The present invention relates to the transport and deposition of filled rubble bags, and in particular to a collapsible frame for this purpose.

Frames for supporting rubble bags (also known as builders' bags or tonne bags) are known in the art.

GB 2388301 to Nelson discloses a framework for supporting a waste disposal bag. Builders' rubble and the like is received in a bag which is held in an erected state by a framework of struts inserted at least partially in the bag. The framework may comprise two bottom diagonal struts, four vertical struts mounted on the diagonal struts, and four top edge struts attached to the tops of the vertical struts. The top edge struts pass through eyes provided at or near the top edges of the bag adjacent to its corners. Other arrangements of struts are also disclosed.

Similarly GB 2401092 to Ayerst discloses a collapsible free-standing bag holder designed for use with varying types of refuse bags including domestic dustbin bags, builders' rubble sacks and garden refuse sacks. The holder comprises an open- ended cuboid having four sides made of cardboard and/or plastic sheets. Two opposing sides may fold down their middle to collapse the bag holder when not in use. The holder is made of plastic or other inexpensive material and when inserted into the open end of the bag provides easy access and support and maybe retained in position by the use of bag slots. The bag holder incorporates two handles for easy removal and storage.

Wheeled frames for supporting and transporting waste disposal bags and the like are known in the art.

For example, GB 1418582 to Waldhof discloses a cleaning material dispenser unit comprising a frame, at least one wheel or roller at the lower end of the frame, a mounting at the upper end of the frame adapted to releasably support a refuse bag for used cleaning material, and an inverted generally U-shaped yoke at the upper end of the frame. Two limbs of the yoke are adapted to receive a roll of cleaning material such as paper or cellulose wadding, and the cross-member of the yoke is accessible as a handle by which the unit may be tilted about the wheel or roller axis for transporting. The mounting is annular and the refuse bag has its mouth folded or stretched thereover.

Collapsible wheeled frames for transporting items are known in the art. US 2007052188 to Steadman discloses a hand trolley for transporting materials in rigid tubs or bins having a frame with upper and lower sections that are rotatably connected about a lower base section. The trolley includes a number of bracket lugs that are removably connected to the frame for attaching tubs or bins of various shapes and sizes. Wheels are attached to the trolley for moving the cart. These are connected by an axle through the lower base section. The trolley also includes a locking mechanism, the locking of which holds the lower base section in a transport position perpendicular to the upper section. Disengagement of the locking mechanism allows the lower base section to rotate to be parallel to the upper section for flat storage.

Furthermore, GB 2331490 to Clover discloses a shopping trolley having a collapsible wheeled frame for supporting a flexible bag, the frame comprising first and second linkages each having four bars pivoted together at their respective ends. The linkages are held parallel and spaced apart by four cross-members so that the two linkages may be moved together between an opened out setting where each bar lies substantially at right angles to its adjacent bars, and a collapsed setting. A bag comprising canvas or other strong fabric is fitted around the frame.

Brief Summary of the Invention

It can be seen from the forgoing that a need has arisen for a means to support rubble bags in an open state for loading. It would be advantageous to have such a means which was also able to transport the bags when full. It would be further advantageous to be able to deposit the bags easily when transported to the required location.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a means for supporting rubble bags in an open state and for transporting full rubble bags. It is a further object of the invention to provide a means for depositing rubble bags without a user having to lift said bags.

According to the present invention, there is provided a collapsible frame comprising:

first and second frame members, each frame member comprising a plurality of sub-members;

a first connecting member connected to the first and second frame members;

a second connecting member comprising:

a first connection to the first frame member; and a connector engagable with the second frame member;

a plurality of wheels;

wherein at least one sub-member is rotatable relative to the frame about an axis of rotation, and comprises engagement means for engaging an item to be supported in the frame, the engagement means being located remotely from the axis of rotation.

An advantage of the present invention is that rubble bags or any load having a lifting portion engagable with the engagement means of the present invention can be held open where necessary, transported, and deposited with one piece of equipment. A further advantage is that there is no need for a user to support or lift any of the weight of the bag to open, transport or deposit the bag. A yet further advantage is that the frame collapses for easy transport and storage of the frame between uses.

