FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a trailer including a storage apparatus for retaining an item of equipment for attachment to plant machinery. The item of equipment is preferably a breaker. Also disclosed is a method of storing an excavator attachment on a trailer.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known to secure excavators and the like to trailers for transportation. The excavator must be correctly secured to the trailer to prevent movement of the excavator on the trailer to reduce the likelihood of injury to persons or damage to equipment.

Excavators may be equipped with a number of different attachments or tools, such as buckets, breakers, rippers, augers and the like. It is often desirable to transport the required attachments or tools on the same trailer. Alternatively they may be transported separately by another vehicle.

Often heavy and expensive, excavator attachments may cause damage if improperly secured in transit, and may be vulnerable to theft. Accordingly, attachments may be secured to a trailer using tie-down straps or similar, or users may transport attachments inside another vehicle, such as a van. Securing attachments in this way to trailers may be time consuming and vulnerable to human error, whilst loading attachments into a van may be impractical or unsafe for larger attachments. Furthermore, it is often necessary to locate the attachment or tool in its storage location by hand, which may be difficult when the tool is large, heavy and often dirty.

Some of these issues have been addressed in part by trailers equipped with features for securing attachments. These trailers may, for example, have an integrated cage or locker for receiving attachments, such that attachments can be enclosed and locked in place on the trailer. However, these lockers have some drawbacks, often including the need for manual effort to position and store the attachments.

Against that background it would be desirable to provide an improved apparatus for storing items of equipment for attachment to plant machinery on a trailer. The apparatus preferably avoids the need for manual handling of the items of equipment and preferably allows the item of equipment to be easily attached to the plant machinery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a trailer for transporting an item of plant machinery comprising: a frame including a hitch for connecting the trailer to a vehicle; a platform for supporting said item of plant machinery, the platform including a front edge; and a storage apparatus for retaining an item of equipment for attachment to said item of plant machinery, the storage apparatus comprising: a support tray including a base panel and a retaining end wall extending from a first end edge of the base, the retaining end wall including a notch for receiving a part of said item of equipment therethrough; and a mounting member arranged to secure the support tray to the trailer such that the support tray is disposed between the front edge of the platform and the hitch, and an angle between a plane of the base panel and a plane of the platform is between 2° and 10°.

The angle between a plane of the base panel and a plane of the platform is preferably between 4° and 6°. The angle between a plane of the base panel and a plane of the platform is preferably measured about an axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer.

In preferred embodiments the notch extends from a top edge of the retaining end wall in a direction towards the base panel. The notch may be disposed midway across a width of the retaining end wall.

In some embodiments the support tray is generally rectangular and further comprises opposite first and second side walls. In use, an item of equipment seated in the support tray may be at least partially disposed between the side walls.

The mounting member may comprise a flange extending outwardly from a top edge of the first side wall. Furthermore, in some embodiments an angle between the top edge of the first side wall and the base panel is between 2° and 10°. In these embodiments, the flange may be engaged with a front wall of the platform of the trailer so that the support tray is disposed in front of the platform.

In some embodiments the mounting member comprises a bracket having a first part secured to the support tray and a second part secured to the frame of the trailer. The mounting member may comprise a first bracket disposed proximate the first end edge of the support tray and a second bracket disposed proximate a second end edge of the support tray, the first and second brackets being arranged such that a distance between the support tray and the frame at the first bracket is smaller than a distance between the support tray and the frame at the second bracket.

In further embodiments the storage apparatus may include a first mounting member comprising a flange extending outwardly from a top edge of the first side wall of the support tray and a second mounting member comprising at least one bracket having a first part secured to the support tray and a second part secured to the frame of the trailer.

Each of the first and second side walls may include at least one retainer for engagement with a retaining strap or pin. The retainer preferably comprises a hole proximate a second end of each of the first and second side walls furthest from the retaining end wall for receiving a retaining pin. The retaining pin preferably comprises an elongate rod having a length greater than a distance between the first and second side walls. ln some embodiments the trailer further comprises a bucket rest and the storage apparatus is disposed between the front edge of the platform and the bucket rest. In these embodiments the support tray may comprise a prominence including an upstanding portion and a laterally extending projection, the prominence being arranged such that the projection extends over a part of the bucket rest. The prominence may form part of the second side wall of the support tray.

