Claims:1. A bed for seating a coil, the bed comprising:
a base with a concave section adapted to accommodate the coil, wherein the concave section has a radius suitable to allow the base to accommodate the coil, wherein the base comprises one or more segments placed laterally and detachably coupled to one another such that movement of the one or more segments along a lateral direction varies the radius of the concave section to enable accommodation of coils of different radii;
a base support segment, placed in a middle of the concave section and configured to provide a bottom support to the coil; and
one or more support structured to couple the bed to a floor.
2. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bed is made of any or a combination of a plastic material such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; and an eco-friendly material such as compressed paper pulp.
3. A bed for seating a coil, the bed comprising:
a base of a suitable geometry and size, said base comprising one or more legs to support said bed, wherein the bed is adapted to accommodate the coil in a pre-determined configuration of the coil.
4. The bed as claimed in claim 4, wherein the geometry is any of circular and polygonal.
5. The bed as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base of the fixture is provided with one or more supporting pegs on a surface of the base that is adapted to accommodate the coil, said one or more supporting pegs adapted to secure the coil.
6. The bed as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bed is made of any or a combination of a plastic material such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; and an eco-friendly material such as compressed paper pulp.
7. A fixture for stacking sheets, said fixture comprising:
one or more strips comprising a flat base and one or more legs, said one or more strips configured along length of a sheet such that the sheets rest on the flat base of the one or more strips, and a parallel to a floor.
8. The fixture as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more sets of fixtures is used to stack one or more sets of sheets vertically, one on top of another.
9. The fixture as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fixture is modular, and one or more fixtures are detachably coupled with one another based on length of sheets to be stacked.
10. The fixture as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fixture is made of any or a combination of a plastic material such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; a metal; an alloy; and an eco-friendly material such as compressed paper pulp.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[1] The present disclosure relates in general to the field of storage of goods. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the secure storage of coils and sheets.

BACKGROUND
[2] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[3] Conventionally the rolled metal coils and metal sheets weighing near about 25 tonnes are transported in the carriers. To secure these coils firmly on the carriers to avoid damage in transit they are placed on structures made of materials such as timber. The structures serve to secure heavy loads in containers can present quarantine and disposal problems at their destinations. A disadvantage of using timber is its low strength. Further, timber cannot be re-used due to its low strength and low shelf life.
[4] Additionally, it is preferable that the coils and sheets be secured so that they do not move within their containers during transit. In sea transport, for example, any inadvertent shifting of cargo due to ship motions can have adverse effects on ship stability and hence safety.
[5] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a means to secure heavy cargo such as rolled coils and metal plates such that they are not damaged during transport. It is preferable for the means to be re-useable.
[6] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[7] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[8] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[9] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[10] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[11] A general object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for secure stowage of goods.
[12] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture that can be re-used.
[13] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture that has along operational lifetime.
[14] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture that does not damage the goods.
[15] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture that is economical.

SUMMARY
[16] The present disclosure relates in general to the field of storage of goods. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the secure storage of coils and sheets.
[17] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a bed for seating a coil. The bed includes: a base with a concave section adapted to accommodate the coil, wherein the concave section has a radius suitable to allow the base to accommodate the coil, wherein the base comprises one or more segments placed laterally and detachably coupled to one another such that movement of the one or more segments along a lateral direction varies the radius of the concave section to enable accommodation of coils of different radii; a base support segment, placed in a middle of the concave section and configured to provide a bottom support to the coil; and one or more support structured to couple the bed to a floor.
[18] In an embodiment, the bed can be made of any or a combination of a plastic material such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; and an eco-friendly material such as compressed paper pulp.
[19] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a bed for seating a coil. The bed includes: a base of a suitable geometry and size, said base comprising one or more legs to support said bed, wherein the bed is adapted to accommodate the coil in a pre-determined configuration of the coil.
[20] In an embodiment, the geometry can be any of circular and polygonal.
[21] In another embodiment, the base of the fixture can be provided with one or more supporting pegs on a surface of the base that is adapted to accommodate the coil, said one or more supporting pegs adapted to secure the coil.
[22] In an embodiment, the bed can be made of any or a combination of a plastic material such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; and an eco-friendly material such as compressed paper pulp.
