GB2571904A

GB2571904A - A pipe support rack

Info

Publication number: GB2571904A
Application number: GB1721446.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mahon Enda
Original assignee: Progrip Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Progrip Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2017-12-20
Publication date: 2019-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-20
Also published as: GB2571904B; WO2019122246A1; GB201721446D0

Abstract

A pipe support rack assembly 2 for a pipe transport vehicle 1 comprising pipe support rack assemblies. The vehicle 1 has a chassis frame 3 forming a flat load bed mounted on wheels 4 for drawing behind a tractor vehicle. Each pipe support rack is slidably mounted on a pair of rails 5 extending longitudinally on top of the chassis 3 by means of which the pipe support racks can be moved together and apart for adjustment of the longitudinal spacing of the pipe support racks 2 on the chassis 3. Each pip support rack assembly 2 has a base frame 7. A pair of upright posts 14, 15 are slidable within the base frame 7 to allow adjustment of the width between the posts, 1 which are telescopically slidable on the base frame, the upright posts can slide on the base frame and be locked at any desired spacing. A plurality of pipe support rails 20 are mounted vertically spaced-apart between the upright posts the base frame. Each pipe support rail is height adjustable on the upright posts. Pipe support chocks 60 are mounted on the pipe support rails.

Description

(57) A pipe support rack assembly 2 for a pipe transport vehicle 1 comprising pipe support rack assemblies. The vehicle 1 has a chassis frame 3 forming a flat load bed mounted on wheels 4 for drawing behind a tractor vehicle. Each pipe support rack is slidably mounted on a pair of rails 5 extending longitudinally on top of the chassis 3 by means of which the pipe support racks can be moved together and apart for adjustment of the longitudinal spacing of the pipe support racks 2 on the chassis 3. Each pip support rack assembly 2 has a base frame 7. A pair of upright posts 14, 15 are slidable within the base frame 7 to allow adjustment of the width between the posts, 1 which are telescopically slidable on the base frame, the upright posts can slide on the base frame and be locked at any desired spacing. A plurality of pipe support rails 20 are mounted vertically spaced-apart between the upright posts the base frame. Each pipe support rail is height adjustable on the upright posts. Pipe support chocks 60 are mounted on the pipe support rails.

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Infroductfon

S This invention relates to a pipe support rack, and in particular I» a pipe support rack for a transport vehicle for transporting relatively large pipes such as are used in gas and water utilities.

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According fo the invention, there is provided a pipe support rack assembly for a pipe transport vehicle, the pipe support rack assembly including;

a base frame having attachment means for securing the base frame to the 15 transport vehicle, a pips support on the base frame.

a pair of spaced-apart upnght posts on the base frame, arid al least one pipe support rail mounted between the upright posts spaced above the base frame for ciamping engagement with a pipe mounted on the base trams.

in one embodiment of the invention each pipe support rail is mounted between an associated pair of rail mounts on the upright posts.

In another embodiment of foe invention each rail mount is height adjustable on the posts.

in another embodiment of the invention each rail mount Is slidably engagabie with the post in another embodiment of the invention each rail is pivotally mounted on me. mil mount and is fefeasably angagabte with an associated patch on the other rail mount.

fo another embodiment of the invention each rail is pivotally mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin having a pivot axis which is_; parallel to a longitudinal axis of the upright post.

In another embodiment of the invention each rail is movable on the posts for releasable clamping engagement with the pipe.

in another embodiment of the invention each rail is vertically movable by means of a 10 ram for clamping engagement with the pipe.

In another embodiment of the invention the· ram is operable to raise add lower the rail on the pivot pin,

In another embodiment of the· invention each rail has a resilient pipe-engaging pad on an underside of the rail.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one mil has at least one pair of pipe support chocks at a lop of the rail

In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of spaced-apart rails are mounted above the base frame between the upright posts.

In. snether embodiment of the invention the pipe support on fhe base comprises: a 25 resilient: pari.

tn another embodiment of the invention ttte pipe support on ths base frame comprises at least one pair of pipe support chocks.

In another embodiment of the invention the spacing between the posts on the base frame is adjustable.

In an other embodiment of the invention the posts are slidably mounted on the base ham® for movement together and apart.

