[0001] The present invention generally relates to freight transport devices and in particular to a freight chassis transportation device for palletised goods.

Background Art

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Loading and strapping goods onto standardized temporary supports, such as pallets, prior to transport is well known and used in the transport industry. When transporting large quantities of palletized goods, particularly over long distances, pallets loaded with goods are usually stacked in an array inside a shipping container. Pallet sizes vary between 1 to 3 square metres. Any variance in pallet size being introduced for the most part by regional differences. The most commonly used pallet size is approximately 1 .0 to 1 .2 metres per side or 1 .0 to 1 .4 square metres. Shipping containers normally have two standard lengths, approximately 6 metres or approximately 12 metres in length and are approximately 2.4 metres wide. Thus, for standard shipping container sizes ten or twenty pallets respectively may be fitted in a two pallet by five pallet or by ten pallet array depending on the length of the shipping container.

[0004] Goods that do not fit onto standard pallets are not so easily managed. In particular, when transporting goods which are greater in length than that of a standard pallet side length, for example, goods that are of lengths that vary between 1 .0 to 1 .7 metres or greater, the goods are usually supported at individual points along their length on separate pallets. In an alternative arrangement, the goods may be loaded on a long pallet of between 4 to 6 metres in length. However, there are difficulties associated with either arrangement when transporting long goods. It is to be understood that for the purposes of this description, the term 'long goods' is used to describe oversized goods or goods that extend for a greater length or distance than normal wherein normal is defined as being the length of a standard pallet side which is between 1 .0 to 1 .2 metres. [0005] In the first instance, it is understood that it is preferable to minimize the number of pallets used when transporting long loads due to the difficulties associated with moving pallets around, particularly where pallets need to be strategically positioned to support long goods effectively. It is also an inefficient use of space and freight chassis hardware to use this method when transporting long or oversized goods. Furthermore great care is required when lifting a long load using normal freight transportation devices such as a forklift due to the centre of gravity of these loading devices. There are similar issues associated when using a forklift to lift a fully loaded long pallet.

[0006] There are other difficulties associated with long pallets when being placed into a shipping container, particularly when they are loaded with long goods. Most commonly, the loaded long pallet is placed in the shipping container by pushing the loaded pallet into the shipping container. The shipping container floor and the pallet base must be at the same level in order to be able to do this. Quite often the action of pushing the pallet into the shipping container damages both the pallet and the shipping container floor [0007] Furthermore, there is often a problem when removing such pallets from the container as it is not possible to perform the reverse action, i.e. pull the loaded pallet out of the shipping container. Most commonly, there are doors at one end of the shipping container only. Thus it is necessary to use specialised containers which enable a user to both push the product into and out of the shipping container.

[0008] An alternative freight chassis transportation device in the form of a wheeled trolley is available and sometimes used within shipping containers. Freight chassis transportation devices of this type are also known to damage the floor of the shipping container. The weight of the loaded product bears down on the small wheels, resulting in point load deformations in the floor of the shipping container. Furthermore, despite being secured to prevent movement during transport, wheeled trolleys are known to move around inside the shipping container. There is also an on-going cycle of transportation costs and a requirement for high capital investment in freight chassis hardware. [0009] DE 3536334 discloses a freight chassis transportation device that comprises a fork lift roller truck having a plurality of elongate tapered spaced apart tines and a modified shipping container, wherein the floor of the shipping container has been modified to provide a grid system having upright supporting sections which are spaced apart from each other. Conveniently the position of the upright support sections is such that the spacing between the upright support sections mimics that of the spacing between the tines. In use, the tines of a loaded fork lift roller truck are moved to within the modified shipping container and lowered such that the tines seat within the spaces between the upright support sections and the load is transferred onto the upright support sections. The elongate tines of the fork lift roller truck are then removed from the modified container. The container must be modified to be able to make use of the system. [0010] The present invention therefore seeks to improve upon the prior art by providing a reusable freight chassis transportation device which allows for ease of loading and unloading elongate loads into and out of transport vehicles such as shipping containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001 1 ] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a freight chassis transportation device which is able to lift and move long palletized freight loads into freight transport vessels.

