Patent Publication Number: US-6910591-B2

Title: Transportable rack

Description:
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/999,573 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,607 filed Nov. 15, 2001, entitled “Transportable Rack,” the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety to the extent that it is consistent with this invention and application. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the glass hauling industry, there are many different types of glass racks and glass transportation methods. For example, the most common method of transporting large lites (sheets) of glass (96″ tall by 130″ long or larger) over the road has been on a flat bed trailers, in various glass racks that are removable or fixed to the trailer. 
   There are, however, several disadvantages associated with transporting glass sheets on a flat bed trailer. For example, the glass sheets must be loaded on the trailer by an overhead crane, which requires a large capital investment by the shipper and consignee. Another disadvantage is the manual load preparation process. Once loaded in place, the glass sheets must be padded, secured, and tarped to protect them from the elements. The loading process is also dangerous and difficult for the person performing the work. An additional disadvantage is that both the loading and unloading process are very time consuming, often causing disruption in the production flow of many glass manufactures. 
   Accordingly, the present invention provides a transportable rack and methods of using the transportable rack that overcome the disadvantages of known systems and methods while offering features not present in known systems and methods. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a transportable rack is disclosed. The transportable rack comprises a base having a first end portion and a second end portion, an upright frame mounted on the base, a rolling device affixed to the first end portion, and a stowable beam member affixed to the base. The stowable beam member has a lift receiving portion. 
   According to another embodiment of the invention, a transportable rack is disclosed comprising a base having a first end portion and a second end portion, an upright frame mounted on the base, a rolling device affixed to the first end portion, and a stowable beam member affixed to the second end portion of the base. The stowable beam member has a lift receiving portion and is adjustable between a storage position and a lift position. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a transportable rack, comprising a base having a first end portion and a second end portion, an upright frame attached to the base, a rolling device attached to the first end portion, and a stowable beam member having a lift receiving portion attached to the second end portion, is disclosed. 
   According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a transportable rack is disclosed. The transportable rack comprises a first upright attached to a first base member, a rolling device attached to the first base member, a second upright attached to a second base member, and a central support member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the central support member is attached to the first base member, the second end portion attached to the second base member. A retractable beam member is slidably disposed within the central support member, the retractable beam member having a lift receiving portion. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the base portion of the transportable rack of  FIG. 1  in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an underside view of the first base member of  FIG. 2  in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the base portion of  FIG. 2  in further detail with the retractable beam member shown in an extended position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the sheet stop assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the transportable rack of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an illustrative forklift lift adapter device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an illustrative transportable rack raised by a conventional forklift in combination with an illustrative forklift lift adapter device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method of hauling sheet materials in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a method of shipping empty transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a planar view of an illustrative shipping arrangement of a plurality of empty transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the base of the transportable rack of  FIG. 12  in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14  is an isometric view of an illustrative base for a transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Further details of the systems and methods of the invention will hereinafter be described. As used herein, items referred to in the singular may also be in the plural, and items referred to in the plural may also be in the singular. 
     FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the method and system of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a transportable rack  10  is provided. For illustrative purposes, the transportable rack  10  is best described in two portions, i.e., a base portion  12  and an A-frame structure portion  14 . 
     FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the base portion of the transportable rack of  FIG. 1  in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , base portion  12  is formed by first base member  20 , second base member  40 , and central support member  60 . Central support member  60  connects first base member  20  and second base member  40  such that when viewed from above, in planar view, base portion  12  appears I-shaped. 
   Central support member  60  has a first end portion  61  and second end portion  62 , wherein the first end portion  61  is attached to first base member  20  and second end portion  62  is attached to second base member  40 . Accordingly, central support member  60  is attached to and supported by first base member  20  and second base member  40 . 