The rotatable sub-member is preferably rotatable relative to the frame member of which it forms a part. This allows the frame member to remain substantially in place as structural part of the frame, while the rotatable sub-member lifts or lowers the load to be lifted.

The frame may further comprise a handle to allow a user to rotate the rotatable sub-member to make turning the rotatable sub-member easier.

The rotatable sub-member may comprise a locking portion, spaced from the axis of rotation, for engagement with a second locking portion, to prevent rotation of the rotatable sub-member relative to the frame, which prevents the load from dropping to the ground under its weight.

The frame may comprise two rotatable sub-members, which may allow two sides of the load to be lifted, either simultaneously or independently, by rotation of one or both of the sub-members.

The first connecting member may be connected to the first and second frame members substantially at a first end of each of the frame members;

the second connecting member may be connected to a second end of the first frame member substantially opposite the first end of the first frame member; and

the connector may be disposed substantially at a second end of the second connecting member, for engaging with a corresponding connection region located substantially at a second end of the second frame member. This configuration may allow the frame to have a substantially rectangular cuboid form for surrounding a load to be lifted and transported. The handle may be further distanced from the axis of rotation than the engagement means, to provide a mechanical advantage to the user.

The handle may be formed on a portion of the sub-member angled relative to the axis of rotation.

The two rotatable sub-members may each comprise a locking portion, the two locking portions being engagable with one another to prevent rotation of the rotatable sub-members. This prevents the load from dropping unexpectedly by free rotation of the rotatable sub-members.

The second frame member may comprise at least two sub-members rotatable relative to a further sub-member connecting the two rotatable sub-members. This can allow a frame member to be efficiently formed with two rotatable sub-members to form a part of the frame.

The rotatable sub-members may each comprise a first part connected to the further sub-member and a second part, the first and second parts being arranged to be repeatably connectable to and detachable from the corresponding first part. This can increase the collapsibility of the frame into a smaller over-all envelope once collapsed.

The second connecting member may be arranged to pivot about an axle of a wheel disposed on the first frame member. This can allow the wheel and connecting member to be connected to the first frame member efficiently by a single connection point.

The first frame member may comprise at least three wheels, one of the three wheels being optionally steerable. The first frame member may comprise four wheels, arranged substantially at four outer corners of the first frame member, and wherein two of the wheels are optionally steerable wheels. These optional configurations can provide the required stability and manoeuvrability to the frame. The wheels may optionally be distributed across the two frame members, such that the frame members form sides of the frame.

The first connecting member may be pivotably connected to each of the first and second frame members substantially at its first and seconds ends, respectively. This allows the first and second frame members and the first connecting member to collapse into a substantially flat form.

The engagement means may be a hook onto which a looped strap may be hung, or may be arranged to retain a strap, optionally by a compressive force on the strap. This can allow different configurations to accommodate different load and connection or engagement types.

A first one of the locking portions may comprise an aperture and a second one of the locking portions may comprise a retractable element for engaging with the aperture. This can provide a low cost and efficient locking mechanism.

The frame members, the connecting members and the engagement means may be sized and dimensioned to fit around a quarter-tonne load or rubble bag, preferably a half-tonne load or rubble bag, more preferably a standard 1 tonne rubble bag, and to support its weight. A 1 tonne rubble bag may desirably be supported, however, its weight may be excessive for a user to manipulate. Therefore, a frame configured to support a quarter tonne, or a half tonne load may be better suited to manipulation and manoeuvring by hand.

The collapsible frame may be configured such that:

the first and a second frame members are rigid side frame members, each having a top and a bottom;

the second connecting member is at least one cross frame member substantially perpendicular to and connecting said side frame members in an open state;

four wheels are disposed to the bottom of said side frame members; and the frame comprises a drop mechanism comprising:

two rotatable sub-members in the form of two support bars rotatably mounted across said rigid side frame members, each bar having two supporting hooks attached thereto; and

means for selectively rotating the bars.

The at least one cross frame member may comprise two rigid cross bars connected at the top of said frame members, the rigid cross bars having:

a first end being hinged to said first frame member; and a second end being connectable to and disconnectable from said second frame member.