[0012] Throughout the following description reference will be made to the present invention in relation to transportation of palletized goods. It will be understood that the freight chassis transportation device of the invention and the pallet of the invention are suitable for use in transportation of elongate goods which when combined form a heavy load, including but not limited to fibre cement products. Accordingly, reference to the use of the present invention in relation to transportation of fibre cement products should not be seen as limiting.

[0013] It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, the term comprise shall have an inclusive meaning that it should be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non- specified components. Accordingly, the term 'comprise' is to be attributed with as broad an interpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when the terms 'comprised' and/or 'comprising' are used.

[0014] Accordingly, the present invention provides a freight chassis transportation device as set out in appended Claim 1 . In addition, further features of the present invention are provided in appended dependent Claims 2 to xx.

[0015] Further aspects or embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. [0016] Accordingly, in a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a freight chassis transportation device, comprising;

a head frame,

a power pack, mounted to the head frame;

at least one load support platform, each load support platform comprising a planar section having at least two ends and an elongate section intermediate the at least two ends wherein each load support platform is connected at one of its ends to the head frame; and at least one drive device connected to the at least one load support platform wherein the at least one drive device comprises an actuator, a positioning device and a moveable means, the moveable means being attachable to the load support platform and the positioning device being attachable to the moveable means remote from the load support platform

wherein the power pack is in communication with the actuator of the at least one drive device such that the actuator is operable to selectably engage the moveable means to move the moveable means between an extended and a retracted position.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the moveable means is attached to the load support platform at a fixing point such that when the actuator engages the moveable means, the moveable means moves from a retracted position into an extended position wherein the load support platform of the freight chassis transportation device is pushed upwards or lifted into an elevated position relative to the normal resting position of the load support platform of a freight chassis transportation device when the drive device(s) is/are in a retracted position. [0018] In one embodiment of the invention, load support platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface provides a load support platform. Conveniently the load support platform is adjustable to any required length as determined by the person skilled in the art. For example, in one embodiment of the invention the elongate load support platform is at least approximately 3 metres in length. In further embodiments of the invention, the elongate load support platform can vary in length up to approximately 6.5 metres in length. In one embodiment of the invention, the load support platform comprises a substantially rectangular cross sectional area. Conveniently the load support platform of the invention is constructed from any normal engineering materials having suitable mechanical properties and durability to withstand the loading stresses of repeated loading and unloading. For example, load support platform may be made of one or more suitable metals such as various grades of steel. Optionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the load support platform comprises a substantially hollow channel section.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the load support platform comprises one or more tines. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the load support platform comprise two tines which are spaced apart from each other in a parallel arrangement. It is of course to be understood that the load support platform is not limited to this type of arrangement.