The storage apparatus preferably further comprises a first guard including a framework extending from a first end of the support tray, the framework and the first end edge of the support tray at least partially defining and bounding an area beyond the first end edge of the support tray. The storage apparatus may further comprise a second guard including a framework extending from a second end of the support tray, the framework and a second end edge of the support tray at least partially defining and bounding an area beyond the second end edge of the support tray. The framework of the first guard or each of the frameworks of the first and second guards may be substantially L-shaped or substantially U-shaped.

In preferred embodiments the storage apparatus further comprises a lid. The lid is preferably hingedly connected to a part of the storage apparatus, but may be hingedly connected to another part of the trailer. The lid preferably comprises a mesh framework, which is preferably generally concave or arched.

In some embodiments the trailer further comprises a storage cage having a lid, the storage cage being disposed at a front end of a floor of the platform adjacent the front edge. Preferably, the configuration and the dimensions of the lid of the storage cage and the lid of the storage apparatus are such that, when the storage cage is closed, the lid of the storage apparatus may be moved into an open position in which the lid of the storage apparatus is disposed adjacent and extends over the lid of the storage cage and, when the lid of the storage apparatus is in a closed position, the lid of the storage cage may be moved into an open position in which the lid of the storage cage is at least partially disposed within an area or volume defined by the lid of the storage apparatus. This allows the storage cage and the storage apparatus to be positioned close together and for both of the storage cage and the storage apparatus to be opened and accessed during use of the trailer.

A second aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising a trailer according to the first aspect of the invention and an item of equipment for attachment to an item of plant machinery seated in the support tray.

A part of the item of equipment preferably extends through the notch in the retaining end wall. The item of equipment is preferably a breaker and a chisel of the breaker preferably extends through the notch in the retaining end wall.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of storing an item of equipment for attachment to an item of plant machinery on a trailer for transporting said item of plant machinery, the method comprising: seating the item of equipment in a support tray of a storage apparatus, the support tray being mounted on the trailer such that the support tray is disposed between a front edge of a platform of the trailer and a hitch of the trailer; and extending a part of the item of equipment through a notch disposed in a retaining end wall of the support tray, wherein at least a part of the item of equipment is seated on a base panel of the support tray and an angle between a plane of the base panel and a plane of the platform of the trailer is between 2° and 10°.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of a trailer including a storage apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention for retaining an item of equipment for attachment to plant machinery;

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the storage apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of a trailer including a storage apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention for retaining an item of equipment for attachment to plant machinery;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a further perspective view of the storage apparatus of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the part of the trailer and storage apparatus of Figure 3, showing an optional cover of the storage apparatus in an open position;

Figure 8 is a plan view from a side of the part of the trailer and storage apparatus of Figure 7, showing the optional cover of the storage apparatus in the open position;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the part of the trailer and storage apparatus of Figure 3, showing the optional cover of the storage apparatus in a closed position, and showing a lid of an optional storage cage of the trailer in an open position; and

Figure 10 is a plan view from a side of the part of the trailer and storage apparatus of Figure 9, showing the optional cover of the storage apparatus in the closed position and showing the lid of the optional storage cage of the trailer in the open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A trailer 10 according to the present invention is designed to safely transport an excavator or similar plant machinery, together with associated equipment and attachments such as buckets, breakers and the like. The excavator will typically be a compact excavator or mini excavator, having a weight of less than about 8.5 tonnes (otherwise referred to as a digger excavator or mini digger).

An example compact excavator comprises a tracked undercarriage, a cab which is rotatably mounted on the undercarriage and a workgroup, which comprises a boom, a dipper or arm and an attachment in the form of a bucket. Other examples of compact excavators may include a wheeled undercarriage rather than a tracked undercarriage. A compact excavator may include other attachments such as an auger or a breaker. It will be appreciated that only one attachment will be connected to the end of the arm at any one time. As such, it may be necessary to store or transport one or more additional or alternative attachments together with the compact excavator.

