The present invention relates to a stillage for garments on hangers, the stillage being moveable between an erect state and a collapsed state.

For the bulk transport of garments on hangers in a shipping container, a frame is constructed from which the garment hangers are hung prior to the frame being loaded into the shipping container. The frame is typically constructed from metal sections and is broken up after the garments have reached their point of delivery. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is both expensive and wasteful as the frame is not reused. The fitting out of an ocean going shipping container with hanging rails has also been proposed,

According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible garment stillage, the stillage including a base having front, rear, and top frames and two side frames movably mounted thereto, wherein the top frame is provided with at least one support for a garment hanger, wherein the front, rear, side, and top frames are collapsible into the base.

In the erect state the stillage has the generally cuboid shape. In the collapsed position the front, rear side and top frames overlie one another upon the base.

In a preferred embodiment one or more of the front, rear and side frames may be pivotably mounted to the base. In such an embodiment the pivotably mounted frames are foldable onto the base. In an alternative embodiment at least one of the front, rear and side frames may be demountable from the base. In such an embodiment the demountable frames are removable from the base before being placeable upon the base. In yet a further embodiment the front, rear and side frames may be configured such that some are pivotably mounted and the remainder are demountable.

The top frame is preferably pivotably mounted to one of the front, rear and side frames. Alternatively, the top frame may be demountable from one of the front, rear and side frames. The front frame may comprise upper and lower frame sections which are hinged to one other and are foldable against one another. The rear frame may comprise upper and lower frame sections which are hinged to one other and are foldable against one another. In such an embodiment the top frame may be hinged to the upper rear frame section.

The front frame is preferably provided with a latch which releasably connects the front frame to a side frame. The front frame is preferably provided with a plurality of latches which releasably connect the front frame to both side frames. The front frame is moveable to both to the aforementioned position overlying the base and to a further position wherein the front frame extends from the base when the stillage is in the erect state. The front frame, when extending from the base in this manner, may define a ramp surface which leads to the interior of the stillage In an alternative embodiment, the rear frame, or one of the side frames may instead be movable to such a position and thereby define a ramp surface.

The rear frame is preferably provided with a latch which releasably connects the rear frame to a side frame. The rear frame is preferably provided with a plurality of latches which releasably connect the rear frame to both side frames.

The top frame is preferably provided with a latch which releasably connects the top frame to a side frame.

The stillage may be provided with an interior frame provided with at least one support for a garment hanger. The interior frame may be positioned within the stillage above the base and below the top frame. The interior frame is receivable in the base when the stillage is collapsed.

The base of the stillage may be provided with deployable wheels.

In an alternative embodiment, the stillage may be provided with one or more cladding panels that at least partially cover the front, rear, top and/or side frames. The or each panel may be permanently fixed to the or each frame. Alternatively, the or each panel may be removably fixed to the or each frame. The panels may be rigid, semi rigid or flexible.

In an alternative embodiment, the stillage may be provided with a flexible cover that is fittable over the stillage when it is in the erect configuration.

The cladding panels and/or cover may be provided for the purposes of protecting, securing and/or obscuring the interior of the stillage when the stillage is in the erect state.

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

Figure la shows an isometric view from above and to one side of a stillage in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure lb shows an isometric view from below and to one side of a stillage;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the stillage;

Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the stillage;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the stillage;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the base of the stillage;

Figure 6a shows an isometric view of the lower front frame of the stillage;

Figure 6b shows a further isometric view of the lower front frame of the stillage;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the upper front frame of the stillage;

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a side frame of the stillage;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the interior mid frame of the stillage; Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the top frame of the stillage;

Figure 11 shows an isometric view of the upper rear frame of the stillage; Figure 12a shows an isometric view of the lower rear frame of the stillage; Figure 12b shows a side view of the lower rear frame of the stillage;

Figure 13 shows an isometric view of the stillage with the interior mid frame in a stowed position; Figure 14a shows an isometric view of the stillage with the front frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 14b shows a side view of the stillage with the front frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 15a shows an isometric view of the stillage with the top frame section in a partially stowed position;

Figure 15b shows a side view of the stillage with the top frame section in a partially stowed position;

Figure 16a shows an isometric view of the stillage with the front frame sections, rear frame sections and the top frame section in a stowed position;