[0020] The advantage of the freight chassis transportation device of the invention is that it is suitable for lifting and moving long palletised freight loads, particularly for lifting and moving long palletised freight loads into and out of shipping containers with relative ease.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a mechanical means for applying a force to the moveable means. In one embodiment of the invention the mechanical means comprises, for example, an hydraulic piston and or a linkage system. Although not specifically mentioned, other methods of applying a force to an object which are suitable for use in the invention as determined by a person skilled in the art can also be used. [0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the or each of the at least one drive device is seated within a recess. Conveniently, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, the recess is formed on the lower surface of the elongate section of the load support platform. In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the load support platform comprises a substantially hollow channel section, the recess is contained within the hollow channel section.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention the moveable means is a suitable load bearing device selected for example from the group comprising a lever, arm, rod, bar and so forth. In a further embodiment of the invention, each moveable means is connected to the load support platform. Preferably the moveable means is connected to the load support platform by means which allow the moveable means to move between the extended and retracted positions when an energizing force is applied by the actuator. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the moveable means are hingedly connected to a load support platform. In an alternate embodiment of the invention the moveable means are pivotably connected to the load supply platform. Conveniently when the moveable means are hingedly connected to the load support platform, a support bracket and connecting pin arrangement can be used. [0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the power pack is in communication with the actuator of each drive device thereby provides energizing energy to each of the drive devices. Conveniently, in one embodiment of the invention, the power pack is selected from at least one of the group comprising batteries, electric motors, fossil fuel motors, pneumatic, and hydraulic energizing sources. Accordingly, in a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the power pack further comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit, the pneumatic or hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the actuator. [0025] Conveniently, in use, the power pack is mounted to the load support platform and is user operable to selectably engage with the actuator of one or more of the drive devices. The actuator is also connected to the load support platform at an appropriate location determined by the person skilled in the art, such that when the actuator is activated it moves into connection with and applies a force to moveable means thereby forcing the moveable means from the retracted position into an extended position. As the moveable means moves from a retracted position into an extended position the load support platform of the freight chassis transportation device is pushed upwards or lifted into an elevated position relative to a floor surface. [0026] It is desired that the load support platform is raised a sufficient distance to enable the user to raise a fully loaded pallet and transfer the fully loaded pallet either into or out of a shipping container whilst maximising the available space within a container and ensuring sufficient clearance around the entry/exit points of the shipping container. It has been determined that the uplift distance is approximately 100mm or less relative to the normal resting position on the load support platform of a freight chassis transportation device when the drive device(s) is/are in a retracted position. It is to be understood that the distance of travel by the moveable means to affect an uplift distance of approximately 100mm or less is approximately 100mm. The actual value of the distance of travel is dependent on the seating arrangements of the drive device within the recess of the load support platform. It is preferable to minimize the uplift distance due to the load capacity of the freight chassis transportation device.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, freight chassis transportation device is designed such that when in the retracted position the upper surface of the load support platform seats at less than approximately 200mm above the floor surface and in the extended position the upper surface of the load support platform seats at greater than approximately 200mm but less than approximately 300mm above the floor surface. [0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the positioning device comprises any suitable form as determined by the person skilled in the art, for example, wheels, rollers or endless belts. In a further embodiment of the invention the positioning device further comprises stabilising means. Conveniently, the stabilising means are provided to secure the freight chassis transportation device of the invention in position either during the lifting process or whilst in a shipping container.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the positioning device is attached to the moveable means such that a portion of the positioning device extends below the lower surface of the load support platform. This has the advantage of enabling the user to move the freight chassis transportation device to a desired location irrespective of whether the drive devices are in a retracted or extended position. In the event that the freight chassis transportation device is used in connection with a pallet, it is to be understood, that in the instance where all or a portion of the positioning device extends below the lower surface of the load support platform, it is preferable for any such protrusion to be minimised to ensure that the positioning device does not impact against the pallet on entry into openings of the pallet. [0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the load support platform further comprises one or more apertures. Apertures are in the form of open ended channels which extend through the width of the load support platform. Apertures are provided to allow a user to lift the freight chassis transportation device, for example by using a forklift or crane, so that it may be transported or repositioned into a user selected position easily. Conveniently apertures are sized and shaped to suit tines of a forklift or other appropriate means to allow a forklift or crane lift the freight chassis transportation device and move it to a desired location.