The trailer 10 comprises a frame 12. The frame 12 is preferably an A-frame, including a pair of primary frame members 14 that extend along a length of the trailer 10 from a front end of the trailer 10 to a rear end of the trailer 10. The primary frame members 14 are preferably disposed closer together at the front end of the trailer 10 than at the rear end of the trailer 10. The trailer 10 further comprises a hitch 16 (shown in Figure 3) for connecting or securing the trailer 10 to a vehicle, for example a driven vehicle such as a car or van. The hitch 16 is disposed at the front end of the trailer 10 and is connected to the frame 12. A rear end of the trailer 10 may comprise a tailgate or ramp.

It will be appreciated that references to a front or a forward end of the trailer 10 refer to the end of the trailer 10 including the hitch 16 and references to a rear or a rearward end of the trailer 10 refer to an end of the trailer 10 furthest from the hitch 16.

The trailer 10 also includes a platform or bed 20 which, in this embodiment, includes a generally rectangular floor 22 having opposite front and rear edges and opposite side edges. A front end wall 24 extends from the front edge of the floor 22, and a side wall 26 extends from each of the two side edges of the floor 22. The platform 20 is sized to receive and support the excavator or plant machinery whilst it is being transported by or stored on the trailer 10.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a storage apparatus 30 is illustrated, mounted to the frame 12 of the trailer 10. The storage apparatus 30 comprises a support tray 32 comprising a generally planar base panel 34. In this embodiment the support tray 32 and the base panel 34 are generally rectangular and the base panel 34 has two opposite short edges 36, 38 and two opposite long edges 40, 42.

A retaining end wall 44 extends from a first one of the short edges 36 of the base panel 34. The end wall 44 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base panel 34, and in this embodiment extends across the full width of the base panel 34, between the long edges 40, 42. The end wall 44 extends from the base panel 34 to a top edge 46. A distance between the top edge 46 and the short edge 36 of the base panel 34 defines a height of the end wall 44.

The retaining end wall 44 includes a notch or recess 48 that extends from the top edge 46 in a direction towards the base panel 34. Preferably, the notch 48 does not extend through the full height of the end wall 44 such that there is a distance between a base 50 of the notch 48 and the base panel 34. The notch 48 may be of any suitable shape and in this embodiment the notch 48 has a curved base section 50 and straight sides extending from the base section 50 to the top edge 46 of the end wall 44. The notch 48 is therefore substantially U-shaped. The notch 48 is preferably disposed about halfway across the width of the end wall 44, i.e. about midway between the long edges 40, 42 of the base panel 34.

The support tray 32 further comprises a side wall 52, 54 extending from each of the two long edges 40, 42 of the base panel 34. Each side wall 52, 54 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base panel 34, and in this embodiment extends along the full length of the base panel 34, between the short edges 36, 38. Each side wall 52, 54 extends from the base panel 34 to a top edge 56. A distance between each top edge 56 and a corresponding long edge 40, 42 of the base panel 34 defines a height of the side wall 52, 54.

A first one of the side walls 52 includes an outwardly protruding flange or lip 58 that extends from the top edge 56 of the side wall 52. Furthermore, a height of the side wall 52 at the first short edge 36, adjacent the retaining end wall 44, is greater than a height of the side wall 52 at the second short edge 38. Preferably an angle between the top edge 56 of the first side wall 52 and the base panel 34 is between 2° and 10°.

The flange 58 of the first side wall 52 is arranged to engage with the front end wall 24 of the platform 20 of the trailer 10. In particular, the first side wall 52 and the flange 58 are configured such that the flange 58 extends over a part of the front end wall 24 and the first side wall 52 extends downwardly over a front surface of the front end wall 24. In this way, the base panel 34 of the support tray 32 is disposed forward of the platform 20 of the trailer 10, between the front edge of the floor 22 of platform 20 and the hitch 16. The flange 58 and at least a part of the first side wall 52 provides a first mounting member 60 of the storage apparatus 30.

In this embodiment the storage apparatus 30 further comprises a second mounting member 62 arranged to secure the support tray 32 to the frame 12 of the trailer 10. The second mounting member 62 preferably comprises a pair of leg elements or brackets 64, each bracket 64 having a first part secured to the support tray 32 proximate the second long edge 42 of the base panel 34 and a second part that is secured to the frame 12 of the trailer 10 between the platform 20 and the hitch 16.