.. *5 * ' S'* ' ·

In another embodiment of the invention the base frame has a tubular cross member and inwardly directed slide arms at a base of each post are telescopically siidabte within the cross member.

In another embodiment st the invention the base frame is slidably mounted on a pair of tracks.

In another embodiment, the upright posts comprise a fixed post arid a movable cost, the fixed post carry-no a plurality of vertically spaced-apart pipe support rails which are 10 movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position extending across' (tie bass frame for engagement with the movsble post, and the movable post is movable between an engaged position in engagement with outer ends of the pipe support rails and a disengaged position released from the pipe support rails.

in another embodiment, the mgyabfe post is movable between a lowered disengaged position adjacent the base frame and an upstanding engaged posit-on on the base frame.

In another embodiment, the movable post' is pivotally mounted on the. base frame for 20 movement between the lowered disengaged position and the upstanding engaged position.

In another embodiment, each pipe support rail is pivotally movable on the fixed post between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

In another embodiment, each pipe: support: rail is pivotally movable by means ©f sn hydraulic motor.

tri another embodiment each pipe, support rail is pivotally movable by moans of a fam;

In another embodimsnti the movable post has tooting: means for engaging and urging an uppemiost pipe support rail towards the base frame.

in another embodiment, the locking means comprises a locking plate assembly 35 mounted on the movable post and operable by means of a rant and a hoc-s on the locking plate for engaging toe uppermost pipe support rail.

In another embodiment, the hook is adjustable on the locking plate.

In another embodiment, the looking plate has a piutaliiy of spaced-apart mounting points for reception of the hook.

In another embodiment. the attachment mea as comprises on® or more twistiocks.

In ahofher aspect the invention provides a semi-trailer incorporating two or mot® ofthe 10 pipe support racks spaced-apart on a chassis of the semi-trailer.

In another embodiment each pipe support rack is mounted on rails for iongltudihai movement and positioning on the chassis.

Thu invention w-li he more dearly understood by the foltowing description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe transport semi-trailer incorporating pipe; support rack assemblies of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an efevational ww of the pipe transport, semi-trailer;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the pipe; support rack assembly of the invention;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail perspective view of a rail mounting portion of the. 30 pipe support rack assembly;

Rg. 5 is an enlarged detail perspective view showing another rail mounting portion of the pipe support rack assembly of the invention;

Fig. 6 « a perspective view of another pipe transport semi-trailer incorporating

-5pipe support rack assemblies- according to a second embpdimertt of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the pipe transport semirtraifer shown in Fig. B, 5 shown in a partially loaded position;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pipe support rack assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig 8;

Fig. io is ah .elevationai view of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8;

Rg. 11 Is a side etevational view of pipe support rack.assembly of Fig. 8;

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Fig. 12 is a plan view of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8;

Figs. 13 to 17 are various views of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8 shown in a position ready tor loading;

Fig. 18 to Fig. 22 are various views of the pipe support rack. assembly of Fig. 8 with a first, bottom layer of pipes mounted on the pipe support rack assembly:

Fig. 23 to Fig. 27 show various views of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig.

8_; shown with a second layer of pipes mounted on the pipe support rack assembly above ths firs’ layer of pipes;

Fig. 28 to Fig. 32 are various views showing the swinging movement of a pipe support rail of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8 swinging between a 30 disengaged position and a loading position;

Fig 33 to Fig. 37 are various views showing the pipe support rack assembly of F-g 8 in a fully loaded position with a plurality of layers of pipes stacked on toe pipe support rack:

- 6Fig. 38 to Fig. 42 shows, engagement .©f the uppermost pipe support rail with the uppermost layer of pipes on the p oe support rack assembly in the fully loaded positon.