[0031 ] In a further embodiment of the invention, the head frame optionally further comprises back plate and side plates for protecting mounted power pack and providing additional mechanical stability to freight chassis transportation device.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the head frame optionally further comprises bumper bars or pads for use as cushioned contact points for external drive units such as engines, in the event it is desired to push a loaded freight chassis transportation device to a user selectable position. [0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the head frame further comprises an attachment point. The attachment point enables the freight chassis transportation device to be connected to an external drive source such as a forklift or a winch, where it is desired to have additional force applied to assist in movement of a loaded freight chassis transportation device. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment device is in the form of a tow ring.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, freight chassis transportation device may be constructed of any normal engineering materials having suitable mechanical properties and durability to withstand the loading stresses of repeated loading, unloading and positional change. For example, load support platform may be made of one or more suitable metals such as various grades of steel.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a pallet for use with the freight chassis transportation device of the invention. In one embodiment, the pallet comprises one or more base rails and a plurality of load support rails wherein the load support rails form a load support platform. Conveniently, the load support rails are secured to the base rails orientated in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the base rail. In a further embodiment of the invention, the pallet further comprises one or more support bars are attached to the support rails such that the or each base rail is spaced apart from and in parallel to the base rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a is a cross-sectional side view of a freight chassis transportation device according to the invention; [0038] Figure 2 is a top view of a freight chassis transportation device according to the invention;

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a freight chassis transportation device according to the invention; [0040] Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional side view of a freight chassis transportation device of the invention;

[0041] Figure 4(b) is an end-view of the freight chassis transportation device of Figure 4(a);

[0042] Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional side view including a cutaway portion of a freight chassis transportation device of the invention;

[0043] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional end view of the freight chassis transportation device of Figure 5(a);

[0044] Figures 6(a) to 6(i) are a series of perspective views of the freight chassis transportation device of the invention arranged to show the loading and placement sequence for a pallet of goods within a shipping container using the freight chassis transportation device of the invention;

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the freight chassis transportation device and pallet of the invention; and [0046] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pallet of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In the description which follows, like parts may be marked throughout the specification and drawings in a similar manner, whereby the last two digits of the reference numerals are the same throughout different embodiments of the invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0048] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 , there is shown a freight chassis transportation device 100 of the present invention. Freight chassis transportation device 100 comprises a head frame 101 ; a load support platform 102; and a power pack 108 mounted to the head frame 101. Load support platform 102, comprises two ends and an elongate section intermediate each end, wherein one end of the load support platform 102 is seated within the head frame 101 . In the embodiment shown the elongate section of the load support platform is at least 3 metres in length. It is of course to be understood that the load support platform is not limited to this length and that the elongate section of the load support platform can be adjusted to any required length as determined by the person skilled in the art. For example, in further embodiments of the invention the elongate load support platform can extend up to approximately 6.5 metres in length. In this embodiment of the freight chassis transportation device 100, load support platform 102 comprises a substantially hollow channel section, which is of substantially rectangular cross section form.

[0049] In freight chassis transportation device 100, the elongate section of load support platform 102 comprises an upper surface 1 14 and a lower surface 1 15. Upper surface 1 14 of load support platform 101 provides a freight or goods support surface. A plurality of drive devices 103 in retracted position are shown in dotted outline in Figure 1 , wherein the drive devices 103 are seated within recesses formed on the lower surface 1 15 of the elongate section of the load support platform 102. Each drive device 103 comprises an actuator (not shown), a positioning device 104 and moveable means 105. In this embodiment of the invention, moveable means 105 is in the form of a lever or arm hingedly connected to load support platform 102 at fixing point 107. Positioning device comprises a roller mechanism 104 which is removably attached to the moveable means 105 remote from fixing point 107. It is to be understood that the positioning device 104 of the invention can assume any suitable form as determined by the person skilled in the art, for example, wheels, rollers or endless belts.