   A pair of setting blocks  22  are attached to the top of first base member  20  for resting sheet materials on when the transportable rack  10  is ready for use. Each setting block  22  includes a protective layer  24  on its top surface, such that when sheet materials are rested on the protective layer  24  covering setting block  22 , the sheet material is not damaged, either during racking or transport. The protective layer  24  also helps hold the sheet materials in place and reduces sliding during transport or rolling movement of the transportable rack  10 . On each outer end portion of the first base member  20 , ratcheting buckles  26  are attached for receiving the straps that hold sheet materials on the transportable rack  10  during transport. A tie-off bar  28  is also mounted in each outer end portion of first base member  20  for securing the transportable rack  10  to the floor of van, or alternatively, a flatbed trailer. 
   First base member  20  also includes a center mount  30  and center mount plates  32  attached to the center mount  30 . The center mount  30  and center mount plates  32  provide a base around which First A-frame upright  100  is positioned, and attached to the first base member  20 . 
   First base member  20  also has a plurality of wheels  34  rotatably attached.  FIG. 3  is an underside view of the first base member of  FIG. 2  in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the plurality of wheels  34  are mounted in wheel wells  36  and secured by wheel pin assemblies  38 . The wheels  34  provide a means for rolling movement of the transportable rack  10 , i.e., a rolling device. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the wheels  34  include five 4000 lb. capacity forged steel wheels. The wheels  34  may also have grease zerks and grease seals to provide for easy maintenance. Other types of wheels, or additional wheels may be added or substituted to adapt for varying load capacities in further embodiments. Moreover, it should be appreciated that other suitable devices may be installed within or attached to first base member  20  to allow for rolling movement of transportable rack  10 , such as a single elongated wheel, tracks, skid pads or hydraulic-powered wheels that extend downwardly and raise the first base member from the ground surface, for example. These devices may be substituted in further embodiments, and may also be attached to the first base member  20  in any suitable manner, i.e. embedded within the base member, attached to its underside, hingedly attached to the outer surface of the base member, for example. 
   Returning to  FIG. 2 , second base member  40  is similar to first base member  20 , except that in this embodiment, second base member  40  does not include a plurality of wheels. It should be noted, however, that further embodiments may utilize a rolling device on second base member  40  as well. Second base member  40  includes a pair of setting blocks  42  attached to the top of second base member  40  for resting sheet materials on when the transportable rack  10  is ready for use. Each setting block  42  includes a protective layer  44  on its top surface, such that when sheet materials are rested on the protective layer  44  covering setting block  42 , the sheet material is not damaged, either during racking or transport. The protective layer  44  also helps hold the sheet materials in place and reduces sliding during transport or rolling movement of the transportable rack  10 . 
   In the present embodiment, the settings blocks  22  and  42  are made of wood, making them easily replaceable when needed for wear and tear. However, setting blocks  22  and  42  can be made of any suitable material that is capable of supporting the sheet material load, such as steel. The setting blocks  22  and  42  are also made with a small degree of taper such that the sheet materials rested thereon lean on the A-frame structure portion  14 . A five degree taper provides a suitable angle of lean in the fragile sheet materials, such as glass, granite, stone product sheets, and other types of materials with low bending strengths, to prevent damage and fracturing of the sheet materials. The five degree taper corresponds with the five degree taper of a conventional A-frame upright to form a right-angled seat for the sheet materials. Additionally, the protective layers  24  and  44 , which are glued onto the top of each setting block  22  and  42  are made of rubber, or any form of cushioning material or poly extrusion, to provide cushioning for the sheet materials rested on the setting blocks, as well as preventing sliding movement of the sheet materials. In another embodiment, the protective layers may be made of rubber inserts that slide into place, such as T-rubber described below. 
   On each outer end portion of the second base member  40 , ratcheting buckles  46  are attached for receiving the straps that hold sheet materials on the transportable rack  10  during transport. A tie-off bar  48  is also attached on each outer end portion of second base member  40  for securing the transportable rack  10  to the floor of van, or alternatively, a flatbed trailer. Second base member  40  may also include legs that contact a floor surface on which the transportable rack  10  sits to rest the rack upon and grip the fiber surface preventing movement when the rack is in a non-rolling position. 
