Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
CARRIER SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/040768
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A carrier system (10) for use in transporting sheet material (12). The carrier system (10) includes two carriers (14). Each carrier (14) has a support (16) for holding the sheet material (12) and a lifting portion (18) for lifting the support (16) and the sheet material (12) above the ground during transportation of the sheet material (12). Each carrier (14) includes a connection (20) for holding the lifting portion (18) in position during lifting with a first extension (22) of the lifting portion (18) extending in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material (12). The first extension (22) of each carrier (14) provides an abutment portion (24) adapted to bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material (12) at the corresponding end thereof. The weight bears on the persons shoulder and the length of the first extension (22) provides directional control.

Inventors:
DISCOMBE GARY (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2011/001081
Publication Date:
April 05, 2012
Filing Date:
August 24, 2011
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
DISCOMBE GARY (AU)
International Classes:
E04G21/14; B65G7/12
Foreign References:
US2651441A1953-09-08
US3377095A1968-04-09
US2774607A1956-12-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LAW, Adam (FloreatPerth, Western Australia 6014, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS :

1. A carrier system for use in transporting sheet material, the carrier system comprising: at least one carrier, the or each carrier having a support for holding the sheet material and a lifting portion for lifting the support and the sheet material above the ground during transportation of the sheet material; wherein the or each carrier includes a connection for holding the lifting portion in position during lifting with a first extension of the lifting portion extending in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material and providing an abutment portion adapted to bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material using the carrier such that the weight bears on the person's shoulder.

2. A carrier system for use in transporting sheet material as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lifting portion provides a length containing the first extension as well as a second extension where lifting the first extension causes the second extension to move downwardly and bear against the sheet material to assist with maintaining the sheet material in position relative to the support and providing directional control.

3. A carrier system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the weight of the sheet material forces the first extension upwardly during transportation which causes the second extension to move downwardly to bear against the upper surface of the sheet material.

4. A carrier system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the or each connection comprises a pivot connection that allows the respective lifting portion to move between a collapsed condition in which the lifting portion extends in the same direction as the support and an extended condition in which the lifting portion extends at an angle to the support in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material to provide the abutment portion in a position for bearing against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material.

5. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the or each support comprises two opposite side members and a lower abutment that provide an elongate opening for receiving the sheet material, the side members providing side abutments for preventing the sheet material from falling laterally out of the support and the lower abutment supporting the sheet material from below.

6. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the carrier system includes an adjustment mechanism for altering the height of the connection to allow the accommodation of sheet material of different widths.

7. A carrier system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a pin and hole mechanism having a plurality of apertures in the two side members for receiving a securable shaft to hold the lifting portion in position.

8. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein carrier system includes an adjustment mechanism for allowing the accommodation of sheet material of different thicknesses by varying the separation of the two side members of the support.

9. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the abutment portion comprises a cushion portion providing stability and allowing a person supporting the carrier to use his or her hands to open doors during transportation.

10. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first extension extends a distance forward of the connection to allow a person to stand in front of the sheet material and walk without being substantially impeded by the sheet material during transportation.

11. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the at least one carrier comprises two carriers of the same general description such that each carrier can be used at an opposite end of the sheet material to lift the sheet material off the ground and transport the sheet material.

12. A carrier for use in transporting sheet material, the carrier including a support for holding the sheet material and a lifting portion for lifting the support and the sheet material above the ground during transportation of the sheet material wherein the carrier includes a connection for holding the lifting portion in position during lifting with a first extension of the lifting portion extending in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material and providing an abutment portion adapted to bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material using the carrier such that the weight bears on the person's shoulder.

13. A carrier for use in transporting sheet material, the carrier comprising a support having two elongate members and a lower abutment for stabilising and supporting the sheet material above the ground; and a elongate lifting portion pivotally connected to the support and moveable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition wherein in the extended condition the lifting portion provides an abutment spaced in a direction away from the support for bearing against the shoulder of a person carrying the sheet material as well an abutment spaced in an opposite direction away from the support to assist with stabilising the sheet material.

14. A carrier system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the support comprises a height adjustment mechanism for altering the height of the connection between the elongate lifting portion and the support.

15. A carrier system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a pin and hole mechanism having a plurality of apertures in the two elongate members, the apertures for receiving a securable shaft.

16. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the lower abutment is adjustable to allow variations in the separation of the two elongate members of the support and the accommodation of sheet material of different thicknesses.

17. A carrier system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein connection is adjustable to allow variations in the separation of the two elongate members of the support and the accommodation of sheet material of different thicknesses.

18. A method of transporting sheet material comprising: extending a first lifting portion of a first carrier and a second lifting portion of a second carrier; positioning the first carrier and the second carrier over opposite ends of the sheet material; and lifting the lifting portions upwardly by bringing the lifting portions to bear against the shoulders of respective workmen at each end of the sheet material to lift the sheet material above the ground for subsequent carrying to a desired location.

19. A system or device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description:
CA RRIER SYS TEM

FIELD O F T HE INVE NTIO N

The present invention relates to carrier systems. In particular, in preferred forms, the present invention relates to sheet material in building construction. BA CK GRO UND T O THE INVENTIO N

People who carry sheet material in building construction can suffer from recurrent lower back, shoulder, neck and wrist injuries. In building construction these injuries present both a problem to employers and their employees. Injuries of this type are also known to occur in the home handyman and other environments.

Glass panels may be of particularly fragile construction. Should a glass panel be subject to an impact, the glass may shatter and fall downwardly. This may lead to severe injuries associated laceration of the people carrying the panel.

It is against this background and the difficulties and problems associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO N

According to a first aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a carrier system for use in transporting sheet material, the carrier system comprising: at least one carrier, the or each carrier having a support for holding the sheet material and a lifting portion for lifting the support and the sheet material above the ground during transportation of the sheet material; wherein the or each carrier includes a connection for holding the lifting portion in position during lifting with a first extension of the lifting portion extending in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material and providing an abutment portion adapted to bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material using the carrier such that the weight bears on the person's shoulder. Preferably the lifting portion provides a length containing the first extension as well as a second extension where lifting the first extension causes the second extension to move downwardly and bear against the sheet material to assist with maintaining the sheet material in position relative to the support and providing directional control. Preferably the weight of the sheet material forces the first extension upwardly during transportation which causes the second extension to move downwardly to bear against the upper surface of the sheet material.

Preferably the or each connection comprises a pivot connection that allows the respective lifting portion to move between a collapsed condition in which the lifting portion extends in the same direction as the support and an extended condition in which the lifting portion extends at an angle to the support in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material to provide the abutment portion in a position for bearing against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material.

Preferably the or each support comprises two opposite side members and a lower abutment that provide an elongate opening for receiving the sheet material, the side members providing side abutments for preventing the sheet material from falling laterally out of the support and the lower abutment supporting the sheet material from below.

Preferably the carrier system includes an adjustment mechanism for altering the height of the connection to allow the accommodation of sheet material of different widths.

Preferably the height adjustment mechanism comprises a pin and hole mechanism having a plurality of apertures in the two side members for receiving a securable shaft to hold the lifting portion in position.

Preferably carrier system includes an adjustment mechanism for allowing the accommodation of sheet material of different thicknesses by varying the separation of the two side members of the support.

Preferably the abutment portion comprises a cushion portion providing stability and allowing a person supporting the carrier to use his or her hands to open doors during transportation.

Preferably the first extension extends a distance forward of the connection to allow a person to stand in front of the sheet material and walk without being substantially impeded by the sheet material during transportation. Preferably the at least one carrier comprises two carriers of the same general description such that each carrier can be used at an opposite end of the sheet material to lift the sheet material off the ground and transport the sheet material.

According to a second aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a carrier for use in transporting sheet material, the carrier including a support for holding the sheet material and a lifting portion for lifting the support and the sheet material above the ground during transportation of the sheet material wherein the carrier includes a connection for holding the lifting portion in position during lifting with a first extension of the lifting portion extending in a direction substantially along the length of the sheet material and providing an abutment portion adapted to bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material using the carrier such that the weight bears on the person's shoulder.

According to a third aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a carrier for use in transporting sheet material, the carrier comprising a support having two elongate members and a lower abutment for stabilising and supporting the sheet material above the ground; and a elongate lifting portion pivotally connected to the support and moveable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition wherein in the extended condition the lifting portion provides an abutment spaced in a direction away from the support for bearing against the shoulder of a person carrying the sheet material as well an abutment spaced in an opposite direction away from the support to assist with stabilising the sheet material.