The at least one cross frame member may further comprise two flexible cross straps selectively connecting the bottoms of the frame members.

The side frame members, the at least one cross frame members and the hooks or other engagement means may be dimensioned to fit around a quarter-tonne load or rubble bag, preferably a half-tonne load or rubble bag, more preferably a standard 1 tonne rubble bag, and to support its weight. The side frame members and the at least one cross frame members may be configured to support a quarter tonne, preferably, a half tonne, more preferably one tonne in weight.

The means for selectively rotating said drop mechanism bars may comprises for each bar:

a ratchet rigidly, concentrically mounted on said bar; a ratchet pawl for cooperating with said ratchet;

a lever;

a cable having a first end attached to said pawl and a second end attached to said lever, for pulling said pawl out of co-operation with said ratchet and releasing said drop mechanism.

The collapsible frame may further comprise a spring whereby said pawl is spring mounted. The drop mechanism may support one tonne in weight.

A collapsible frame may comprise:

a first and a second rigid side frame member, each having a top and a bottom; at least one cross frame member substantially perpendicular to and connecting said side frame members in an open state; four wheels to the bottom of said side frame members; and a drop mechanism comprising:

two support bars rotatably mounted across said rigid side frame members, each bar having two supporting hooks attached thereto; and

means for selectively rotating said bars.

The collapsible frame may further comprise a lowering brake arranged to allow a user to prevent the rotatable members from rotating. This gives the user control of the lowering of the load.

The collapsible frame may further comprise a safety mechanism arranged to prevent the rotatable members from freely rotating or from rotating at excessive speed. This can prevent the uncontrolled dropping of the load, which may pose a safety hazard.

The collapsible frame may further comprise a web, net or other collapsible liner, arranged to substantially lie in a plane between lower sub-members and the rotatable sub members to retain a load substantially within the frame.

The collapsible liner may be provided with stiffening elements to increase its stiffness.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawinq Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first example of a frame according to the present invention in an open state;

Figure 2 shows the frame of the Figure 1 in a collapsed state;

Figure 3 shows an example of a drop mechanism suitable for the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a second example of a collapsible frame according the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a collapsible frame of the present invention supporting a load such as a tonne bag;

Figure 6a shows a side view of an optional engagement means of the present invention;

Figure 6b shows a perspective view of the engagement means of Figure 6a; Figure 7a shows an optional arrangement for a locking mechanism for the present invention;

Figure 7b shows a detailed perspective view of the locking mechanism of Figure 7a;

Figure 8 shows a collapsible trolley of the present invention in a partially collapsed state;

Figure 9 shows a collapsible trolley of the present invention in a further partially collapsed state;

Figure 10 shows a collapsible trolley of the present invention in a yet further partially collapsed state; and

Figure 1 shows a collapsible trolley of the present invention in a yet further collapsed state.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the following, the term rubble bag is used to refer to those bags commonly used in the construction industry for containing rubble, also known as builders' bags or tonne bags, which are substantially cubic in shape, can support up to a tonne in weight, and have four straps or eyelets for attaching to frames and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1-3, wherein like numerals refer to like components, a collapsible frame is disclosed comprising: a first and a second rigid side frame member 100 and 101 respectively, each having a top and a bottom and comprising a plurality of sub-members, 100 and 108, for example; at least one cross frame member substantially perpendicular to and connecting said side frame members in an open state; four wheels 102 to the bottom of said side frame members; and a drop mechanism comprising; two support bars 108 rotatably mounted across said rigid side frame members, each bar having two supporting hooks 1 10 attached thereto; and means for selectively rotating said bars.

The bars are rotatable sub-members of each frame member and the hooks may be replaced by any engagement means suitable for engaging an eyelet or a strap on a tonne-bag. Preferably, the at least one cross frame member comprises two rigid cross bars 104, 105 and two flexible cross bars 106. Flexible cross bars 106 may be replaced by rigid or semi-rigid cross bars, hingedly connected to the side frame members 100 and 101 at each end.