   Second base member  40  also includes a center mount  50  and center mount plates  52  attached to the center mount  50 . The center mount  50  and center mount plates  52  provide a base around which the second A-frame upright  120  is positioned, and attached to the second base member  40 . It should be appreciated that first base member  20  and second base member  40  are formed steel channels in one embodiment of the invention. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first base member  20  and second base member  40  may be formed steel tubes, in which the first base member  20  has a plurality of wheel well cavities for attaching a plurality of wheels. 
   As stated above, central support member  60  joins the first base member  20  and second base member  40 . Of the central support member  60 , first end  61  is attached to the center mount  30  of first base member  20 , and second end  62  is attached to the center mount  50  of second base member  40 , such that central support member  60  is attached to and supported by the two base members. When viewed from above, the base portion  12  appears I-shaped. In the present embodiment, central support member  60  is a elongate hollow beam, i.e. a formed steel tube, which acts as the outer housing for retractable beam member  66 . In a non-operational (stowed) position, retractable beam member  66 , which is also a formed steel tube, is stored within the central support member  60 . 
   However, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the retractable beam member  66  slidably extends outwardly from the second end  62  of the central support member  60 .  FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the base portion of  FIG. 2  with the retractable beam member shown in an extended (lift) position in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. A tongue locking pin  64  secures the retractable beam member  66  in either an extended (lift) or retracted (i.e., stowed) position. In the retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the retractable beam member  66  is held in place by the tongue locking pin  64  engaging the locking pin hole  70  in retractable beam member  66 . A second locking pin hole in the inner portion  67  of retractable beam member  66  secures it in the extended position. 
   Retractable beam member  66  has an inner end portion  67  (within the central support member  60 ), and an outer end portion  68  which includes a lift receiving device  72 . In the present embodiment, the lift receiving device  72  is a vertically arranged tube and welded into the retractable beam member  66 , adapted to receive a standard ball-type hitch connection. Although in this embodiment of the invention the lift receiving device  72  is a square tube, in further embodiments of the invention, the tube may be different shapes, including cylindrical, for example. 
   Accordingly, a standard ball-type hitch engages the lift receiving device  72  allowing the raising of the outer end portion  68  of the retractable beam member  66 , which is attached to the central support member  60  and second base member  40 , and providing for the rolling movement of the transportable rack  10  on the wheels  34 . It should be appreciated that in further embodiments of the invention, several different types of lift receiving devices may be utilized to allow a moving lift device to raise the retractable beam member and second base member, and roll the transportable rack. For example, a ball hitch could be attached to the retractable beam member, and a forklift adapter device could contain a socket connection for receiving the ball hitch. Additionally, the connection between the lift receiving device could employ a lock and pin connection, a latch connection, a coupling device, for example. 
   Additionally, transportable rack  10  further includes a device for preventing the endwise (longitudinal) movement of sheet materials placed on the transportable rack. As shown in  FIG. 1 , sheet stop assembly  80  is mounted on telescoping tube mounts  86  which are attached to central support member  60 . 
     FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the sheet stop assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the system and method of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , sheet stop assembly  80  includes an outer telescoping tube  82 , inner telescoping tube  88 , telescoping locking pin  84 , sheet stops  92 , sheet stop locking pin  94 , and front rack bumper  96 . The outer telescoping tube  82  is a hollow elongate beam, i.e. a formed steel tube, mounted on telescoping tube mounts  86 , which are attached to central support member  60 . Inner telescoping tube  88  is also a hollow elongate beam, i.e. a formed steel tube, slidably housed in the outer telescoping tube  82 . The inner telescoping tube  88  has a plurality of telescoping holes  90 , integrally aligned, such that the telescoping locking pin  84 , secured in locking pin hole  85  of outer telescoping tube  82 , can lock the inner telescoping tube  88  in either an extended or retracted position with respect to the outer telescoping tube  82 . The plurality of telescoping holes  90  is provided so that the sheet stop assembly  80  can account for sheet materials of varying sizes and lengths. 