As illustrated, each bracket 64 comprises a generally L-shaped plate 66 having a first upright portion 68 that is secured to a second one of the side walls 54 of the support tray 32 and a second foot portion 70 that is secured to one of the primary frame members 14 of the trailer 10. A first one of the brackets 64a is secured or attached to the support tray 32 proximate the first short edge 36 of the base panel 34 and is secured to a first one of the primary frame members 14. A second one of the brackets 64b is secured or attached to the support tray 32 proximate the second short edge 38 of the base panel 34 and is secured to a second one of the primary frame members 14.

The brackets 64 are secured to the support tray 32 such that there is a first distance between the base panel 34 and the foot portion 70 of the first bracket 64a and a second distance between the base panel 34 and the foot portion 70 of the second bracket 64b, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. In this way, when the brackets 64 are secured to the frame 14, the base panel 34 of the support tray 32 is closer to the frame 14 at the first short edge 36 than at the second short edge 38.

With the first mounting member 60 engaged with the front end wall 24 of the platform 20 and the second mounting member 62 secured to the frame 14, the support tray 32 extends transversely across the trailer 10. In this way, a longitudinal axis of the support tray 32 (extending between the short edges 36, 38 of the base panel 34) is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trailer 10. Furthermore, there is preferably an angle between a plane of the base panel 34 and the floor 22 of the platform 20 of between 2° and 10°, and more preferably between 4° and 6°, and most preferably about 5°. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment this angle is measured about an axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer 10. This means that in normal use, when the floor 22 of the trailer 10 is generally horizontal, the base panel 34 of the storage apparatus 30 is angled at about 5° to the horizontal.

The storage apparatus 30 may be permanently secured or attached to the frame 12 and/or the platform 20 of the trailer 10. For example the first mounting member 60 may be welded or adhered to the front end wall 24 of the platform 20, and/or the second mounting member 62 may be welded or adhered to the frame 12. Alternatively, the storage apparatus 30 may be removeably secured or attached to the frame 12 and/or the platform 20 of the trailer 10. For example the first mounting member 60 may be secured to the front end wall 24 of the platform 20 using suitable mechanical fasteners such as bolts, and/or the second mounting member 62 may be secured to the frame 12 using suitable mechanical fasteners such as bolts. In use, an item of equipment for attachment to the excavator is at least partially seated in the support tray 32. In the illustrated embodiment a breaker 2 is shown engaged with and supported by the support tray 32.

The notch 48 is sized and configured to receive a part of the breaker 2. As shown, the notch 48 may be sized to receive a part of a chisel 4 of the breaker 2, while a main body portion 6 of the breaker 2 is seated on the base panel 34. In this way, the chisel 4 extends through the notch 48 and protrudes from the support tray 32.

The angle of the base panel 34 of the support tray 32 means that the main body portion 6 of the breaker 2 is urged towards retaining end wall 44. However, because the dimensions of the main body portion 6 are greater than the dimensions of the notch 48, the main body portion 6 of the breaker is retained in the support tray 32.

Whilst the weight of the breaker 2 and the angle of the support tray 32 may retain the breaker 2 in position on the support tray 32, the storage apparatus 30 may include one or more retainers 72 for assisting in securing the breaker 2, or other piece of equipment, to the support tray 32. In this embodiment the storage apparatus 30 includes a plurality of retainers 72 in the form of a hook, loop or eye. A first set of retainers 72 is disposed at or proximate the top edge 56 of the first side wall 52 and a second set of retainers 72 is disposed at or proximate the top edge 56 of the second side wall 54. In use a strap, chain or similar may be engaged with each of the retainers 72 to extend across and over the piece of equipment seated on the support tray 32.

