AU2013100281A4 - An apparatus for moving an item - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for moving an item. The apparatus comprises a mounting portion for mounting the moving apparatus to a surface, slidable arms adapted to slide relative to the mounting portion, scissor arms adapted to connect a platform to the slidable arms, and a lever operable to raise and lower the platform relative to the slidable arms. The platform is adapted to receive the item thereon, and is slidable between a storage position and an accessible position, and raisable and lowerable relative to the slidable arms whilst in the accessible position. \ \ ;/,~ \ N / 4 /44 * ,"1' /~ 1 4444 / 1~ > 7 <N -~ (~ N 444444.' r 'I> N a '4444 'N '1/ INI LJ~. 44 <~ '4 I \44A\44 / NI) / 44 444 N') 44 \N 'I) 'N \\44 ~0 'N' >\~~ NN <,~ N> N 'N N '9' 44 Mr' ~ 4<4 N-> 444<4 N '44 4 44 N N ~j44 44444

Description

- 1 An apparatus for moving an item Field [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for moving an item on a platform from a storage position to an accessible position. In one particular form, the present invention relates to an apparatus having a platform on which an item such as a car fridge can sit, where the platform is moveable from a relatively inaccessible place (e.g. the rear compartment of a four wheel drive vehicle) to a place where the item can be more readily accessed. Background [0002] It can be difficult to access heavy or bulky items that are in storage. For example, the rear compartments of four wheel drive vehicles are typically somewhat cramped, especially if the floor of the rear compartment has been elevated in order to provide an additional storage area under the floor. Items stored in the rear compartment of four wheel drive vehicles therefore usually need to be accessed using a stool or ladder, or removed from the vehicle before they can be accessed. This is especially the case for items such as car fridges, tool boxes, etc. which have lids that open by pivoting along an edge, where there may not be sufficient room in the rear compartment to fully open the lids. [0003] It is known to mount items such as car fridges to apparatuses that enable the items to be slid from their storage position inside the vehicle to an accessible position outside of the vehicle. However, such mounting positions are typically relatively high, especially when the floor of the vehicle has been elevated, and therefore an apparatus which simply enables a fridge to be slid out of the vehicle may not enable a user to readily access the fridge (even though the lid of the fridge can now be opened, the user may not be able to see its contents). Other apparatus are known which are operable to first slide the fridge out of the rear compartment of the vehicle, and then lower the fridge so that the operator can readily see into and access the content of the fridge.

-2 [0004] It would be advantageous to provide alternate apparatuses for moving items such as car fridges and the like from a relatively inaccessible storage position to a readily accessible position. Summary of the Invention [0005] The present invention provides an apparatus for moving an item. The apparatus comprises a mounting portion for mounting the apparatus to a surface, slidable arms adapted to slide relative to the mounting portion, scissor arms adapted to connect a platform to the slidable arms, and a lever operable to raise and lower the platform relative to the slidable arms. The platform is adapted to receive an item thereon, and is slidable between a storage position and an accessible position, and raisable and lowerable relative to the slidable arms whilst in the accessible position. [0006] Advantageously the apparatus of the present invention can be used to move items such as car fridges and the like sifting on the platform from a relatively inaccessible position (e.g. the rear compartment of a four wheel drive vehicle) to a readily accessible position (e.g. outside of the vehicle at a height approximately level with the vehicle floor). The scissor arms of the apparatus of the invention enable the platform to be lowered and raised substantially vertically, which requires less clearance when the platform is to be lowered or raised into the accessible position. The scissor mechanism also provides good strength and stability to the platform during the raising and lowering movements, as well as when in the lowered or raised accessible position. [0007] The platform may, for example, be a tray on which items such as car fridges, tool boxes, storage boxes, etc. can sit. The platform/tray may optionally contain means for securing the item to the platform/tray. [0008] In some embodiments, each scissor arm has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to either the platform or the slidable arm, and pivotally connected at the second end to the other of the platform or the slidable arm.