Figure 16b shows a side view of the stillage with the front frame sections, rear frame sections and the top frame section in a stowed position;

Figure 17a shows an isometric view of the stillage with the front frame sections, rear frame sections, the top frame section and one of the side frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 17b shows a side view of the stillage with the front frame sections, rear frame sections, the top frame section and one of the side frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 18a shows an isometric view of the stillage with the front frame sections, rear frame sections, the top frame section and both of the side frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 18b shows a side view of the stillage with the front frame sections, rear frame sections, the top frame section and both of the side frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 19 shows a view from the front and to one side of a stillage in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention in a fully erect configuration;

Figure 20 shows a view from the front and to one side of the stillage of figure 19 with the front frame section in a stowed position;

Figure 21 shows a view from the front and to one side of the stillage of figure 19 with the front frame section in a stowed position and the top frame section in a partially stowed position; Figure 22 shows a view from the front and to one side of the stillage of figure 19 with the front, top and rear frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 23 shows a view from the front and to one side of the stillage of figure 19 with the front, top and rear frame sections, and one of the side frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 24 shows a view from the front and to one side of the stillage of figure 19 with the front, top and rear frame sections, and both side frame sections in a stowed position;

Figure 25 shows a corner detail for the stillage of figure 19; and

Figure 26 shows a simplified side view of the stillage of figure 19 with the front frame pivoted outwardly to form a loading ramp.

Referring firstly to figures la to 12b there is shown a first embodiment of foldable garment stillage, generally designated 10, according to the present invention. The stillage 10 comprises a base 12, two side frame sections 14, a front frame 16 having upper and lower front frame sections 18, 20, a rear frame 22 having upper and lower rear frame sections 24, 26, a top frame section 28 and an interior mid frame section 30. Figure la shows the stillage 10 in an erect configuration with the interior mid frame section 30 installed and supported by the front frame 16 and the rear frame 22. In this configuration the stillage 10 is provided two sets of hanging rails, with one set being provided on the top frame section 28 and the other on the interior mid frame section 30. This configuration is suitable for transporting two tiers of relatively short garments.

The base 12 is comprised of front, rear and side members of channel- section tubing 32,34,36 which are connected by respective upstanding corner members 38 of box section tubing in a rectangular configuration. Two transverse members 40 of box section tubing extend between the side members 36 and are arranged parallel to the front and rear members 32,34. Two further members 41 of box-section material are arranged between the transverse members 40 and are arranged parallel to the side members 36. On the underside of each of the front, rear and side members 32,34,36 there is provided a ground engaging rail 42,44,46. Upright members 39 of box section tubing extend between the rails 42,44,46 and the front, rear and side members 32,34,36. The upright members 39, front, rear and side members 32,34,36 and ground engaging rails 42,44,46 define between them apertures 43,45 within which, in use, the tines of a fork lift are receivable.

Each corner member 38 is further provided with a mounting member 48 to which, in use, the side frame sections 14 and front frame 16 are pivotably mounted to. The mounting members 48 are provided in pairs, with the mounting members 48 of each pair opposing one another along the front and rear members 32,34 respectively. Each mounting member 48 is formed from box section tubing and is provided with a pair of elongate slots 50. The mounting members 48 which oppose one another along the front member 32 are further each provided with an aperture 52 which faces the aperture 52 in the other mounting member 48. The purpose and function of the slots 50 and apertures 52 will be described in greater detail below. The mounting members 48 which oppose one another along the rear member 34 are connected by a bar 54, also formed from box section tubing, which serves a hinge mount for the rear frame 22. The front member 32 is further provided with a pair of spacers 47 which, in use, assist in maintaining the front frame 16 in an upright position when desired.

As described above, the front frame 16 comprises upper and lower frame sections 18, 20. The frame sections 18, 20 are hinged to one another such that the sections 18,20 can be folded against one another. The upper frame section 18 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box-section tubing 56,58. The upper frame section 18 is further provided with two bracing members 60 which extend between the two longer pieces of box-section tubing 58. The upper frame section 18 is provided with sprung latch arrangements 62 which, in use, allow the upper frame section 18 to be releasably connected to each side frame section 14. The sprung latch arrangements 62 are provided within sections of box-section tubing 63 which extend between the bracing members 60 and the shorter pieces of box-section tubing 56.

