AU2004224914B2 - Support Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors Address for service is: Baden Leonard Winchcombe and Jonathan Keith Grover Baden Leonard Winchcombe and Jonathan Keith Grover WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Support Apparatus" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- SUPPORT APPARATUS Field of the Invention tf 5 The present invention generally relates to a support apparatus for use in the transportation industry. In particular the support apparatus is used to keep one object spaced from another.

1 Background Art A vast array of goods are transported everyday in large quantities using a variety of transportation means. A popular transport means utilizes containers, which may be transported by truck, rail or sea. These containers are filled with a variety of goods and can be easily transported from vehicle to vehicle and place to place.

A common problem in the transportation of goods is damage to those goods during transportation. This is prevalent in containers, as it is often impossible to fill a container to the point where the goods in that container can not move.

!0 Current methods of securing goods in a container during transportation do not provide a satisfactory solution. One such method is to fit the container, before transportation with airbags. The airbags are then filled with air and are inflated to occupy the cavity which may remain in the container. Over time, however, the airbags leak air and reduce in size, allowing the goods in the container to be able to move about within the container. The deflation of the airbags may even provide the goods with enough room to gather enough momentum to burst the airbag upon impact. As these airbags are expensive this method could prove costly while still resulting in goods being damaged during transportation.

The proceeding discussion to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or an admission that any of the material referred to was or is part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Disclosure of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support S apparatus for maintaining objects in spaced relationship relative to each other, the support apparatus including t a first abutment member for abutting a first object; 'A a second abutment member for abutting a second object; a pair of spaced, discrete expansion mechanisms interposed between, and engaging the first and second abutment members, the expansion mechanisms of the, or each, pair including a first link member and a second link member extending between the abutment members, the link members of each expansion mechanism being configured to pivot with respect to each other about a pivot centre to Saccommodate displacement of the abutment members towards and away from each other, respectively, such that the pivot centres are displaced relative to each other when the abutment members are moved into and out of abutment with the first and second objects; and a releasable connecting device connectable to each expansion mechanism releasably to lock the pivot centres against displacement relative to each other in a direction accommodating displacement of the abutment members towards each other.

The link members may have inner ends that are pivotally mounted on respective abutment members and outer ends that are both pivotally and slidably mounted on respective abutment members such that when the abutment members are displaced towards each other, the pivot centres move away from each other and vice versa.

The connecting device may interconnect the pivot centres to inhibit movement of the pivot centres away from each other, thus locking the abutment members against displacement towards each other.

3a The connecting device may include two connecting members extending towards 'A each other from respective expansion mechanisms and a tie assembly connected S between the connecting members.

The tie assembly may include a flexible tie element connected between the connecting members and a tensioning device operable on the tie element to tighten S the tie element.

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t 'A The tie element may be a chain and the tensioning device may be a tensioning lever, t turnbuckle or the like operable on the chain.

A spring member may be connected in series with the tie element and the tensioning device.

The abutment members may be in the form of elongate members.

The present invention provides a support apparatus for maintaining objects in a spaced relation, the support apparatus comprising a first member adapted to engage -3b O a first object and connected to a second member, which is adapted to engage a c second object spaced from the first object, wherein the first member and second member move apart from each other as the support apparatus moves from a collapsed condition towards an expanded condition, whereupon reaching the desired condition the first member can be locked relative to the second member.

In a collapsed condition the first member may be substantially adjacent to the second member. In an expanded condition the first member may be spaced a distance from the second member. Preferably in both conditions, as well as conditions C 10 therebetween, the first member is orientated substantially parallel to the second C member.

The first member may be in the form of a first elongate element.

The second member may be in the form of a second elongate element.

The first member and second member may be interconnected by at least one expansion link. The at least one expansion link may be adapted to be releasably locked in a position, preventing the support apparatus from moving towards a collapsed condition.

Preferably there are two expansion links spaced a distance from each other.

Each expansion link may comprise a third elongate element and a fourth elongate element pivotally connected to each other. Preferably the third O elongate element and fourth elongate element are pivotally connected to each other at each elements centre.

Preferably each of the third and fourth elongate element has a first end pivotally secured to the first or second member whilst a second end is pivotally mounted Sto the respective second or first member such that it can slide relative to that member. The second end of the third and fourth elongate element may be pivotally secured to a sliding mechanism. Each sliding mechanism may be slidingly retained to the respective first and second elongate elements such that it can slide there along.

Preferably the third elongate element has the first end pivotally secured to the first member and the second end pivotally secured to the sliding mechanism, slidingly retained to the second member such that it can slide there along.

Preferably the fourth elongate element has the first end pivotally secured to the second member and the second end pivotally secured to the sliding mechanism, slidingly retained to the first member such that it can slide there along.

Each expansion link may also comprise a fifth elongate element pivotally connected thereto. The fifth elongate element may be pivotally connected to the expansion link where the third elongate element is connected to the fourth elongate element.

Preferably connecting means releasably connects the fifth elongate element of one expansion link to the fifth elongate element of the adjacent expansion link.

Preferably the connecting means, when connected to both expansion links prevents the support apparatus moving toward the collapsed condition.

The connecting means may be adjustable so that the support apparatus may be locked in various conditions.

SThe connecting means may have an end fixed to a fifth elongate element, and another end adapted to be fitted to the fifth elongate element of the adjacent O expansion link.

The connecting means may comprise a chain and a tensioning lever, turnbuckle or similar device. In use the chain may be fixed to the fifth elongate element, the support apparatus is moved to an expanded position and the tensioning lever N can then be fitted to the fifth elongate element of the adjacent expansion link.