-3 [0009] In some embodiments, each scissor arm has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to either the platform or the slidable arm, and slidably and pivotally connected at the second end to the platform of the object or the slidable arm. [0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the scissor arms is connected to a dampener (e.g. a gas strut) for assisting the raising and lowering of the platform relative to the slidable arms. For example, when raising and lowering the platform, the dampener may provide a lifting force that reduces the effective weight of the item being lifted by the user. In alternative embodiments, the dampener may be connected to another component of the apparatus (e.g. the lever or the platform) to provide the lifting force. [0011] In some embodiments, the lever has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to one of the slidable arms. In some embodiments, the lever comprises a lifting member intermediate the first and second ends, the lifting member comprising a first end pivotally connected to the lever and a second end pivotally connected to the platform. In some embodiments, lifting the second end of the lever causes the platform to be lifted, and lowering the second end of the lever causes the platform to be lowered. In such embodiments, the lever lowers down as the platform is lowered (i.e. they are moving in the same direction), providing more control over the lowering process (and vice versa with the lifting process). [0012] In some embodiments, the lever comprises a locking mechanism for locking the platform in one or more positions intermediate an uppermost position and a lowermost position. The locking member may, for example, be operable to prevent the platform from falling to its lowermost position should the operator lose control of the lowering process. Alternatively, the operator may not need to raise or lower the platform to the uppermost or lowermost position, but can conveniently access the platform from an intermediate position (e.g. depending on the user's height).

-4 Brief Description of the Drawings [0013]A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0014] Figure 1 shows a perspective diagrammatic view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the tray being in an accessible position; [0015] Figure 2 shows a side diagrammatic view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the tray in a position intermediate its uppermost and lowermost positions; [0016] Figure 3 shows a perspective diagrammatic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the tray being in a raised position; and [0017] Figure 4 shows a perspective diagrammatic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the tray being in a storage position. Description of Embodiments [0018] The present invention provides an apparatus for moving an item (e.g. a car fridge, tool box, storage container, etc.) on a platform from a storage position to a position where it is able to be accessed by a user. The apparatus comprises a mounting portion for mounting the apparatus to a surface, slidable arms adapted to slide relative to the mounting portion, scissor arms adapted to connect the platform to the slidable arms, and a lever operable to raise and lower the platform relative to the slidable arms. The platform (and hence the item) is slidable between a storage position and an accessible position, and raisable and lowerable relative to the slidable arms whilst in the accessible position. [0019] Typically, the apparatus of the invention has two slidable arms and the platform is adapted to be positioned therebetween. However, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention could, in certain embodiments, have only one slidable arm, or three of more slidable arms. For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus may include two or more platforms that are positioned side by side and collectively or independently slidable between storage and access positions, and collectively or independently raisable and -5 lowerable. Such an embodiment would require at least three slidable arms and at least three sets of scissor arms. [0020] The mounting portion may have any structure that enables the apparatus to be mounted to a surface and enable the sliding arms and platform (as well as any item on the platform) to slide between a retracted position (i.e. where the item is in the storage position) and an extended position (i.e. where the item is in the accessible position). Mounting portions suitable for use in the apparatus of the present invention are known to persons skilled in the art, and have been used previously for numerous applications. [0021] Typically, the mounting portion will be provided with a number of attachment points, at which attachment means can be used to securely affix the mounting portion to the surface (bearing in mind the torsional forces that will be present when the item on the platform is in the accessible position). For example, the mounting portion may be provided with a number of apertures through which bolts can be passed in order to bolt the mounting portion (and hence the apparatus) to the surface (e.g. the, optionally raised, floor of a vehicle). The mounting portion may be provided as a single unit, or as components that are assemblable (e.g. by bolting or otherwise joining together) into the mounting portion. [0022] Typically, the mounting portion will also have rails adapted to slidably receive thereat the slidable