WO2016077796A1

WO2016077796A1 - Container transport and storage systems

Info

Publication number: WO2016077796A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/060742
Authority: WO
Inventors: Don A. Hubbard; Gil A. Moreno
Original assignee: Worksafe Technologies, A California Partnership
Priority date: 2014-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2016-05-19

Abstract

The invention is drawn to safe and secure container storage, preferably comprising storage of barrels and/or drums. In certain examples the invention may involve the safe secure storage of wine barrels, barrel pallets, barrel racks, and barrel pallet racks. In certain preferred examples, the invention may involve seismic isolation of stored wine barrels, barrel pallets, barrel racks, and barrel pallet racks by supporting such articles upon seismic isolators. The invention is also drawn to methods and systems related to the same.

Description

CONTAINER TRANSPORT AND STORAGE SYSTEM

Background of the Invention

The storage and facile transport of containers, particularly containers containing goods used and/ or sold for transport and trade, has been an important factor in commercial trade for thousands of years. Such considerations have led to the standardization of container shapes and sizes, such as the rectangular prism shape of a box or crate, for easy and efficient packing, stacking, and stable handling of goods.

For historical and practical reasons in certain fields containers tend to have a shape other than that of a common rectangular polyhedron (such as a prism). Thus, for example, in the nuclear and waste reclamation fields, nuclear and hazardous waste tends to be placed in cylindrical drums for short or long term storage.

Similarly, barrels, such as those having the greatest diameter in the center, have been used in the brewing, fermenting, distilling and wine-making industries for centuries. An advantage of the barrel shape is that when placed lengthwise on a flat surface, only the portion of the barrel having the greatest diameter touches the surface, thus, contributing to ease in rolling the barrel (due to reduced friction when compared to a drum shape), and maneuverability (since the barrel can be rotated on the wide middle section with little friction to change the direction of travel.

Wooden barrels, in particular, have been used to store liquor and wine, since the wood can impart a pleasing flavor to the liquid stored inside. It has been estimated that 50% of all wine being currently made is still aged, and fermented in 60 gallon oak barrels.

Similarly whiskies are often fermented and aged in oak barrels, typically holding 50 gallons. Wine is generally aged in barrels for up to 4 years or more before bottling, while whiskies can be aged for about the same time period. Therefore the storage of wine barrels is a serious issue and concern in the wine industry.

The current wine industry in California has undergone a dramatic growth in the past 40 years. It is estimated that ten times more oak barrels were used in the late 1990s than had been used in the 1980's. Certain large single producers of wine have multiple storage facilities, with each facility having up to three hundred thousand barrels of aging wine at any given time.

During fermentation, wine barrels are typically stored on a portable steel barrel rack or cradle, each of which can hold two to about four barrels. This enables the winery to vertically stack the barrel racks on top of each other to a height of up to six racks (as much as 30 feet). Thus, storage warehouses often have many such stacks of barrel racks with aisles between them for workers to place, remove, and "service" the barrels during working hours. Barrel service includes racking the wine (removing solids), topping off the barrels, stirring the contents of each barrel periodically thereby ensuring that sugars in the wine are evenly distributed and available for fermentation, and washing the barrels for future use. Often workers will be required to climb within or on top of these stacks to perform barrel service. Each barrel can weigh about 100 lb. empty and about 900 lbs. when filled.

In seismically active wine-growing areas such as California, New Zealand, China, Turkey, Greece, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Japan, barrel storage, especially, in the manner described above, can present serious safety hazards and cause tremendous economic losses. For example, on August 24, 2014 a magnitude 6.0 earthquake centered in the Napa Valley wine region of California, struck early in the morning, causing thousands of wine barrels to fall to the floor. Economic losses were estimated to be in excess of 1 billion dollars ($1.8 billion in insured claims were paid to policyholders after the magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake that struck San Francisco in 1989). Due to the time of the earthquake, there were few injuries, but authorities agree that fatalities and serious injuries would certainly have occurred, particularly due to falling wine barrels, if the earthquake had struck during working hours.

Methods for the storage and transport of barrels, drums and other similar storage containers has previously been addressed. Thus, Singh et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,848,223 is addressed to an apparatus and system for stabilizing a spent nuclear fuel containment case, comprising placing the case upon a lamina and skid plate to form a slidable interface having a predetermined coefficient of friction. Wilkinson et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,636,753 describe a stabilizing device for plural drum stacks comprising a flexible, relatively planar web member comprising annular drum retaining rings to hold the drums in position.

Entel, U.S. Patent No. 3,177,823, describes a stacking- type pallet adapted to be handled on any of four sides by fork lift trucks.

Transmet, European Patent Publication No. EP 0953305, describes a supporting structure for handling and stacking barrels comprising a cradle-type load sledge.

Marrow et al., U.S. Patent No.6,050,538, discloses a restraining mechanism for protecting the top barrels in a barrel stack. RGB Industries an Australian company, (www.rgbindustries.com.au/index.html) markets a stackable wine barrel rack which permits barrel stacks up to 8 racks high.

Evans et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,829,362 describe a fabricated metal stillage for storing or transporting drums containing hazardous material.

There remains therefore a need for effective and novel means of mitigating the effects of earthquake and other tremors on wine storage facilities, and of developing wine barrel systems that are convenient to use, stable, and safe.

All patents, patent applications and other publications cited in this patent application are hereby individually incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of this disclosure, regardless whether any specific citation is expressly indicated as incorporated by reference or not.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to barrel storage methods, systems, and apparatus. In one example, the invention is drawn to a barrel pallet comprising a substantially horizontal support component having a front end, a back end, two side ends, an upper surface and a lower surface, and structured to receive and securely support at least container having a top and a bottom. Preferably, the container is a cylindrical or barrel-shaped container. As used in this application, a "barrel" has a largest diameter at or near the position corresponding to ½ the height of the barrel. Preferably, but not necessarily, the barrel is substantially symmetrical, wherein a section through a plane extending through the position corresponding to ½ the height results in two substantially identical half barrels. Barrel Pallets

However, regardless of the shape of the container, this example of the invention shall be referred to as a "barrel pallet" regardless of the container it supports, unless clearly inconsistent with the context of use, or indicated otherwise. The structure of specifically described examples may dictate a particular container shape, but the barrel pallets of the present invention are defined only by the limitations of the claims. Thus, the disclosure herein provides written description and support for any one or more of containers of any shape, including canisters, barrels, boxes, crates, etc., and also provides support for negative limitations expressly excluding any one or more container shape.

The substantially horizontal support component is made from a material strong enough to support a plurality of barrels. For example, the material may comprise, without limitation, a metal or metal alloy (such as steel), a carbon fiber or polymer, such as graphite, and/ or a sufficiently strong polymeric material. Preferably, the support component is made from strong stainless steel, which may combine a desirable combination of rigidity, strength and reasonable expense. In a preferred example, the support structure is sufficiently strong to support at least

2 barrels or other containers placed directly on the support structure; in other examples, the support structure is sufficiently strong to permit the stacking of one ,two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more barrel pallets thereupon, each such barrel pallet (except the topmost pallet) being laid on top of an underlying barrel pallet. In certain examples (but not in other examples), an overlying barrel pallet may be placed directly on top of, and supported by, underlying barrels secured in an underlying barrel pallet. In examples which will be described herein, barrel pallets may be positioned within a separately standing pallet rack or cage which supports plural barrel pallets individually without an additional load being placed directly upon any barrel or barrel pallet. In certain examples (particularly when the pallet payload is a barrel or other approximately cylindrical shape), the pallet support structure has a plurality of substantially vertically-extending chock members affixed to the upper surface thereof. Preferably the chock members are made of steel and are angled or curved to at least approximately fit the outer shape (e.g., curvature) of the container and retain the container on the upper surface of the support structure of the pallet by gravity. While the chock members may be affixed by any method or means sufficiently strong to secure the barrel (such as welding), in preferred examples, the chocks members may be bolted to the support structure (for example, using holes in the support structure and chock members); this may permit greater flexibility in the use of the barrel pallet to support any of a variety of possible container sizes and shapes by using interchangeable chock members or spacing the chock members differently on the support structure to fit the barrel to be retained.