A first connecting member may be embodied by flexible cross bars 106, preferably comprising straps connecting the bottom of the first frame member to that of the second frame member. Preferably, one or both of the straps comprise buckles 1 15 or other opening and closing means allowing disconnection and/or length adjustment of the straps.

A second connecting member may be embodied by either one or both of front rigid cross bar 104 and rear rigid cross bar 105, each connected at the top of said frame members, and having a first end hinged to said first frame member, and a second end connectable to and disconnectable from said second frame member.

The means for selectively rotating said drop mechanism bars preferably comprises, for each support bar: a ratchet 1 16 rigidly, concentrically mounted on said bar; a ratchet pawl 1 18 for co-operating with said ratchet; a lever 120; and a cable 122 having a first end attached to said pawl and a second end attached to said lever, for pulling said pawl out of co-operation with said ratchet and releasing said drop mechanism.

To describe the components in fuller detail, which description may apply to any embodiment illustrated and described herein, the first and second frame members may be embodied by rigid top, bottom, or side frame members which provide strength and rigidity to the structure of the frame and are preferably shaped as shown in the figures, although they may be other shapes which fit around a tonne bag or other bag to he transported. Preferably they are substantially flat to allow for easy storage in the collapsed state. The preferred shape as shown is substantially a U-shape, each side frame member having two vertical tubes, one to the front of the frame and one to the back of the frame, and a horizontal tube comprising the bottom of the frame. One of the vertical tubes is preferably curved away from the frame at its top to form a handle or allow attachment of a handle, although this is not a necessary feature of the invention. Rubber grips may be disposed thereon. Preferably, the tubes comprise extruded tubular steel, aluminium or other strong metal or metal alloy, and the tubes may be welded together or connected by any other means known in the art for rigidly connecting metal tubes, or alternatively the frame may comprise one metal tube bent into the shape of the frame. As a further alternative, other materials may be used and the frame may not comprise tubes or a U-shape but may be a solid shape and may comprise any other rigid material. The defining features of the side frame members are to be rigid and to enable the other components to be attached thereto.

The wheels are preferably mounted to the bottom of the rigid frame members in the locations shown in the figures, for optimal stability, although they may be in other locations. Preferably, the wheels are mounted to a sub-member or to a vertical tube of the rigid frame members and may further pivot 360 ^° about that tube or sub- member. This may provide the frame with the smallest possible turning circle, for optimal manoeuvrability. The wheels are as known in the art and preferably have pneumatic tyres suitable for off-road terrain as known in the art, to provide good traction on the often uneven ground of building sites and the like.

The cross frame member or members, may be the rotatable sub-member, may be any type of cross frame member as known in the art, and may comprise metal, fabric, wood, plastic or any material in any shape, rigid or flexible, which is collapsible by folding, disconnecting or any means. As disclosed above, the connecting members or cross frame members may comprise two rigid cross bars connecting the tops of the rigid frame members and two flexible cross straps connecting the bottoms of the rigid frame members.

The two rigid cross bars or one or both of the connecting members may comprise extruded tubular steel, aluminium, other strong metal or metal alloy composite materials, or any other material of suitable strength and rigidity. There may be provided a front and a rear cross bar which are both mounted in the following way to the rigid frames, although it will be readily understood that there are many ways known in the art for attaching the bars to be hinged at one end and disconnectable at the other, all within the scope of the invention.

At least a portion of the cross bars may have a slightly smaller cross section than the bars of the rigid frame (optionally at the ends), and may fit snugly inside the bars of the rigid frame. Where each rigid cross bar meets the first rigid frame it may be hinged, by slotting permanently inside the bar of the rigid frame and rotating therein. Where each rigid cross bar meets the second rigid frame, it slots removably inside the bar of the second rigid frame. Sprung pins 132 are disposed towards the second end of each cross bar, which communicate with holes towards the top of the front and rear of the rigid frame. To release the bar, the sprung pin is pressed, and the bar is lifted to a height at which the second end clears the rigid frame, then it may be rotated by 90 ^° to be parallel with the plane of the rigid frame for storage.

The frame may comprise a handle for steering the frame, optionally disposed on a rear rigid crossbar, and to this end rubber grips may be disposed thereon. The handle may be raised to be a comfortable height for a user to hold, and may be economically shaped.