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The tensioning lever can then be adjusted, causing the centres of the expansion Olinks to move towards each other, forcing the first member to move away from the second member. The support apparatus will maintain this position until the tensioning lever is loosened.

In another aspect of the invention, the connecting means may also comprise a spring. The spring may be connected in series with the chain and tensioning lever. The spring will allow the first member to move towards the second member, even when locked in to position, before biasing the second member to its original position. This provides some form of cushioning and allows any force exerted upon the support apparatus by an object to be absorbed.

The present invention provides a support apparatus comprising a first contact member and a second contact member each adapted to engage a surface, the first contact member and second contact member being movable with respect to each other between an expanded condition and a contracted condition; and two expansion links connecting the first contact member to the second contact member, each expansion link being connected together by connecting means; wherein the connecting means allows the expansion links to be releasably retained in a set condition, retaining the support apparatus in a set condition.

Brief Description of the Drawings o The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of two specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a support apparatus in an expanded condition according to a first embodiment of the invention; and SFigure 2 is a front view of a support apparatus in an expanded condition Saccording to a second embodiment of the invention.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to figure 1, the invention according to a first embodiment is in the form of a support apparatus 11 used to maintain objects in a spaced apart relation.

The support apparatus 11 comprises a first member 13 in the form of a first elongate element 15, and a second member 17 in the form of a second elongate element 19, each element 15, 19 being adapted to engage separate objects (not shown).

The support apparatus also comprises a first expansion link 21a and a second expansion link 21b. Each expansion link 21 connects the first elongate element to the second elongate element 19.

Each expansion link 21 comprises a third elongate element 23 pivotally connected to a fourth elongate element 25 at a centre 27.

The third elongate element 23 has a first end 29 pivotally mounted to the first elongate element 15, and a second end 31 pivotally mounted to a sliding mechanism 33, which is slidingly retained on the second elongate element 19.

-7- Similarly, the fourth elongate element 25 has a first end 30 pivotally mounted to the second elongate element 19, and a second end 32 pivotally mounted to a 0 O sliding mechanism 34, which is slidingly retained on the first elongate element Each expansion link 21 also comprises a fifth elongate element 35 pivotally connected to the third elongate element 23 and fourth elongate element 25 at the C centre 27.

Expansion link 21a is connected to expansion link 21b by a connecting means 37. The connecting means 37 comprises a chain 39 fixed to the fifth elongate element 35b of one expansion link 21, and a tensioning lever 41, which can be fitted to the fifth elongate element 35a of the other expansion link 21a.

In a specific application, a plurality of support apparatus 11 are positioned in a container (not shown) wherein there is a gap between the goods and the sidewall of the container. In such an application the first elongate element 15 of each support apparatus 11 is placed against the sidewall whilst the second elongate element 19 is moved away from the first elongate element 15 until it is positioned substantially adjacent the goods.

As this occurs each expansion links 21 expands, with the second ends 31, 32 of the third elongate element 23 and fourth elongate element 25 sliding along the respective second elongate element 19 and first elongate element 15, toward the first end 30, 29 of the respective fourth elongate element 25 and third elongate element 23.

The tensioning lever 41 can then be secured to the fifth elongate element The tensioning lever 41 can then be operated to draw the centres 27 of each expansion link 21a, 21b together. This forces the second elongate element 19 to move further away from the first elongate element 15 to prevent the goods moving towards the sidewall of the container and keeps the support apparatus 11 in place during transport.

-8- The support apparatus 11 is locked in position and can not move toward the collapsed condition until the tensioning lever 41 is loosened or removed from the O fifth element (Ni Referring to a second embodiment as shown in figure 2, the connecting means 37 of the previous embodiment also incorporates a spring 51. When fitted the spring 51 allows the second elongate element 19 to move towards the first Nelongate element 15 if a sudden force was applied thereto. The spring 51 will absorb the force before returning the support apparatus 11 to its early condition.

Please note, like numbers are used on like components of each embodiment.

Modifications and variations such as that would be apparent skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (8)

1. A support apparatus for maintaining objects in spaced relationship relative to each other, the support apparatus including a first abutment member for abutting a first object; a second abutment member for abutting a second object; a pair of spaced, discrete expansion mechanisms interposed between, and engaging the first and second abutment members, the expansion mechanisms each including a first link member and a second link member extending between the abutment members, the link members of each expansion mechanism being configured to pivot with respect to each other about a pivot centre to accommodate displacement of the abutment members towards and away from each other, respectively, such that the pivot centres are displaced relative to each other when the abutment members are moved into and out of abutment with the first and second objects; and a releasable connecting device connectable to each expansion mechanism releasably to lock the pivot centres against displacement relative to each other in a direction accommodating displacement of the abutment members towards each other.

2. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the link members have inner ends that are pivotally mounted on respective abutment members and outer ends that are both pivotally and slidably mounted on respective abutment members such that when the abutment members are displaced towards each other, the pivot centres move outwardly away from each other and vice versa.

3. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the connecting device interconnects the pivot centres to inhibit movement of the pivot centres away from each other, thus locking the abutment members against displacement towards each other.

4. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the connecting device includes two connecting members extending towards each other from respective expansion mechanisms and a tie assembly connected between the connecting members.

A support apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the tie assembly includes a flexible tie element connected between the connecting members and a tensioning device operable on the tie element to tighten the tie element.

6. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the tie element is a chain and the tensioning device is a tensioning lever, turnbuckle or the like operable on the chain.

7. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, in which a spring member is connected in series with the tie element and the tensioning device.

8. A support apparatus, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this twenty ninth day of October 2004 Baden Leonard Winchcombe and Jonathan Keith Grover Applicant As amended on this 5 th day of September 2006