By supporting the breaker 2, or other piece of equipment, in the support tray 32 at an angle to the horizontal, the breaker 2 may be more easily connected to the end of the arm of the excavator, especially when the excavator is positioned beside the trailer 10. While many existing breaker storage units may allow a breaker to be seated in the storage unit and connected to or disconnected from the arm of the excavator while the excavator is on the trailer, by disposing the storage apparatus of the present invention such that (i) it extends transversely across the trailer, (ii) it is not disposed on the platform of the trailer, and (iii) the base panel is at an angle to the horizontal, the storage apparatus of the present invention allow a breaker to be seated in the storage unit and easily connected to or disconnected from the arm of the excavator, with no manual handling of the breaker, while the excavator is positioned beside the trailer. This means that the attachment on the end of the arm of the excavator can be easily changed during use of the excavator. In particular, a breaker 2 may be directly connected to the end of the arm of the excavator while it is seated in the support tray 32 and then lifted from the support tray 32 by the excavator without requiring the excavator to be on the trailer. Similarly, when an operator has finished using the breaker they may use the excavator arm to seat or lie the breaker 2 in the support tray 32 before disconnecting the breaker 2 from the excavator arm and, optionally, attaching a different piece of equipment.

In this embodiment the trailer 10 further comprises a bucket rest 74. The bucket rest 74 is mounted on a part of the frame 12 and is disposed between the platform 20 and the trailer hitch 16. In this embodiment the storage apparatus 30 is disposed between the platform 20 and the bucket rest 74, and the bucket rest is therefore disposed between the storage apparatus 30 and the hitch 16.

The bucket rest 74 comprises a perforated plate 76 disposed above the frame 12. A plane of the perforated plate 76 is preferably substantially horizontal, i.e. generally parallel to a plane of the floor 22 of the platform 20. In use, when an excavator is loaded onto the trailer 10 and seated on the floor of the platform 20, the arm of the excavator may be manoeuvred such that a bucket attached to the end of the arm is seated on the perforated plate 76.

In this embodiment the support tray 32 includes a prominence 78 that extends from the top edge 56 of the second side wall 54. The prominence 78 includes a first upstanding portion 80 that extends generally in the same plane as or a plane parallel to the second side wall 54 and a projection 82 that extends laterally from the upstanding portion 80 in a direction away from the first side wall 52. Preferably an angle between the projection 82 and the upstanding portion 80 is greater than 90° and more preferably between 90° and 150°. With the storage apparatus 30 secured to the frame 12 of the trailer between the platform 20 and the bucket rest 74, the projection 82 extends in a direction towards the trailer hitch 16. Furthermore, the projection 82 extends over a part of the bucket rest 74 such that there is a gap between an upper surface of the perforated plate 76 and a lower surface of the projection 82. Preferably the storage apparatus 30 is disposed adjacent a rear edge of the perforated plate 76 such that the projection 82 extends over a rear portion of the bucket rest 74. In use, when a bucket is located on the bucket rest 74, a part of the bottom wall of the bucket and the bucket teeth (if present) preferably locate under the projection 82, between the projection 82 and the bucket rest 74. The projection 82 therefore extends into the opening of the bucket and provides a stop that restricts movement of the bucket in an upward direction.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 10, a second embodiment of a storage apparatus 130 is illustrated, mounted to the frame 12 of a trailer 110. The storage apparatus 130 has many of the same features as the storage apparatus 30 of the first embodiment and like features have been referenced by numerals incremented by 100.

The storage apparatus 130 comprises a support tray 132 comprising a generally planar base panel 134. The support tray 132 and the base panel 134 are generally rectangular and the base panel 134 has two opposite short edges 136, 138 and two opposite long edges 140, 142.

As in the first embodiment, a retaining end wall 144 extends from a first one of the short edges 136 of the base panel 134. The end wall 144 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base panel 134, and extends across the full width of the base panel 134 between the long edges 140, 142. The end wall 144 extends from the base panel 134 to a top edge 146. A distance between the top edge 146 and the short edge 136 of the base panel 134 defines a height of the end wall 144.

The retaining end wall 144 includes a notch or recess 148 that extends from the top edge 146 in a direction towards the base panel 134. The notch 148 may be of any suitable shape and in this embodiment the notch 148 has a curved base section 150 and straight sides extending from the base section 150 to the top edge 146 of the end wall 144. The notch 48 is therefore substantially U-shaped. The notch 148 is preferably disposed about halfway across the width of the end wall 144, i.e. about midway between the long edges 140, 142 of the base panel 134.

The support tray 132 further comprises a side wall 152, 154 extending from each of the two long edges 140, 142 of the base panel 134. Each side wall 152, 154 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base panel 134, and extends along the full length of the base panel 134 between the short edges 136, 138. Each side wall 152, 154 extends from the base panel 134 to a top edge 156. A distance between each top edge 156 and a corresponding long edge 140, 142 of the base panel 134 defines a height of the side wall 152, 154.