When the container is cylindrical or barrel- shaped, the vertically-extending barrel chock members may be shaped with a substantially concave container-contacting surface. In cases where the container is a rectangular prism or has a polygonal shape, the chock members may have a container-contacting surface comprising one or more angle (such as a right angle) structured to hold the container firmly atop the support structure, and prevent it from dislodging during transport or a seismic event. If the chock members are bolted or otherwise reversibly attached to the support member, the same support structure may, depending on the container size and shape, be fitted with corresponding, appropriately sized and shaped vertically-extending chock members as desired to fit the container.

In preferred examples, the containers are wine barrels. In some examples least one vertically-extending barrel chock members may comprise container-contacting surfaces that are articulable about at least one axis, and preferably about at least two axes. This "swivel" function allows the chock members to conform more appropriately to the shape and curvature of the barrels. In existing barrel racks only very similarly sized and shaped barrels may be stacked on their pallets without the entire stack become unstable and leaning. For example a Burgundy barrel and a Bordeaux barrel generally have the same or similar capacity, but are differently shaped. The use of swivels, while not necessarily present in every example of the present invention, permits placing a Burgundy barrel and a Bordeaux barrel together on the same barrel pallet, while retaining the ability to stack the barrel pallets during aging, storage, or transport. In certain example, the container-contacting surface of the swivel chock member may be coated or covered with a flexible polymer such a neoprene or other polymer grip pad to provide a cushioning effect. In certain examples, one or more swivel chock may comprise a locking mechanism, such as a retaining pin, a locking screw, a ratcheting lock, to maintain it in position when the container is placed into position.

In some examples, (but not necessarily all examples), the barrel pallet may comprise one or more substantially vertically extending retention members affixed to the support structure in a parameteric arrangement. By "parametric arrangement" is meant at locations approximately on or near the perimeter of the horizontal support structure. By substantially vertically extending" is mean that the member, when made part of the barrel pallet, has a component that extends, is angled, and/ or is curved, in a direction above the support structure and the lower portion of an end of a barrel placed on its side thereupon. Front and rear retention members, if present, may be situated at corresponding front and rear locations of the support structure to prevent front and rear movement of the barrels during movement of the pallet, for example, during transport or a seismic event. In this way, when at least one barrel is laid down lengthwise (laying on a side section thereof) and arranged so that the top and bottom of the barrel is substantially coaxial with a front-to- back axis of the upper surface of said support structure, a first retention member affixed to the front of the support structure and a second retention member affixed to the rear of said structure are placed so as to restrain the barrel's movement along the front-to-back axis. The retention member may make contact with the barrel top and/ or bottom of the barrel or may simply be sufficiently near the top and bottom of the barrel so as to prevent significant front and backward movement of the barrel during an earthquake.

In some examples, in addition to (or instead of) the front and rear vertically extending retention members arranged at the front and rear perimeter of the support structure, there may be at least one vertically extending side retention member on each side of the barrel pallet to prevent the barrel from rolling out of the chock members and/ or off the barrel pallet altogether.

In some examples in which two barrels are loaded onto each barrel pallet, two or more vertically extending front or back retention members may be placed as described above to block the potential front or back movement of each barrel. Preferably, at least one, and preferably at least two, vertically extending side retention member is also affixed

parametrically on the support structure so as to prevent sideways rolling of the barrel in the event that the barrel pallet is subject to movement or tipping.

In certain examples, although not necessarily, the top portion of the front and rear retention members may be shaped in a "T" to make contact with the barrel over a greater surface area. In other examples a single elongated front and/ or rear retention member having a "bar-like" shape similar to the handle of a supermarket shopping cart may be used to retain more than one barrel. It is therefore not required for the present invention that retention members be T bars, and a reference to T bars in this specification shall be understood to be equally applicable to all vertically extending retention members, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, retention members may comprise other possible shapes, such as bars, or rounded or ball shapes at their terminus.

As with the support structure, and the vertically-extending chock members, the vertically extending retention members are very preferably fabricated from a rigid, strong material, such as a metal, a metal alloy (such as stainless steel), or a suitably strong polymer. T bars may be fabricated, for example, by welding or bolting an upright-extending bar onto a top surface of the support structure, at or near the perimeter thereof. Cross bars or metal tubing can then be welded or bolted preferably on the inside portion of a the upright bars so as to create a natural space between the barrel and the upright remainder of the vertically extending retention member. Each of the bar-like vertically extending retention members may be fabricated from a curved bar affixed to an outer surface, such as a front surface, a rear surface, and/ or a side surface, of the support structure at two or more locations on said surface. The curvature of the curved bar is preferably identical at or near each end thereof so that, when secured to the support structure, the curved bar exte4nds first horizontally outward from the support structure, and then curves upward to a level at least above the lower lip of each barrel placed on the support structure.

The retention members may be affixed to the support structure of the barrel pallet by any suitably strong means, such as welding or bolting.

The bottom portion of the barrel pallet may comprise at least two forkJift opening components having downwardly facing portions extending from or affixed to the lower surface of said support structure. In general, the forkJift openings comprise at least two openings above the top surface(s), or beJow the bottom surface(s), of the support structure at the front of the paJJet, with the openings being sufficiently Jarge to permit the tines of a forkJift to be fully inserted therein for movement or transport of the pallet, and can be made or designed in any manner that is suitabiy strong to prevent the pallet from becoming displaced from the forkJift during transport of movement. As above, the forkJift opening components may be affixed by any suitable means, such as by welding or bolting. Also as above, the forkJift opening components are preferabiy made of metaJ, a metaJ alloy or a strong and durable polymeric material.

In one example, the forkJift opening component may comprise one or more frame or plate base component affixed to, and/ or preferably horizontally extending along, the horizontal bottom (or top) surface of the support structure.

In some examples, the top or bottom of the support structure (or a portion thereof) itself serves as the base component of the forkJift opening, without a separate plate component being used or required. Additionally, in some examples

In one preferred example, each forkJift opening component comprises at ieast two frame or pJate side components extending downward from the frame or base component. In other exampies, the frame or pJate side components may extend upward from the frame or base component.

Preferabiy, the side components extend downward (or may extend upward) from from the base component a distance of at ieast about 6-8 inches. Since the width, depth, Jength and spacing of forkJift tines is largely adjustable, the width and depth of each forkJift opening component, the spacing between adjacent forklift opening components, and the overall dimensions of the barrel pallet may be determined based on the load, the barrel (or other container) size and shape, and storage conditions available. As a rough example, a pallet may have forklift openings about 6 inches (15.2 cm) deep and about 15 inches (about 38 cm) wide (between side components of one forklift opening), with a spacing of about 14 (35.6 cm) or 15 inches (about 38 cm) apart; for example, about 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) apart.

In some examples, the forklift openings may be enclosed with an opposing plate or frame component opposite the frame or plate base component affixed to, and/ or preferably horizontally extending along, the horizontal bottom (or top) surface of the support structure, and linked thereto by the side components of the forklift opening. The opposing frame or plate component extends from and connects side components of each forklift opening to form a wholly or partially encompassed opening. However, in other examples, the tips (for example, the final few inches) of each side component of the forklift opening may be bent or curved upward towards each other without meeting; this may be sufficient to ensure that the forklift tine is properly guided and retained within the forklift opening without a bottom component. In other, similar examples, a bottom portion of each side component may comprise a downward-facing chock (or swivel chock) component for making stabilizing contact with barrels secured on an underlying barrel pallet when the pallets are stacked on top of each other. Again, swivel chocks may also contain a locking mechanism which will maintain their configuration when securely adjusted.