[0050] Power pack 108 is mounted to the load support platform 102 and is user operable to selectably engage with the actuator of one or more of the drive devices 103. To facilitate this, power pack 108 is in communication with the actuator of each drive device 103. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, in this embodiment of the invention, the actuator of the drive device(s) 103 of freight chassis transportation device 100 is a piston. Accordingly, power pack 108 includes an hydraulic circuit which is in fluid communication with the actuator. The actuator is also connected to the load support platform 102 at an appropriate location determined by the person skilled in the art, such that when the actuator is activated it moves into connection with and applies a force to moveable means 105, (for example at location 106), thereby forcing the moveable means 105 from the retracted position into an extended position. As the moveable means 105 moves from a retracted position into an extended position the load support platform 102 of the freight chassis transportation device 100 is pushed upwards or lifted into an elevated position relative to a floor surface. [0051] It is desired that the load support platform 102 is raised a sufficient distance to enable the user to raise a fully loaded pallet and transfer the fully loaded pallet either into or out of a shipping container whilst maximising the available space within a container and ensuring sufficient clearance around the entry/exit points of the shipping container. It has been determined that the uplift distance to achieve this purpose is approximately 100mm or less relative to the normal resting position on the load support platform 102 of a freight chassis transportation device 100 when the drive device(s) 103 is/are in a retracted position. In this embodiment of the invention, freight chassis transportation device 100 is designed such that when in the retracted position the upper surface of the load support platform 102 seats at less than approximately 200mm above the floor surface and in the extended position the upper surface of the load support platform seats at greater than approximately 200mm but less than approximately 300mm above the floor surface.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, positioning device 104 is attached to the moveable means 105 such that a portion of the positioning device 104 extends below the lower surface 1 15 of the load support platform 102. This has the advantage of enabling the user to move the freight chassis transportation device 100 to a desired location irrespective of whether the drive devices 103 are in a retracted or extended position. In the event that the freight chassis transportation device 100 is used in connection with a pallet, it is to be understood, that in the instance where all or a portion of the positioning device 104 extends below the lower surface 1 15 of the load support platform 102, it is preferable for any such protrusion to be minimised to ensure that the positioning device 104 does not impact against the pallet on entry into openings of the pallet. [0053] Freight chassis transportation device 100 may be constructed of any normal engineering materials having suitable mechanical properties and durability to withstand the loading stresses of repeated loading, unloading and positional change. For example, load support platform 102 may be made of one or more suitable metals such as various grades of steel. In a further embodiment of the invention, the positioning device 104 is adapted to provide stabilising means to ensure that the freight chassis transportation device 100 can be secured in position either during the lifting process or whilst in a shipping container.

[0054] Also shown in Figure 1 are apertures 109 formed in load support platform 102. Apertures 109 are in the form of open ended channels which extend through the width of the load support platform 102. Apertures 109 are provided to allow a user to lift the freight chassis transportation device 100, for example by using a forklift or crane, so that it may be transported or repositioned into a user selected position easily. Conveniently apertures 109 are sized and shaped to suit tines of a forklift or other appropriate means to allow a forklift or crane lift the freight chassis transportation device 100 and move it to a desired location. [0055] Head frame 101 further comprises back plate 1 12 and side plates 1 13 for protecting mounted power pack 108 and providing additional mechanical stability to freight chassis transportation device 100. Bumper bars or pads 1 1 1 are also provided as cushioned contact points for external drive units such as engines, in the event it is desired to push a loaded freight chassis transportation device 100 to a user selectable position.

[0056] Head frame 101 further comprises an attachment point 1 10, in the form of a tow ring. Attachment point 1 10 enables the freight chassis transportation device 100 to be connected to an external drive source such as a forklift or a winch, where it is desired to have additional force applied to assist in movement of a loaded freight chassis transportation device 1 10. A portion of the attachment point 1 10 is shown in dotted outline to show that it is attached to the underside of the head frame 101 .