A first one of the side walls 152 includes an outwardly protruding flange or lip 158 that extends from the top edge 156 of the side wall 152. A height of the side wall 152 at the first short edge 136, adjacent the retaining end wall 144, is greater than a height of the side wall 152 at the second short edge 138. Preferably an angle between the top edge 156 of the first side wall 152 and the base panel 134 is between 2° and 10°.

The flange 158 of the first side wall 152 is arranged to engage with the front end wall 24 of the platform 20 of the trailer 110 such that the flange 158 extends over a part of the front end wall 24 and the first side wall 152 extends downwardly over a front surface of the front end wall 24. The base panel 34 of the support tray 32 is thereby disposed forward of the platform 20 of the trailer 110, between the front edge of the floor 22 of platform 20 and the hitch 16. The flange 158 and at least a part of the first side wall 152 provides a first mounting member 160 of the storage apparatus 130.

The storage apparatus 130 further comprises a second mounting member 162 arranged to secure the support tray 132 to the frame 12 of the trailer 110. The second mounting member 162 preferably comprises a pair of leg elements or brackets 164 (shown most clearly in Figures 5 and 6), each bracket 164 having a first part secured to the support tray 132 proximate the second long edge 142 of the base panel 134 and a second part that is secured to the frame 12 of the trailer 1 10 between the platform 20 and the hitch 16. The brackets 164 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will therefore not be described further here.

With the first mounting member 160 engaged with the front end wall 24 of the platform 20 and the second mounting member 162 secured to the frame 14, the support tray 132 extends transversely across the trailer 110. In this way, a longitudinal axis of the support tray 132 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trailer 110. Furthermore, there is preferably an angle between a plane of the base panel 134 and the floor 22 of the platform 20 of between 2° and 10°, and more preferably between 4° and 6°, and most preferably about 5°. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment this angle is measured about an axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer 110. This means that in normal use, when the floor 22 of the trailer 110 is generally horizontal, the base panel 134 of the storage apparatus 130 is angled at about 5° to the horizontal.

The storage apparatus 130 may be permanently secured or attached to the frame 12 and/or the platform 20 of the trailer 110. Alternatively, the storage apparatus 130 may be removeably secured or attached to the frame 12 and/or the platform 20 of the trailer 110.

In use, an item of equipment for attachment to the excavator is at least partially seated in the support tray 132. In the illustrated embodiment a breaker 2 is shown engaged with and supported by the support tray 132. The notch 148 is sized and configured to receive a part of the breaker 2, for example the chisel 4, as described in relation to the notch 48 of the first embodiment.

The angle of the base panel 134 of the support tray 132 means that the main body portion 6 of the breaker 2 is urged towards retaining end wall 144. However, because the dimensions of the main body portion 6 of the breaker 2 are greater than the dimensions of the notch 148, the main body portion 6 of the breaker is retained in the support tray 132. The chisel 4 of the breaker 2 extends through the notch 148 and protrudes from the support tray 132.

In this embodiment a second end region 184 of each of the side walls 152, 154 proximate the second short edge 138 of the base panel 134 comprises a plurality of holes or apertures 186 for receiving a retaining pin 188. The holes 186 are preferably disposed proximate the top edge 156 of each side wall 152, 154 in the second end region 184. Each hole 186 in the first side wall 152 is aligned with a corresponding hole 186 in the second side wall 154. As shown most clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the retaining pin 188 comprises an elongate rod 190 that extends between first and second ends. A length of the rod 190, between the first and second ends, is greater than a distance between the first and second side walls 152, 154 of the support tray 132. In this way, the retaining pin 188 may be inserted through a pair of the holes 186 so that the rod 190 spans the distance between the side walls 152, 154 and the first end of the rod 190 protrudes from the first side wall 152 and the second end of the rod 190 protrudes from the second side wall 154. In this embodiment the retaining pin 188 further comprises a handle 192 connected to the second end of the rod 190.

In use, when an item of equipment such as a breaker 2 has been seated in the support tray 132, the retaining pin 188 may be inserted through a suitable pair of holes 186 to retain the breaker 2 in the support tray 132 and, in particular, prevent the breaker 2 from sliding out of the support tray 132 in a direction towards the second short edge 138 of the base panel 134.