An optional folding arrangement is as follows. The front rigid cross bar is hinged to a vertical section of the rigid side frame and thus swings in the horizontal plane to fold parallel with the frame while remaining horizontal as shown in Figure 2. The rear rigid cross bar, which comprises the handle, is hinged to a vertical section of the frame as shown in Figure 2 therefore swings in the vertical plane to fold vertically as shown. An advantage of this is that the bars do not interfere with each other when folding. However, the bars may fold in any direction, and may be hinged from any part of the frame.

The flexible cross bars preferably comprise fabric straps as known in the art, sewn or otherwise attached around the bottoms of the rigid side frame members by any means known in the art, with side-release buckles 115 or other opening and closing means as known in the art. With the buckles closed, the straps add strength to the frame when in an open state, without adding significant weight or requiring extra steps to fold the apparatus. With the buckles open, a full rubble bag can be deposited and the trolley can be moved away while the bag remains in place.

The support bars are preferably horizontally, rotatably mounted to the rigid side frame members as shown. They preferably comprise extruded tubular or metal alloy. The hooks preferably comprise cast or forged steel welded to and may further comprise means for securing the bag to the hooks, such as clips, pegs or the like.

As described above, the means for selectively rotating the drop mechanism bars preferably comprises, for each support bar: a ratchet, a pawl, a lever and a cable. The ratchet shown in this optional embodiment is rigidly, concentrically mounted on the bar, preferably close to the rear end of the bar, therefore the whole mechanism is located near the handle for ease of operation. The ratchet pawl is aligned with the ratchet, for co-operating with the ratchet. The pawl may be rotationally mounted on a support arm 130 which is rigidly connected to the frame and supports the components of the mechanism. The lever is preferably mounted to the rear of the rigid side frame member, or close to the end of the rear rigid cross bar, that is, in a location close to where a user will position their hands to push the frame, therefore the user may release the bag without moving the hands. The levers are similar to bicycle brake levers as known in the art and therefore not described here in detail. The cable is as known in the art and has one end attached to the pawl and the other end attached to the lever. There may be a cable pulley 124 and/or cable guides 126, as known in the art, for guiding the cable and reducing the friction of the cable as it moves to release the pawl.

To release the bag, a user pulls the levers by squeezing them as for bicycle brakes. The levers pull the cables, which pull the pawls away from the ratchets, the ratchets and attached support bars are then free to rotate under the weight of the bag attached to the hooks, the support bars rotate, the hooks fall to a downwards- pointing position, and the bag is released.

To realign the hooks in an upwards-pointing position, a user manually rotates the support bars in the directions allowed by the pawls until the hooks point upwards. The pawls will then prevent them from falling down until the levers are again pulled.

The drop mechanism preferably further comprises a spring 128 whereby said pawl is spring mounted. An advantage of this is that the rubble bag cannot be accidentally released.

Alternatively, there may be other means for selectively rotating the drop mechanism. There may be an electrical mechanism operated by a button or buttons, or other mechanical means for rotating the hooks up and down to hold and release the bag respectively. The apparatus may further comprise means for releasing a clip, peg or other bag securing mechanism.

Preferably, the side frame members and cross frame members are dimensioned to fit around a standard 1 tonne rubble bag. The hooks are preferably positioned within the frame to cooperate with the eyelets of a standard 1 tonne rubble bag. The frame is preferably tall enough to allow a filled bag hanging on the hooks to clear the ground and avoid the bag dragging on the ground, to avoid tearing.

Preferably, the side frame members, cross frame members, and hooks are manufactured from strong and durable materials such as aluminium tubes or other materials described herein, and thus can preferably support over a quarter tonne, more preferably over a half tonne and more preferably up to a tonne in weight.

Preferably, the hinges, the connecting means, and the components of the drop mechanism are manufactured from strong and hard-wearing materials as known in the art, and able to support the above-mentioned weight.