Fig. 43 to Fig. 51 are various views showing pivoting movement of a locking mast of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8 between a disengaged position arto an upnghi engaged position with the pipe support rails;

Fig. 53 to Fig. 55 are various views of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig 8 10 shown in a fully loaded and locked positon;

Fig, 55 to Fig. 60 are various views of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8 in which a base frame of the pipe support rack assembly is shown in an extended position;

Fig 61 to Fig. 66 are various views snowing an intermediate pipe support rail for the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8;

Fig. 67 to Fig. 72 are various views of a top pipe support rail of the pipe. 20 support rack assembly of Fig. 8;

Fig. 73 is a perspective view of theintermediate pipe support rap shown in Fig. 61;

Fig. 74 is a perspective view of the top pipe support rail shown in Fra. 67;

Fig. 75 is an exploded view of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8;

Fig. 76 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mast;

Fig. 7? is a perspective view of the locking mast, shown in an open positon;

Fig, 78 to a perspective view of the looking mast, shown in to locked position;

Fig. 79 is a detail sectional view of the looking mast;

Fig. 80 is a perspective view of the pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8 with the locking mast .shown in a partially raised position;

δ Fig, 81 to a perspective view of the pipe support reck assembly of Fig. 8 with the looking mast .shown in a folly raised upright positon:

Fig. 82 to Fig. 87 are various view's of another intermediate pipe support rail assembly according to another embodiment of the invention for use with the 10 pipe support rack assembly of Fig. 8; and

Figs. 88 to 93 ars various views showing a top support rail similar to the; support rail type shown in Fig. 82;

Dataited Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a pipe transport semi-trailer according to the invention, indicated generally by the -reference numeral 1. The pipe transport semi-trailer incorporates a pair of spaced-apart pipe support rack assemblies 20 according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 2. The semitrailer 1 has a chassis frame 3 forming a flat load bed mounted on wheels 4 -for drawing behind a tractor vehicle (not shown) in the usual way. Each pipe support rack is slidably mounted on a pair of ra-ls ft extending longitudinally on top of the chassis by means of which the pipe support racks 2 can be moved together and .apart fer 25 adjustment of the longitudinal spacing of the pipe support racks 2 on th® chassis 3,, as indicated by the arrows A in Fig, 2.

Referring in particular to Fig. 3. each pipe support rack assemb’-v 2 rias a base frame

7. The base frame 7 has a tubular central cross member 8 with a pair of spaced-apart outwardly extending arms 9 at each side terminating in a tubular outer cross member which is parallel to the central cross member 8. U-bolts 12 provided on an. underside of each arm 9 are engagabfe with the rails 5 to securely attach each pip® support rack 2 to the rails 5 on the semi-trailer chassis 3.. In an alternative arrangement twistlocks may be provided wh-ch arc engagable between the base 35 frame 7 and the bed of the traitor or bolsters on the traitor.

- 8 ·

A pair of spaced-apart upright posts 14. 15 ,s mounted on the base frame 7. Slide arms (not shown'; at a bottom o? each upright post 14.15 are slidable within the central cross member 8 of the base frame 7 to allow adjustment of the width between the posts 14, 15 which are telescopically slidable on the central cross member 8 Support anus 17 project outwardly at a bottom of each upright post 14, 15. At. an outer end of each arm 17, a slide element 18 projects inwardly for sliding engagement within the tubular crass members 10. Thus, the upright posts 14, W can slide together and apart on the base frame 7 and be looked at any desired spacing. Rams 19 mounted 10 between arms 9 at either end of the base frame 7 and support arms 17 on the posts

14,15 are operable to slide the posts 14,15 on the base frame 7.

A number of pipe support rars 20 are mounted vertically spaced-apod between the upright posts 14, 15 above the base frame 7, Each pips support rail .20 is height:

adjustable on the upright posts 14, 15. being mounted between mounting sleeves 22,

23. Each mounting sleeve 22, 23 is slidably mounted on ths associated upright post

14, 15. Each upright post 14, 15 has inwardly directed flanges 25, 26 (best seen m Fig. 4) with vertically spaced-apart through holes 27 for rocepttoh of a looking pin 28 which engages associated through hates 29 on the mounting sleeves 22, 23 to secure 20 each mounting sleeve 22, 23 at any desired vertical position on the associated upright post 14.15,

Each pipe support rail 2.0 is pivotally mounted on a first rail mount 30 on the mounting sleeve 22 and is releasably engagabie with an associated catch assembly 32 on lira 25 other mounting sleeve 23 on the associated upright post 15. The first rail mount 30 has a top plate 34 and a bottom plate 35 projecting outwardly from the mounting sleeve 22. A cylindrical housing 36 extends between the plates 34, 35 and rias a helical opening 37 for through passage of an end of the pipe support rail 2-0 into the housing 35. A pivot pin 38 is vertically mounted between associated bushings on the 30 plates 34, 35. A bushing 40 at an outer end of the pipe support rail 20 rotatably engages the pivot pin 38.