Preferably the support comprises a height adjustment mechanism for altering the height of the connection between the elongate lifting portion and the support.

Preferably the height adjustment mechanism comprises a pin and hole mechanism having a plurality of apertures in the two elongate members, the apertures for receiving a securable shaft.

Preferably the lower abutment is adjustable to allow variations in the separation of the two elongate members of the support and the accommodation of sheet material of different thicknesses. Preferably connection is adjustable to allow variations in the separation of the two elongate members of the support and the accommodation of sheet material of different thicknesses.

According to a fourth aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of transporting sheet material comprising: extending a first lifting portion of a first carrier and a second lifting portion of a second carrier; positioning the first carrier and the second carrier over opposite ends of the sheet material; and lifting the lifting portions upwardly by bringing the lifting portions to bear against the shoulders of respective workmen at each end of the sheet material to lift the sheet material above the ground for subsequent carrying to a desired location.

Preferably the carrier system is used to carry compressed sheet material weighing between 60 to 100 kg. The carrier system may also be used to carry sheets such as gyprock, chipboard, form ply and foam panel sheet material and glass. The carrier system may carry multiple sheets.

As will be discussed there are considered to be a number of preferred arrangements of the present invention that advantageously:

(i) Provide carrier systems that can be readily used to assist with preventing lower back, neck, shoulder, and wrist injuries associated with regularly carrying compressed sheet material weighing 60 to 100kg or more.

(ii) Provide carrier systems that assist with carrying sheets of both relatively large and relatively small width and, in particular, provide advantageous safety when carrying glass sheeting.

(iii) Provide carrier systems for sheet material that allows for advantageous transportation over grass, sand and the like in building environments where wheeled carriers are difficult to manoeuvre.

(iv) Provide carrier systems that can be readily used to tilt sheet material to a vertical position for subsequent lifting.

(v) Provide two person carrier systems that allow for improved directional control and stabilisation in building environments. (vi) Provide carrier systems that are relatively convenient to transport and to pack away in a storage condition.

(vii) Provide carrier systems that can adapt to and which allow for the ready transportation of sheet material of varying standardised heights.

It is to be appreciated that each of the embodiments is specifically described and that the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to any specific feature or element of any one of the embodiments. Neither is the present invention to be construed as being limited to any feature of a number of the embodiments or variations described in relation to the embodiments.

Further advantages and preferred features would be apparent from the drawings and a reading of the specification as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, several preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 provides a photographic representation of a carrier system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 provides a photographic representation of the carrier system shown in Figure 1, when in a stored condition;

Figure 3 provides a photographic representation of the carrier system shown in

Figure 1, with one of the carriers in an extended condition;

Figure 4 provides a perspective view of one of the carriers in the carrier system shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 provides a front view of a clasp used in the carrier system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 provides a side view of a carrier of the carrier system shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 7 provides a further side view of the carrier system shown in Figure 1 ; and Figures 8 to 12 provide various views of a carrier of the carrier system shown in Figure 1; Figure 13 provide two views of a carrier system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 provides some further views illustrating preferred sizings of the carrier system shown in Figure 13

Figure 15 provides a perspective view of a carrier system according to another preferred embodiment, the carrier system being particularly designed for carrying glass;

Figure 16 provides an enlarged partial view of the portion marked 'A' in Figure

15;

Figure 17 illustrates a variation of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 18 illustrates a further carrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the carrier system for use with a crane lifting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a carrier system 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Using the carrier system 10 it is considered that two people can advantageously transport heavy sheet material such as compressed 80kg sheet material 12. In addition, the present embodiment is considered to advantageously allow ready transportation of heavy sheet material over sand, grass and the like.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4 the carrier system 10 includes two carriers 14. As detailed in Figure 4, each of the carriers 14 includes a support 16 for holding the compressed sheet material 12 and a lifting portion 18 for lifting the support 16 and the compressed sheet material 12 above the ground during transportation. The sheet material 12 comprises a single sheet of 80 kg compressed sheeting.