Although in this embodiment the support tray 132 is provided with a plurality of holes 186, in other embodiments the second end region 184 of each of the side walls 152, 154 may only include one hole 186.

As in the first embodiment, in this embodiment the trailer 110 further comprises a bucket rest 74. The bucket rest 74 is mounted on a part of the frame 12 and is disposed between the platform 20 and the trailer hitch 16. In this embodiment the storage apparatus 130 is disposed between the platform 20 and the bucket rest 74, and the bucket rest is therefore disposed between the storage apparatus 30 and the hitch 16. The bucket rest 74 is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be described further here.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the support tray 132 includes a prominence 178 that extends from the top edge 156 of the second side wall 154. The prominence 178 includes a first upstanding portion 180 that extends generally in the same plane as or a plane parallel to the second side wall 154 and a projection 182 that extends laterally from the upstanding portion 180 in a direction away from the first side wall 152. Preferably an angle between the projection 182 and the upstanding portion 180 is greater than 90° and more preferably between 90° and 150°.

With the storage apparatus 130 secured to the frame 12, the projection 182 extends in a direction towards the trailer hitch 16, and in particular the projection 182 extends over a part of the bucket rest 74 such that there is a gap between an upper surface of the perforated plate 76 and a lower surface of the projection 182. Preferably the projection 182 extends over a rear portion of the bucket rest 74. In use, when a bucket is located on the bucket rest 74, a part of the bottom wall of the bucket and the bucket teeth (if present) preferably locate under the projection 182, between the projection 182 and the bucket rest 74. The projection 182 therefore extends into the opening of the bucket and provides a stop that restricts movement of the bucket in an upward direction.

In this embodiment the storage apparatus 130 further comprises a first guard 194 that is connected to and extends from the storage tray 132, shown most clearly in Figures 4 and 7. The first guard 194 comprises a framework 196 including upper and lower horizontal frame members 198, 199 and at least one vertical frame member 200 extending between and connecting the upper and lower horizontal frame members 198, 199.

Each of the upper and lower horizontal frame members 198, 199 extends between a first end 202 and a second end 204. In this embodiment each of the upper and lower horizontal frame members 198, 199 is generally L-shaped and the first end 202 of the lower horizontal frame member 199 is attached to the frame 12 of the trailer 110 proximate the retaining end wall 144 of the support tray 132 and the second end 204 of the lower horizontal frame member 199 is attached to the platform 20 of the trailer 110. The first guard 194 defines a region or area bounded by the first guard 194, the retaining end wall 144 and, in this embodiment, part of the platform 20 of the trailer 110, in which the chisel 4 of the breaker 2 locates when the breaker 2 is seated on the support tray 132. The first guard 194 therefore prevents, or minimises the risk of, a person or other object coming into contact with the chisel 4 (or other part of an item of equipment) that protrudes through the notch 148 in the retaining end wall 144 of the support tray 132.

In other embodiments the first guard 194 may be connected to the support tray 132 rather than the trailer 110, and in other embodiments the first guard 194 may be connected to both the support tray 132 and a part of the trailer 110. The first guard 194 may be of any suitable shape and configuration. In some embodiments the upper and lower horizontal frame members 198, 199 may be generally U-shaped.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment the storage apparatus 130 further comprises a second guard 206 that is connected to and extends from the storage tray 132. The second guard 206 comprises a framework 208 including upper and lower horizontal frame members 210, 211 and at least one vertical frame member 212 extending between and connecting the upper and lower horizontal frame members 210, 211.

Each of the upper and lower horizontal frame members 210, 211 extends between a first end 214 and a second end 216. In this embodiment each of the upper and lower horizontal frame members 210, 211 is generally L-shaped and the first end 214 of the lower horizontal frame member 211 is attached to the frame 12 of the trailer 110 proximate the second short edge 138 of the base panel 134 of the support tray 132 and the second end 216 of the lower horizontal frame member 211 is attached to the platform 20 of the trailer 110. The second guard 206 defines a region or area bounded by the second guard 206, the second short edge 138 of the base panel 134 and, in this embodiment, part of the platform 20 of the trailer 110, proximate and beyond the second short edge 138 of the base panel 134. In this way, the second guard 206 defines a region in which an item of equipment may protrude beyond the second short edge 138 of the base panel 134 while preventing, or minimising the risk of, a person or other object coming into contact with the protruding part of the item of equipment. Accordingly, the storage apparatus 130 may be used to safely carry and retain an item of equipment that is longer than the support tray 132.

