Self-contained, mobile rack repair method

#The present invention relates to the repair of heavy-duty industrial racks.

#This invention relates to the efficient repair and modification of existing large, heavy-duty industrial racks (“racks”) of the type used for the convenient and temporary hanging and storage of heavy components. While the present invention is much broader in scope, an example of such a rack is one used in a factory setting as part of an ongoing manufacturing process in the automotive industry for hanging multiple heavy parts (e.g., transmissions) until the parts are ready for their eventual inclusion in a larger production unit as shown in FIG. 1.

#Given the robust structural requirements, racks of the above type are very heavy and expensive, and pose unique challenges when there is a need to repair them (e.g., as a result of damage or unacceptable deformations) or modify them. The challenges include a lack of parts or raw material needed to repair the rack and a lack of the special equipment needed to repair the rack.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a heavy-duty, industrial strength rack that could be repaired or modified using the present invention.

#FIG. 2a shows a side view of an embodiment of a trailer used to repair or modify industrial racks according to the present invention.

#FIG. 2b shows a top view of an embodiment of a trailer used to repair or modify industrial racks according to the present invention.

#For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

#Disclosed is a novel approach to repairing and modifying heavy duty, industrial-strength fixtures such as the one shown in FIG. 1. The example given of a fixture 100 has several high-strength members for accommodating several heavy manufacturing components at once until they are ready for inclusion in the manufacturing process. For example, the rack 100 can carry several transmissions waiting to be used in an engine manufacturing process. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the fixtures are not limited to a particular type, nor limited to a particular industry. When a fixture becomes damaged due to breakage, bending, collision and the like, repair becomes necessary to maintain the integrity of the fixture for continued use.

#One embodiment of a repair trailer 200 of the present application is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b of a top view and side view, respectively. Trailer 200 is the size of the commonly known semi-trailer but is not limited to any particular size and can be sized for truck, rail or sea transport carriers. In the example given, the load capacity is 44,000 pounds, and it has three axles rather than the two axles of most semi-trailers. In FIG. 2b, the trailer 200 is fully enclosed by its body 204 to protect the contents and the repair processes carried out in the trailer from the elements. The rear door 206 is specially constructed to convert into a heavy-duty ramp of such strength to handle the weight of a common industrial truck and a fixture to be repaired. The ramp 206 is further illustrated in its deployed position in FIG. 5. In particular embodiment, the bottom, back edge of the trailer is no more than 24 inches above the ground. Thus, when the back door is deployed as a ramp and engages the ground, the angle of the ramp permits a forklift to be safely driven into or out of the trailer.