Each carrier 14 further includes a connection 20 for holding the lifting portion 18 in position during lifting with a first extension 22 of the support 16 extending in the direction substantially along the length of the sheet material 12 as shown in Figure 1 (i.e. substantially in the horizontal direction when the sheet material 12 is carried).

As detailed in Figure 4, each of the first extensions 22 provides an abutment portion 24 adapted to advantageously bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material 12 at each respective end 25 of the sheet material 12. As would be apparent from the Figures the weight of the sheet material 12 bears downwardly on the shoulder of each person carrying the sheet material 12. In this manner the weight of the sheet material 12 is shared between the two people and, moreover, can be carried without any one person have to substantially arch his or her back.

This is considered to be particularly advantageous and to serve to limit repetitive injury to the lower back, neck and shoulder as is known in building construction when repetitively transporting heavy sheeting. In addition, stress and strain is moved away from the arms, wrists and hands of the persons carrying the sheet material 12. The length of the first extension 22 also provides advantageous directional control when manoeuvring the sheet material 12.

Referring to Figure 4, the lifting portion 18 is provided as a single elongate length 26 where the first extension 22 provides a first end 28 of the lifting portion 18. A second extension 30 of the lifting portion 18 provides an opposite end 32 of the lifting portion 18.

When the first end 28 of the lifting portion 18 is lifted upwardly the opposite end 32 bears against the sheet material 12 to assist with providing stability and directional control. This is provided by virtue of the connection 20 providing a fulcrum 34 about which the length 26 of the lifting portion rotates.

The second extension 30 includes a stabilisation portion 36 in the form of a U-shaped section having two members 38 that are arranged to provide abutment portions 40 either side of the sheet material 12. The U-shaped section comprises a C-channel that has a depth of about 5cm. In other embodiments the depth could be between say 5 to 10 cm or more.

The length of the stabilisation portion 36 is considered to advantageously assist with directional control of the sheet material 12 and to provide improved rigidity during transportation. This is provided by virtue of the separation between the support 16 and the length of contact between the abutment portions 40 and the sheet material 12.

Referring to Figure 6, the provision of the pivot 34 translates upward movement of the first extension 22, caused by the weight of the sheet material 12, into downward moment of the second extension 30. This causes the lower surface 41 of a recess 42 of the stabilisation portion 36 to bear downwardly against the upper surface 44 of the sheet material 12 and lock the sheet material 12 in position during lifting. This advantageously assists with maintaining the sheet material 12 in position within the support 16 while the sheet material 12 is carried.

The connection 20 is provided as a pivot connection allowing the lifting portion 18 to be advantageously moved between an extended condition 46 and a collapsed condition 48. In the collapsed condition 48, the lifting portion 18 is advantageously disposed in line with the length of the support 16. In the extended condition 46, the lifting portion 18 extends in the direction substantially along the length of the sheet material 12 as shown in Figure 1.

When in the extended condition 46 the lifting portions 18 of the carriers 14 can be positioned under the shoulder of respective workman and lifted above the ground. When in the collapsed position the carriers 14 can be advantageously stored in a shed or transported in a van as two single elongate extensions. Referring to Figure 5, a clasp 50 can be used to hold the lifting portion 18 in the collapsed condition.

Figure 7 illustrates the positioning of the carriers 14 when supporting the sheeting 12. As shown each carrier 14 is adapted to support the sheet material 12 at respective ends 25 such that the sheet material 12 extends therebetween. In this embodiment the first extensions 22 are about lm in length. This advantageously allows a person to stand in front of the edge 52 of the sheet material 12 and for a person to stand behind the edge 54 of the sheet material 12 and for both persons to walk without being substantially impeded by the sheet material 12 during transportation. It is presently preferred that the length 55 of the first extension 22 is about 0.8 to 1.2 m from the connection 20.