arms. Such rails may have any structure that securely retains the slidable arms to the rails (and hence the mounting portion), but without unduly restricting the sliding action, even when a heavy item is being slid. Slidable arms suitable for use in the apparatus of the present invention are known to persons skilled in the art, and have been used previously in numerous applications. [0023] The platform is connected or connectable to the slidable arms (and hence the mounting portion) via scissor arms. The arms of the scissor arms may have any shape, provided that they intersect each other approximately -6 mid-way between where they are connected to the slidable arms and the platform. The scissor arms facilitate the smooth substantially vertical movement of the platform between its raised and lowered positions and provide an additional degree of strength and stability to the lifting and lowering mechanism. [0024] In some embodiments, each scissor arm has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to either the platform or the slidable arm, and pivotally connected at the second end to the other of the platform or the slidable arm. For example, the scissor arms may be telescopically extendable or be slidable relative to each other at the mid-way connection point of the scissor arms. [0025] In some embodiments, each scissor arm has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to either the platform or the slidable arm, and slidably and pivotally connected at the second end to the other of the platform or the slidable arm. In this manner, scissor arms having a fixed length can be used in the apparatus. As will be appreciated, such scissor arms would likely be cheaper, stronger and more durable than telescopic scissor arms. [0026] In some embodiments, at least one of the scissor arms is connected to a dampener (e.g. a gas strut) for assisting the raising and lowering of the platform relative to the slidable arms. Alternatively, the dampener could be connected to another component of the apparatus, such as the lever or the platform. When raising and lowering the platform, the dampener may provide a lifting force that reduces the effective weight of the platform being lifted and lowered by the user. The dampener may also slow the rate at which the platform can be raised or lowered, thus lessening the risk of an accidental uncontrolled lowering, which might damage the apparatus and/or the item(s) sitting on the platform, or potentially injure the user. [0027] The platform may, for example, be a tray on which items such as car fridges, tool boxes, storage boxes, etc. can sit. In such embodiments, the -7 platform/tray may have securing means for securing the item to the platform/tray. [0028] The apparatus also has a lever operable to raise and lower the platform relative to the slidable arms. Typically, the lever is positioned so as to provide a mechanical advantage to a user when they lift and lower the platform. In this way, the full weight of the platform (and its contents) is not felt by the user. [0029] In some embodiments, the lever has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at its first end to one of the slidable arms. In some embodiments, the lever comprises a lifting member intermediate the first and second ends, the lifting member comprising a first end pivotally connected to the lever and a second end pivotally connected to the platform. In some embodiments, lifting the second end of the lever causes the lifting member to lift the platform, and lowering the second end of the lever causes the lifting member to lower the platform (assisted by the weight of the platform and any item thereon). [0030] In some embodiments, the apparatus has two levers that can be located on either side of the platform to thereby provide a more even lifting and lowering movement. The distal ends of the levers can, in some embodiments, be connected via a bar, which provides an even easier means by which a user can lift or lower the platform. [0031] In some embodiments, the lever may have a locking mechanism for locking the platform in one or more positions intermediate an uppermost position and a lowermost position. The locking member may, for example, be operable to prevent the platform from falling to its lowermost position should the operator lose control of the lowering process. Alternatively, the operator may not need to raise or lower the platform to the uppermost or lowermost position, but can conveniently access the platform from an intermediate position. The locking member may, for example, provide for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more intermediate positions.

-8 [0032] Any suitable materials can used to form the components of the apparatus of the present invention. Typically, as the apparatus of the present invention is likely to be subject to constant vibrations and repeated use, the components will be formed form durable but light weight metallic materials such as mild steel, galvanised steel or aluminium. However, to save weight, certain components (especially non weight bearing components) can be made from plastic materials or timber. [0033] The platform may be raised and lowered relative to the slidable arms whilst in the accessible position. Although the specific embodiment described below relates to the platform being lowered from a relatively high starting position in order to make an item on the platform more accessible, it will be appreciated that the platform could just