In certain examples, a plurality of swivel chocks may be directly or indirectly fixed on the bottom surface of the support structure to provide "feet" upon which the pallet may rest when placed on a floor or other level surface. In one example, the swivel chocks may be terminal ends of the downwardly facing side components; in others they may be separately affixed to the support structure. In these circumstances, the use of a locking mechanism to prevent movement of the swivel chock while the pallet is so placed would be of value to maintain the horizontal orientation of the pallet.

In some examples, the pallets may be configured with removable or non-removable wheels to facilitate movement of the pallet around the warehouse floor. When the forklift openings are structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of a curved portion of a barrel positioned (such as by using chocks at or near the termini of the downwardly facing side components of the forklift openings) on an underlying pallet substantially aligned with a front-to-back axis of the support structure, the barrel pallets may be stacked directly on top of another, if desired.

In some examples permitting the use of the pallets of the present invention in conjunction with a pallet rack structure, the barrel pallet of the present invention may comprise side channel components structured to engage with interlocking pallet hook channel components of a pallet rack structure (described in more detail below). A pallet rack structure may be used in preferred examples to securely hold barrel pallets and prevent them from toppling when they are stacked.

The side channel components substantially aligned with a parallel to each of the right and left sides of the barrel pallet support structure's front-to-rear axis. The side channels may have a overall end-on shape similar to an inverted "U".

The side channel may comprise a top surface comprised of the bottom surface of the barrel pallet support structure itself. For instance, in one preferred example, each of the two forklift opening components affixed to the bottom surface of the support structure of the barrel pallet may be positioned equal distances from the right and left side edges of the support structure, for example, wherein a right forklift opening is positioned to begin a distance (such as about 6 inches (15.2 cm)) from the right side edge of the pallet, and a left forklift opening is positioned to begin the same distance from the right side edge of the pallet support structure. In some examples, the top surface of the side channel components may be reinforced.

The side channel also generally comprises a downwardly extending side component affixed, or made integral, to the side edges of the support structure. The downwardly extending side components are preferably made using a plate or sheet of metal, metal alloy, or polymeric suitably strong to prevent the barrel pallet from falling from the pallet rack. In certain examples the downwardly extending side component may comprise one or more wheels or casters which may make contact with a surface on the pallet rack, (such as a top surface of the pallet hook channel(s) thereof) to permit the barrel pallet to be easily rolled or slid along the pallet channels of the pallet rack, making arrangement, placement and removal of the barrel pallets from a pallet rack easier.

In other examples, pallets may be retained in a pallet rack using a plurality of "hooks" or inverted L shaped members extending downward from the pallet along the lateral sides thereof, rather than a side channel. For example, a hook of this type may comprise a vertically aligned stainless steel member extending downward, for example, from the front and rear lateral sides of the pallet support structure. These hooks may be structured to engage and rest upon a horizontally aligned frame element (e.g., rather than an interlocking side channel) on each side of an interior space formed in the pallet rack, as described in more detail below.

The pallets of the present invention are structured to be loaded, moved, and stacked using a forklift. The pallets are designed to have two forklift openings for engagement with the tines of a forklift for transport, lifting and lowering. Pallet Racks

The pallets of the present invention are preferably structured and designed to be equally capable of use in conjunction with a pallet rack, or in the absence of a pallet rack. The use of a pallet rack provides more stability and safety to stored containers and payloads in the event of a seismic event. In certain examples, the pallet racks of the present invention may be structured to rest upon seismic isolators, thus providing additional protection against property damage or personal injury in the event of an earthquake.

In certain preferred examples the pallet racks of the present invention are structured to be used in conjunction with the barrel pallets of the present invention, as described above; that is, pallets having substantially cylindrical payloads. However, it will be understood that most of the salient features of the pallet rack can be used in conjunction with pallets structured to hold containers of different shapes, and/ or having other payloads. In conjunction with the pallets of the present invention, the term "payload" shall mean any object to be supported on and by the pallet support structure. Thus, those of skill in the art will understand that, unless evidently inconsistent therewith, the description herein of barrel pallets and their use with the pallet racks of the present invention is also applicable to pallets having payloads other than barrels.

In particularly preferred examples, the barrel pallets of the present invention are loaded with one or more container, such as one or more barrel, and placed, for example by a forklift, into a housing or pallet rack. The pallet rack is preferably free-standing and structured to securely hold a plurality of pallets. In preferred examples, the pallet rack is designed and structured to permit the stacking of barrel pallets without the weight of a stacked pallet being borne by the pallets underneath the stacked pallet. This advantage prevents the possibility (or, given enough time, the probability) of stacked pallets falling due to a failure of structural integrity of any barrel.

In addition, in especially preferred examples, the pallet racks of the present invention are supported by vertical members or "feet" that rest upon seismic isolators. The seismic isolators may preferably include, without limitation, the isolation bearings described in U.S. Patent No. 9,103,485 (Moreno and Hubbard). Thus, in such examples, the pallets are securely supported by the pallet rack, which in turn is supported by a seismic bearing that substantially isolates the pallet rack and its contents from floor movement during an earthquake. This function not only provides safe, space-efficient, and secure storage of pallet contents under ordinary conditions, but greatly deceases the likelihood of injury or death, or the damage of property, due to toppling of stacked pallets, pallet payloads, and/ or unsecured storage racks during an earthquake.

In preferred examples, the pallet rack comprises a frame defining at least one interior space for the placement of at least one barrel pallet. The frame may be constructed of any suitably strong material; preferably the frame is made of a metal or metal alloy; for example, of lightweight, strong steel girders that are fastened together (such as by bolting) to form frame elements of a rectangular prism.

In preferred examples, the interior space of the pallet rack has sufficient room for the vertical stacking of at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 5, or at least 6, or at least 7, or at least 8, or at least 9, or at least 10 or more barrel pallets above a single "pallet footprint". By "pallet footprint" is meant is the approximate floor space underlying a single pallet of the present invention. For example, a substantially rectangular pallet may have a width of about 60 inches and a depth of about 37 inches, thereby yielding a footprint of about 60" x 37". Of course, these dimensions may be different depending on various factors, including whether the pallet is used in countries using the metric system, or the specific demands on hand, and the pallet rack can be tailored to fit pallets of these dimensions.

In some preferred examples, the distance between girders and other frame elements defining the interior space of the pallet rack is sufficiently wide (when viewed from the front of the pallet rack) to permit a forklift to drive at least partly within the interior space while stacking or removing pallets. For example, many forklifts for internal use have widths of from about 4 feet (48 inches) to about 7 feet (84 inches). Additionally, when the pallet rack comprises seismic isolation bearings (discussed below), sufficient space should remain available on either side of the forklift to account for movement of the pallet rack during a seismic event. This space should be about half the diameter or width of the isolation bearing of either side of the forklift. Thus, in one example, if the width of the forklift is 48 inches, and the isolation bearings have a load bearing surface 9 inches in diameter, the width of the interior space (i.e., the width between lateral pallet rack frame elements) should be at least about 48 + 9 = 57 inches. The pallet rack may comprise modules, with each module comprising an interior space accommodating (without limitation) at least two, or at least three, or at least four, or at least five or more stacked barrel pallets. In certain examples, two modules may be stacked and secured together above a single pallet footprint. In other examples, the pallet rack may be constructed as a unitary piece, without modules. In other examples, the payload (that is the material transported on the pallets and/ or stored on the pallet racks) may not be wine barrels. For example, the pallet racks of the present invention may be useful for the secure, efficient and safe storage of any object usually stored in a warehouse. Such objects may include boxes, having a substantially rectangular prismatic overall shape, munitions, merchandise and the like. Pallet racks of the present invention, as well as pallets structured to be retained by such pallet racks (for example seismically isolated pallet racks), may therefore have applicability for use in warehouses and "big box" stores such as Costco® stores, Home Depot® stores and other warehouse stores in which merchandise is stored and displayed.