The lower frame section 20 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box- section tubing 64,66. The lower frame section 20 is further provided with an array of transverse and lateral bracing members 68 which extend between the four pieces of box-section tubing 64,66. The bracing members 68 are made from L section channel. The lower frame section 20 is further provided with a pair of laterally extending projections 70, one of which is visible in figure 6, which in use are received in the apertures 52 of the mounting members 48 which oppose on another along the front member 32 of the base 12. The lower frame section 20 is thus pivotably mounted to the base 12. The lower frame section 20 can be pivoted between a position where it overlies the transverse members 40 of the base 12 and a position where it extends from the base 12 in the form of a ramp. The lower frame section 20 may optionally be covered with a sheet of material 72 which, in use, faces the interior of the erected stillage 10 and which can be seen in, for example, figures la and lb. The lower frame section 20 is further provided with sprung latches 67 which, in use, allow the lower frame section 20 to be releasably connected to each side frame section 14.

Each side frame section 14 has a ladder- like constriction and comprises two edge pieces of box section tubing 74 which are joined by five shorter transverse pieces 76 of box section tubing. The transverse pieces 76 are spaced such that a foot 78 is defined on each edge piece of tubing 74. Each foot 78 is provided with a pair of opposed projections 80 which, in use, are received in the slots 50 of the mounting members 48. Alternatively, each foot 78 may be provided with a through aperture into which a pin is receivable in order to locate the side frame section 14 to the slots 50. The cross sectional dimensions of the box section tubing forming the edge pieces 74 are such that each foot 78 is receivable in a mounting member 48 with a clearance therearound. Each side frame section 14 is thus slidably and pivotably connected to the base via the interaction of the projections 80 with the slots 50. The each edge piece is provided with apertures 81 into which sprung latches of the front and rear frames 16,22 are receivable, in use. The top of the frame section 14 is provided with an eye 83 into which a sprung latch of the top frame section 28 is receivable, in use.

The interior mid frame section 30 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box-section tubing 84,86. The interior mid frame section 30 is further provided with a pair of bracing members 88 which extend between the two longer pieces of box- section tubing 86. The lower frame section 20 is further provided with three hanging rails 90 which extend between the shorter pieces of box section tubing 84 and through apertures in the bracing members 88. The longer piece of box-section tubing which, in use, faces the front frame 16 is provided with a pair of flanges 82. In use, the flanges 82 rest upon a portion of the front frame 16 to support the interior mid frame section 30 within the stillage 10. The interior mid frame section may be foldable about the axis marked by broken line 87.

The top frame section 28 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box- section tubing 90,92. The top frame section 28 is further provided with a pair of bracing members 94 which extend between the two longer pieces of box-section tubing 92. The top frame section 28 is further provided with three hanging rails 96 which extend between the shorter pieces of box section tubing 90 and through apertures in the bracing members 94. The top frame section 28 is further provided with a pair of flanges 98 which extend from one of the two longer pieces of box- section tubing, which, in use, rests against the upper edge of the upper frame section 18 for the front frame 16 - see for example figures la and 2. The top frame section 28 is further provided with sprung latches 99 which, in use, allow the top frame section 28 to be releasably connected to each side frame section 14.

As described above, the rear frame 22 comprises upper and lower frame sections 24, 26. The frame sections 24, 26 are hinged to one another such that the sections 24,26 can be folded against one another. The upper frame section 24 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box-section tubing 100,102. The upper frame section 24 is further provided with two bracing members 104 which extend between the two longer pieces of box-section tubing 102. The upper frame section 24 is provided with sprung latch arrangements 107 which, in use, allow the upper frame section 24 to be releasably connected to each side frame section 14. The sprung latch arrangements 62 are provided within sections of box-section tubing 106 which extend between the bracing members 104 and the shorter pieces of box-section tubing 100.

The lower frame section 26 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box- section tubing 110,112. The lower frame section 26 is further provided with three bracing members 114 which extend between the two longer pieces of box-section tubing 112. The lower frame section 26 is further provided with a support flange 1 16 which extends between the bracing members 114. The support flange 116, in use, cooperates with the support flanges 82 of the interior mid frame section 30 to support the interior mid frame section 30. The lower frame section 26 is provided with sprung latch arrangements 117 which, in use, allow the lower frame section 26 to be releasably connected to each side frame section 14.

