Pipeline Pig Storage Rack Apparatus

Abstract

A pipeline pig support rack apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of supports mounted thereon, each extending upwardly from the frame. Each pipeline pig support includes clamps that are comprised of first and second u-shaped members that are attached with a hinge. A bolted connection opposite the hinge is provided for holding the u-shaped members together in a closed position when securing a pipeline pig. Lifting eyes on the frame are provided for enabling the frame, its pig supports and any contained pipeline pigs to be lifted as a unit. A basket receptacle optionally is provided that receives the frame. The frame and basket receptacle are each independently liftable. The basket receptacle prevents spillage of hazardous materials that might be residing upon the pigs after they have been used to clean a particular pipeline.

1 . A pipeline pig rack apparatus, comprising:
 a) a frame;   b) a plurality of pig supports mounted on the frame;   c) each pig support including a clamp including first and second U-shaped members that are attached with a hinge;   d) a connection opposite the hinge for holding the first and second U-shaped members together in a closed position; and   e) lifting eyes on the frame for enabling the frame and pig supports and any contained pipeline pigs to be lifted as a unit.   
     
     
         2 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame has a longitudinal beam and a plurality of transverse beams that are attached to the longitudinal beam at spaced apart locations. 
     
     
         3 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame includes longitudinal and transverse members. 
     
     
         4 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 2  wherein there are a pair of supports on at least some of the transverse beams. 
     
     
         5 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 3  wherein there are a pair of supports on at least some of the transverse members. 
     
     
         6 . A pipeline pig rack apparatus, comprising:
 a) a frame that includes one or more longitudinal beams and a plurality of transverse beams connected to the longitudinal beam or beams;   b) a plurality of pig supports mounted on the frame;   c) each pig support including a post, a clamp attached to the top of the post and the clamp including first and second U-shaped members that are attached with a hinge;   d) a connection opposite the hinge for holding the U-shaped members together in a closed position.   
     
     
         7 . Apparatus including the pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 1  and a plurality of pigs on the rack. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a cargo basket for receiving the rack. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus including the pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 1  and a cargo basket for receiving the rack. 
     
     
         10 . A pipeline pig storage rack apparatus, comprising:
 a) a frame;   b) a plurality of pig supports mounted on the frame;   c) each pig support including a clamp having first and second members that are attached to each other with a hinge;   d) a connection opposite the hinge for holding the first and second U-shaped members together in a closed position and including a bolt and a nut; and   e) lifting eyes on the frame for enabling the frame and pig supports and any contained pipeline pigs to be lifted as a unit; and   f) a walled receptacle having a bottom wall, side walls and a top, with a receptacle interior, said frame fitting within said interior.   
     
     
         11 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the frame includes longitudinal and transverse members. 
     
     
         12 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the frame has a longitudinal beam and a plurality of transverse beams that are attached to the longitudinal beam at spaced apart locations. 
     
     
         13 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 11  wherein there are a pair of supports on at least some of the transverse members. 
     
     
         14 . The pipeline pig rack apparatus of  claim 12  wherein there are a pair of supports on at least some of the transverse beams. 
     
     
         15 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of transporting pigs, comprising:
 providing the apparatus of  claim 1 ;   securing a pig or pigs to the rack;   transporting the rack after the pig or pigs are secured to the rack.   
     
     
         20 - 31 . (canceled)