In general, the dimensions of the interior space of the pallet rack will be sized to fit the pallets, loaded with containers, e.g., barrels. For example, standard sized Bordeaux barrels are about 28 inches in diameter (at their widest point), and about 37 or 38 inches tall, while Burgundy barrels are about 28 inches in diameter at their widest point, and about 35 or 36 inches tall. Since the barrels are loaded onto the pallets on their sides, the depth of the barrel pallets should be equal to or larger than the tallest barrel (about 38 inches). In certain examples, the present barrel pallets will accommodate two barrels laying side by side. In such circumstances the barrel pallet may have a width of about 60 inches. The height required for a single "loaded" barrel pallet of this type should be greater than the diameter of the barrel plus the distance from the barrel when set in the chock members to the lowest point of the forklift opening members below the support structure. In this way, a barrel pallet can be individually removed from the pallet rack without disturbing pallets located immediately above or below the removed pallet. In one example, the height required within the interior space of a pallet rack for a single "loaded" barrel pallet may be about 37 to about 40 inches, the width will be about 60 inches, and the depth may be about 37-40 inches.

Preferably, along each of the interior sides of the pallet rack runs one or more substantially horizontal pallet hook channel structured to engage with the pallet side channels of the barrel pallet. These pallet hook channels typically (but not necessarily always) comprise a substantially U-shaped horizontal channel running along the interior sides of the interior space for the depth of the barrel pallet. This upward facing U-shaped pallet hook channel is structured to engage the downward facing U-shaped pallet side channel. The upward extending portion of the pallet hook channel and the downward extending portion of the pallet hook channel will generally be offset, and generally aligned to be parallel, with respect to each other so as to facilitate suspending the barrel pallet within the pallet rack.

Although termed "pallet hook channels" herein, in certain, currently less preferred, examples the pallet hook channels may not be channels at all, but may, for example, simply comprise substantially U-shaped hooks secured to the interior side of the pallet rack (or frame thereof) and structured to engage the side channels of the barrel pallets to suspend the barrel pallet within the pallet rack. In other examples, the pallet hook channels of the present invention may comprise a bar or rail along the interior side of the rack and structured to and structured to engage side channels or hooks of the barrel pallets to suspend the barrel pallet within the pallet rack.

In preferred examples, pallet hook channels will be arranged in pairs that are secured to the interior side of the pallet rack (or frame thereof) horizontally at a given height. A pallet rack that can accommodate three "stacked" barrel pallets will therefore have pairs of pallet hook channels arranged at 3 different levels within the interior space of the pallet rack, with the distance between levels being substantially equal to or somewhat greater than the height of a loaded pallet (e.g., about 37 to about 40 inches).

A pallet rack accommodating six levels of barrels may be about 18 feet high. The bottom, top, sides, and/ or rear portions of the pallet rack may be constructed with cross beams or supports to maintain the structural integrity of the pallet rack; such beams or supports will generally be made using a metal or alloy material of sufficient strength to substantially maintain its shape and integrity when subjected to seismic shocks of a given magnitude on e.g., the Richter scale. This magnitude can be determined based on past seismic history in the installation location and adjustments in the structure of the pallet rack can be made by varying the composition of building materials, the thickness of beams, girders, or frame components, or engineered design changes.

In some facilities it may be desired to extend the depth of a pallet rack, since this arrangement can facilitate the efficient storage of barrel pallets within a given storage space, while making the retrieval of any specific barrel pallet from a rack less labor-intensive than it would otherwise be. Thus, such a pallet rack may be made to have a depth in multiples of the depth of the barrel pallet. In other examples a plurality of pallet racks may be placed behind a foremost pallet rack having the same dimensions and with pallet hook channels having their respective heights aligned with corresponding pallet hook channels of the foremost pallet rack. Preferably, each of the plurality of pallet racks is joined to at least one proximal pallet rack (e.g., behind, in front of, or both behind and in front of) the reference pallet rack, thus aiding in the stability of the plurality of pallet racks as a usnit. In certain examples (particularly those in which a pallet hook channel comprises an upward facing channel, it may be preferred that the sides or side channels of the barrel pallets have wheels or casters extending downward, thereby permitting a barrel pallet to slide along the pallet hook channels towards the rear of the pallet rack assembly. This feature permits additional barrel pallets to be subsequently placed in the same pallet hook channels of the pallet rack, and the backward-placed pallets can then be rolled to the front of the pallet rack for removal. Alternatively, wheels may be placed on the portion of the pallet rack making contact with the downwardly facing portions of the pallet side channels, thereby permitting the same motion of the barrel pallet on the pallet rack. Barrel pallets may be placed on the pallet rack using a forklift; the forklift may place a given pallet on the pallet hook channels of a chosen level. Preferably the forklift is fitted with an extension function enabling the forklift to push and/ or pull a barrel pallet along the pallet hook channel to place or remove the barrel pallet within the pallet rack.

In facilities having multiple pallet racks, the racks may be arranged, for example, in a side-by-side arrangement and/ or with a corridor separating them. In one example, two pallet racks may be placed side-by-side with a corridor of about 24 inches (2 feet) between them. Each such pallet rack may be about 60 inches (5 feet) wide, making the entire width of the pallet rack/ corridor arrangement 12 feet (144 inches). Each pallet rack may comprise pairs of pallet hook channels at 6 levels, thereby accommodating stacks of barrel pallets 6 pallets high. The corridors permit personnel to walk between pallet racks in the storage assembly, and to climb the pallet racks in order to stir the lees of the wine within given barrels, to top off wine within barrels and perform general maintenance while the barrels are located on the barrel pallets in the pallet rack. In certain cases, the corridors are wide enough to permit forklift traffic between pallet racks. In this arrangement, the barrel pallet assemblies on each side of the corridor may be structurally connected by frame members extending across the corridor. For example, frame members may extend between the third and the fourth levels of a first pallet rack and/ or at the top of the first pallet rack; each of these frame members may be joined to the corresponding frame members of a second pallet rack by means of one or preferably more additional corridor- spanning frame element (such as a girder) firmly secured to the corresponding frame members of the first and second pallet rack. Since the corridor- spanning frame element(s) extend between at a height of at least about 9 feet or 18 feet (above head level), they provide no impediment to foot traffic in the aisle, and permit forklift traffic as well. Preferably, all these frame members and corridor- spanning frame elements are made of metal or a metal alloy, or a suitably strong polymeric material, such that the frame elements function to prevent the connected pallet racks from falling into the corridor, for example, during a seismic event. At the same time, since the barrels are individually supported and retained by the pallet rack (rather than being supported by underlying barrels), the possibility of stacks of barrel pallets falling during such an event is greatly lessened or eliminated.