[0057] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a freight chassis transportation device 200 and an enlarged section of load support platform of a freight chassis transportation device 300. Similarly to the freight chassis transportation device 100 shown in side view in Figure 1 , freight chassis transportation device 200 comprises an elongate planar section load support platform 202. In this embodiment of the invention, load support platform 202 is in the form of a pair of spaced apart parallel elongate hollow substantially rectangular cross-section tines. Conveniently each of tines 202 is constructed of steel in the form of box section or hollow channel section. The tines are spaced apart from each other such that the centre to centre tine spacing distance on the upper surface between the tines is between approximately 0.5 meters and 2.0 meters or more preferably between approximately 0.75 meters and 1 .75 meters. [0058] Each tine 202 is connected to head frame 201 . In this embodiment of the invention the tines 202 are connected to the head frame by welding. It is to be understood that any other suitable mechanical fixing means could also be used. A plurality of drive devices 203 (shown in dotted outline) are located within individual recessed portions spaced apart from each other along the length of the hollow channel section elongate tines 202. Head frame 201 is shown supporting power pack 208. As before, head frame 201 has back panel 212 and side panels 213 for stiffening the freight chassis transportation device and for protecting power pack 208. Head frame 201 also supports an attachment point 210 in this instance in the form of a tow ring. A portion of tow ring 210 as shown in dotted outline is attached to the underside of head frame 201 . [0059] Referring specifically to Figure 3, there is shown an enlarged section of a drive device 303 seated within a recess 316 of the load support platform, similar to the drive device of Figures 1 and 2. Drive device 303 comprises positioning device 304 connected to moveable means 305. Moveable means 305 is connected to the lower surface 315 of the load support platform within the recessed portion 316. In this embodiment of the invention the moveable arm 305 is hingedly connected by known means 307 such as a support bracket 307a and connecting pin 307b arrangement, where support bracket 307a is mechanically fixed to lower surface 315 of load support platform by bolts 307c or the like.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention positioning device 304 comprises a wheel mechanism 304a which is connected to moveable means 305 by any suitable fixing means 304b known in the art, for example, an axle or similar. The positioning device 304 is fixed at a predetermined fixing point to moveable means 305, allowing positioning device 304 to move freely and facilitate movement and relocation of the freight chassis transportation device 300. Each positioning device 304 removeably secured to moveable means 305 provides a rolling surface ready for user selectable repositioning of the freight chassis transportation device supporting a palletized freight load. By having a number of evenly spaced moveable means located along the length of each tine of the load support platform, each with an attached positioning device, stability of the load support platform is increased. [0061] In this embodiment of the invention, drive device 303 is connected to the load support platform by means of a mounting block and connecting pin arrangement. Conveniently the mounting block is secured to the load support platform by mounting pins 317 or similar which are placed into position in the recessed portion 316 of load support platform 302 by accessing the interior of the recess portion 316 via opening 319. It is preferable that the pins do not extend through the material of the load support platform to the upper surface 314 of the load support platform in order to ensure that there are no projections which could impact on any freight or other matter placed on the load carrying platform. [0062] In this embodiment of the invention, the actuator of the drive device 303 is a piston which may be selectably operated by a power pack mounted on the head frame. Power pack is in communication with the piston via conduit 318. The power pack may be selected from at least one of the group comprising batteries, electric motors, fossil fuel motors, pneumatic power sources, and hydraulic power sources to provide electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic power respectively. In practice, energizing energy is transmitted from the power pack to each drive device through one or more conduits 318. Conveniently individual conduits 318 can be supplied from the power pack to communicate separately with each of the drive devices 303. In an alternate embodiment one or more conduits can be divided so that each conduit supplies more than one drive device. The conduits are chosen to support optimum transmission of the selected energizing energy type. For example, the conduits may be in the form of electrically conductive wires in the case of battery or electric power being the energizing energy. Alternatively, the conduits may consist of piping or tubing suited to transmit pneumatic or hydraulic energizing energy and so on.

[0063] The force provided by each drive device 303 acting on moveable means 305 provides a mechanical force capable of lifting a palletized freight load off a floor surface on which it has been resting. Each selectably energized piston releasably engages portion 306 of an adjacent moveable means 305 thereby urging positioning device 304 to extend out through aperture 319 of recessed portion 316 and make contact with a floor surface (not shown), for example, the ground or the floor of a shipping container. When a freight chassis transportation device is use to move a palletized freight load, extending each moveable arm also functions to bring upper surface 314 of load support platform into contact with the palletized freight load and thereby raise the palletized freight load off the floor surface on which it was resting, allowing the palletized freight load to be moved around by urging one or more positioning devices to move in a user selectable direction. Each positioning device 304 is able to move relative to its fixing point axis and allow a user to move the palletized freight load to a user selectable position.