   A pair of sheet stops  92  fold outwardly from the end of the inner telescoping tube  88  to prevent endwise movement of sheet materials placed, on the transportable rack  10 . The sheet stops  92  are secured to the end of the inner telescoping tube  88  by sheet stop locking pin  94 , which allows the sheet stops  92  to pivot to and be secured in an extended position. Front rack bumper  96  is also attached to the end of inner telescoping tube  88  to protect the transportable rack  10  and any sheet materials that may be transported thereon, i.e. for when the transportable rack  10  is moved into a van or trailer for transport. A sheet stop cradle  98  is also provided, as shown in  FIG. 1 , for storing the sheet stops  92  in a stored position when the inner telescoping tube  88  is retracted within the outer telescoping tube  82  for moving the transportable rack  10  without carrying materials. 
   The transportable rack  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , further includes an A-frame structure portion  14 . In one embodiment, the A-frame structure portion  14  utilizes three A-frame uprights, first A-frame upright  100 , middle A-frame upright  110 , and second A-frame upright  120 . First A-frame upright  100  has two vertically arranged legs  102 , a plurality of lateral supports  104  secured to the legs  102 , a plurality of corner braces  106 , and a plurality of strap pegs  108  for securing transport straps thereto in combination with ratcheting buckles  26  on either end of first base member  20 . First A-frame upright  100  is mounted on and attached to first base member  20 . The base of each leg  102  is secured to center mount plates  32 . In addition, second A-frame upright  120  also has two vertically arranged legs  122 , a plurality of lateral supports  124  secured to the legs  122 , a plurality of corner braces  126 , and a plurality of strap pegs  128  for securing transport straps thereto in combination with ratcheting buckles  46  on either end of second base member  40 . Second A-frame upright  120  is also mounted on and attached to second base member  40 . The base of each leg  122  is secured to center mount plates  52 . 
   It should be appreciated that the strap pegs  108  and  128  provide a point around which transport straps can be wrapped and thereafter ratcheted in the ratcheting buckles  24  and  46  for securing glass sheets on the transportation rack. In the present embodiment, sixteen strap pegs are utilized. Accordingly, a strap may be permanently secured to the second strap peg from the top of the first A-frame upright  100  and second A-frame upright  120  such that, depending on the sheet material size, the strap will be routed up over the top peg or down under one of the lower pegs. The straps are then secured over the sheets and tensioned and locked in the ratcheting buckles. 
   Middle A-frame upright  110  also has two vertically arranged legs  112 , a plurality of lateral supports  114  secured to the legs  112  by a plurality of corner braces  116 , and a pair of central support member braces  119 . The pair of central support member braces  119  are attached to the base of each leg  112  such that the central support member braces  119  partially wrap around the central support member  40 . Accordingly, the central support member braces  119  anchor on the central support member  40  to provide support for Middle A-frame upright  110 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , upper cross supports  130  act as the main longitudinal cross support for the A-frame structure portion  14 . Although, in this embodiment, the upper cross supports  130  include two steel beams connecting the tops of the A-frame uprights, a single upper cross support may be utilized. A plurality of cross supports  134  connect first A-frame upright  100  to middle A-frame upright  110 , and second A-frame upright  120  to middle A-frame upright  110 . Cross supports  134  are also steel members. It should be appreciated that each part of the A-frame structure portion  14 , including A-frame uprights and cross supports, may have a formed poly extrusion channel secured to their surfaces for attaching a padding or cushioning material to the exterior of the A-frame structure portion  14  that may contact the sheet materials. A suitable padding or cushioning material capable of attaching to the formed poly extrusion channel is called T-rubber, which has a large flange on its exterior side for contacting the sheet materials, and a small flange on the other side for attaching to the formed poly extrusion channel. 