Thus, the pipe support rail 20 can swing in a horizontal plane, as indicated by arrow B in Fig. 4. A swivel bracket 42 at a top of the pivot pin 38 carries ..a ram 45 which 35 connects to a fam mount 46· on top < the pipe support rail 20 to raise: and lower the pipe support rail 20 on ths pivot pin 38, as indicated by arrow C in rig. 4. A rubber strip 48 is provided on an underside of the pipe support rail 20.

At an opposite end of the pipe support rail 20, a free end 50 of the pipe support mil 20 is engagable with an associated receiver 52 which projects outwardly of the mounting sleeve 23 on the other upright post 15. A locking hook 54 is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin 55 on ths receiver 52 for movement between a raised open position to allow entry arid removal of the free end 50 of the pipe support rail 20 with the receiver 52, and a lowered position locking the free end 50 of the pipe support rail 20 in engagement with the receiver 52. as shown in hg. 5. Pivoting of the locking hock 54 is indicated by arrow D in Fig. 5. A ram 56 extends between the locking hook 54 and an associated mounting bracket 57 on the mounting sleeve 23 and is operable to open and dose the tacking hook 54.

Referritrg in particular to Fig:. 1, pairs rf pipe support ebooks 60 are mounted on ths: central cross member 8 of the base feme 7 and on the tower and middle pipe:, support rails 20.

In. use, each pipe support rack 2 can be longitudinally adjusted on the chassis 3 as required, depending on the length of the pipes to be transported, and secured in position by means of the U-boits 12 on each base frame 7 With the pipe support rails swivelled to one side, a number of pipes can be mounted between the pipe support chocks 60 on the two spaced-apari base femes 7. The lowermost pipe support rail can then be swung back across the top of the pipes to engage rite catch 32 on the post 15, seeunng the pipes on the base feme 7, the lowermost pipe support rail 20 clamping the pipes on the base frame 7. Another set of pipes can then be mounted on the chocks 60 on the lowemtost pipe support rail 20 and the middle- pipe support rail 20 is swung back arid reengaged with the associated catch 32 to securely damp the pipes on the lowermost p;pe support rail 20 Then more pipes can be mounted on the chocks 60 on the middle pipe support rail 20 and secured in position by means of the top pipe support rail 20 in similar fashion.

Referring now'to Figs. 6 to 81, there-Is illustrated another pips transport, semi-trailer according to a second embodiment, of the invention, indicated generally by the 35 reference numeral 70. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the

- 10same reference numeral. In this case the upright pests 14. 15 on the base frame 7 comprise a fixed post 14 arid a movable post 15 forming a locking mast. Tee fixed post 14 carries a plurality of verticaliy spaced-apart pipe support rails 20 which are movable between a disengaged position at one side of the base frame 7 as shown in Fig. 6 and an engaged position extending across the base frame 7 for engagement with the movabte post ίδ as shown in Fig, 8, The movable post 15 is movable between an upright engaged position as shown in Fig. 8 to engagement with outer ends of the pipe supped rails 20 and a disengaged position reteased from the pipe support rails 20 as shown in Fig. 6 and 7. It will be noted that in the disengaged position the movable post 15 essentially folds down against the chassis to facilitate side loading and unloading of pipes 72 onto and off the trailer 70.

Fig, 16 to Fig. 49 show various steps in loading pipes 72 or? the pipa support rack assembly 2.

Fig,. 13 to Fig, 16 show the pipe support rack assembly 2 in an open position ready for loading; The pipe support rails 20 are vertically aligned at one side of the base frame 7 on the fixed post 14 and the movable past 15 is folded down Into the towered disengaged position adjacent the base frame 7. in this position, as shown 20 in Figs 18 to 22, pipes 72 can be mounted on chocks 60 on the base frame 7. Then the lowermost pipe support raii 20 is pivoted across the base frame 7 such that chocks 60 thereon engage and sit on ‘.he first layer of pipas 72, As shown in Figs.