The lower frame section 26 is hinged to the bar 54 of the base 12, while the top frame section 28 is hinged to the upper frame section 24 of the rear frame 22.

Figures 13 to 18b show various erect and partially collapsed configurations of the stillage 10.

Figure 13 shows the interior mid frame section 30 stowed in the base 12. In this configuration the stillage 10 is provided with a single set of hanging rails provided on the top frame section 28. This configuration is suitable for transporting a single tier of relatively long garments. Figure 13 shows also the first stage in the folding of the stillage 10 from the erect state to the folded state when fitted with the interior mid frame section 30. The interior mid frame section 30 is lifted from the support flanges of the front and rear frames 16,22 and stowed in the base 12.

Figures 14a and 14b show the next stage in the folding of the stillage 10. The front frame 16 has been disengaged from the side frame sections 14 by manipulation of the latches 62,67, and the upper and lower front frame sections 18,20 folded into the base 12 on top of the mid frame section 30. The top frame section 28 is supported by the engagement of the top frame latches 99 with the side frame eyes 83.

Figures 15a and 15b show the next stage in the folding of the stillage 10. The top frame latches 99 have been disengaged and the top frame section 28 folded into the interior of the stillage 10. The top frame section 28 may optionally be clipped or otherwise secured to the rear frame 22 before the subsequent folding of the rear frame 22 into the base 12. Figures 16a and 16b show the next stage in the folding of the stillage 10. The rear frame 22 has been disengaged from the side frame sections 14 by manipulation of the latches 107,117 and the top frame section 28, and upper and lower rear frame sections 24,26 folded into the base 12 on top of the already folded upper and lower front frame sections 18,20 and the mid frame section 30.

Figures 17a and 17b show the penultimate stage in the folding of the stillage 10. One of the side frame sections 14 has been folded into the base 12 and lies upon the already folded top frame section 28, upper and lower rear frame sections 24,26, upper and lower front frame sections 18,20 and the mid frame section 30. The folding of the stillage 10 is completed by folding the remaining side frame section 14 as can be seen in figures 18a and 18b.

In the folded state it will be appreciated that all of the folded sections are contained within the footprint of the base 12. Furthermore, the folded sections do not project above the corner members 38 of the base 12. Folded stillages 10 can thus be stacked upon one another with the base of an upper folded stillage 10 resting upon the corner members 38 of a lower folded stillage 10 before being placed in a shipping container and returned to their point of origin for re-use.

Certain of the figures, for example figure 18b, shows an optional wheel arrangement which may be fitted to opposing sides of the base 12 to assist with handling of the stillage 10 when it is loaded. The arrangement includes a bar 120 to which a pair of caster wheels 122 are mounted. The bar 120 is connected to the base 12 by a jack mechanism 124. The jack mechanism 124 is mounted to the base 12 at the box section members 41 which extend between the transverse members 40. The jack mechanism 124 is operable to move the bar 120 downwardly relative to the base 12 and hence raise the stillage 10 onto the caster wheels 122. As an alternative to a mechanical jack mechanism 124 the stillage 10 may be provided with a hydraulic jacking mechanism which operates in a similar manner to move the bar 120 relative to the base 12. In such an embodiment the pump and hydraulic reservoir may be sited in the channel section tubing 32,34,36 of the base 12. In addition to the features described above, the stillage 10 may include multiple interior frame sections provided at different heights so that the stillage 10 can accommodate multiple tiers of short garments such as, for example children's clothing items.

The latches which locate the front, rear and top frames to the side frames are preferably lockable in the engaged position so as to prevent movement of the frames in transit.

While the front, rear side and top frames have been described as being hinged or pivotably connected to the base and or to one another, it will be appreciated that the frames may be demountably connected to one another. There may be provided a combination of hinge or pivot connections and demountable connections between the stillage components.

The size of the stillage is such that it is readily acceptable within standard bulk cargo containers. For example, the stillage in its erect state may have a height of approximately 8 feet (2.43 metres), a width of approximately 8 feet (2.43 metres) and a depth of approximately 5 feet (1.52 metres). As such, four stillages are fittable in a standard 20 foot ocean going container and eight stillages are fittable in a standard 40 foot ocean going container. In the collapsed state the stillage 10 has a height of approximately 2 feet (0.61 metres). As such, four collapsed stillages, when stacked upon one another, take up the same space as one erect stillage. The aforementioned shipping containers can thus accommodate sixteen and thirty two collapsed stillages. A single 8 ft by 8 ft by 5 ft stillage will also fit into a standard air freight container.