In other embodiments the second guard 206 may be connected to the support tray 132 rather than the trailer 110, and in other embodiments the second guard 206 may be connected to both the support tray 132 and a part of the trailer 110. The second guard 206 may be of any suitable shape and configuration. In some embodiments the upper and lower horizontal frame members 210, 211 may be generally U-shaped.

The storage apparatus 130 of this embodiment further comprises a lid 218. The lid 218 is connected to each of the first and second guards 194, 206 by a hinge 220. In particular, the lid 218 is hingedly connected to the first and second guards 194, 206 proximate the platform 20 of the trailer 110. In other embodiments the lid 218 may be hingedly connected, or connected by some other means, to another part of the storage apparatus 130.

The lid 218 comprises a mesh framework 222 having a generally concave or arched configuration. The lid 218 comprises two end wall portions 224 and a top wall portion 226. When the lid 218 is in a closed position, as shown most clearly in Figures 5 and 6, end frame members 228 of each of the end wall portions 224 lie adjacent and extend generally parallel to part of a respective one of the upper horizontal frame members 198, 210 of the first and second guards 194, 206. The lid 218 extends over and covers the support tray 132. Furthermore, in this embodiment the lid extends over and covers the region adjacent the retaining end wall 144 bounded by the first guard 194 and the region adjacent the second short edge 138 bounded by the second guard 206. In this embodiment the trailer 110 includes a storage cage 230 disposed at the front end of the floor 22 of the platform 20 of the trailer 110 adjacent the front end wall 24 of the trailer 110. The storage cage 230 is preferably sized to house a bucket attachment. The storage cage 230 may also house other types of attachment when they are not attached to the arm of the excavator, as well as other equipment.

The storage cage 230 comprises a lower portion including a generally rectangular base, two end side walls extending from opposite end edges of the base, and a front side wall extending between the two end side walls. A distance between the two end side walls is substantially equal to a distance between internal surfaces of the side walls 26 of the trailer 110. A height of each of the side walls is substantially the same as a height of a corresponding one of each of the side walls 26 and the front end wall 24 of the trailer 110.

The storage cage 230 further comprises a lid 232. In this embodiment the lid 232 is connected to one of the side walls of the storage cage 230 by a hinge. The lid 232 comprises a generally rectangular frame from which extends a mesh that forms a concave upper portion of the lid 232.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the configuration and the dimensions of the lid 232 of the storage cage 230 and the lid 218 of the storage apparatus 130 are such that, when the storage cage 230 is closed, the lid 218 of the storage apparatus 130 may be moved into an open position in which the mesh framework 222 is disposed adjacent and extends over the mesh that forms the concave upper portion of the lid 232. Similarly, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the lid 218 of the storage apparatus 130 is in the closed position, the lid 232 of the storage cage 230 may be moved into an open position in which the mesh that forms the concave upper portion of the lid 232 is disposed adjacent the mesh framework 222. Furthermore, the mesh that forms the concave upper portion of the lid 232 is disposed within an area or volume defined by the mesh framework 222 of the lid 218.

It will be appreciated that while, in the above embodiments, the support tray 32, 132 and the base panel 34, 134 were generally rectangular, in other embodiments the support tray and the base panel may be of any suitable shape to support an item of equipment for attachment to an arm of an excavator. It will be appreciated that while, in the above embodiments, the storage apparatus 30, 130 has been illustrated as supporting and retaining a breaker 2, in other embodiments the storage apparatus may be used to support and retain other attachments, tools and equipment for attachment to an excavator. Some of these other attachments, tools and equipment may include a part that extends through and is retained in the notch of the support tray; however, other attachments, tools and equipment may not include such a protruding part such that no part of the equipment is received in the notch. All or part of the equipment may be supported on the base panel within a boundary defined by the end wall and the side walls. Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.