to 26: a second layer of pipes 72 is then loaded cto the pipe support rack assembly 2. Then another pipe support rail. 20 is swung across over the second layer of pipes 72. as shewn in Figs. 28 to 32 and thus a number of pipe layers are built up on the pipe support rack assembly 2. A fully loaded pipe support tew assembly 2 in shown in Figs. 33 to 37. The tup pipe support rail 20 is then swung across the top layer of pipes 72 as shown in Figs. 38 to 42,

Figs. 43 io 49 show the sequence whereby the movable post 15 is pivoted upwardly from ths lowered position through an intermediate position as shown »n Fig. 43 into an upstanding position as shown in Fig. 45. With particular reference to Fig. 50 and Fig. 51 when the movable post is in the upright position a hook 75 on the movable post 15 engages a locking pin ?6 at an outer end of the tog pipe support rail 20.

The hook 75 is urged downwardly by means of a ram, as will be described later, to

-11 securely clamp the layers of pipes 72 on the pipe support 72.

Referring in particular to Fig. 75, the base frame 7 has parallel outer cross members 10 of tubular construction with interconnecting struts 80 in an H configuration. The fixed post 14 has a bottom strut 81 with an upstanding post 82. inwardly extending arms 83. 84 on the bottom strut 81 are slidably received within the outer cross members 10 and an associated ram 85 extending between one of the struts 80 and the bottom- strut 81 is operable to telescopically nwe rhe fixed past 14 an the base frame 7 for adjusting the width between the fixed post 14 and

TO the movable post 15. The posts 14,15 in the extended position in Figs. 56 - 60.

In similar fashion the movable arm 15 hbs a base strut 85 with an upright swinging mast 87 pivotally mounted therepn'. Arms 88, 89 extend inwardly from the base strut 86 to telescbpically slide within the outer cross members 10 in response to operation of an associated ram 90 extended between one at the struts 80 and the base strut 86

The movable arm 15 is shown in more detail in Figs. 76 to 79 and essentially comprises a frame 92 within which a locking plots 93 is slidably mounted. Rams 94 slidably move -the plate 93 in a channel 95 formed m the frame 92. A plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes 96 are provided in the plate 93 for mounting the· hook 75. In this way partial loads can be accommodated by moving the hook 75 to one of the lower mounting holes 96 so that the hook 75 will always clamp the uppermost pipe support rail 20.

Referring now in particular to Figs. 61 to 66, the arrangement of the pipe support rails 20 is shown. Each pipe support rail 20 has·, a. swivel mounting bracket 100 at an inner end thereof. A mounting sleeve 101 is slidably engagable with the post 82 to mount the pipe support rail 20 on the post. 8-2. An hydraulic motor 102 is mounted on a side of the sleeve 1 Qi and is dnvably connected to the swivel bracket

100 such that operation of the motor 102 swivels the pipe support rail 20 on the sleeve 101 and hence on the post 14.

Figs. 67 to 72 show a top pipe support rail 20 which is Essentially similar to the.

assembly shown in Fig. 61 except that io this case shocks 60: are only provided on:an

-12 underside of the pipe support rail 20

Referring now to Figs. 82 to 87, ari alternative arrangement for the pipe support rail 20 is shown. In this case a ram ITO extends between mounting brackets 111, T12 5 on the sfeeve 101 and at an inner end of the pipe support rail 20 for pivoting'the pipe support rail 20 on the sleeve 101 and post 82. Pivot mounting: plates 114 on: the sleeve 101 pivotally mount the pipe support rail 20 on the sleeve 101.

Referring in particular to Figs, 88 to 93, a top pipe support mH 20 assembly is 10 shown This is similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 82 with the only difference be.ng the feet that chucks 60 are only provided on an underside of the fop rail 20.

It is envisaged that foe attachment means fur securing the base frame to the transport vehicle may comprise twistlocks. Fur example, twistlock locking boll 15 receivers may be provided on the base frame for releasable engagement by complementary twisflock locking bolt elements on a bed of the transport vehicle. Thus, for example, the pipe support rack assembly could conveniently be mounted on a conventional container box trailer.

It wilt be appreciated that the pipe support rack assembly of the invention can be used for transporting or storing- pipes or other smr-lar types of material and products.