As detailed in Figures 8 to 11, the support 16 comprises two opposite side members 56 and a lower abutment 58 that provide an elongate opening 60 for receiving the sheet material 12. The side members 56 provide side abutments 62 in the form of two elongate arms that prevent the sheet material 12 from falling laterally out of the support 16. The lower abutment 58 supports the sheet material 12 from below. The weight of the sheeting 12 is ultimately transmitted to the connection 20 and the abutment portion 24. The abutment portion 24 is provided as a contoured shoulder pad. The carrier 14 includes a height adjustment mechanism 64 for altering the height of the pivot 34 to allow the accommodation of sheet material 12 of different widths. The height adjustment mechanism 64 comprises a pin and hole mechanism 66 shown in Figures 7 to 11. The pin and hole mechanism 66 comprises a plurality of apertures 68 extending through each of the two side members 56. The apertures 68 are sized to receive a securable shaft 70 in the form a clevis pin 72. The ability to accommodate sheet material of different widths is achieved by removing and repositioning the clevis pin 72. This allows the lifting portion 18, when in the extended condition 46, to be inclined at a desirable angle 74 preferably between 80 to 90 degrees from the support 16 as shown in Figure 7.

Referring to Figure 11, the adjustment mechanism 64 further allows variations in the separation of the two side members 56 of the support 16 and the accommodation of sheet material 12 of different thicknesses. In this embodiment this is advantageously achieved using: (i) a clevis pin 72 having a plurality of holes 76, each spaced a different distance from the end surface 78 of the clevis pin 72; (ii) a number of spacers 80; (iii) a wire pin 81 ; and (iv) an adjustable stabilisation portion 82. The lower abutment 58 of the support 16 includes a similar clevis pin arrangement allowing for parallel positioning of the side members 56. In order to vary the spacing both the upper and lower clevis pins are removed, the spacers varied to provide a central spacing and the stabilisation portion adjusted to provide a different abutment separation 84. The clevis pins are then secured in position ready for use.

In the case where sheet material 12 is lying horizontally on the ground, the carriers 14 can be brought over respective ends of the sheet material 12 in a horizontal condition. The carriers 14 can then be lifted to tilt the sheet material upwardly towards a vertical position. The abutment portions 24 provide relatively large cushions for resting on the shoulder of the respective workman. The sheet material 12 is lifted off the ground where preferably one arm of the workman grabs a respective end of the abutment portions to provide stability during transportation. Advantageously when a leading workman encounters a door, the carrier system 10 allows the workman to rest the sheet material in position on his or her shoulder and open the door. Referring to Figure 12, the carrier system 10 includes a connecting structure 86 for connecting the two carriers 14. Advantageously the connection structure 86 includes a stabilisation member 88 for providing improved rigidity for particularly flexible sheeting material 90. A first end 92 of the connecting structure 86 is adapted to connect to the lifting member 14 and a second end 94 is adapted to connect to the opposite lifting member 14.

Thus there has been provided a carrier system 10 for use in transporting sheet material 12. The carrier system 10 includes two carriers 14 each having a support 16 for holding the sheet material 12 and a lifting portion 18 for lifting the support 16 and the sheet material 12 above the ground during transportation of the sheet material 12. Each carrier 14 includes a connection 20 for holding the lifting portion 18 in position during lifting with a first extension 22 of the lifting portion 18 extending in the direction substantially along the length of the sheet material 12 and providing an abutment portion 24 adapted to bear against the shoulder of the person lifting the sheet material 12 such that the weight bears on his or her shoulder. The length of the extension 22 provides directional control.

The support 16 has two elongate members 56 and a lower abutment 58 for stabilising and supporting the sheet material 12 above the ground. The lifting portion 18 provides an elongate lifting member pivotally connected between the two elongate members 56 and moveable between an extended condition 46 and collapsed conditions 48. In the extended condition 46 the lifting portion 18 provides an abutment 24 spaced in a direction away from the support 16 for bearing against the shoulder of a person carrying the sheet material 12 as well an abutment portion 36 spaced in an opposite direction away from the support 16 to assist stabilising the sheet material.

As previously described the carriers 14 are adapted to receive opposite ends of the sheet material. The lifting portions 18 are extended from the collapsed condition 48 to the extended condition 46. Following this the lifting members 18 are brought to bear against the shoulders of respective workmen to lift the sheet material 12 off the ground for subsequent carrying to a desired location.

Referring to Figures 13a and 13b there is shown a carrier 100 according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The carrier system 100 advantageously includes an extendable height adjustment mechanism 102 and a wheel assembly 104. The extendable height adjustment mechanism 102 allows for the carrier system 100 to be used in the transportation of sheet material having a range of sheet widths 105. The carrier 100 is considered to provide the user with a particularly useful and flexible height adjustment capability. The wheel assembly 104 advantageously allows the carrier system 100 to be moved along the ground. The wheel assembly 104 is particularly suited to a relatively flat hard surface.