Whether the barrel pallets of the invention are contained within a pallet rack or stacked directly, either or both the pallets and the pallet racks may also comprise seismic isolators, or be supported by a platform or floor comprising seismic isolators. As used herein, a "seismic isolator" is any suitable device or structure which is structured to protect a payload supported thereupon by absorbing seismic energy during an earthquake and thereby lessen or eliminate the impact of seismic vibrations experienced by the payload during the earthquake. Such devices may include, without limitation: base isolators (for example, those comprising alternating rubber/ steel laminates having high vertical stiffness, and a core made from a deformable material, such as lead); sliding isolators (such as those comprising springs and sliding surfaces, or those comprising a plate (such as a stainless steel plate) and a low-friction material (such a lubricated plate or a Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethylene) sheet or disc) structured to slide against each other during a seismic vibration when supporting a payload; bearing-supported seismic isolators, such as the so-called ball-in-cone and ball-in sphere type bearings, disclosed in e.g., Kemeny, U.S. Patent No. 5,599,106; Hubbard & Moreno, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0222800; Moreno & Hubbard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0119224; Hubbard et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,511,004 and U.S. Patents No. 7,784,225; 8,104,236; and 8,156,696, as well as functional equivalents of such bearings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware+ of many different type of seismic isolators; this disclosure is meant to include all such prior- disclosed apparatus, means, and methods of protecting a payload from seismic vibrations by absorbing seismic energy and thereby lessening or eliminating the impact of seismic vibrations experienced by the payload during the earthquake.

A "payload", according to the present specification, is any structure or article having mass (and thus inertia) which is supported by a seismic isolator. The barrels, barrel pallets and pallet racks described above are payloads when supported by a seismic isolator. In certain examples of the present invention one or more barrel pallet may be structured to comprise, and/ or be at least partially supported by, a floor-containing seismic isolator. By "floor-contacting" is meant that at least a bottom component of the seismic isolator is in contact with a floor, foundation, slab or the ground in such a manner that it will substantially move with the ground in an earthquake. In one example, the present invention comprises an apparatus comprising one or more seismic isolator structured to support a payload comprising one or more wine barrel, and effective to reduce or suppress seismic vibrations experienced by said payload during an earthquake.

In a related example, the present invention may comprise an apparatus having one or more seismic isolator structured to support a payload; said payload comprising one or more barrel pallet, and effective to reduce or suppress seismic vibrations experienced by said payload during an earthquake. In particularly preferred examples, the payload comprises a plurality of stacked barrel pallets.

In a related example, the present invention comprises an apparatus having one or more seismic isolator structured to support a payload comprising one or more barrel rack, and effective to reduce or suppress seismic vibrations experienced by said payload during an earthquake. A "barrel rack" comprises an apparatus structured to contain a plurality of barrels, such as wine barrels. A "pallet rack", such as (without limitation) the pallet racks discussed herein above, is structured to contain and retain barrel pallets, and is a type of barrel rack. Thus, in particularly preferred examples, the present invention comprises an apparatus comprising one or more seismic isolator structured to support a payload comprising one or more barrel rack comprising stacked barrels, and effective to reduce or suppress seismic vibrations experienced by said payload during an earthquake. Stacked barrels may be entirely or partly supported, for example, by the barrel rack, one or more barrel pallet, or one or more other barrels, in addition to the seismic isolator(s).

In other examples the present invention is drawn to a combination comprising a payload supported by one or more seismic isolator. The supported payload may be stabilized on pallets, which, for example, are movable by forklift. The barrel pallets be any barrel pallets, and are preferably, but not solely, as described in this patent specification. The present invention may comprise a combination comprising a plurality of wine barrels contained in a barrel rack supported by one or more seismic isolator.

In one example, the seismic isolator(s) supporting the barrels, barrel pallets, and/ or barrel racks as described above comprises one or more base isolator having a deformable core. In another example, the seismic isolator(s) comprises one or more base isolator having a hardened (such as a stainless steel) plate which slides against another material such as Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethylene). In many instances of each of these seismic isolator types, the seismic isolator is moved and/ or destroyed (and the payload may end up be shifted with relation its prior position on the floor) following the seismic event; such seismic isolators require rebuilding or routine resetting after a moderate to severe earthquake, and shall be termed "single use" seismic isolators herein.

In preferred examples, the seismic isolator(s) supporting the barrels comprise one or more "multiple use" seismic isolator. By "multiple use" is meant that at 10% or 20% or 50% of the maximum vibrational magnitude that the seismic isolator is structured to operate in the seismic isolator is not destroyed, and will not require routine resetting after such an seismic event. In particularly preferred examples, the seismic bearing(s) are self-centering, meaning that under such conditions they will return the payload to substantially the same position with respect to the floor as before the earthquake. Seismic isolators may be installed as an isolation platform or flooring systems, for example, those in which a large slab or flooring section is supported by a plurality of hardened balls. See, e.g., Hubbard & Moreno, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0291475. In this way, an entire floor area upon which the barrels, barrel pallets and barrel racks are supported is cushioned from seismic shock. The '475 publication discloses that the seismic isolators are "multiple use" seismic isolators comprising rolling balls. See also, Hubbard et al.„ U.S. Patent US 8,511,004.

Alternatively, the seismic isolators may be installed as integral devices on the underside of a barrel pallet, or at the lower extremity of a barrel rack, such as the pallet racks described above. For example, the downward extending frame members of a barrel rack may comprise feet upon which the barrel rack is supported; the lower part of some or all the feet may comprise a seismic isolator. Preferably the seismic isolator may comprise a multiple use seismic isolator. Preferably the multiple use isolator may comprise a self-centering seismic isolator, such as a self-centering rolling ball-type seismic isolator. Non-limiting examples of preferred multiple-use seismic isolators to be used as part of the container (particularly wine barrel and drum systems), barrel pallet, and barrel rack (particularly the pallet rack) systems described elsewhere herein, are now described.

In certain examples, the present invention comprises a seismic isolation system. The system may comprise isolation flooring and/ or seismic isolation platforms. Although not exclusively, preferred examples of the seismic isolation system may involve, or may be used in conjunction with, a "low rise" platform or flooring system such as that disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/028621, filed on March 1, 2013 (now International Patent Publication No. WO/2013/130975).

Isolation bearings and systems such as, without limitation, those disclosed in e.g., U.S. Patents No. 5,599,106; 7,784,225; 8,104,236; 8,156,696, 8,511,004 and 9,103,485 (hereby incorporated by reference) provide seismic isolation through the utilization of isolation bearings comprising at least one (and usually two) horizontally extending bearing plate(s) with a first generally concave surface and a second surface. A cross-sectional profile through a midline vertical axis of such a bearing plate shows that the generally concave surface comprises a shape, generally symmetrical around a central vertical axis, comprising a substantially conical shape, a substantially spherical shape, or a shape, comprising a linked combination of linear shapes, a combination of radial shapes, or a combination of linear and radial shapes. When the generally concave surface of the bearing plate is a top surface of the bearing plate the bearing plate shall be considered "upward" facing, whereas when this surface is the bottom surface of the bearing plate, the concave surface shall be considered "downward" facing.

Generally at least one bearing plate supports, or is supported by a rolling ball, such as a ball bearing. In preferred rolling ball isolation bearing systems a rolling ball is between opposing upward-facing and downward-facing isolation bearing plates in such a manner that when a seismic event occurs, horizontal ground movement of the floor or foundation is isolated from the payload supported by the isolation bearings. Horizontal ground movement of the lower bearing plate is attenuated by the inertia of the payload mass on the upper bearing plate so that the rolling ball, located at rest in the center of the bearing plates, is free to move out of the center of the lower plate as the plate moves under it in any direction (relative to the lower plate) opposite to the direction of lower plate movement.

A major advantage to such a bearing is that, since it is substantially equally free to move the same distance in any horizontal direction (i.e., along the x and y axes) given a constant force, the bearing does not require additional means to translate and isolate non- linear forces, or forces having both x and y components, as is necessary with isolation equipment using rollers, springs, skids or the like as the primary means of isolating the payload. Additionally, because of the use of a generally concave, generally symmetrical bearing surface, the bearing is "self-initializing", with the rolling ball returning to the center of the bearing plate following a seismic tremor, thus restoring the bearing to its initial resting position.

