extrusions which are subject to scratching. Articles bundled by this method are difficult to pick up by other means, such as with a fork lift truck, without damage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,071 discloses a system for transporting and storing long extrusions. The system uses a pair of U-shaped frames for stacking the extrusions. A strap across the top of the extrusions secures the extrusions in the frames. A separate lift assembly lifts the bundle. The system requires special equipment and heavy assemblies to carry out its intended function.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore and object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method for elongated articles such as extruded shapes and profiles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method which provides protection over the full length of the articles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method which provides a means to bundle elongated articles with non-rectangular cross sections.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method which provides a means to easily lift a bundle of elongated articles from below.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method which does not require special shipping equipment.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method which provides protection for the bundled articles from vibration damage.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shipping, handling and storage method which is simple and inexpensive.
The method of the present invention comprises the steps of bundling elongated articles such as profile extrusions in a bundle having a generally flat top and a flat bottom. The bundle is wrapped by at least one, and preferably two lift straps spaced longitudinally along the bundle. The bundle comprising the elongated articles and lift straps is secured by wrapping with stretch film or other securing means.
To lift the bundle, an operator cuts the stretch film in the vicinity of end loops of the lift straps, allowing an overhead lift mechanism such as a spreader bar to lift the bundle. Upon lifting, support blocks comprising adhesive on one side of the block are attached to the bottom of the bundle. The support blocks provide a means to easily lift the bundle from the bottom, for example with a fork lift truck, as well as from above the bundle utilizing the lift straps. Additionally, the support blocks provide protection from vibration damage during transportation and distribute loads from stacked bundles.
The stretch film provides scratch protection for the entire length of the elongated articles, and provides a means to securely bundle elongated articles with a non-rectangular cross section such as circular, oval, or other shaped articles. In the preferred embodiment, the operator places edge protectors on the lift straps at the bottom longitudinal edges of the bundle before securing the bundle with stretch film.
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Chin Paul T.
Kramer Dean J.
Stephen Gould Paper Co., Inc.
Watkins, Jr. Kenneth S.
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