It will be appreciated feet instead of a semi-trailer the racks could be mounted on a rail 25 car for transporting the pipes by rail

In the specification the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising or any variation thereof and the forms “include, includes, included and including or any variation thereof are considered to 'be- totally interchangeable and they should all be 30 afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

Ths Inventor ·$ not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both constoicfibn and detail within the scope of the appending claims.

Claims

1. A pipe support rack assembly for a pipe transport vehicle, the pips support rack assembly including'.

KJ a base frame having attachment means for securing the base frame to the transport vehicle, a pipe support on the base frame, a pair of spaced-apart upright posts on the base frame, and at least one pipe support rail nyopnted between the upright posts spaced: above the base frame for clamping engagement with a pipe mounted ©n 15 the base frame,

2. Ths pipe support rack assembly as claimed m claim 1, wherein each pipa support, rail is mounted between sr> associated pair of rail mounts on the upright posts.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein each rail mount is height adjustabie on the posts.

4 The assembly as daimed fo claim 3. wherein each rail mount is slidably 25: engagable with the post.

5. The assembly as claimed m any one of da us 2 to 4, wherein each rail is pivotally mounted on one rail mount emo ;s teleasabiy engagabte with an associated catch or? the other rail mount.

6. The assembly as da.mnd in claim 5, wherein each rail is pivotally mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pm having a pivot axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the upright post.

35

7. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each rail is movable

- 14on the posts for releasable clamping engagement with the pipe.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each rail is vertically movable by means of a rem for clamping engagement with the pipe.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ram Is operable to raise and lower the rail on the pivot pin.

10.. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each rail has a 10 resilient pipe-engaging pad on an underside of the rail.

11 The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one call has at least one pair of pipe support chocks at a top of the rail.

15

12, The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim., wherein a plurality of spacedapart rails is mounted 'above the base frame between the upright posts.

13. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pipe support on the base comprises a resilient pad,

1:4. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, Wherein the pipe support on the base frame comprises at least one pair of pipe supped chocks.

15. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the spacing between

25: the posts on the base frame Is adjgsfobfe;

16, The assembly os qisirned in chim 15, wherein the posts are slidably mounted on trie base frame for movement together and apart.

3Q

17. The assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base frame has a tubular cross member and inwardly directed slide arms at a base of each post are telescopically slidable within the cross member,

18. The assembly ss claimed In any preceding claim, wherein ilia base frame is 35: slidably mounted on a pair of tracks.

19.

10 20.

21.

22.

23.

25 24.

25.

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26.

15The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upright pasts comprise a fixed post and a -movable post, the fixed post carrying a plurality of vertically spaced*, apart pipe support: rails which are movable between a disengaged position and ah engaged position extending across the base frame for engagement with the movable post, and the movable post is movable between: an -engaged position in engagement with outer ends of the pipe support.raffs and a: disengaged position released from the pipe .support rails.

The assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the movable post is movable between a lowered disengaged position adjacent the base frame and an upstanding engaged position on the base frame.

The assembly as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the movable post ispivotally mounted on the base frame for movement between the lowered disengaged position arid the upstanding engaged position.

The. assembly as. claimed in claim 19 -wherein each pipe support rail is pivotally movable on the fixed post between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

The assembly .as claimed in claim 22 wherein: each pipe support rail is pivotally movabfe by means of an hydraulic motor.

The assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein each pipe support rail is pivotally movable by means of a ram.

The assembly as: claimed in claim 19 wherein the movable post has locking means fqr engaging and urging an uppermost pipe support rail towards the base frame.

Trie assembly as claimed in claim 25 wherein the locking means composes a locking plate assembly mounted on the movable post and operable by means of a ram and a hook on the locking plate for engaging the uppermost pipe support rail.

The aw-ramt'ly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the hook is adjustable on the

ΙΟ

- 16 locking plate

28. The assembly as claimed in claim 2? wherein the locking plate has a plurality of spaced-apart mounting points for reception of the hook.

29.. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the attachment means comprises one armors twistlocks.

30.. A semi-trailer incorporating two or more of the pipe support racks as -claimed in

1Q any preceding claim, spaceteapart on a chassis of the semi-trailer.

31. 'The semi-traiter as claimed to claim 30 wherein each pipe support: rack is mounted on. rails for tengltudinal movement and positioning oh the chassis.

Intellectual Property Office

Application No: GB1721446.1 Examiner: Mr Gary Clements