However, this advantage also means that shape of the bearing plate(s) is usually circular; in this manner the rolling ball is free to travel the same distance in any direction, and thus the bearing will work equally well regardless of the direction of the seismic force.

However, circular seismic bearing plates can possess practical disadvantages. Shipping, storage, manufacturing and assembly of isolation systems can all be at least somewhat made more difficult using bearing plates having a circular plan view. Such bearing plates need to be stacked horizontally for storage; when placed side-by-side, the bearing plates only touch at a single point, and this substantially storage space is wasted. Furthermore, assembly of isolation equipment using circular bearing plates often requires specialized and somewhat inflexible designing, and this customizing design requirement lends itself less than optimally to, for example, a flexible modular isolation system that can be configured in many different ways. Finally the actual assembly of circular bearings in a system is difficult, and attachment of such bearing plates to frame elements may not be as robust as desired or may be necessary. In certain examples, the present invention is directed to methods and apparatus which involve improved seismic isolation bearings and systems utilizing such seismic isolation bearings, as well as methods of making and using such bearings and systems, particularly with respect to the storage and protection of containers, such as wine barrels and hazardous waste drums. In particular non-limiting examples, the seismic isolation systems utilize one or more "rolling ball" isolation bearing comprising a bearing plate having a polygonal shape. That is, the isolation bearing may comprise at least one payload-supporting "pan" or bearing plate having a polygonal shape in a plan view comprising a load-bearing surface having a cross-sectional profile comprising a generally conical shape, a generally spherical shape, or a shape, generally symmetrical around a central vertical axis, comprising a linked combination of linear and radial shapes.

The pan or bearing plate extends horizontally, generally radiating symmetrically about a central point, for example a central apex (or inverted apex). In the presently described examples, the pan or bearing plate is circular or polygonal in shape when seen in plan view; for example, the plan view of the pan (and/ or its frame) may comprise a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon or another polygonal shape. In other examples, the bearing plate may be substantially circular in plan view and optionally surrounded by a polygonal frame. Preferably, the polygonal shape is other than a square; preferably the polygonal shape is other than a triangle. Preferably, the polygonal shape is a hexagon or an octagon. Such polygonal isolation bearings are described in e.g., U.S. Patent Application Serial No. Serial No. 14/ 527,313 and International Patent Application No. In preferred examples, each seismic isolation bearing comprised in a seismic isolation system may comprise at least two opposing bearing plates, separated by a rigid ball, such as a metallic ball bearing. The rigid balls of two or more such bearings support the payload upon a frame (such as the pallets and barrel racks described above), a flooring element, or a platform. A seismic isolation bearing generally comprises two bearing plates, separated by a rigid ball, such as a metallic ball bearing; in such arrangements an upper bearing plate may be joined to a frame (such as the support structure or feet of a barrel pallet or the structure or feet of a barrel rack) while a lower bearing plate may be placed upon or affixed to a floor, foundation, or other similar support surface. A lower bearing plate may be oriented "upward", so that when the system is at rest the rigid ball is nested at a central point on the bearing surface of the lower bearing plate. An upper bearing plate may be oriented

"downward", so that when the system is at rest the rigid ball rests within a central point on the bearing surface of the upper bearing plate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is front view of an example of a stackable barrel pallet of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the stackable barrel pallet of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows another example of a two-barrel pallet of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a front view of an example of a pallet rack assembly of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a front view of a pallet rack of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows another example of a barrel pallet in perspective view.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of groups of stacked barrel pallets.

Fig. 8 shows a pallet rack assembly comprising two pallet racks.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of another example of a barrel rack assembly.

Fig. 9B is a front view of the barrel rack assembly of Fig. 9A.

Fig. 9 A is a side view of the barrel rack assembly of Fig. 9A. Detailed Description of the Invention

The examples which follow describe particular examples of the invention of the present application, which is not limited by any of these examples, but only by the claims that follow this description. Example 1

Fig. 1 shows a front view of an example of a stackable barrel pallet 101 of the present invention. Each barrel pallet comprises a support structure 103 having two downward extending forklift openings 105. Each forklift opening comprises a base plate 107 and downward extending side components 109 having tips 111 bent or formed in an upward direction. The pallet 101 also comprises a plurality of chocks 113 having angled or curved inner surfaces structured and placed to retain a barrel 115 within a predetermined area of the pallet. Fig. 1 is a front view; at least one additional pair of chocks 113 (not shown) is aligned with the contours of the barrel and located near the rear of the pallet to support and retain each barrel in its place on the pallet. As also shown in Fig. 1, the pallet of this example also comprises front retention members 119 and side retention members 117, to prevent the barrel from rolling or sliding off the pallet; although not visible in Fig. 1, the pallet also comprises a rear retention member for each barrel (not shown) identical to the front retention members 119.

Fig. 1 also shows wheels or casters 121 located, affixed, and positioned in a downward direction at the front corners of the support structure 103 of the pallet. At least two other wheels or casters (not shown), are similarly located, affixed, and positioned at the rear corners of the pallet. These wheels or casters 121 can be used to engage with upward- facing pallet hook channels (not shown) of a pallet rack.

To show how the pallets of this example may be stacked, Fig. 1 depicts a payload- containing lower pallet 101 and an upper pallet (for simplicity's sake, lacking upwardly extending retention members) 123 having a forklift opening 105 resting directly on the top of the barrels 115 of the underlying pallet 101. Here it can be seen that the upward-formed tips 111 of the downward extending side components 109 of the forklift openings of pallet 123 are formed to engage with and rest upon the underlying barrel.

Fig. 2 is a top view of pallet 101. Support structure 103 comprises barrel chocks 113 supporting barrels 115. Front retention members 119, rear retention members 125, and side retention members 117 are attached at locations around the perimeter of, and to, the support structure. Portions of wheels or casters 121, which extend downwardly from, and slightly outboard of, the corners of the support structure are shown where they are visible in the top view. The base plate of forklift openings 105 are under the barrel.

In view of this disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will be immediately aware that the pallet of this example may be subject to various alterations within the spirit and scope of the example. For example, the side retention members, the front retention members and/ or the back retention members need not necessarily have a "T bar" configuration, but any of these might have a different form or configuration, such as a bent retention member with a elastomeric enlargement attached to the end. The chocks may be enlarged to provide more resistance against the barrel rolling; the wheels may be omitted in favor of hooks or downward projecting members aligned to engage over a horizontal bar of the side of a pallet rack, etc.

Example 2

Fig. 3 shows another example of a two-barrel pallet of the present invention. The barrel pallet comprises a support structure 303 with chocks 313 and forklift openings 305. As shown, the dimensions of the support structure of the pallet are about 57 inches in width and about 38 inches in length; however these dimensions can be altered, for example, depending on the number of barrels the pallet is made to hold, and the dimensions and design of the pallet rack. In this example, the forklift openings comprise downward extending side plate or frame members members 309 and an opposing plate or frame member 327 enclosing the bottom of the forklift opening, and parallel to and opposing the portion of the support structure that comprises the top portion of the forklift opening. The forklift openings are each about 5 inches from top to bottom, about 15 inches from side to side, separated by about 14.5 inches and centered from side to side on the bottom of the barrel pallet. In Fig. 3, the sides of the support structure comprise side channel components 329 for use in a pallet rack. The side channel components comprise a horizontal portion 331 that extends outward from the support structure about 6 inches, and a downward extending portion 333 at the end thereof that extends downward about 2 inches. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware that side channel components of this design are but one of a variety of possible features that can be placed along the side of the pallet that permit the pallet to be held by the pallet rack. For example, the side components need not be channels running full length along the sides of the pallet, but may be a plurality of downward-facing hooks or V- or U—shaped members that will fit over complementary members of the pallet rack, or may simply comprise a frame element extending outward from the sides of the pallet which may be rested on top of a shelves built into the interior sides of the pallet rack. Additionally, the shape and location of the side channel components (hooks or ) on the pallet may be varied without departing from the scope of this example of the invention. Example 3

Fig. 4 shows a front view of an example of a pallet rack assembly 401 comprising two pallet racks 403 joined by stabilizing members 405 to define between them a corridor 407 of about 24 inches (2 feet). Each such pallet rack in this example is about 60 inches (5 feet) wide, making the entire width of the pallet rack/ corridor arrangement 12 feet (144 inches). As shown, each pallet rack comprises pairs of pallet hook channels 409 at 6 levels, accommodating the side channel components 429 of barrel pallets 411 to accommodate of barrel pallets 6 pallets high.