[23] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a fixture for stacking sheets. The fixture includes: one or more strips comprising a flat base and one or more legs, said one or more strips configured along length of a sheet such that the sheets rest on the flat base of the one or more strips, and a parallel to a floor.
[24] In an embodiment, the one or more sets of fixtures can be used to stack one or more sets of sheets vertically, one on top of another.
[25] In another embodiment, the fixture can be modular, and one or more fixtures can be detachably coupled with one another based on length of sheets to be stacked.
[26] In another embodiment, the fixture can be made of any or a combination of a plastic material such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; a metal; an alloy; and an eco-friendly material such as compressed paper pulp.
[27] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[28] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
[29] FIGs. 1A – 1C illustrate exemplary representations of a bed for seating coils, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[30] FIGs. 2A – 2C illustrate exemplary representations of a circular bed for storing coils in a vertical configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[31] FIG. 2D illustrates images of a field test of the proposed circular bed. It can be seen that the coils are firmly secured.
[32] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representations of a rectangular bed for storing coils in a horizontal configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[33] FIG. 3C illustrates images of stacked coils using the proposed rectangular bed. It can be seen that the coils are firmly secured.
[34] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary representations of a modular stacking fixture for stacking plates or sheets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[35] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate exemplary representations of a modular stacking fixture for stacking plates or sheets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[36] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[37] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[38] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[39] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[40] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non – claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[41] FIGs. 1A – 1C illustrate exemplary representations of a bed for seating coils, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bed 100 includes a base 102; and one or more support beams 104. The base is configured with a central concave section that is adapted to accommodate a curvature of the coil 150. The support beams 104 serve to secure the bed 100 to a pallet 152.
[42] In another embodiment, the base 102 can be constructed from two or more segments that are detachably coupled to form the base. Referring to FIG. 1A, the base 100 includes three segments (106, 108, 110). The segments (106, 110) form the concave section adapted to accommodate the coil 150. The segments (106, 110) can be move towards each other or away from each other to accommodate coils of different radii. The segment 108 serves to lend support to a bottom portion of the coil 150. In another embodiment, based on the width of the coil 150, one or more beds can be provided along width of the coil 150 to offer adequate support to the coil.
[43] FIGs. 2A – 2C illustrate exemplary representations of a circular bed for storing coils in a vertical configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bed 200 is ring shaped with a diameter equal to or close to the diameter of the coil 250, when the coil is in a vertical configuration. The bed 200 consists of a ring-shaped base 202 and one or more legs 204 placed along the base 202. Once the coil 250 is placed on the bed 200, it can be chocked with a plastic polymer so that it is secured firmly.
[44] FIG. 2D illustrates images of a field test of the proposed circular bed. It can be seen that the coils are firmly secured.
[45] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representations of a rectangular bed for storing coils in a horizontal configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bed 300 is rectangular shaped with dimensions that allow for storage of the coil 350, when the coil is in a horizontal configuration. The bed 300 consists of a base 302; one or more legs 304; and one or more support pegs 306. The legs 304 are placed all across surface of the base 300. The support pegs 306 are placed along perimeter of the base 302, on a top portion of the base 302 such that when the coil 350 is placed on the bed 300, the supporting pegs 306 are adapted to secure the coil 350.
[46] In another embodiment, one or more beds can be placed together in order to accommodate different sizes of coils or in order to accommodate one or more coils when one or more coils are required to be stacked.
[47] FIG. 3C illustrates images of stacked coils using the proposed rectangular bed. It can be seen that the coils are firmly secured.
[48] In another embodiment, the beds (100, 200, 300) of the present disclosure can be made of a plastic such as polystyrene, poly-vinyl chloride or any other suitable hard polymer that has a hardness lower than that of the coil in order that the beds (100, 200, 300) do not scratch or damage the coil. The use of plastic renders the beds (100, 200, 300) lightweight without any compromise on structural strength of the beds (100, 200, 300).
[49] In another embodiment, the beds (100, 200, 300) can be made of compressed paper pulp. These compressed materials, along with being eco-friendly, also demonstrate adequate strength to accommodate the coils. The compressed materials may be treated to make them more resistant to moisture and attack from pests.
