Support apparatus, handling system and method

A method for handling rolls, winding shafts or machine reels for handling of a fiber web, the rolls, winding shafts or machine reels having two supporting ends, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving at least one roll, winding shaft, or machine reel so that the roll, winding shaft, or machine reel is in supporting engagement on its supporting ends between two support members which are arranged on a support chassis;
• moving the support chassis in supporting engagement with the received roll, winding shaft, or machine reel over a floor between at least two target stations so that the support chassis moves between at least two devices of a fiber web manufacturing process;
• wherein the step of moving the support chassis further comprises:
• supplying pressurized air to at least four annular bellows, each annular bellows being mounted air-tightly to and below a frame which is mounted to and below the support chassis such that each bellows expands toward the floor, each bellows having a lower edge opposite the floor, the lower edge defining a film;
• supplying pressurized air to a space between the film, the frame, the bellows and the floor to form a film of air between the film and the floor which supports the frame and the chassis on which the frame is mounted;
• and
• moving the chassis between the at least two devices of a fiber web manufacturing process supported on the film of air.