The extendable height adjustment mechanism 102 includes an abutment 106 for bearing downwardly against the upper surface 108 of one or more sheets 110 when carried by the carrier system 100.

The abutment 106 is provided as an elongate U-shaped channel 112. An elongate height separation member 114 extends from the elongate channel 112 to an end 116 of a lifting member 118. The separation member 114 is provided in the form of a threaded shaft 120.

As shown in the Figures, the abutment 106 includes a nut portion 122 for receiving a first end 124 of the threaded shaft 120. The end 116 of the lifting member 118 includes a corresponding nut portion 126 for receiving the opposite end 128 of the threaded shaft 120. The shaft 120 is configured for extending substantially vertically from the end 116 of the lifting member 118 as shown in Figure 13a. Whilst the abutment 106 is able to rotate about the threaded shaft 120, this does not present a concern as the sheet 110 is kept in position by the abutment 106 having to rotate about the central axis of the shaft 120 with the sheet being fixed in position by two support arms 206.

In the present embodiment there are provided a number shafts (not shown) of different length to allow allowing quick removal and configuration for different sheet heights 105. In other embodiments a quick release clamp mechanism is used to quickly allow adjustment of the securing height between the lifting member 118 and the channel 112.

Figures 13a and 13b show that the carrier system 100 includes an enlarged lower platform portion 132 for supporting the sheet 110 from below. The enlarged lower platform portion 132 serves to advantageously distribute the weight of the sheet 110 over a slightly larger area. The wheel assembly includes a castor wheel 134, a wheel mounting bracket 136 and two fasteners 137. The castor wheel 134 allows for ready movement of the carrier system 100 over the ground 138 (where the ground is relatively flat). The mounting bracket 136 includes a circular mount 140 for receiving a shaft 142 of the castor wheel 134. The mounting bracket 136 includes two mounting holes 144.

More particularly, the fasteners 137 comprise metal piercing screws. The mounting holes 144 are provided for guiding the screws 137 such that, during assembly, the screws 137 pierce the lower platform portion 132 to form two corresponding holes and secure the mounting bracket 136 to the platform portion 132. In other arrangements preformed holes could of course be provided in the lower platform portion 132. The wheel assembly could of course be formed integrally with the lower platform portion 132.

Figure 14 illustrates number of possible sizings for the arrangement shown in Figure 13a and Figure 13b. The sizings allow for sheets of various standard heights to be accommodated given the thickness 146 of the lifting member 118 and the position of the platform portion 132. A hole 148 is provided for a further pin/base which serves to assist with accommodating foam sheets slight greater than 1200mm in width. The hole 148 effectively raised the base to allowing advantageous spacing of the upper holes for various widths.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a carrier system 150 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The carrier system 150 is considered to be particularly suited for carrying glass. As shown, the carrier system 150 includes a support 152 and a lifting portion 154. The lifting portion 152 includes slot 156 formed between two lifting arms 158.

The support 152 includes two support arms 160 spaced outwardly away from the lifting portion 154. The support arms 160 are pivotally connected to the respective lifting arms 158 by associated pivots 162. The pivots 162 each include an enlarged head portion 164 and a shaft portion 166. The lifting arms 158 respectively include a recess for flushly receiving the head portions 164 of the pivots 162. In this manner the inner surfaces of the slot 152 are flush do not scratch of damage the glass. The head portions 164 are preferably formed from rubber material. A rubber protective coating may be applied along the full surface of the slot 152. A first end 168 of the lifting portion 154 includes a foam cushion for bearing against a person's shoulder during use. An opposite end 170 of the lifting portion 154 includes a securing portion 172 for securing sheets greater than 1500mm in height. More particularly, the securing portion 172 is advantageously configured to secure sheets of say 2-3m in height (or more). The applicant is not aware of any similar systems and considers that carrying sheets of this width is presently very difficult to do.

With a glass sheet, in particular, suction grips are often used to carry the sheet. If for some reason the glass should shatter, the glass can fall downwardly and the persons carrying the glass sheets using the suction grips may be severely lacerated. With the present embodiment the people carrying the glass sheets with the carriers, are spaced either side of the glass sheet. This is considered to provide an arrangement having significant advantages in terms of improved safety against laceration. In the present embodiment the two persons carrying the glass sheet are not in the direct line of sight and have a much better chance of escaping injury.