   To provide a better understanding of the A-frame structure portion  14 , a side perspective of the transportable rack  10  is illustrated in FIG.  6 .  FIG. 6  is a side view of the transportable rack of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the method and system of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the A-frame structure portion  14  further includes a lift cradle  138 , comprising two inverted steel channels, for receiving the forks of a conventional fork lift. The lift cradle  138  is attached to the underside of one parallel group of cross supports  134 . Accordingly, when the transportable rack  10  is to be placed in a stored position, a fork lift can lift the transportable rack  10  by the lift cradle  138  for fast movement. A set of angled braces  136  provide additional vertical support to the transportable rack  10 , such that the angled braces  136  secure the cross supports  134 , which have the lift cradle  138  attached thereto, to middle A-frame upright  110 . 
   It should be appreciated that although the foregoing has described in detail an embodiment of the transportable rack, other embodiments are provided below that illustrate variations in the base, upright frame and beam member used for lifting the transportable rack. In each embodiment of the transportable rack, the beam member is configurable to adjust between a lift position that allows one end of the transportable rack to be raised and the transportable rack rolled in a wheel-barrel type fashion, and a non-operational, or stowed, position that allows the beam member having the lift receiving portion to be stowed, for example, during transit (i.e., shipping) when hauling supplies, or simply for storage when not is use. 
     FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 12 , transportable rack  510  includes base portion  512 , upright frame portion  514 , and beam member  566 . Base portion  512  is formed by first base member  520 , second base member  540 , and central support member  560 . Central support member  560  connects first base member  520  and second base member  540  such that when viewed from above, base portion  512  appears I-shaped. Central support member  560  has a first end portion  561  and second end portion  562 , wherein the first end portion  561  is attached to first base member  520  and second end portion  562  is attached to second base member  540 . Accordingly, central support member  560  is attached to and supported by first base member  520  and second base member  540 . 
   Transportable rack  510 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , further includes an upright frame portion  514 , similar to the A-frame structure portion  14  represented in FIG.  1 . In this embodiment, upright frame portion  514  includes three uprights, first upright  516 , middle upright  517 , and second upright  518 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , each upright  516 ,  517  and  518  is in the form of an A-Frame, however, it should be appreciated that the uprights may be shaped differently, such as the L-Frame uprights described with reference to  FIG. 16  below. Uprights  516 ,  517  and  518  have two vertically arranged legs, a plurality of lateral supports secured to the legs, a plurality of corner braces, and a plurality of strap pegs for securing transport straps thereto in combination with ratcheting buckles on either end of first base member  520 . First upright  516  is mounted on and attached to first base member  520 . Second upright  518  is mounted on and attached to second base member  540 . Central support member braces anchor on the central support member  540  to provide support for middle upright  517 . 
   Beam member  566  is attached to central support member  560  at the second end portion  562 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , beam member  566  is attached to second end portion  562  by hinge  565 , which allows beam member  566  to pivot between the lift position (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and a stowed position (shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , for example). Although beam member  566  may be pivoted upwardly as shown in  FIG. 13 , any suitable hinged connection may be employed, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 14  wherein the beam member  766  pivots outwardly and into parallel with the second base member  740 . In the lift position, any suitable locking or securing mechanism may be employed to maintain beam member  566  in a rigid arrangement relative to a lift device. 
   Returning to  FIG. 12 , beam member  566  includes lift receiving portion  572 , which in this embodiment is a vertically arranged tube, welded into beam member  566 , and adapted to receive a standard ball-type hitch connection. Although lift receiving portion  572  is a cylindrical tube, in other embodiments of the invention, the lift receiving portion may take different shapes, including square, for example. 
   Transportable rack  510  further includes a device for preventing the endwise (longitudinal) movement of sheet materials placed on the transportable rack  510 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 12 , sheet stop assembly  80  is mounted on telescoping tube mounts which are attached to central support member  560 . It should be appreciated that although not referenced, transportable rack  510 , and the components therein described, may include additional features, such as those described in detail above with reference to FIG.  1  and transportable rack  10 , i.e., plurality of wheels  34 , for example. 
     FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the base of the transportable rack of  FIG. 12  in further detail in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 13 , beam member  566  is in the stowed position, exposing lift receiving device opening  573  of lift receiving portion  572 . In this embodiment, beam member  566  has been pivoted upwardly on hinge  565  to put beam member  566  in the stowed position. 