[50] Advantages of using the beds (100, 200, 300) of the present disclosure include,
? the beds (100, 200, 300) can be re-used;
? the beds (100, 200, 300) are non-toxic to the environment;
? the beds (100, 200, 300) are light weight and easy to handle;
? the beds (100, 200, 300) demonstrate wear resistance to moisture and other natural factors;
? the beds (100, 200, 300) can be configured for coils of different radii;
? the beds (100, 200, 300), being modular, can be dismantled when not in use, and stored with a small area factor; and
? the beds (100, 200, 300), due to its segmented construction, offer better support to the coils.
[51] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary representations of a modular stacking fixture for stacking plates or sheets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more stacking fixtures or strips (402-1, 402-2…402-n; hereinafter, collectively and individually referred to as 402) can be placed on a pallet used for stacking of the sheets. The strips 402 are placed along length of the sheet that is to be accommodated. The width of the strip 402 can be configured based on the width of the sheet. The strips 402 can be spaced apart from one another along the length of the sheet such that the weight of the sheet is uniformly and suitably distributed amongst the strips 402.
[52] In another embodiment, once a sheet or sheets are placed on one set of strips, a second set of strips can be placed on the sheets to accommodate a second set of sheets on top of the second set of strips. In such a manner, a series of sets of sheets can be stacked over one another.
[53] In another embodiment, the strips 402 can include a base 404 and one or more legs 406. The base 404 and legs 406 can be made of a strong material that does not scratch or damage the sheets, the material being a plastic such as polystyrene, poly-vinyl chloride or any other suitable hard polymer. The strips 402 can be moulded from the plastic material to the required shape and size. The use of plastic renders the strips 402 lightweight without any compromise on structural strength of the strips 402.
[54] In another embodiment, the strips 402 are manufactured by a bun process such that all strips have the same shape and dimension. This ensures that the sheets placed on them are placed flat, and each set of sheets stacked are stacked parallelly.
[55] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate exemplary representations of a modular stacking fixture for stacking plates or sheets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more stacking fixtures or strips (502-1, 502-2…502-n; hereinafter, collectively and individually referred to as 502) can be placed on a pallet used for stacking of the sheets. The strips can be placed longitudinally along widths of a set of sheets stacked sideways as shown in FIG. 5A. to better distribute load and to offer better support, one or more strips can be placed parallel to one another. The strips can be made of one or more segments (504-1, 504-2…504-n; hereinafter, collectively and individually referred to as 504) that can be assembled together to form a trip 502.
[56] In another embodiment, the strips 502 are manufactured by a bun process such that all strips have the same shape and dimension. This ensures that the sheets placed on them are placed flat, and each set of sheets stacked are stacked parallelly.
[57] In another embodiment, the fixtures (400, 500) of the present disclosure can be made of a plastic such as polystyrene, poly-vinyl chloride or any other suitable hard polymer that has a hardness lower than that of the sheets in order that the fixtures (400, 500) do not scratch or damage the sheets. The use of plastic renders the fixtures (400, 500) lightweight without any compromise on structural strength of the fixtures (400, 500).
[58] In another embodiment, the fixtures (400, 500) can be made of a metal or an alloy that demonstrates an ability to carry heavy loads with a long operational life. The metal or alloy used can also be corrosion and moisture resistant.
[59] In another embodiment, the fixtures (400, 500) can be made of compressed paper pulp. These compressed materials, along with being eco-friendly, also demonstrate adequate strength to accommodate the sheets. The compressed materials may be treated to make them more resistant to moisture and attack from pests.
[60] Advantages of using the fixtures (400, 500) of the present disclosure include,
? the fixtures (400, 500) can be re-used;
? the fixtures (400, 500) are non-toxic to the environment;
? the fixtures (400, 500) are light weight and easy to handle;
? the fixtures (400, 500) demonstrate wear resistance to moisture and other natural factors;
? the fixtures (400, 500) demonstrate excellent strength to carry high loads of sheets;
? the fixtures (400, 500), being modular, can be dismantled when not in use, and stored with a small area factor;
? the spacing of the fixtures (400, 500) can be configured for sheets of different lengths; and
? the fixtures (400, 500) are manufactured with close tolerances such that the sheets placed on them are placed flat, and each set of sheets stacked are stacked parallelly.
[61] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive patent matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[62] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[63] The present invention provides a fixture for secure stowage of goods.
[64] The present invention provides a fixture that can be re-used.
[65] The present invention provides a fixture that has along operational lifetime.
[66] The present invention provides a fixture that does not damage the goods.
[67] The present invention provides a fixture that is economical.