The securing portion 172 is provided with two arms 173. The lifting portion 154 is provided with two guide portions 174 at the end 170. The guide portions 174 each include a guide body providing guide passage 175 for receiving respective arms 173. A quick release mechanism 176 is provided on each arm 158. Each quick release mechanism 176 is provided in the form of a spring loaded bolt 178. The spring loaded bolts 178 are each moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The spring loaded bolts 178 are respectively configured to extend along the lifting arms 158 and be selectively received through associated locking passages 180.

In use the arms 173 are received through the guide portions 174 and are secured in position using the spring loaded bolts 178. The arms 173 of the securing portion 172 accommodate the slot 156 formed between the two arms 158 and the continuity of the glass. The arms 173 allow for glass of say 2 to 3m to be positioned, at one end, in the carrier 100 in a horizontal position. Of course a corresponding carrier 100 is used to support the other end of the glass.

The vertical extension of the securing portion 172 is considered to be particularly advantageous as in the past sheets of this size have not been able to be carried so effectively and without placing such huge stresses and strains on the people carrying the sheet.

With the use of the quick release mechanism 176, a number of passages 184 in the arms 182 can be aligned with the passages 180 provided by the guide portions 174 and be locked in position. The vertical height of the securing portion 172 can accordingly be adjusted.

The support 152 includes a lower cushion 186 for supporting the glass. The securing portion 172 includes an upper cushion 188 for holding the glass safely in position. The upper cushion 188 is brought into engagement with the glass by lifting the first end 168 of the lifting portion (as previously described). With the advantageous adjustment of the height of the securing portion 172, the overall height from the base of the carrier to the pivots 162 can also be advantageously adjusted.

Referring to Figure 17, there is shown a support portion 190 having telescoping legs 192. In the arrangement inner telescoping tubes 194 are secured to outer telescoping tubes 196 using spring clips 198 having rounded head portions 200. The rounded head portions 200 are received through sequentially arranged openings 202 in the inner telescoping tubes 194 and the outer telescoping tubes 196.

Referring to Figure 18, there is shown a carrier system 208 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The carrier system 208 includes two carriers 210 each having a hook portion 212 for allowing the carrier system 208 to be lifted by a crane using two tethers 216. The lifting portions 218 are lifted upwards upwards until they reach an angle 220 with the lifting forces 222 ensuring that pressure is maintained by the abutments 224.

As would be apparent from a review of the drawings and discussion above, several preferred embodiments are considered to provide a number of systems and methods that advantageously:

(i) Provide carrier systems that can be readily used to assist with preventing lower back, neck, shoulder, and wrist injuries associated with regularly carrying compressed sheet material weighing 60 to 100kg or more. (ii) Provide carrier systems that assist with carrying sheets of both relatively large and relatively small width and, in particular, provide advantageous safety when carrying glass sheeting.

(iii) Provide carrier systems for sheet material that allows for advantageous transportation over grass, sand and the like in building environments where wheeled carriers are difficult to manoeuvre.

(iv) Provide carrier systems that can be readily used to tilt sheet material to a vertical position for subsequent lifting.

(v) Provide two person carrier systems that allow for improved directional control and stabilisation in building environments.

(vi) Provide carrier systems that are relatively convenient to transport and to pack away in a storage condition.

(vii) Provide carrier systems that can adapt to and which allow for the ready transportation of sheet material of varying standardised heights.

Further advantages and preferred features will be apparent from the drawings and a reading of the specification as a whole.

It is to be recognised that the embodiments described may be partly conceptual in nature and that the applicant is developing further arrangements that are more likely to be put into commercial use.

It is to be recognised that various alterations and equivalent forms may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This includes modifications within the scope of the appended claims along with all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents. There is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is to be construed beneficially to the applicant and the invention given its full scope.

In the present specification, the presence of particular features does not preclude the existence of further features. The words 'comprising', 'including' and 'having' are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense. It is to be recognised that any discussion in the present specification is intended to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the material discussed formed part of the prior art base or relevant general knowledge in any particular country or region.