Figure 4 shows a second example 4 of a collapsible trolley according to the present invention. The trolley comprises a first frame member 41 and a second frame member 42. A first connecting member 43 connects the first and second frame members. The connection to the first and second frame members may be a pivotab!e connection substantially at each end of the connecting member. A second connecting member 44 is connected to the first frame member 41 and detachably and reattachably engaged with second frame member 42 via connector 441 and and connection region 424 of a second frame member 42. Any form of positive connection or simple engagement means may be used to engage second frame member 42 with second connecting member 44. The example shown is held in place by gravity and/or friction, but may comprise a locking mechanism such as a pin or clamp to positively engage the two elements together. Second frame member 42 comprises a rotatable sub member 41 which has disposed upon its outer surface an engagement means 422 for engagement with connection points or engagement portions, such as eyelets or straps, on a load to be supported within the frame. A collapsible liner 45 is disposed on frame and may be detachably and reattachably connected to any or all of the frame members 41 and 42 and the connecting members 43 and 44. The connection of the collapsible liner to these elements may be permanent if desirable. The collapsible liner can help to prevent the load suspended on the rotatable sub-members from swinging excessively when the frame is wheeled over uneven ground. If provided with stiffening members in the form of substantially rigid strips of a material provided within the liner, sometimes known as 'bones', bowing out of the load may be prevented. This can be especially beneficial when the load is a soft container or rubble bag, which is filled while in the frame. The trolley further comprises wheels 46 disposed on the collapsible frame. Some or all of the wheels may be steerable. Rotatable sub-member 423 comprises an angled portion 423, which may comprise a handle. In this example, two rotatable sub-members 421 are provided, connected by a further sub-member 425. A locking mechanism 426 is provided to lock the two angled portions 423 together to prevent them from rotating. Individual locking, braking or safety mechanisms 427 may optionally be separately provided on each rotatable sub-member. These may allow a user to brake the rotation of the sub-member, or may damp its motion to prevent rotation at excessive speed.

Figure 5 illustrates the collapsible frame of Figure 4 supporting a load 51 via straps or eyelets 52. Straps or eyelets 52 are engaged by engagement means 422 disposed upon rotatable sub member 421. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the engagement means are embodied by hooks 110, which may equally be employed on collapsible frame 4. When rotatable sub members 421 are rotated the straps or eyelets 52 are wrapped around the rotatable sub member and this action lifts the load 51 within the collapsible frame, such that the load may be transported by rolling the collapsible frame on its wheels 46. It can be seen from Figure 5 that the collapsible frame comprises an opening through which the load 51 can pass if the frame is wheeled away once the load is detached from engagement means 422. In this particular embodiment, the opening is provided in the second connecting member 44, such that when the load is disposed on the ground and the straps or eyelets 52 are disengaged from engagement means 422, the collapsible frame may be moved in the direction of first connecting member 43. Similarly, in the reverse sense, once it is desired to move load 51 , the collapsible frame may be wheeled towards the load 51 until it is in a position in which the straps or eyelets 52 can be engaged with engagement means 422 and the rotatable members 421 rotated to lift the load from the ground for transport. The opening may equally be provided in one of the first or second frame members or in the region of first connecting member 43.

Example engagement means are illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows engagement means 422 disposed on rotatable sub member 421. In this particular embodiment, the engagement means take the form of cam clamps 61. The cam clamp 61 is rotatable about a pivot 62 such that a gap 63 between the cam clamp and an interfacing portion, in this case on rotatable sub member 421 is opened and closed. As these types of clamps are known, it will be apparent that movement of strap 52 through gap 63 in the direction of arrow 64 will be restricted, while movement of the strap in the opposite direction is relatively unrestricted. The strap can be released by lifting the cam clamp 61 in the direction of arrow 65. Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the cam clamp 61 disposed upon rotatable sub member 421 as is illustrated in Figure 5. The edge of the cam clamp adjacent gap 63 may be toothed in order to better grip straps 52 to help prevent their accidental release.