[0064] A freight chassis transportation device in position and ready to lift a palletized freight load is best shown in side view in Figure 4(a) and end view in Figure 4(b). In this Figure, the freight chassis transportation device has a load support platform 402, in the form of a pair of tines. The lower surface of each tine has a series of apertures evenly spaced along its length, each aperture allows access to the interior of tines for constructing the freight chassis transportation device, and also, in use, allows a moveable arm mounted within the recessed portion to extend beyond the recessed portion. [0065] In this embodiment, each moveable arm may be pre-assembled before mounting to the interior of the tine. A preassembled moveable arm comprises an arm mounted at one end to a support bracket by a hinge pin, allowing hingeable movement around the axis of the hinge pin. At its other end, the moveable arm has a cylindrical roller wheel fixed at is axle at a predetermined position to the arm. In this example, the arm is a substantially "C" shaped channel having a central web and a side arm extending substantially orthogonally from each edge of the central web. The roller wheel fits within the "C" shaped channel and may be mounted to the moveable arm by bolting the axle of the roller wheel through the side arms at a predetermined position.

[0066] Adjacent the roller wheel position is a portion of the moveable arm that is releasably engaged by the actuator of the drive device 403. Drive device 403 in this embodiment is an electrically operated piston. The shape of the piston contact area is optimized to provide the best energy transfer efficiency from the piston to the moveable arm. When energized by power pack 408, the piston extends from its housing, contacts moveable arm 405 and urges one end of the moveable arm to extend beyond the recessed portion of the tine. The combined energy supplied to each piston is sufficient to lift palletized freight load 420 off a floor surface 422 on which it is resting. [0067] In this embodiment, there is shown, an example of a typical palletized freight load 420 carrying 'long building material goods' that may be lifted and moved by the freight chassis transportation device of the invention comprising a pallet 3 metres in length or longer. The mass for such a freight load is typically approximately 21 tonnes, It is understood that the freight chassis transportation device of the invention is suitable to carry these weights or greater. This embodiment of the freight chassis transportations device comprises a floor contact surface 421 for contacting a supporting floor surface such as a freight loading dock or a freight transport vessel floor, a freight contact surface 423 for supporting a freight load such as a load of building materials, a number of intermediate support members 424 separating freight contact surface 423 from floor contact surface 421 and providing a channel 425 of suitable dimensions to accommodate freight chassis transportation device load support surface 402. Floor contact surface 421 of the pallet would normally contain spaced rails, the gap between each rail defining an aperture capable of accepting a positioning device 404 and optionally a part of a corresponding moveable means 405. When load support platform 402 of freight chassis transportation device is introduced into channel 425 and drive device 403 is energized to deploy one or more moveable means 405, each moveable drive device 403 extends and each positioning device 404 at the end of a respective moveable means 405 moves through an aperture between spaced rails of floor contact surface 421 and palletized freight load 420 is lifted away from floor surface 422. Palletized freight load 420 may be stabilized by adding strapping 420a that secures the freight load to the pallet.

[0068] The invention is not limited by the type of freight to be transported and should be understood to be applicable to all freight types.

[0069] A freight chassis transportation device deployed and ready to be used to reposition a palletized freight load is best shown in side view in Figure 5(a), and in end view in Figure 5(b). In this Figure, once each piston has been energized and releasably engages moveable arm 505, moveable arm 505 is urged beyond the recessed portion of the tine, palletized freight load 520 is lifted off a floor on which it rested and can be moved to a user selectable position. Figure 5(a) includes a cutaway portion showing the relative position of drive device piston 503, moveable arm 505 and positioning device 504 after drive device 503 has been energized.