     FIG. 14  is an isometric view of an illustrative base for a transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 14 , base portion  712  includes several similar components to those of base  512  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . However, in  FIG. 14 , beam member  766  is attached to second end portion  762  of central support member  760  by hinge  765 . This allows beam member  766  to pivot outwardly from the longitudinal axis of base portion  712 , into parallel with second base member  740 . 
     FIG. 15  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 15 , transportable rack  810  includes base portion  812 , upright frame  814 , and beam member  866  (sheet stop assembly not illustrated). It should be appreciated that although not referenced, transportable rack  810 , and the components therein described, may include additional features, such as those described in detail above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 12 , and transportable racks  10  and  510 , respectively. However, transportable rack  810  is provided with an alternative base portion  812 , which is in the form of a truss structure. Base portion  812  includes first base member  820 , second base member  840 , central support member  860 , and middle base member  830 . Base portion  812  further includes a pair of side support members  834 , and a plurality of lateral base supports  832 . Upright frame  814  includes three uprights, first upright  816 , middle upright  817 , and second upright  818 . Beam member  866  is attached to second base member  840  by hinge  865 , which allows beam member  866  to pivot between the lift position and a stowed position. 
     FIG. 16  is an isometric view of an illustrative transportable rack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 16 , transportable rack  910  includes base portion  912 , upright frame  914 , and beam member  966  having lift receiving portion  972 . It should be appreciated that although not referenced, transportable rack  910 , and the components therein described, may include additional features, such as those described in detail above with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  12 , and  15 , and transportable racks  10 ,  510  and  710 , respectively. However, as described above, upright frame  914  is comprised of uprights  916 ,  917  and  918 , each in the form of an L-Frame. It should be appreciated that the L-Frame is essentially one half of an A-Frame. 
   Base portion  912  includes first base member  920 , second base member  940  and central support member  940 . A setting block  924  is placed on support  923 , which is attached to a pair of blocks  921  mounted on first base member  920 . Similarly, setting block  944  is placed on support  943 , which is attached to a pair of blocks  941  mounted on first base member  940 . Setting blocks  924  and  944  provide a resting place for sheet materials hauled on transportable rack  910 . 
   As seen in  FIGS. 1-6 ,  8 ,  10 , and  12 - 16 , various embodiments of the transportable rack are constructed to allow for the raising of the outer end portion of the beam member, which in turn causes the raising of the second base member, and allows for the rolling movement of the transportable rack. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  and  12 - 16 , the beam member includes a lift receiving device or portion on its outer end. It should also be appreciated that in the lift position, any suitable locking or securing mechanism may be employed to keep the beam member rigid with the base portion for raising the second base member and allowing rolling movement. Accordingly, a conventional forklift in combination with a forklift lift adapter device can be used to move the transportable racks. It should be appreciated that although many components of the disclosed transportable racks are made of steel, i.e. formed channels, tubes or beams, these members can be constructed of any suitable material capable of handling heavy load capacities. For example, if the present transportable rack is utilized to transport glass lites or sheet, it may carry more than 16,000 lbs. of glass on a single loading. This includes glass lites or sheets that may be 96″×144″, or larger depending on the needs of the skilled artisan. Accordingly, other metal types, composites, or plastics suitable to handle such a load capacity may be substituted in place of the disclosed steel components. 
     FIG. 7  is an illustrative forklift lift adapter device in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. Forklift lift adapter device  200  includes a base portion  202  having at least two channels  206  for receiving the forks of a conventional forklift. A hitch connection  204  is mounted on the base portion  202 . The hitch connection  204  is a standard ball-type hitch that slips into the lift receiving device  72 . Accordingly, the forklift adapter device  200  in combination with a conventional forklift allows for the raising and wheelbarrow-like movement of the transportable rack  10 . This type of movement is also beneficial in that it allows for single articulation when backing the transportable rack  10  into a van or trailer. 