as easily be raised from a relatively low starting position (e.g. on or near the ground) in order to make the item more accessible (e.g. by raising it to about waist height). [0034] A specific embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0035] Referring firstly to Figure 1, an apparatus for moving a platform is shown in the form of article 10. Article 10 has a mounting portion 12, sliding portion 14 and a platform in the form of tray 16, each of which will be described in detail below. [0036] Mounting portion 12 has a generally planar base 18 that is rectangular shaped and has a number of apertures 20 (only one is labelled for clarity) at spaced intervals around its periphery for affixing base 18 to a surface (not shown). Apertures 20 can be aligned with respective apertures provided in the surface (not shown) to which the mounting portion 12 is to be affixed, and bolts and nuts used to secure the mounting portion 12 to the surface. [0037] Mounting portion 12 also has two parallel rails 24, 26 that extend from base 18 at a roughly perpendicular angle. Rails 24, 26 define tracks along -9 which sliding arms 28, 30 can slide in order to enable the sliding portion 14 and tray 16 to be movable (as described below) between an extended position (as shown in Figures 1 to 3) and a retracted position (as shown in Figure 4) where the sliding portion 14 and tray 16 substantially overlie the mounting portion 12. The sliding arms 28, 30 can slide along rails 24, 26 using mechanisms well known in the art (as will be briefly described below). [0038] Typically, locking means are provided to lock the tray 16 in at least its storage position and its accessible position (i.e. so it cannot slide whilst in the rear compartment of a vehicle or when being lowered or raised whilst in the accessible position). These locking means are known in the art and are typically incorporated into the sliding arms, but are not shown in the Figures for clarity. [0039] Article 10 does, however, incorporate an additional locking means 31 (shown in Figure 4), which can be provided in addition to the locking means in the sliding arms to prevent the sliding arms 28, 30 moving in relation to the rails 24, 26 (e.g. to securely retain the tray 16 in the storage position or in the accessible position). [0040] As the sliding portion 14 and tray 16 are symmetrical (with the exception of the locking mechanism of the lever discussed below), the connections between the sliding portion, scissor arms and tray will be described below with reference to both sliding arms 28 and 30 so that the described features can all be seen in the one figure. [0041] Sliding portion 14 has sliding arms 28 and 30. Each of sliding arms 28, 30 has at least first 32 and second 34 telescopic arms, which are telescopically connected to each other to enable tray 16 to be capable of sliding up to 100% of their length to enable them to travel far enough away from the mounting portion 12 so that lifting and lowering of the tray 16 is not hindered by the surface to which mounting portion 12 is mounted. For example, the mounting portion 12 may be mounted to a raised surface in the rear compartment of a four wheel drive vehicle. It is therefore necessary for - 10 sliding arms 28, 30 to be capable of sliding far enough away from the vehicle so that the tray 16 can be lowered. [0042] In brief, sliding arms 28, 30 are self-contained, telescopic, ball bearing slides of the type commonly used in applications where components are required to slide with respect to each other. Telescopic movement occurs in stages, with the second telescopic arms 34 initially sliding fully out of rails 24, 26, after which they pick up the first telescopic arms 32 and pull them to the end of their travel, at which point tray 16 can be lowered (as discussed below). [0043] Second telescopic arms 34 each have scissor arms 36, 38 connected to them. Scissor arm 36 is connected to telescopic arm 34 via a slide 39. A head of a bolt 40 can be slidably retained in slide 39, with the shank of the bolt 40 passing through an aperture provided at the end of scissor arm 36. Once the scissor arm 36 is secured to the slide 39 with a nut and bolt 40, the scissor arm 36 is slidably and pivotally connected to the telescopic arm 34. The other end of scissor arm 36 can be simply bolted to the tray 16 in a manner that enables the scissor arm to pivot with respect to the tray 16 during the raising and lowering operations that are described below. Similarly, second scissor arm 38 is connected to the tray 16 via a slide 44 and to the telescopic arm 34 via a nut and bolt 46. [0044] The end of scissor arm 38 connected to telescopic arm 34 via bolt 46 has a return portion 48 that is attached to a gas strut 50. Gas strut 50 assists to lift and lower the tray 16 by providing a lifting force that offsets the weight of any object on the tray 16. Gas strut 50 can also slow down the rate of movement of tray 16 in the event that a user accidentally drops the lever too quickly, hence lessening the risk of damage to the apparatus or items on the tray, as well as injury to the user. [0045] Scissor arms 36 and 38 cooperate to raise and lower tray 16 in the following manner. When tray 16 is in its lowermost position (as can be seen in Figure 1), the end of scissor arm 36 (i.e. bolt 40) is at one end of slide 39 - 11 and the end of scissor arm 38 is at one end of slide 44. As tray 16 is lifted towards its uppermost position (as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3), the