The corridors 407 permit personnel to walk between pallet racks in the pallet rack assembly 401, and to climb the pallet racks, for example to stir the lees of the wine within given barrels, to top off wine within barrels, and to perform general maintenance while the barrels are located on the barrel pallets in the pallet rack. In certain cases, the corridors 407 are made wide enough to permit forklift traffic between pallet racks.

In this arrangement, the barrel pallet assemblies on each side of the corridor may be structurally connected by frame members 405 extending across the corridor. For example, pallet rack frame members 413 may extend between the third and the fourth levels of a first pallet rack and/ or at the top of the first pallet rack; each of these frame members may be joined to the corresponding frame members of a second pallet rack by means of one or preferably more additional corridor-spanning frame element 405 (such as a girder) firmly secured to the corresponding frame members of the first and second pallet rack. Since the corridor-spanning frame element(s) extend between at a height of at least about 9 feet or 18 feet (above head level), they provide no impediment to foot traffic in the aisle, and permit forklift traffic as well. Additionally, these corridor-spanning frame members 405 may be used to support a platform or plank to form a catwalk between pallet racks, thus obviating the need to separately climb each of joined pallet racks.

As shown, each of the pallet racks is supported by rolling ball seismic isolators 415 at the foot of the vertical frame members of the barrel rack assemblies. Such seismic isolators are described in, for example, Kemeny, U.S. Patent No. 5,599,106; Hubbard & Moreno, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0222800; Moreno & Hubbard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0119224; Hubbard et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,511,004 and U.S. Patents No. 7,784,225; 8,104,236; and 8,156,696, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Alternatively, any suitable seismic isolator, including isolation platforms or isolation floors, may be engineered to be used with this barrel rack assembly.

Fig. 5 shows a front view of a pallet rack 501 holding three two-barrel pallets 503. In some examples this pallet rack may be free-standing, while in others it may comprise a part of a larger pallet rack, such as the two pallet racks 403 shown in Fig. 4. As depicted, this pallet rack comprises vertical frame members 505, horizontal frame members 507, and pallet hook channels 509 running horizontally from front to back along each interior side of the pallet rack. In this example, the barrel pallets 503 comprise a support structure 511, vertically extending retention members 513 (here depicted as T bars) on the front and rear (not shown) of the barrel pallet, forklift openings, interior barrel chocks 517 (rear barrel chocks not shown), and an angled exterior extension 519 (rear exterior extensions not shown) at the exterior side of each pallet serving dual functions as an exterior barrel chock and as a side channel component having a downward-facing U-or V-shaped hook 521. The exterior extension may run as a plate along the front-to-back length of the barrel pallet, or may comprise a plurality of frame members (such as a girders) placed, for example, at or near each corner of the support structure 511.

Example 4

Fig. 6 shows another example of a barrel pallet in perspective view. In this case, the barrel pallet support structure 603 is clearly visible. The support structure comprises side frame members 617, front and back frame members 605, and inner frame members 607. The retention members comprise T bars 615 located on the sides of the pallet and curved bar retention members 613 located at the front and rear of the pallet. The support structure also comprises upward extending chock posts 611; these chock posts may be drilled or tapped to accept angled or curved chock fittings or rollers to fit different barrel types. The support structure is also shown with two pairs of downward-extending feet identically arranged on and affixed to each of the front and back frame members 605. These feet may be about 5 inches long and spaced so as to accept the tines of a forklift. The side frame members 617 are configured to slide along and be supported by the top edges of pairs of horizontal shelves (not shown) running from front to back along the interior sides of a barrel rack.

Example 5

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of 4 groups of stacked barrel pallets 701; Each of these barrel pallets are similar in design to the barrel pallet of Fig. 6, with each barrel pallet comprising a support structure 709 having side frame members 707, front and back frame members 711, and inner frame members 713 (in this case, only a single inner frame member is used per pallet). Like the pallet shown in Fig. 6, curved bar retention members 715 are located at the front and rear of the pallet, which also comprises upward extending chock posts 717 to hold and secure the barrels 719.

However, unlike the barrel pallets of Fig. 6, the side retention members 705 each comprise two parallel vertically extending frame members 719 about 30-35 inches long affixed to the side frame members 707, and joined at the middle and top thereof by framing connectors 721. In this example, side frame members 707 are hollow and the bottom of each such side frame member is open, while the ends of each side frame member are closed.

Thus, the side retention members 705 function both as retention members to prevent the barrels from rolling out of the pallet, and also as pallet stacking means, since a forklift can be used to raise a pallet loaded with barrels and set it down atop another pallet so that the side retention members 705 of the lower pallet fit into and are retained by the hollow side frame members 707 of the upper pallet.

An advantage of this arrangement is that, since barrels are not rested directly on top of another barrel, each barrel can be turned or otherwise accessed as desired without disturbing other barrels.

Fig. 8 shows a pallet rack assembly 801 comprising two pallet racks 803 in which the barrel pallets shown in Fig. 7 are retained and held. In this arrangement, the pallets are not stacked directly on top of the side retention members of the underlying pallet, as shown in Fig. 7, but comprise side frame members 707 extending outward from the sides of the pallet which may be rested and or slid on top of corresponding shelves 805 built into the sides of the pallet rack. In practice, the barrel pallets are lifted by a forklift into the racks; the use of a rack not only provides stability, but allows barrel pallets to be removed from the rack without disturbing those barrel pallets which may be stacked above or below the desired pallet.

Fig. 8 also shows a catwalk, 807 extending between and affixed to the two pallet racks 803; as indicated below, this feature aids stability of the pallet rack assembly while permitting workers tending the wine (e.g., stirring the lees, turning the barrel to disperse sediment, etc.) to move between racks without having to climb down from the rack assembly.

Example 6

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of another example of a barrel rack assembly comprising a minimum of non-identical parts. In this rack assembly the barrel racks 901 comprise a plurality of parallel pairs of vertically extending members 903, with each pair of vertically extending members joined by stabilizing frame members 905 and a hooking bar 909 encircling the interior and exterior sides of the pair of vertically extending members. The top of each pair of vertically extending members is joined by a top stabilizing frame member 905. The rear of the assembly may comprise additional frame members (not shown) extending between adjacent pairs of vertically extending members. As shown, the pairs of vertically extending members 903 are segmented to permit flexibility in the height of the pallet rack. Thus, the winery is able to stack a desired number of barrels, while building the rack up as it adds pallets to the rack, The pairs of vertically extending members shown in Fig. 9A comprise 6 identical segments, with the top of each segment 911 occurring at the junction point of a stabilizing frame member 905, and the bottom of each segment occurring about 8 to 11 inches below the attachment point of the side hooking bar 909. The segments are constructed so as to allow spacing between hooking bars sufficient to account for the thickness of the barrel pallet and the height of the barrel when it is supported by chocks. In this example the segments are about 37-38 inches high and about 83 inches wide,. Segments can be joined by any effective means, such as by making the outer circumference or perimeter of the lower portion of the pairs of vertically extending members smaller than the inner circumference or perimeter of the upper part of each segment (or vice versa) so than the ends mate, and/ or by using bolts to couple segments together.