[0070] Roller wheels 504a allow freight chassis transportation device 500, now supporting palletized freight load 520, to be moved into or out of a freight transport vessel such as a shipping container. Freight chassis transportation device 500 may be connected to a winch or similar by connecting a hook or similar temporary connection device to attachment point 510. In this embodiment, the attachment point is in the form of a tow ring, but any other suitable fixing point type may be used. Once the winch is connected, freight chassis transportation device 500 may be winched out of the shipping container and onto a loading dock platform floor or other floor surface, as required.

[0071] Conversely, to load a freight chassis transportation device 500, supporting palletized freight load 520, into a freight transport vessel such as a shipping container, the loaded freight chassis transportation device may be pushed by an external means such as a forklift so that it moves from a loading dock platform floor or similar, into the shipping container. Once the loaded freight chassis transportation device has been positioned to a user selected position within the shipping container, each drive device 503 can be de-energised by switching off power pack 508, thereby allowing the piston (in this example) to retract into its housing and allowing the extended end of moveable means 505 to return to the recessed portion of the tine. The retraction of the moveable means 505 lowers palletized freight load 520 until lower surface 521 of the pallet contacts floor surface 522. Once the moveable means 505 have retracted to their original position, the freight chassis transportation device can be rolled, dragged or winched out of the shipping container and is ready for re-use. Once loaded freight chassis transportation device 500 has been removed from a shipping container, stabilizer strapping 520a may be removed and the freight unloaded as required.

[0072] Referring now to Figures 6(a) to 6 (i), there is shown a series of perspective drawings of the freight chassis transportation device 100. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the drive device of the freight chassis transportation device 100 in a retracted and extended position respectively. Openings 102a situated in the head frame 101 correspond to entry points for the tines of a forklift or other suitable device to allow the user to apply an external force to the freight chassis transportation device 100 if required, for example, to apply an external force to move a loaded freight chassis transportation device into a shipping container. Fig 6(c) shows a pallet 600 seated on the load support platform 102 of the invention. Pallet 600 comprises two base rails 606 which are approximately 200mm in height and a plurality of load support rails 602 which are secured to the top of the base rails orientated in a perpendicular direction to that of the base rails 606 thereby forming a pallet load support platform. The load support rails generally comprise rails which have dimensions of either approximately 50mm x 50mm or approximately 75mm x 75mm. A support bar 604 is positioned at opposing ends of the load support rails 602 wherein the support bar 604 is located on the underside of the support rails 602 spaced apart and in parallel to the base rails 606. Each support bar 604 provides additional support to the pallet load support platform and helps to prevent bowing of the load support rails 602 when freight or goods are placed on the pallet support platform as shown in Figures 6(d) to 6(f). [0073] Referring now to Figures 6(d) to 6 (f), there is shown a sequence for loading long goods 120 onto pallet 600. In this example the 'long goods' comprise a plurality of sheets of material 120b which are separated by spacer portions 120c. The goods are loaded onto the pallet using a conventional forklift and placed directly onto the pallet support platform. When fully loaded the goods are arranged in a two by four arrangement on the pallet support platform as shown in Figure 6(f). Once the pallet is fully loaded with freight or long goods, the freight chassis transportation device 100 is moved into the interior of shipping container 700 as described above as shown in Figures 6 (g) and 6(h). Once the pallet is fully contained within the shipping container 700, the freight chassis transportation device 100 is withdrawn from the shipping container 700 and the pallet 600 loaded with long goods is retained within the shipping container 700 for shipment. [0074] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown two further embodiments of the pallet 610 and 620 respectively. Pallet 610 shown in Figure 7 is substantially the same as pallet 600, however, pallet 610 does not have base rails positioned underneath the ends of the load support rails 612. Pallet 620 is substantially the same as pallet 600, however, base rails, 626, load support rails 622 and base rails 624 are formed from hollow box section rather than solid rails.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the illustrated invention provides freight chassis transportation device able to lift and move long palletized freight loads into freight transport vessels.

[0076] It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.