Figure 7A shows a view of the collapsible frame from the direction of first connecting member 43, of which there are two in this embodiment. One or several first connecting members may be employed if necessary. Rotatable sub members 421 are rotatable about an axis 66 depicted in Figure 6A for clarity and also indicated in Figure 7A. Rotatable sub members 421 comprise an angled portion 423, at least a part of which is further distanced from the axis of rotation 66 than the engagement means 422, to provide a mechanical advantage to the user when rotating the rotatable members via the angled portion to lift the load 51 within the frame. A handle may therefore be placed on this angled portion for the user. In the illustrated embodiment, angled portions 423 comprise locking mechanism 426, which acts to engage the two portions of the rotatable sub members with one another to prevent rotation of the rotatable sub members. This can help to hold the load in a suspended state off the ground. Rotation of the rotatable sub members in the direction of arrows 74 will lift the load 51 , illustrated in Figure 5, as straps 52 are wrapped around the rotatable sub members. Once the load is supported in this way, the weight of the load will act through engagement means 422 to create a moment around axis of rotation 66. This will tend to rotate the rotatable sub members in a direction opposite to arrows 74. The provision of locking mechanism 71 to engage the angled portions 423 of the rotatable sub-members with one another can prevent this rotation and thus prevent the load from dropping back down to the ground.

Figure 7B shows details of a particular type of locking mechanism which may be used in the example collapsible frame of figure 7A. The locking mechanism comprises a pin 72 slidably located within the angled portion 423 of rotatable sub member 421. The pin may be actuated by moving handle 72, which may slide along slot 73. The opposing rotatable sub member may comprise an aperture having a corresponding form to pin 71 , such that pin 71 may enter the aperture to prevent rotation of each of the rotatable sub members 421.

Figures 8 to 11 show how the collapsible frame 4 is arranged to be collapsed for transport or storage. The first frame member 41 of this embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of sub members 411 arranged to create a frame member capable of accommodating the load to be lifted. The frame member may be tapered in one direction in order that the load or rubble bag is gripped by the frame at a first side and is free to leave the frame at a second side, when the load is deposited on the ground and the frame is wheeled away. The frame may be tapered in any lateral direction. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 , the frame is tapered to be less wide at a first end 412 and to be wider at a second end 413 such that the load may be gripped by the frame toward the first end and is free to move out from the frame at the second end when desired. This tapered effect may be applied to any one of the frame members or connecting members as desired in order to create the beneficial gripping effect, which can help to reduce uncontrolled motion of the load when supported in the frame, such as a swinging motion. A plurality of wheels 46 is disposed on the first frame member, substantially at each corner of the first frame member. First connecting members 43 are pivotably attached to the first frame member 41 at a first end. At a second end, the first connecting members are attached to the second frame member via a pivotable link. A second connecting member 44 is connected to first frame member 41 , via a pivotable connection 442, and further comprises a connector 441 for engaging with a corresponding connection region 424 in a repeatably attachable and detachable manner. Accordingly, the first connecting member 43 is connected to the first 41 and second 42 frame members substantially at a first end 412 of each of the frame members; the second connecting member 44 is connected to a second end 413 of the first frame member substantially opposite the first end 412 of the first frame member; and the connector 441 is disposed substantially at a second end of the second connecting member 44 for engaging with a corresponding connection region 424, located substantially at a second end of the second frame member. To collapse the frame the connection region 424 is firstly disconnected from connector 441 by lifting the second end of the second frame member as shown in Figure 8.

As illustrated in Figure 9, connecting member 44 can be rotated about its connection point with the first frame member 41 , such that it lies substantially parallel with first frame member 41.

As illustrated in Figure 10, first connecting members 43 can be pivoted about their connection with the first frame member 41 , such that they also lie substantially parallel with base member 41. In this way, first and second frame members may be brought nearer to one another to reduce the overall dimensions of the collapsible frame. Figure 1 1 illustrates how the rotatable sub members of the second frame member may be arranged in two parts. The first part 11 may remain connected to the collapsible frame, while a second part 1 12 of the sub member is repeatably attachable and detachable from the collapsible frame. The second part may be engaged with the first part by a hole and pin arrangement or other repeatably engagable and releasable retaining means to achieve this. This detachable arrangement allows the overall dimensions of the collapsed frame to be further reduced as compared to the illustration of Figure 10. To erect the frame into an open state, the steps illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 are reversed.