ends of scissor arms 36, 38 pivot and slide along slides 39, 44 (Figure 2 shows the end of scissor arm 38 mid-way along slide 44 when tray 16 is mid-way between its lowermost and uppermost positions) until, at the uppermost position, the end of scissor arm 36 (i.e. bolt 40) is at the opposite end of slide 39 and the end of scissor arm 38 is at the opposite end of slide 44 (not visible in the drawings). [0046] Tray 16 has a base 52 that is substantially rectangular shaped and side walls 54 around its periphery. Base 52 and side walls 54 can cooperate to securely retain an item (not shown) within the tray 16 during storage and access. Tray 16 may also include provisions for enabling an item on the tray to be even more securely retained on the tray. For example, the tray 16 may have apertures which enable fridge slide straps to be affixed to the tray and around a fridge sifting on the tray. [0047] Article 10 also has levers 56, 58 which are pivotally attached at one end thereof to telescopic arms 34 of sliding arms 28 and 30. The distal end of levers 56, 58 are joined by handle 60, which is operable by a user to lift and lower levers 56, 58 and tray 16, as will be described below. A lifting member 62 is pivotally attached at a first end to levers 56, 58 about mid-way between their ends and, at its second end 64, pivotally attached to tray 16 at reinforced section (see Figure 2). Moving handle 60 up and down causes the lifting member 62 to raise and lower the tray 16. [0048] One (or both) of levers 56, 58 can include a locking mechanism 62. Locking mechanism 62 includes cog 64, rod 66 and trigger 68. Cog 64 is situated between lever 56 and telescopic arm 34 and fixed in relation to telescopic arm 34. Rod 66 is slidably connected to lever 56 and is biased (e.g. with a spring, not shown) into a position where its end engages between adjacent teeth of cog 64 to prevent movement of lever 56 (and hence tray 16). In use, trigger 68 can be squeezed (i.e. drawn towards handle 60) by a user in order to retract rod 66 from cog 64, after which the lever 56 is no longer - 12 locked and can be moved up or down. Cog 64 is provided with a number of teeth, so that the tray 16 can be lowered or raised to a number of positions intermediate its highest (see Figures 3 and 4) and lowest (see Figure 1) positions. [0049] In use, an item (not shown), such as a car fridge, sits on tray 16. In a storage position (see Figure 4), the car fridge sits on the tray 16, which overlies the mounting portion 12 (e.g. inside the rear compartment of a four wheel drive vehicle). A locking means 31 may be operable to prevent undesirable sliding of the tray 16 etc. with respect to the mounting portion 12. When a user wants to access the item, they can unlock the locking means 31 (if present) and slide the item (including tray 16 etc.) away from the mounting portion 12 along rails 24, 26 so that it is in the position shown in Figure 3. Once in this position, the item is outside of the rear compartment of the four wheel drive vehicle in an accessible position. The user can then grasp handle 60, pull trigger 68 and lower the item to its lowermost portion (where the scissor arms reach their maximum extension), or any intermediate position. Once in the desired position, the user can release the trigger (ensuring that it engages cog 64) and the item is now even more readily accessible. When it is desired to move the item back into the storage position, the procedure described above is simply reversed. [0050] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications or changes can be made to the particular embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims [0051] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. An apparatus for moving an item, the apparatus comprising: a mounting portion for mounting the apparatus to a surface; slidable arms adapted to slide relative to the mounting portion; scissor arms adapted to connect a platform to the slidable arms, whereby the platform is adapted to receive the item thereon; and a lever operable to raise and lower the platform relative to the slidable arms, wherein the platform can be slid between a storage position and an accessible position, and raised and lowered relative to the slidable arms whilst in the accessible position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each scissor arm has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to either the platform or the slidable arm, and pivotally connected at the second end to the other of the platform or the slidable arm.

3. The apparatus of claim I or claim 2, wherein at least one of the scissor arms is connected to a dampener for assisting the raising and lowering of the platform relative to the slidable arms.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lever has first and second ends and is pivotally connected at the first end to one of the slidable arms, the lever comprising a lifting member intermediate the first and second ends, the lifting member comprising a first end pivotally connected to the lever and a second end pivotally connected to the platform, whereby lifting the second end of the lever causes the platform to be lifted and lowering the second end of the lever causes the platform to be lowered. -14

5. The apparatus of any one of claims I to 4, wherein the lever comprises a locking mechanism for locking the platform in one or more positions intermediate an uppermost position and a lowermost position.