As shown, in each segment the bottom ends of each of the vertically extending members is joined (such as by bolting) with the top plate of a preferred ball-in-cone-type seismic isolator 925; the bottom plate is preferably bolted or cemented to the floor, and a ball, such as a stainless steel ball, separating the two plates. Of course, use of this type of isolator is not meant to be limiting; any suitable type of seismic isolator, including without limitation isolation floors or platforms, may optionally be used in conjunction with the invention. Additionally, in some examples, no seismic isolator may be used. Fig. 9B shows a front view of the pallet rack shown in Fig. 9 A, while Fig. 9C shows a side view of the same pallet rack. The barrel pallets 913 as shown in Fig. 9B are essentially reversible, and top and bottom sides are identical. Each barrel pallet comprises 2 horizontal pairs of frame elements connected with and stabilized by vertical frame elements 919; each pair of horizontal frame elements having as components an upper frame element 915 and an identical (but upside down) lower frame element 917. Chocks 921 are located where the vertical frame elements 919 connect with the upper frame element 915 and lower frame element 917, and are placed on the upper surface of the upper frame element and lower surface of the lower frame element. The upper and lower frame element are very preferably sufficiently separated, and the vertical frame members sufficiently long, for the space to function as a forklift opening.

Similarly, the ends of the lower frame component of each pair comprises a downward facing plate or hook 923, and the ends of the upper frame component of each pair comprises an upward facing hook or plate 927. When the barrel pallet is placed in the rack, the hooks 923 of the connected lower frame components are engaged with and hooked on to the hooking bar 909 of the pallet rack. Thus in the examples shown, each side of the barrel pallet comprises 2 hooks to engage with the hooking bar.

Although the foregoing invention has been exemplified and otherwise described in detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be clear that modifications, substitutions, and rearrangements to the explicit descriptions may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. To the extent that a plurality of inventions are disclosed herein, any such invention shall be understood to have disclosed herein alone, in

combination with other features or inventions disclosed herein, or lacking any feature or features not explicitly disclosed as essential for that invention. For example, the inventions described in this specification can be practiced within elements of, or in combination with, other any features, elements, methods or structures described herein. Additionally, features illustrated herein as being present in a particular example are intended, in other aspects of the present invention, to be explicitly lacking from the invention, or combinable with features described elsewhere in this patent application, in a manner not otherwise illustrated in this patent application or present in that particular example. Solely the language of the claims shall define the invention. All publications, patents and patent documents cited herein are each hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each were so individually denoted.

Claims

We claim:

1) A barrel pallet comprising: a horizontal support structure having an upper surface and a lower surface, and structured to receive and support at least one barrel having a substantially symmetrical convex side section; a plurality of chock members affixed to the upper surface of the support structure, each said chock member being structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of a curved side of a first barrel placed upon the upper surface of said support structure and sufficient to prevent said first barrel from rolling when placed on the horizontal support structure; and a plurality of retention members affixed to said support structure, with at least one retention member being affixed at a location selected from the group consisting of a front portion of said support stricture, a back portion of said support structure, and a side portion of said support structure so as to prevent the barrel from moving off the upper surface of the support structure; and at least two forklift opening components having downwardly facing portions affixed to a surface of said support structure, said forklift openings structured to to receive the prongs of a forklift.

2) A barrel pallet comprising a substantially flat horizontal support structure having a front end, a back end, an upper surface and a lower surface, and structured to receive and support a first barrel laying on its side; a plurality of chock members affixed to the upper surface of the support structure, each said chock member being structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of the first barrel placed upon the upper surface of said support structure, and said plurality of barrel chock members being affixed in sufficient numbers and locations to prevent said first barrel from rolling when placed on the horizontal support structure, wherein at least one said chock member comprises a first portion affixed to the top surface of the support structure, and articulable connected to a second portion structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of the curved middle of said first barrel, so that said second portion is articulable about said first portion.

3) The barrel pallet of claim 2 wherein said at least one chock member is articulable in two dimensions.

4) The barrel pallet of claim 2 wherein said at least one chock member is articulable in three dimensions.

5) The barrel pallet of claim 2 comprising: at least two forklift opening components, each such forklift opening having downwardly facing portions affixed to the lower surface of said support structure; said forklift openings structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of the curved middle of a second barrel positioned underneath said barrel pallet, wherein said forklift opening components are structured to receive the prongs of a forklift.

6) The barrel pallet of claim 5 wherein the downwardly facing portions of each said forklift opening each comprise at least one chock member which makes stabilizing contact with a portion of the curved middle of said second barrel.

7) The barrel pallet of claim 5 wherein said forklift openings are structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of the curved middle of the second barrel when said second barrel is oriented substantially coaxially with a front-to-back axis of the upper surface of said support structure.

8) An apparatus comprising:

a barrel pallet rack comprising a rectangular prism-shaped frame defining at least one interior pallet rack space for the placement of a plurality of barrel pallets, wherein said interior pallet rack space is sufficiently sized and shaped for the vertical stacking of at least 2 barrel pallets above a single pallet footprint, wherein said barrel pallet rack comprises at least two pairs of substantially horizontal pallet hook channels, each pair of pallet hook channels affixed at substantially the same height in a parallel arrangement along opposing interior sides of the interior pallet rack space, and wherein each pair of pallet hook channels is vertically spaced parallel to each other pair, and above and/ or below each other pair of pallet hook channels by

approximately the height of a fully loaded barrel pallet or a multiple thereof, each said pair of pallet hook channels being structured to engage with a pair of pallet side channels affixed to a barrel pallet.

9) The apparatus of any of claims 1-8 supported by a seismic isolator assembly.

10) The apparatus of claim 9 where said seismic isolator assembly comprises a seismic isolator selected from the group consisting of a base isolator, a sliding isolator, and an isolator comprising a rolling ball.

11) The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said seismic isolator assembly comprises a seismic isolator selected from the group consisting of a multiple use isolator and a single use isolator.

12) The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said seismic isolator assembly comprises a multiple use isolator.

13) The apparatus of claim 12 comprising a rolling ball seismic isolator.

14) The apparatus of claim 9 where said seismic isolator assembly is selected from the group consisting of: individual seismic bearings supporting said apparatus, an isolation platform system, and an isolation floor system.

15. A barrel pallet comprising a substantially flat horizontal support structure having an upper surface and a lower surface, and structured to receive and support a first barrel laying on its side; a plurality of chock members affixed to the upper surface of the support structure, each said chock member being structured to make stabilizing contact with a portion of the first barrel placed upon the upper surface of said support structure, and said plurality of barrel chock members being affixed in sufficient numbers and locations to prevent said first barrel from rolling when placed on the horizontal support structure, and at least two side channel components on each side of said pallet said side channel components selected from the group consisting of channels, hooks, and horizontal frame elements, said side channel components structured to engage with corresponding horizontal pallet rack features selected from the group consisting of pallet hook channel components, hooking bars, or engagement surfaces of a pallet rack.

16) A barrel pallet substantially as described and/ or depicted herein with reference to and as may be illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

17) A pallet rack substantially as described and/ or depicted herein with reference to and as may be illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

18) A seismic isolation system comprising a payload selected from the group consisting of at least one of: a barrel, a drum, a barrel pallet, and a pallet rack, substantially as described and/ or depicted herein with reference to and as may be illustrated by the accompanying drawings.