TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to storage and transportation systems and more particularly relates to demountable vehicle related storage and transportation devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Demountable storage and transportation systems have been proposed in the past, examples of such systems being described in New Zealand patent specification Nos. 135164, 144025 and 177878.

Patent specification Nos. 135164 describes a load carrying tray which is separable from a vehicle. The tray is capable of self support to enable loading and unloading.

Patent specification No. 144025 describes a motor truck with a detachable body which operates on similar principals to that described in patent specification No. 135164.

New Zealand Patent No. 177878 describes a detachable carrier /body for a vehicle. Fluid operated cylinders at each corner of the body elevate the tray and enable it to be self-supporting during loading and unloading.

The systems described in the aforementioned patent specification are somewhat specialised, and have limited weight carrying capacities.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved demountable storage and transportation system which can be used in conjunction with a wide range of vehicles and which is particularly suitable for heavy loads.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a demountable storage and transportation apparatus for a vehicle comprising a frame, a storage device supported by the frame, a lifting device associated with the

storage device or frame being capable of elevating the apparatus clear of a supporting vehicle and support means for supporting the storage device in a free-standing mode.

The support means may comprise extensible legs.

The legs may be pivotally connected to the frame or storage device.

The legs may be driven by hydraulic or pneumatic rams.

The lifting device may comprise an inflatable member or members operable to lift the apparatus and frame with respect to a supporting vehicle, thereafter the support means being used to support the device from a ground surface below enabling the supporting vehicle to be driven or towed away.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1: is a side view of the storage and transportation apparatus in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention mounted on a supporting vehicle, and

Figure 2: is an end view of the demountable storage and transportation apparatus in a free standing mode, and

Figure 3: is a side view taken in the direction of arrow III of figure

2.

Figures 4 & 4A: are side views of extensible legs in accordance with the present invention driven by rams,

Figure 5: is a side view of a flat deck lifting platform in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,

Figure 6: is a further view of a flat deck lifting platform in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, and

Figure 7: is a perspective view of part of the corner of the embodiment of figures 1 & 2.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With respect to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings the storage and transportation apparatus comprises a frame generally indicated by arrow 1, a storage device 2 supported from the frame, a lifting device or devices generally indicated by arrow 3 and support means 4 for supporting the storage and transportation apparatus 1 in a free-standing mode.

In the example illustrated the support means 4 comprise extensible legs.

The lifting device may comprise an inflatable member or members such as an air bag(s).

The frame 1 includes uprights 5 which provide support for the storage device 2 such as a hopper comprising an upper portion 6 and a lower tapered portion 7. Bracing members 8 are used to strengthen the support of the storage device.

In the example illustrated the lifting device 3 is made up of four air bags 9, one for each corner, the air bags or at least pairs of the air bags being joined by bearers 10. The upper surfaces of the air bags 9 are positioned beneath a platform 11, braced back to the storage device 2 by struts 12.

In the drawings the transportation and storage device is shown positioned over a transport vehicle such as the tray of a truck 13. When the device is positioned on the tray of a truck or trailer it is self-supporting.

When it is desired to detach the device from the tray 13 the air bags 9 are inflated and the device is supported clear of the tray (see figures 2 and 3).

Support means 4 in the form of pivoting and retracting legs 14 are provided and in the example illustrated, each of the legs 14 are vertically adjustable in supporting sleeves 15 which are able to pivot through at least 90°. Once the air bags have been inflated and the hopper raised above the tray the legs can be moved transversely and lowered at each side of the tray to make contact with the ground surface below. Each leg has a foot 16 which may be pivotable to cater for irregular surfaces.

The device may be provided with guide rods 18 which are supported with respect to the frame and platform 11 which ensure alignment of the lifting device and hopper during lifting.

Return springs may be provided to assist the process of air bag deflation.

The apparatus described by way of example may also include means such as keys 19 which can co-operate with complimentary sockets (not shown) provided by the supporting vehicle. The extent of travel during the lifting phase can be predetermined to ensure that the apparatus can be transported by most common vehicles or trailers. The compressed air required to inflate the air bags can be provided by the vehicle or be available at a place of storage.

With respect to Figures 4 and 4A of the drawings the extensible legs may be driven by rams. Each leg can be connected to the frame by sleeves 15 similar to that described previously.

In Figure 4 a hydraulic ram 20 is connected between the sleeve 15 and a locating bracket 21 which (depending on the height at which it is desired to support a frame) is adjustably connected to each leg 14.

In another arrangement (Figure 4A) each leg comprises complimentary tubes 23, 24 which are telescopic and driven by an external or internal ram 24.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate further concepts in accordance with the present invention.

In Figure 5 a skip-bin or skip 25 is provided with side beams 26 and each beam supports pivotable extensible legs 27 which can be similar to those described in relation to Figure 4.

In Figure 6 a platform 28 is supported by pivotable extensible legs 29 similar to those described in relation to Figure 4. In both cases the legs 27,29 can be withdrawn and pivoted to the side or ends of the bin or platform.

Motive power for the rams may be by way of independent hydraulic supply or from the supply system of a transporting vehicle.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part of the corner of the apparatus described by Figures 1 and 2. Legs 14 mount a rest 30 which can be bolted to the legs by pins 31 and the frame 1 has telescopic support arms 32 which can be moved out sufficiently for them to rest on rests 30 which ensures that the frame 1 and load can be lowered or raised in a series of movements to suit trucks of different heights.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.