   It should be appreciated that the lift receiving device of the present invention allows for the rolling movement of the transportable rack with the use of a conventional forklift. As such, each delivery point for the transportable rack can move the transportable rack and the sheet materials with the use of a forklift lift adapter device on a forklift. It should be noted that most delivery points for glass sheets utilize a conventional forklift as a part of regular business, therefore, making the use of the present transportable rack efficient in that further capital investment is not necessary. 
     FIG. 8  is a side view of an illustrative transportable rack raised by a conventional forklift in combination with an illustrative forklift lift adapter device in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the forks  302  of conventional forklift  300  are inserted into channels  206  of forklift lift adapter device  200 , and hitch connection  204  is engaging lift receiving device  72 . Simply, the ball-type hitch is inserted in the hitch connection in the retractable beam member. The transportable rack of the present invention also provides additional methods of hauling sheet materials. It should be appreciated that although throughout the description of the various embodiments of the invention, the transportable rack may be used to transport sheet materials, such as glass lites, other types of materials may also be transported on the rack. These materials may include granite sheets, stone products, wood, plasterboard, pre-cast concrete, steel plates, and other sheet materials, especially those fragile materials with low bending strengths. Additionally, various commercial products with elongate shapes may also be transported on the transportable rack, including van trailer doors, building products, including building frames, for example. 
     FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method of hauling sheet materials in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. The process being in step S 10 , and then passes to step S 20 . 
   Then, in step S 20 , sheet materials are loaded onto the transportable rack. The sheet materials are loaded onto the rack such that the sides of the sheet materials rest on the setting blocks of the disclosed transportable racks, and transport straps are used to secure the sheet materials on the transportable rack. 
   It should be appreciated that the moveable nature of the transportable rack of the present invention allows for the loading of the sheet materials on the rack at any suitable location, at any suitable time. Accordingly, glass lites can be loaded onto transportable racks at various locations at the glass manufacturer, including the area where the glass lite is cut and prepared for delivery, obviating the need to move the racks and store them until they are ready for loading. In addition, the ability to move the racks allows the glass manufacturer to pre-load the racks even before the transport vehicle arrives at the manufacturing plant to carry the racks and sheet materials to a delivery point. These advantages also translate to the facility accepting delivery of the racks, because that facility does not have to take the time to unload the glass lites from the rack as soon as they are delivered. The rack can be left at the delivery facility, and the glass lites can be stored on the rack until needed. 
   Returning to  FIG. 9 , in step S 30 , a lift device is utilized to raise the transportable rack. As described above, a lift device attached to a conventional forklift is inserted into the lift receiving device and then raised. The raising of the lift receiving device in turn raises a retractable beam member which in turn causes the second base member to be lifted from the floor surface. Therefore, the raising of the lift receiving device allows the transportable rack to be moved in a wheelbarrow type movement. Then, in step S 40 , the transportable rack is rolled onto a transport vehicle. It should be appreciated that the transport vehicle may be a van trailer, or flatbed trailer. Once secured in the transport vehicle, the transport vehicle with the transportable rack contained thereon is transported to a delivery point in step S 50 . The process then passes to step S 60  wherein the transportable rack is removed from the transport vehicle at the delivery point. Thereafter, the process ends in step S 70 . This process allows for delivery of transportable racks to a delivery point wherein the transportable racks can be loaded at any point before or after a transport vehicle arrives at a loading point, and does not require the transport vehicle to remain at the delivery point until the sheet materials are unloaded from the transportable racks. This may, however, cause a build up of empty transportable racks at a given delivery point. 
   Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the transportable rack can transform from having the retractable beam member and sheet stop assembly extended to a retracted position. In the retracted the position, the transportable rack can be arranged with other empty racks for storage and transport. In this respect, a method is disclosed wherein the transportable rack can be used to transport glass sheets, and once the glass sheets are delivered, the empty rack can remain at the delivery point. Once a delivery point accumulates a certain number of empty racks, the transportable racks of the present invention can be arranged and packed into a van trailer for return hauling to the glass manufacturer. 
     FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a method of shipping empty transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. The process begins in step S 110  and passes to step S 120  wherein a number of empty transportable racks at a delivery point is determined. This may be accomplished in any suitable fashion, including keeping records of the number of transportable racks delivered to a delivery point, monitoring the number of transportable racks at a given delivery point, or simply estimating a number of empty transportable racks at a delivery point based on a scheduled period. 
   Then, in step S 130 , the number of empty transportable racks at a delivery point is compared with a number of empty transportable racks associated with a transport vehicle loading. This comparison allows the shipper to determine when a shipping run of empty transportable racks is most efficient and cost effective, based on maintaining a full van or trailer on each leg of a transport journey. Once the number of empty transportable racks compares favorably with a transport vehicle loading, a loaded transportable rack with sheet materials is delivered to the delivery point in S 140 . Once the loaded transportable rack is removed from the transport vehicle at the delivery point, the empty transportable racks at the delivery point are loaded onto the transport vehicle in step S 150 . Then, in step S 160 , the empty transportable racks are transported back to a loading point. The process then ends in step S 170 . Utilizing this process, a shipper can maximize the number of empty racks maintained at a delivery point until it is most efficient to have the racks returned to the loading point. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of empty transportable racks may be loaded into a conventional van trailer to maximize the shipping capacity of a transport vehicle. 
     FIG. 11  is a planar view of an illustrative shipping arrangement of a plurality of empty transportable racks in accordance with one embodiment of the system and method of the invention. The plurality of transportable racks, which includes transportable rack  10 , transportable rack  11   a , and transportable rack  11   b , are prepared for empty shipping. In this embodiment of the invention, it should be appreciated that transportable racks  11   a  and  11   b  include each component included in transportable rack  10 , as described above and hereinafter. Transportable racks  10 ,  11   a  and  11   b  are prepared for shipping by fully retracting the retractable beam member  66  within central support member  60 , and also retracting the inner telescoping tube  88  within the outer telescoping tube  82  to a non-operational position wherein the sheet stops  92  are resting in the sheet stop cradle  98 . 
   The transportable racks  10 ,  11   a  and  11   b , when empty and prepared for shipping, are loaded onto a transport vehicle  400 , side to side, such that the first base member  20  and second base member  40  face the side walls  402  of the transport vehicle  400 . In this embodiment, the transport vehicle  400  is a van trailer. However, to provide further understanding of the nesting arrangement of the transportable racks  10 ,  11   a  and  11   b , the roof of the transport vehicle  400  has been removed, exposing the interior shipping space  404  wherein the empty transportable racks are loaded and carried. The use of shipping space  404  is maximized when the transportable racks  10 ,  11   a  and  11   b  are nested together such that the first base member  20  and second base member  40  of the racks are side by side, and at least one of the base members slides underneath the A-frame structure portion of another transportable rack. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the second base member  40  of transportable rack  11   a  is slid underneath the A-frame structure portion  14  of transportable rack  10 . Similarly, the second base member  40  of transportable rack  11   b  is slid underneath the A-frame structure portion  14  of transportable rack  11   a . Consequently, the first base member  20  of transportable rack  10  is slid underneath the A-frame structure portion  14  of transportable rack  11   a , and the first base member  20  of transportable rack  11   a  is slid underneath the A-frame structure portion  14  of transportable rack  11   b . Storing the empty transportable racks  10 ,  11   a  and  11   b  in this arrangement places the A-frame structure portions  14  of the different transportable racks side by side, and the empty transportable racks  10 ,  11   a  and  11   b , can be stored in a nested relationship, side to side, in a conventional van trailer or high cube trailer. Therefore, utilizing this arrangement of the empty transportable racks  10 ,  11   a , and  11   b , the use of shipping space  404  is maximized within the transport vehicle  400 , making each transport run more cost efficient. 
   It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention. 
   Accordingly, while the present invention has been described here in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any other such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.