Referring now to figures 19 to 25 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a foldable garment stillage, generally designated 200, in accordance with the present invention. Features common to the stillage 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 18b are identified with like reference numerals prefixed with a figure "2".

The stillage 200 includes a base 212, two side frame sections 214, a front frame 216, a rear frame 222 and a top frame 228. The top frame 228 includes a plurality of hanging rails 296 which define a garment hanging location for the stillage 200. The stillage 200 differs from the stillage 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 18b in that that the front and rear frames 216,222 are each comprised of a single frame section as opposed to connected upper and lower frame sections, and in that the stillage 200 is not provided with a removable mid frame section defining an additional garment hanging location. The stillage 200 is further not provided with the deployable wheels described with reference to the stillage 10 of figures 1 to 18b.

Figure 19 shows the stillage 200 in a fully erect configuration. Figure 20 shows the first stage in the folding of the stillage 200. The front frame 216 has been disengaged from the side frame sections 214 by manipulation of the latches 262 and folded into the base 212. The top frame 228 is supported by the engagement of the top frame latches 299 with the side frames sections 214.

The front frame 216 is pivotable so as to fold outwardly of the base 212 in the same manner as the front frame 16 of the stillage 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 18b. This outward folding of the front frame is shown in figure 26. The front frame 216 when folded outwardly as shown provides a ramp surface 300 leading to the interior of the stillage 200. This ramp surface 300 may assist in the loading and unloading of garments on hangers onto the hanging rails 296 by enabling wheeled garment rails to positioned at the open side of the stillage 200. It will be understood that a rigid sheet or board would need to be overlaid or at least temporarily attached to the front frame 216 to facilitate the movement of wheeled garment rails towards and away from the open side of the stillage 200.

Figure 21 shows the next stage in the folding of the stillage 200. The top frame latches 299 have been disengaged and the top frame 228 folded into the interior of the stillage 200. The top frame section 228 may optionally be clipped or otherwise secured to the rear frame 222 before the subsequent folding of the rear frame 222 into the base 212.

Figure 22 shows the next stage in the folding of the stillage 200. The rear frame 222 has been disengaged from the side frame sections 214 by manipulation of the latches locating it to the side frame sections 214 . The top frame 228, and rear frame 222 have been folded into the base 212 on top of the already folded front frame 216.

Figure 23 shows the penultimate stage in the folding of the stillage 200. One of the side frame sections 214 has been folded into the base 212 and lies upon the already folded top frame 228, rear frame 222 and front frame 216. The folding of the stillage 220 is completed by folding the remaining side frame section 214 as can be seen in figure 24.

In the folded state it will be appreciated that all of the folded sections are contained within the footprint of the base 212. Furthermore, the folded sections do not project above the corner members 238 of the base 212. Folded stillages 200 can thus be stacked upon one another with the base of an upper folded stillage 200 resting upon the corner members 238 of a lower folded stillage 200 before being placed in a shipping container and returned to their point of origin for re-erection and re-use.

Figure 25 shows a close up view of a corner of the stillage 200 showing the connection between the base 212, front frame 216 and a side frame 214. The front frame 216 is pivotably connected to the base 212 by the interaction of projections 270 of the frame 216 with corresponding apertures 252 of the base 212. The apertures 252 of the base are provided on opposing corner members 238 of the base 212. The corner members 238 further provided with mounting members 248 having elongate slots 250, and to which the side frames 214 are pivotably mounted.

Optionally, the stillages 10,200 described above may be provided with one or more cladding panels that at least partially cover the front, rear, top and/or side frames. The or each panel may be permanently fixed to the or each frame. Alternatively, the or each panel may be removably fixed to the or each frame. The panels may be rigid, semi rigid or flexible. In an alternative the stillage 10,200 may be provided with a flexible cover that is fittable over the stillage when it is in the erect configuration. Such a cover may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned cladding panels. The cladding panels and/or cover may be provided for the purposes of protecting, securing and/or obscuring the interior of the stillage when the stillage is in the erect state.